Summer 2025 is all about lifting your mood colours, flirtatious art, and shameless self-expression, and it begins with your fingertips. You know that look when your ensemble is 90 percent basic but your nails are making all the statements? That’s the vibe. Whether it is juicy slices of orange or mystical green symbols, the prettiest manis of this summer are more than a trend, as they are a part of a story. So shall we discuss what your hands would really like to put on this season. Are you ready to find your next obsession?
Sorbet Pink with a Hint of Stardust
A pink color scheme that mixes with gradient hues is immediately appealing. This design slides between bubblegum and blush in feminine almond shaped perfection and is finished with a silver accent that shines like early summer sunsets. It is clean girl energy with a slight hint of drama, the one that states that you are put together but not boring. The almond shape is already very flattering as it makes the fingers look longer, and the slight ombr e effect adds a carefree, beachy touch to the entire appearance. It is modest, yet not dull in the least- a shyly confident interpretation of pretty summer nails almond.
At home, I would use OPI Let -s Be Friends and OPI Suzi Nails New Orleans, respectively, as your light and darker pink base colours, they are staple colours that you can never go wrong with. Add a fine holographic glitter polish such as Orly nail lacquer in Shine On Crazy Diamond on the accent nail or if you dare, a foil decal.
To apply a gradient blend, take a wedge sponge and dab on top of each other beginning at the cuticle. Always top off with a gel-like top coat (I swear by Seche Vite) to lock in the gloss and smooth any texture. Tom Bachik, nail artist, suggests this dimension layering hack: “To make the gradient truly dimensioned, apply one thin coat of your lighter color on top of the entire gradient to make the blend cohesive.
Personally, this is my soft power manicure. It looks feminine without being precious, and whenever I have worn this palette someone has remarked to me that it was acrylic – when it has been only two coats and a good file. That’s the beauty of nailing your color story.
Zesty Citrus Slices for a Playful Twist
Okay, can we pause a sec over how good this one is? Bright orange, cute little hearts and the happiest citrus slices you ever did see. This is nail art with personality. It is tilted slightly square, a cool, editorial counterpoint to the roundness of the fruit design. This one is shouting farmer market and iced lattes with an extra orange zest. It is eccentric, young, and everything I picture a Gen Z picnic to be on fingertips.
A juicy gel orange such as Sally Hansen in shade Marmalade and a thin detailing brush will be needed to freehand your slices. To do the hearts and dots I just use dotting tools of various sizes, it is the least stressful method of making everything symmetrical. A nude with a milky base such as Bare My Soul by Essie is a good choice as a base with the fruit accent nails.
It is a patient sort of manicure, but when you prime with a nice ridge-filling base coat and wait between applications to make sure the previous one is dry, it can be very meditative. Pro tip I learned on TikTok in a nail tech: apply detailed stickers or decals with a clear jelly stamper- they will always go on perfectly.
My favorite thing about this is that it immediately makes me feel good. Even when I’m in an all-black outfit (which happens more than I care to admit), these nails add a splash of humor and charm. I mean, who would not grin at a slice of citrus on the ring finger?
Emerald Green with Mystic White Symbols
This one is giving “your aura is glowing.” Dark green nail polish and white line art by hand is both hippie and assertive. The somewhat square format provides it with a contemporary completion, yet it is the symbols that take the cake, stars, eyes, leaves, runes. It is abstract, sure, but it is also spiritual in that same way that summer nights are when you are catching fireflies and discussing astrology with your best friend on a rooftop.
For the green, I recommend “Stay Off the Lawn!” by OPI or Olive & June’s “WKF.” Use a fine nail art pen in white (I like the ones from Makartt) or grab nail tattoos if freehand’s not your thing. It can even make this editorial levels of cool when a matte topcoat is involved.
This is not very difficult to draw at home, though you need stable hands. Start by sketching your designs on paper before painting. This provides your brain with muscle memory, which is oddly enough beneficial. According to celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein, “Line work is not about speed, it is about control. Use your breath to steady your hand.”
