10 Stunning Nail Trends We’re Loving For Summer 2025
By
5 months ago
The experts have spoken: these are the mani designs to bookmark for your next salon appointment
The sun is shining, the day are longer and our social calendar is full. It’s official: summer has arrived. And what says ‘new season’ more than a fresh manicure? Get ahead of the curve with these lush nail trends for summer 2025, forecasted by the experts themselves.
The Biggest Nail Trends For Summer 2025
‘This summer, nails are your ultimate warm weather accessory – think glow, gloss and just a hint of golden hour,’ notes Leighton Denny MBE, celebrity nail artist and founder of Leighton Denny Nails. ‘It’s not just about colour, but how your nails catch the light, how they complement sun-warmed skin, and how they subtly elevate every look. We’re stepping into a season where nails appear effortless, but every detail is considered. Not loud, but luxe. Whether you lean sheer, go bold or fall somewhere in between, this summer is all about understated impact.’
Intrigued? These are the biggest nail trends for summer 2025:
Trends At A Glance
- Citrus Glaze
- Melted Sorbet
- Fruit Jam
- Pearlescent Finish
- Peachy Hues
- Bespoke Sculpting
- Micro French
- Elevated Minimalism
- Soft Futurism
- Moody Brights
1. Citrus Glaze
Things are looking zesty this summer, says Leighton, who highlights a citrus glaze manicure as one of the season’s top trends. ‘Think of this nail look as an aperitif – juicy, fresh, and high-gloss,’ he tells us. ‘Shades like mandarin, limoncello and blood orange come alive with a glazed, iridescent finish that adds to the delicious vibe. It’s playful but refined, like a trip to Capri in a bottle.’
And it already has the celebrity seal of approval. ‘Hailey Bieber recently showed off a limoncello glaze mani that had everyone talking,’ says Leighton. ‘To get the look, take a bright citrus shade and simply layer it with a glazed polish or top coat for that perfect glossy finish.’
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2. Milky Pastels
‘If blueberry milk and glazed donut nails showed us anything, it’s that milky pastels are here to stay,’ says Leighton, ‘especially when worn by style icons like Sofia Richie Grainge. Her soft, stripped-back lavender manicure proves that pastel nails can be both fresh and refined. Glossy and understated, this look feels effortlessly luxe without trying too hard. For anyone who loves pastels but wants something less bold, opt for a more stripped-back nail polish — milky, glossy and perfectly subtle.’
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3. Fruit Jam
Fruity hues also take the spotlight this season. ‘Juicy shades feel like the natural evolution into summer – vibrant, refreshing, and full of life,’ agrees Leighton. ‘Think bright pinks, ripe berries and sun-ripened peaches that instantly lift your mood and add a burst of colour to any look.’
One shade that stands out in particular for Leighton is a bold pink. ‘There’s something effortlessly joyful – it’s playful, confident and undeniably chic. Selena Gomez posed in a hot pink manicure that caught everyone’s attention, proving just how powerful this shade can be once worn.’
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4. Pearlescent Finish
If it’s chic textures you’re after, then you’ll want to dive deep into this trend. ‘Pearlescent nails offer a dreamy, iridescent finish that’s soft yet striking,’ says Maria Mukaranda, beauty editor at Cosmetify. ‘It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a brighter touch to your usual manicure this summer, as they catch the light beautifully and give your nails that glazed, almost mermaid-like sheen. You can either go classic with a white pearl finish, or, if you want to inject more colour for summer, you can trade this out for a baby blue, pink or green tint.’
For more pearl manicure ideas, see here.
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5. Peachy Hues
And for warm, summer neutrals, things are looking pretty peachy. ‘If you’re not a huge lover of statement nails and want a more subtle option, peach is an ideal choice,’ highlights Maria. ‘What makes peach such a versatile and popular shade is that it pairs beautifully with natural textures, sun-kissed skin and gold jewellery. If you want some unique ways to incorporate peach into your manicure, you could opt for an ombrĂ© effect or a glaze for added sparkle.’
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6. Bespoke Sculpting
‘We’re entering a new era of nail artistry where nails aren’t just polished, they’re sculpted,’ says Tinu Bello, manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador. ‘Summer 2025 is bringing us 3D embellishments like raised florals, tiny fruit charms and gem clusters. The artistry goes beyond traditional rhinestones to include sculpted gel layers that create a sense of movement and storytelling on the nails.
‘Clients are loving nails that feel custom, even theatrical, and social media is fuelling this with viral, hyper-detailed sets that look like they belong in a gallery,’ she adds. ‘These aren’t just nails, it’s expression through tiny, intricate sculptures.’
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7. Micro French
French tips never go out of fashion, and this latest evolution is bound to be a summer hit. ‘The French tip has gone through countless reinventions, but this season will see the boldest shift yet,’ agrees Tinu. ‘We’re seeing ultra-slim micro-French tips in unconventional placements like side tips, reverse tips near the cuticle, or “floating” designs where the colour doesn’t touch the nail edges at all. These styles feel architectural, like negative space is part of the design. They’re minimalist but incredibly modern. It’s perfect for clients who want something cool and edgy but still clean and wearable.’
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8. Elevated Minimalism
Minimalists, relax – there’s something for you too. ‘Minimal nail designs aren’t going anywhere, but they’ve gotten smarter and more detailed,’ notes Tinu. ‘Soft nude and sheer blush tones are being dressed up with ultra-fine metallic lines, negative space, tiny crystal dots or “glass nail” effects. These designs are elegant but whisper-thin, perfect for clients who want subtle nails with an editorial edge. This trend reflects a broader movement in beauty toward detail-oriented minimalism, where less is more – and sometimes better!’
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9. Soft Futurism
Metallics aren’t just for party season. ‘Chrome is still very much in, but it’s evolving in really sophisticated ways,’ agrees Tinu. ‘Rather than just high-shine silver or gold, we’re seeing soft pastel chromes like lavender, peach and mint that give off a subtle, futuristic glow. What’s exciting is how these finishes are being combined with other textures, like matte or velvet polish, for a layered, multidimensional effect. This year’s chrome isn’t about being flashy, it’s about refined shimmer that catches the light in just the right way. Think cosmic elegance rather than disco ball.’
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10. Moody Brights
And finally, a surprise trend: a darker, moodier take on our favourite summer hues. ‘Colour is getting more complex this summer,’ emphasises Tinu. ‘While we still have our beloved neon’s and brights, there’s a definite tilt toward more emotionally rich shades, think juicy blood orange, inky teal, fig and sun-drenched terracotta. These colours are rooted in nature but with a surreal, sunlit twist. They pair beautifully with both short and elongated nail shapes and look amazing on all skin tones.’
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