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.
This season’s nail moodboard is all about playfulness and personality, with plenty of looks to put a smile on your face even before you board the plane for your summer holidays. With Mediterranean nails trending by over 1000 per cent this year, you can expect plenty of pops of colour – blues and lemons especially – that are perfect for your next beach trip, alongside creative do-it-yourself nail art, and finishes that both keep your nails healthy and are beautiful when the light reflects off them.
With that in mind, these are the nail trends to ask for at your next appointment.
Golden glow
In 2026, a summer glow isn’t just for your body. Your nails are joining in on the act as well. Reminiscent of your favourite tan-enhancing body shimmer, this nail trend involves deep brown and bronze shades, but with an all-important touch of iridescence – through sparkle or similarly on-trend chrome effects that will give your mani-pedi a luxe, high-shine. What’s particularly nice about the look is that it doesn’t have to shout ‘I’m going on holiday soon‘, making it appropriate for more formal offices, while still looking great with all your holiday outfits.
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Jelly nails
Following the example of jelly sandals, which CF’s fashion features director has dubbed the shoe of the summer, jelly nails are another big nail trend for 2026. Popularised by Korean beauty, the look is basically a wet look for nails, achieved by glosses that are much more sheer than traditional polishes. This gives a glossy, slightly transparent finish, which, coupled with the trend for candy-like colours, provides a mani-pedi that’s almost good enough to eat.
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Mediterranean lemonade
Soft yellow nails are going nowhere for 2026, with the butter lemon trend still a popular choice in nail bars, according to the experts. That’s hardly surprising, considering the trend is super flattering on sun-touched skin tones, without being too ‘look at me’ eye-catching. To give your nails a ‘this season’ update, though, we’d recommend getting creative with your nail art, and many nail technicians are loving delicate lemon-inspired designs at the moment. Combine that with a few blue touches, and you’ll be instantly transported to a rather on-trend holiday in the Mediterranean.
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The invisible manicure
One of the biggest nail trends of 2026? Seemingly doing nothing at all! Bare nails are everywhere at the moment, and the low-maintenance style is perfect for people trying to repair the damage from gels, or who are time-poor. However, that’s not to say you should neglect your hands altogether. For natural nails to look really good, you need healthy nail beds and a smooth, cared-for shape. Luckily, there’s a whole array of brilliant products to help you get there fast, while giving your hands some (probably much-needed) TLC.
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Under the sea
From seashell and starfish to sardines, the ocean is providing plenty of nail inspiration this season. In fact, in relation to nail art, all those search terms have risen by at least 280 per cent in recent months, according to the beauty trend expert at Cosmetify, Carly Cochrane. What that means in practice is plenty of pearlescent finishes and textured details that will have you dreaming of the seaside, plus, for the more playful among you, some eye-catching nail art to really get you in the holiday mood. Why not dive in?
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Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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