I attended a weekend music festival in this, and it literally started three conversations. pretty summer nails green have something magnetic that is a bit witchy and a bit wonderful. All things summery do not need to be pastel-colored- sometimes it is better to make a bolder choice.
Teal Meets Sunset: Summer Chrome Gradient
Melted warm pink to bright teal, this gradient almond set has a color transition that reminds us of a tropical sunset as it turns into ocean breeze. It has a futuristic sheen to it- almost as though the nails are dipped in light. The juxtaposition is startling, but the combination is so smooth it appears effortless. To me, this is one of these pretty summer nails almond looks that makes the traffic halt.
At home, I would recommend gel polish to achieve this effect because of its control and vibrancy. Start with a milky pink base (try “Rosewater” by Beetles Gel) and blend into a teal like “Ocean Drive” by Kiara Sky. The transition will be helped to fade by a sponge, though I suggest you also give a chrome pigment overlay a try, to add additional glow. To achieve that slick finish you will require a good no-wipe top coat.
To avoid messing up the blend, you better take your time and do one nail at a time, curing between layers. According to nail educator Julie Ventura, gradient art is all about layering, so one should never attempt to apply gradient art in a single coat. It’s a patience game, but the results are magical.
It is one of those styles that I grab when I need a confidence boost. It’s bright without being basic. And yes, people will be asking where you had them done.
Playful Primary Colors with a Polka Dot Pop
This short multicolor appearance is somehow retro in the most appropriate way. Bold yellow and orange and purple and a high-contrast white polka dot design on a square base–that would be your summer mood board reduced to the ten fingertips. It is graphic design but on your hands and the energy? Immaculate.
My go-to shades when I want this type of palette are Mellow Yellow by Sally Hansen, Clementine by Olive & June, and Lavender Sky by Essie. The white and black accents are best friends to a detail brush or dotting tool. Keep the black dots crisp by lightly floating your tool rather than pressing—it’s a small trick that makes a big difference.
This mani is ideal when you are in your color era. It does not have to be perfectly symmetrical, and that is why it is perfect to do at home by yourself. It also looks great with denim or linen ensembles, anything neutral, and these nails stand out.
Two different strangers stopped me in line at Trader Joe s when I wore this last summer. It is the sort of design that makes you remember nails are meant to be fun. A little weird. A lot of joy.
Holographic Mirror Shine That Steals the Sun
This chrome rainbow square manicure is one of those I-can-not-take-my-eyes-off-my-hands kind of deal. Nails catch all summer light, sun rays during brunch, twinkles at sunset, and even the sheen of your condensation cold brew. The high shine color pay off and glass like reflection makes it have a high end finish but still comes out as fun and futuristic. It’s giving mermaid-meets-Met-Gala. This is the bar if you wish to serve pretty summer nails square.
This appearance needs a chrome powder such as Born Pretty Aurora or Daily Charme Unicorn Holo. The trick is to apply over a gel base (try a sheer pink like “Ballet Slippers” by Essie Gel Couture), then buff in the powder with a silicone applicator before sealing it with a no-wipe gel topcoat. Flash-cure between steps for that glassy hard shell.
The best part is that this mani looks good on all skin tones, so you don t have to tweak it at all. It is so simple to wear with gold or silver rings. I literally had this on to a beach wedding and was asked if they were press-ons by KISS. Nope—just patience and a good lamp!
Cloudy Denim Blue for Laid-Back Cool
Not all summer nails need to be loud. This understated muted blue mani is the equivalent of your favorite pair of jeans; classic, laid back and entirely effortless. The slightly almond shape adds polish (pun intended) to the vibe, making it the kind of manicure that whispers “I woke up like this,” even when you didn’t.
When I want that denim look, I will always suggest Perfect Blue by Lights Lacquer or Zoya in Blu- both are creamy and opaque in two coats. Nail art is not necessary when the color is this fulfilling. The lightness of the color provides depth, but it does not overshadow your clothes.
No-nonsense steps: base coat, two coats of polish, top coat. That is it. A little cuticle oil on top dries everything up to that glass-polished look. As nail artist Julie Kandalec told Refinery29 once, “The most sophisticated nails are the ones that appear like you care about them but not like you overdid it.” This is that look.
