8 summer 2025 nail trends to start wearing now
These mani ideas will be hot, hot, hot this season.
Summer 2025 nail trends are about to signify a major shift. While spring was all about subtle statements and metallic accents, summer 2025 will transition into bold textures, shapes, and nail art. And the more colour, the merrier.
"Some of the trends I’m expecting to see this summer are cheetah prints with bright colours, mermaid- and ocean-inspired, and whimsical fruits," says Evelyn Lim, chief educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox studio. Into something a little more subdued? Fear not, there are options you'll love too. Ahead, find all the nail trends we're expecting to take over this summer.
Aura Nails
Aura nails continue to be one of 2025's biggest nail trends, like this one Lim designed in shades of indigo and violet. Aura nails are all about soft, blended, blurry edges between a central colour and a base colour—the choice of shades, of course, is up to you.
Fruit Stand
"Whimsical fruits is a great DIY trend," says Lim, who says to "start with two coats of your choice of colour, then once dried, apply fruit nail art stickers, and finally seal in with your favourite top coat."
Almond-shaped nails
The elongated, elegant shape is still ultra-popular. You can go medium-length like the set Thuy Nguyen created for Jodie Turner-Smith at the Met Gala, or extra-long for more nail art space.
Indie- sleaze brights
Green, cobalt, fuchsia—the colours of the 2010s are back and ready to sub in for your subtle pastels (which, though, are still great for summer—see below). To avoid going full nostalgia, get a chip-proof gel mani (and hold the matte top coat).
Pearlescent finishes
Pearls are trending at the moment, and your nails want in on the action. We love this subtle look on Maren Morris by Tom Bachik—call it the new take on the glazed donut mani.
Mermaid core (yes, still)
Lim is still all-in on the beachy trend, as is everyone we follow on Pinterest. Go full-on with 3-D nail art, or try iridescent polish for an entry-level take on the trend.
Turquoise tips
For a fresh, summery take on the bejewelled mani, try turquoise-inspired nail art like the look Shaboozey wore at Coachella. Matching jewellery is not required, but recommended.
Sorbet shades
This spring trend is so summer-suited, it would be rude not to see it through to the next season. While peach and butter yellow have been dominant shades (and are also great hues for an aura finish or, indeed, a fruity accent) anything goes, so long as it's a sorbet-toned.
Lead Image: Pexels
This article was originally published on Harper'sBazaar.com/uk
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