Need some summer nail inspiration for your next mani-pedi? Our guide to the latest nail trends will help you put your best hand (and foot) forward, with styles perfect for your summer holiday and beyond.
From fashion-forward green nails to picture-perfect shades and shapes, these are the nail trends to ask for at your next appointment.
The ‘Invisible French’
According to 10outof10 nail technician Shannieece Speed, the ‘French outline’ manicure or ‘Invisible French’ is going to re-emerge as the biggest trend for summer nails this year, combining the elegance of a classic mani with a modern twist. Instead of the traditional white tip, the ‘Invisible French’ doesn’t fill in your edges, using two separated lines of colour instead. There’s plenty of room for creativity too, with glitter and coloured liners the current standout styles.
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Foodie Nails
For anyone who likes to get creative with their nail art, this summer’s go-to look is going to make you just a little bit hungry. Inspired by celebrities including Hailey Bieber – #haileybiebernails has almost 100,000 mentions on Instagram, after all – nail artists have been seeing a massive influx in food-based design requests. You can expect to see a lot of strawberries on people’s fingertips thanks to Bieber, but other fruity nail art is also popular, including cherries, lemons and oranges. And, for anyone looking to be extra experimental, no food group is really out of the question.
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‘Brat Girl’ Green
Want to know the shade that’s on every fashion insider’s nails right now? Green. Aka, the boldest but surprisingly wearable nail colour trend of the season. The shade boomed in popularity due to the ‘Brat’ trend on social media, but as well as making a statement, green looks great with a summer tan and knocks any redness out of your skin tone for a complexion-warming boost. Choose a slightly metallic or even neon polish to be right on trend, or to test the waters first, you can’t go wrong with a delicate pistachio shade.
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Black Cherry
Following the rediscovery of Clinique’s classic Black Cherry lipstick on social media, the inky purple shade is back again to influence our nail choices. In fact, according to Wethrift, searches for Black Cherry nails were up 8700 per cent in the past month. A chic alternative to a classic red mani-pedi, and perfect for any black tie events you have coming up, Black Cherry nails never fail to look expensive. Opt for a high-shine finish on either your hands or feet and you’ll look instantly more put together.
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Sea Dreams
Whether you’re dreaming of a blue sea and sky, or actually sitting next to the pool, is there a more summery shade than an aqua-inspired blue? Soft baby blues are increasingly popular this year (alongside pastels in general), offering a way to dip your toe into wearing a block colour on your nails. Turquoises are also trending and will make the most of your summer glow. Whatever the shade though, this is no subtle wash of colour. The most on-trend way to wear it is super opaque, meaning it’s an effect best achieved by gels or at least one additional coat of at-home varnish.
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Sheer Neutrals
If you prefer your manicures sleek and subtle, let a well-groomed shape and a glossy sheer colour do the talking. The new equivalent of ‘no makeup’ makeup for your nails, with this trend you are aiming for a really healthy-looking sheen, so use a nail strengthener and cuticle oil as well as your sheer polish (or just a top coat) to amplify the effect and the length of your nails. Most importantly, you want to make sure your hands and feet look suitably tidy – so the effect is deliberate and not just bare. Buff and shape your nails thoroughly.
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Lead photo credit: Pexels
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