Other times I want nails that match everything- coffee dates, work zoom, rooftop mimosas. This blue has become my reset button.
Shamrock Mint With a Lucky Twist
This is the definition of cute meets simple. A green cream polish is a fresh summer feel but it is that small shamrock on the accent nail that makes this design edgy. The shape of the square nail head makes it look clean and modern, but the motif adds a touch of personality enough to keep it playful.
I like “That’s Hula-rious!” by OPI for the mint and “Alpine Snow” for the white base. Paint the shamrock or cheat using a small detail brush, or stamp a nail. If you’re going freehand, make three small dots and a stem—it’s easier than it looks.
The best thing about this manicure is that it is so simple to duplicate. You don’t need acrylic or extensions. It applies really well on short natural nails, and it is also beginner-friendly even when you are not sure about nail art.
It was chilly week in the end of May when I wore it, and it really became my own good luck charm. There are times when a manicure is not a look but a vibe with you.
Mint Wave Motion on Almond Tips
This one reminds me of the minimalist home decoration- but on nails. That pale green ground-colour and those little squiggle lines are cool, light, and clever. The almond shape adds sophistication to an otherwise simple design, ideal for the person who wants her pretty summer nails almond but with a bit of architectural interest.
You’ll need a sage gel polish (try Bio Seaweed’s “Matcha Latte”) and a striping brush to draw the soft, white wave. Everything is sealed in with a shiny top coat, which prevents the design becoming too matte and dusty. Apply builder gel in case you have weak nails, and you wish to wear this longer.
With the squiggles, I do a trick I observed from celeb nail artist Eri Ishizu–begin in the center of the nail and allow your wrist to move, not your fingers. It gives the line more flow.
This one is dedicated to the girls that live in linen button downs and SPF 50. It’s easy, breezy, and refined. Like a mint mojito for your hands.
Bold Swirls in Teal, Yellow, and White
This is summer in movement. Marbled patterns, heavy contrast, aggressive yellow and nautical blue- an absolute power move in nail art form. These wavy almond nails are perfect and summery, as well as bold enough to be called the glam equivalent of a surfboard. If you love maximalism with a thoughtful color story, this one’s a no-brainer.
These colors are important here: “Sunshine State of Mind” by Essie, “Teal Me More” by DND, and your favorite opaque white as the base of the swirl. With a fine liner brush, make fluid, ocean-like curves. Finish with a gel top coat for long-wear shine.
You will wish to apply each color in a different section, curing between steps when using gel. There is no hurry in the swirl–drag the brush very slowly, and have a clean-up brush ready to make sharp edges. I learned this from watching @nailartbysig—her pro tip? “Always float your top coat over nail art. Don’t press it in.”
This set gives main character energy. Whether you’re hitting the Amalfi Coast or your local beach bar, it brings that just-right dose of drama to your fingertips.
Strawberry Cream Picnic Vibes
Candy-like, feminine and slightly retro, this basic manicure is reminiscent of a July weekend, berry-picking and drinking cold lemonade. The milky white base with red strawberries as confetti and dusty blush and buttercream tones make it one of the prettiest and romantic summer nails short styles I have seen in a while. It is feminine, clean, and can make even a simple outfit look intentional.
To duplicate this, you will need to use a white base such as Essie Blanc or OPI Funny Bunny. For the tiny berry decals, go with a strawberry nail sticker set (Etsy has loads!) or use a tiny brush and red like Zoya “Sooki” for the fruit with a green polish for leaves. A dotting tool will assist in applying that ideal oval form without creating a mess.
To maintain a smooth flow, it is always good to use a top coat over stickers to seal them and avoid lifting. I use the advice of nail artist Mazz Hanna to make my glossy finishes last longer: “Always cap the free edge to make your mani last longer- it makes a salon finish.”
This is the mani I would do to a backyard brunch or last minute beach date. It is naive, yet not naive, just the balance that summer demands.
Electric Blue Meets Swirling Waves
This design is bold, rhythmic, and made for movement. A deep cobalt blue groundes the appearance, but two accent nails burst with patterns in wavy yellow, sky blue, and teal-heat maps or tropical tide charts. And it is not your standard summer palette, which is the point. These almond nails are serving no-fear power and festival-season reality.
