The temperature is starting to hit 20ºC, which can only mean one thing. Summer has finally arrived, and the shift in seasons gives us a whole new reason to experiment with nail trends. Whether it's dabbling in some summer nail art or tapping into nail colour trends, we never get bored of scrolling Instagram for some new manicure inspiration, because choosing what colour to go for at the nail salon is never easy, right? Especially if you're getting your nails done for a long-awaited summer holiday, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
When it comes to summer nails, however, you might find that you naturally default to traditional hues. While we love a classic pink manicure or a natural-looking nail look, sometimes it can be fun to throw caution to the wind and opt for a bold or colourful manicure. Why not try a bright tangerine shade for your beach holiday? Or if you’re feeling creative, you might want to experiment with coloured French tips for your next DIY manicure. But if, like me, you don’t have the steadiest of hands, then don’t worry. There’s a failsafe way to jump on board this trend. We’ve got all the deets below. There’s also some summer nail art thrown in for good measure, but if you do usually opt for neutral nails, then you’ll love the twist on the trend we’ve found below to help you mix it up this season.
Summer is the ideal time to get experimenting with nail trends.
If you're looking for some summer nail ideas, then look no further. We scoured Instagram for the top summer 2022 nail trends from top celebrity nail technicians, right through to the well-manicured hands of fashion insiders, so you can guarantee your fingertips will look stylish throughout summer and beyond. Below, we’ve saved some of our favourite nail art designs and colours that we’ve found for you to try.
1. Cobalt Blue
We're seeing this expensive-looking blue hue everywhere right now. Not only is it perfect for summer holidays, but a blue manicure will prolong that poolside feeling when the holiday blues descend.
Micro nail art is a great way to dip a fingertip into the cobalt-blue trend.
Deep ocean blue looks beautiful with a subtle gold accent.
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The dreamiest shade of cobalt blue that we've seen this summer.
2. Yacht White
At the height of summer, you can't beat an all-white manicure. Whether you opt for bright white, ecru or shell, there are so many shades to choose from. We love this subdued off-white hue on Amy Julliette Lefévre.
A bright white feels so summery and is a great look on toes as well.
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Essie's formulas are brilliant for the price, and this shade is so pigmented, so you won't end up with streaky nail varnish.
3. Colourful French
Colourful French tips are a summer 2022 nail trend that's still going strong. Go all out in one colour, or if you're indecisive, opt for a different colour on each nail.
This trend looks best with a sheer wash of pink or beige applied to the base of the nails before pairing it with a bright bold hue. Neon shades look great with this trend.
Switch up a coloured French-tip mani by highlighting the half-moons of your nail beds with a slither of colour.
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No time for a salon appointment? Press-on nails make tapping into this trend so easy at home. Simply apply the included adhesive and press on to your natural nails.
4. Tangerine
A freshly squeezed citrus hue will always put you in a feel-good mood. We love this tangerine colour with a slither of blood orange along the tips. It pretty much counts as one of your five-a-days.
A deeper hue of terracotta is a more understated take on the trend and a great summer-holiday nail colour.
If you want to go bold and bright, then neon orange fingertips are a must for summertime.
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CND's Vinyl formulas stay chip-free for days, and the colour applies like a dream, too.
5. Seashell
If your usual nail appointment go-to is a neutral mani, you'll love this updated twist for summer. Seashell nails feature neutral shades with a subtle oyster-like glow.
We're obsessed with this subtle pink manicure with just a hint of glimmer.
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The subtle shimmer in this polish would work well over a neutral base or layered up for a more intense shimmer.
6. Riviera Red
It's such a timeless colour that looks good year-round, but for this summer, we're seeing bright-red manicures everywhere. Look for shades with an orange undertone—think tomato red or poppy—to tap into the trend.
A white swimsuit, red nails and sunglasses is such a winning combo.
Not only do red nails look great in summer, but they'll go with just about everything in your summer wardrobe.
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Dior's Bayadère shade is the ultimate expensive-looking red polish.
7. Onyx
You might be used to storing your darker nail shades away for the summer months, but we're keeping them to hand. Black is a timeless year-round shade that always looks glossy and pulled together. We love it paired with summer shirting and statement jewellery.
Use a glossy topcoat to ensure your black manicure stays shiny and chip-free.
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8. Pistachio
Pistachio feels so right for summer. This creamy gelato green is neutral enough to go with any outfit, and it adds instant cheer to your fingertips.
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OPI's polishes are so long-lasting, and we can't get enough of this hue.
9. Summer Neutrals
A neutral beige or pink will see you through any summer shenanigans and is one of the longest-lasting manicure colours to opt for, as chips will be less noticeable.
This clean-girl nail look is elevated with a touch of peach just inside the base of the nails.
Gold jewellery and neutral nails? So chic.
This two-in-one varnish coats nails in a sheer wash of pink while fortifying and strengthening the nails. It's like a tinted moisturiser for your nails.
10. Golden Hour
If you want to ramp up the neutral nail trend, why not try some gold accents? They tick the box for versatility and a touch of metallic catches the eye in the most beautiful way.
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Nail stickers make this trend a breeze. Simply place over your nails and seal with a clear topcoat for long-lasting gold nail art.
11. Summer Ripples
This nail art trend has been going strong, and it's showing no signs of stopping. We're obsessed with this multicoloured design, but it can also be interpreted in a more neutral colour palette if you're looking for something more subdued.
Summer swirls in pink and white are always a winner for the beach.
Shop the trend:
This brush is a must for creating superfine swirls thanks to the fine-bristled tip.
12. Neon Red
According to data on TikTok nail trends, neon-red nails are one of the top-trending nail looks for this summer. If you usually opt for red nails, this is a great way to have an updated twist for the season.
Neon nails look so great on the poolside.
Neon red looks great on all skin tones, and the 45-second drying time means no waiting around for your nails to dry.
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