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 butter yellow (the colour of the season) to manicures that transport you around the globe, including to the Maldives and back again. These are the nail trends to ask for at your next appointment.
Butter yellow
The shade of the moment for fashion and fingers (and toes), butter yellow is the summery pastel that everyone will be wearing this summer, not least because as well as being a massive trend, it’s neutral enough to take you from parties and picnics to the office. Just make sure to apply multiple coats (if you are doing your mani-pedi at-home), and add a high-shine top coat for a glossy finish to ensure your nails look high-end not stained.
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Maldives sea blue
Another pastel making an impact this summer. Powder, icy blue nails will look incredible against a summer tan, while giving instant holiday vibes (whether you are off on your travels soon or not). Look for shades that remind you of the crystal clear waters of the Maldives (and other oceanside paradises) to be right on trend, and aim for a very glossy finish with enough shimmer that your nails constantly catch the sunshine.
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That’s a wrap
Decorative nails have never been more popular. However, traditionally you had to be a dab hand at art – or willing to spend more time and money at the nail bar – to achieve intricate designs. This summer, that’s no longer the case. Brands have come to the rescue with easy-to-apply nail wraps that make upgrading your manicure effortless – ideal for embracing the colourful aura trend (which is when a spot of colour diffuses out from the centre of the nail). It’s the perfect trend for busy folk who struggle to pencil in time for their mani-pedi.
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Ice-cream nails
Guilty of skipping cuticle oil or picking off your polish or gels at home? Make it your summer resolution to pamper your hands instead. Ice-cream nails are the barely-there nail look that’s all about healthy-looking nails. Also called the ‘British manicure’ as it is a more subtle version of the classic French, the idea is to use a glossy nude that matches your natural nail colour, with just a hint of white or cream at the tip.
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Chrome
Move over neon, chrome is the new statement summer nail finish for 2025. Instantly light-reflecting (even when the sun is behind the clouds), the trend can be worn just on the tips or painted all over the nails (as nail artist Iram Shelton demonstrates). Silver is a classic take that looks especially beautiful on darker skin tones, but we’ve also seen – and fallen in love with – other shades, especially pinks and purples, which can be created using a metallic top coat.
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Lead photo credit: Manucurist