In the case of colors, I would combine Butler Please by Essie and Teal Me Later by Cirque and Yellow Mellow by Sally Hansen. With a fine liner brush swirl the colors around on a nude or pale background, blend slightly at the edges as you work wet. This would be pretty with a matte top coat, however, glossy makes it more dramatic.
You can prime your canvas with a ridge-filler base coat, to smooth the saturated tones. I also prefer to apply a liquid latex barrier around the nail to make clean-up less painful when freehanding swirls.
I had something similar to this last summer and attended a beach party with a blue slip dress, chef kiss. This is the appearance when you need your nails to talk first.
Matte Blue Hearts and Sky Serenity
There is nothing that screams summer romance more than soft matte blue and small heart shapes. This manicure resembles a coffin, but it is a perfect combination of solid cerulean nails and pastel baby blue and floating heart designs. The matte texture makes it appeared more wearable and cool-toned. Think cloudless skies and spontaneous crushes. These are summer nails blue with a cute edge.
For this one, go matte from the start. Orly, It s Brittney Beach, and ILNP, Blue Lagoon, are good alternatives to the darker base and the pale blue, respectively. The hearts are easy to do using a dotting tool, two little dots next to each other and then drag the polish down into a triangle using a detail brush.
Seal the deal with a matte top coat such as OPI Matte Finish, and be sure to fully cure under a UV lamp when using gel. Heart shapes Celebrity nail tech Gina Edwards recommends a matte base when creating heart designs since, she says, “It allows the shapes to be the stars of the show without the gloss getting in the way.”
I only wore this one once–and I haven been thinking about it ever since. It’s the manicure equivalent of a low-effort, high-impact sundress. And I’d do it again.
Sunset Glitter Fade in Teal and Yellow
This one’s pure golden hour energy. The color gradient of the deep teal to the lemon yellow is already breathtaking, but throw in a touch of glitter at the cuticle and all of a sudden there is sparkle, dimension and shine in all the right areas. The almond shape brings it from girlish to adult glamour, and frankly, it simply shouts “I took that trip and I am living.”
You will need a teal, like My Dogsled Is a Hybrid by OPI and a banana yellow like Copacabana by Cirque Colors. On the base, add a fine glitter such as Stardust by Gelish and blend upwards. Apply a sponge in case you desire to develop intensity at the cuticle. Top paste with a gel top coat to make it last and to give it that flash-in-the-sun flash.
As nail artist Hang Nguyen once stated, “Glitter at the cuticle is like highlighter on your nails it catches the eye and makes your shape a bit dramatic.” She’s not wrong.
I had something similar to this last year at a wedding and, quite frankly, the nails received more compliments than my dress. Take that as your sign.
Mint and Gold Foil Luxury
Mint green is given a sophisticated touch with abstract gold foil application that resembles almost marble veins. The almond shape is opulent yet comfortable, and the foil is the most high-end way to play with light. These are pretty summer nails almond for the girl who loves subtle statement pieces—something that whispers “expensive” without needing to shout it.
On the mint, I prefer This Cost Me a Mint by OPI or Matcha by Olive & June. Gold foil flakes are very simple to use- simply press them into a layer of top coat that is still tacky and seal with two layers of gel top to avoid lifting. Be strategic with placement—think irregular smudges, not perfect lines.
There is no need to be scared of leaving negative space around the foil; it makes it balanced. As manicurist Betina Goldstein will always tell you, what you omit is often as important as what you include.
This appearance takes me back to a summery afternoon at a rooftop bar- sun, glitz and that not-too-hot outfit. It’s summer minimalism with a rich-girl twist.
Minimal Blue French with a Graphic Twist
It is the quintessential French tip, only turned upside down and re-conceptualized as a contemporary summer. A short, clean square nail gets just enough edge on it with the muted blue base and barely-there detailing in white crescent shapes. It’s cool, fresh, and still totally timeless. The kind of pretty summer nails french tip that looks good with your gym outfit and your office blazer.
