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 insome summernail artor tapping intonail 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 tosummer nails, however, you might find that you naturally default to traditional hues. While we love aclassic pink manicureor anatural-looking nail look, sometimes it can be fun to throw caution to the wind and opt for a bold orcolourful 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.
(Image credit: @emmahoareau)
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
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
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.
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)
Micro nail art is a great way to dip a fingertip into the cobalt-blue trend.
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)
Deep ocean blue looks beautifulwith a subtle gold accent.
Shop the trend:
Nails Inc
Inner Peace of Me Plant Power Vegan Nail Polish
The dreamiest shade of cobalt blue that we've seen this summer.
2. Yacht White
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)
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 onAmy Julliette Lefévre.
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)
A bright white feels so summery and is a great look on toes as well.
Shop the trend:
Essie
Nail Polish in 1 Blanc
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
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
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.
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
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.
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
Switch up a coloured French-tip mani by highlighting the half-moons of your nail beds with a slither of colour.
Shop the trend:
Paint Lab
Press-On Gel Nails
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
(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)
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.
(Image credit: @browngirlhands)
A deeper hue of terracotta is a more understated take on the trend and a great summer-holiday nail colour.
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)
If you want to go bold and bright, then neon orange fingertips are a must for summertime.
Shop the trend:
Cnd
Cnd Vinylux Nail Varnish in Electric Orange
CND's Vinyl formulas stay chip-free for days, and the colour applies like a dream, too.
5. Seashell
(Image credit: @imarninails)
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-likeglow.
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)
We're obsessed with this subtle pink manicure with just a hint of glimmer.
Shop the trend:
Nails Inc
Call Me on Your Shell Phone Pearlescent Nail Polish
The subtle shimmer in this polish would work well over a neutral base or layered up for a more intense shimmer.
6. Riviera Red
(Image credit: @bettinalooney)
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.
(Image credit: @bettinalooney)
A white swimsuit, red nails and sunglassesis such a winning combo.
(Image credit: @alicezielasko)
Not only do red nails look great in summer, but they'll go with just about everything in your summer wardrobe.
Shop the trend:
Dior
Vernis in 633 Bayadère
Dior's Bayadère shade is the ultimate expensive-looking red polish.
7. Onyx
(Image credit: @monikh)
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.
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)
Use a glossy topcoat to ensure your black manicure stays shiny and chip-free.
Shop the trend:
Nailberry
L'Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Blackberry
8. Pistachio
(Image credit: @browngirlhands)
Pistachio feels so rightfor summer. This creamy gelato green is neutral enough to go with any outfit, and it adds instant cheer to your fingertips.
Shop the trend:
OPI
Nail Polish in The Pass Is Always Greener
OPI's polishes are so long-lasting, and we can't get enough of this hue.
9. Summer Neutrals
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)
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.
(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)
This clean-girl nail look is elevated with a touch of peach justinsidethe base of the nails.
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)
Gold jewellery and neutral nails? So chic.
Chanel
La Base Camélia
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
(Image credit: @astyleedit)
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.
Shop the trend:
Etsy
Nail Art Stickers Transfers Decals Metallic Gold Crackle
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
(Image credit: @astyleedit)
This nail art trendhas 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.
(Image credit: @missenocha)
Summer swirls in pink and white are always a winner for the beach.
Shop the trend:
Manucurist
Nail Art Brush
This brush is a must for creating superfine swirls thanks to the fine-bristled tip.
12. Neon Red
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)
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 theseason.
(Image credit: @oliveandjune)
Neon nails look so great on the poolside.
Nails Inc
Quick Drying Nail Polish in Paddington Peace Out
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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