You will need a pale cornflower gel, such as “Blue Iris” by Gelish and an opaque white, such as “Snow White” by Madame Glam to recreate. A fine detail brush helps create that half-moon sweep. Top coat it with a gel to seal in the neat lines and give it an additional shine.
The thing is, balance–you can not endeavor to make the curve too dramatic. according to celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, French arcs make the nail look longer without dominating the shape. I agree. This mani is evidence that you can be simple and yet utterly mesmerising.
It is the sort of glance I go to when I desire polish, but not the effort- those in between weeks when I desire to seem as though I made an effort, though I did not.
Poolside Palms in Pink and Mint
This would be the manicure equivalent of “vacay mode.” Matte almond nails alternating cotton pink and mint green, both with a golden palm tree, which catches the sun like beach jewelry. These summer almond nails are a combination of prettiness and shimmer that does not make these nails lose their playfulness. You can practically hear the water splash.
You will need: Peach of My Heart by OPI and Mint Candy Apple by Essie, as well as gold foil or stamping decals. A top coat of matte puts the color in the foreground and allows the metallic to pop. Transfer foil glue pens can be used to be precise when mounting your palm trees.
If you’re doing this at home, I suggest curing each base layer separately and applying foil with tweezers. Allow it to become slightly wrinkled, to give it texture- it looks more luxe when it is wrinkled. Just don’t skip sealing it in.
I had something similar on poolside in Miami and how the gold reflected in the sun was unreal. A literal vacation for your hands.
Cherry Red Blooms and Petal Pink
There’s something forever captivating about red nails in summer. Here the base color is opaque scarlet with pink and the full-floral accent nail is a cluster of small daisies, white petals and red centers. The almond shape keeps it all feminine and polished. It’s romantic, but not fussy. Red with flirty charm pretty summer nails.
Apply Big Apple Red by OPI and Pinking of You as your base colors. On the flowers, use a dotting tool and apply the centers followed by petaling out with white polish. A fine brush can help refine the shapes. It is not necessary that this art should be perfect, the beauty lies in its looseness.
To avoid chipping of the flowers, apply a flexible top coat gel that will move with your nail. I prefer the one by Beetles, it is not heavy and does not crack with time.
And frankly, whenever I have floral accents, as today, somebody says that he/she is glad to look at my hands only. That is the energy I would like to invite to all summer days.
Sunset Speckle in Tangerine and Cream
This design is reminiscent of frozen yogurt with sprinkles, it is playful, sweet, slightly surprising. The combination of orange, pink, and milky white, with a playful speckling on top is presenting candy-coated sunshine. It’s that perfect balance of simple and extra. The almond shape is more classy, though, so do not be deceived by this, it is still here to have a good time.
You will need Juicy Papaya by Orly, Strawberry Milkshake by DND and a creamy white such as Coconut Milk by Gelish. On the speckles, black or copper glitter gel with a fan brush or toothbrush would work well to give that splatter look.
This is a super DIY-friendly look. Speckle is just not to be overworked–it must be random and airy. When you put too many layers, it becomes muddy. Let each coat dry fully before adding another.
This mani makes me think of strawberry sorbet on a boardwalk during sunset. It’s lowkey nostalgic—and guaranteed to make someone smile.
Neon Ombre That Brings the Heat
Big, bright, and designed to make every day a little bit models-and-runways. These almond-shaped nails fade out in a gradient of hot pink to buttery yellow, providing a dose of serious color drama in gradient perfection. The ombre effect is as smooth as silk and the high-gloss finish gives them a popsicle glaze appearance. Pretty summer nails pink with major attitude.
In order to achieve this, apply Flamingo Pink by The Gel Bottle and Lemonade Pop by Lights Lacquer. Mix the two with a sponge and dab in layers. To further smooth out the transition, apply a sheer nude coat on top and then sealed it all with a high-gloss top coat.
The secret here is to layer gradually- thin coats will assist in developing that glassy ombr e effect. If you’re using acrylic almond, the smooth canvas helps the gradient blend even more flawlessly.
This look? She is the one you put on holiday when you are over being discreet. She is part Miami, part Malibu and all sunshine.
