It’s warmer outside, days are longer and your nails? They’re basically begging for a refresh. With so many summer 2025 nail trends out there, it’s hard to know which one to try first. Are neon tones still having a moment? (Spoiler: Yes.) Is minimalism outshined by maximal color art? I’m loving the comeback of French tips and flowers on all kinds of fashion. Whether you’re a salon loyalist or a DIY babe with a drawer full of Polish colors, I’ve rounded up the ultimate Summer 2025 Nail Designs to Try—with real inspo to match your vibe. Let’s get into it.
Ombre Ocean Blues with a Touch of Chill
This set is perfect for summer, thanks to its blue ombré fade which starts at a rich cobalt at the cuticle and becomes a light sky aqua at the tips. The softness of the matte finish makes the color seem even more attractive. And those subtle web-like details? Soft pocket touches of creative nail art. You’ll feel like you’re on a beach with an iced latte in your hand, your toes in the sand, wearing these nails.
I suggest using Madam Glam’s “Blue My Mind” as a base for cobalt nails and Le Mini Macaron’s “Mint Chocolate Chip” for the green-blue blend. A sponge technique helps nail that seamless fade. And for the fine detail? A small dotting tool and OPI Matte Top Coat will give your nails a perfect finish.
Apply some base coat and then build your look with nude nail polish. When the eyeshadow is dry, dab the darker blue on the lower lid and work your way up with the lighter blue. To get a smooth gradient, do two or three layers and cure the gel between each layer. Accent lines should be drawn with a small brush and then finished by applying a matte coat to the design.
I’ve used this look before on trips and it often garners compliments from people I don’t know. It’s bold without shouting, and it’s perfect if you want a classy, edgy summer 2025 nail design that feels curated and fresh.
Sunset Fade with Jewel-Tone Drama
Summer’s golden time of day is captured in this manicure. A sunset with purple, electric blue, red and a sunny yellow is how sunset energy should be expressed. Every nail has a moody gradient, so they don’t all look the same, but they’re still very trendy. You’ll see vacation photos with a cocktail and a mood that keeps going.
Using gel polish makes it simpler and more effective to create a multi-gradient look with bright colors. If you’re into neon colors, check out Beetles Gel Polish’s Rainbow Kit. Feathering the polish along the edges requires a clean flat brush.
Rather than making each nail the same, paint each one differently. Brush or sponge colors on one after the other, let each one dry, cure your work at different stages and end by coating it with gloss once done. Don’t worry if it looks messy—the final top coat will make everything look beautiful.
I love how this set feels spontaneous but intentional. Last year, I applied a sheer gold shimmer over the same colors and it looked stunning when the light hit it. If you’ve got lots of events this summer, this nail design will look great in your selfies.
Jewel Tones and Rhinestone Frames
Can we talk about glam for a sec? Because this matte manicure is the moment. Every nail is a different color—hot pink, blush and sunshine yellow—with a border of tiny rhinestones around it. And not just “stick-on sparkle.” The rhinestones here elevate the look into full-on luxe. The matte material helps the look feel stylish, but not like a costume which we love!
With this style, apply Zoya’s Matte Velvet polishes and use a mixed gemstone wheel from Born Pretty or Sally Beauty. Having a well-built base will keep the rhinestones in place. Don’t skip adding a matte topcoat at the end to protect your nail look.
Apply two coats of each matte polish color. Cover the letters with gems using either a wax pencil or a dotting tool, in a curved half-moon pattern at the base of the text. After applying your topcoat, press the stones in and let it cure. Trust me, it lasts way longer that way.
This is the perfect summer 2025 nail trend for weddings, showers or evenings when your hands should speak for you. I’ve noticed that gem details on Pinterest often go viral, as people enjoy them when they’re not too flashy.
Bright Citrus with a Zesty Twist
This yellow base designed with a lemon slice is bright and makes anyone smile. It’s light, fun and great for those who want a design that hints at nature while still being bold. The simple fruit design helps the decor look less like a themed party and more like a fun way to celebrate fall. Having a tan isn’t necessary, but it sure makes this look great.
Use OPI’s “Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants” as your main color and use a white striping brush and a detail dotting tool to draw the orange and lemon details yourself. If you want to save time, you might want to try nail stickers.
Apply two coats of the yellow base. After the base has dried, sketch half circles or lemon wedges with white polish. Draw lines inside the main lines and then use green strokes to add the leaves. Seal with high-gloss topcoat for that juicy shine.
I noticed this style on a stylist at Nine Zero One in LA—and she said clients often ask for it when they want a simple summer look that’s not too unusual. Honestly? It feels like joy in manicure form.
Pastel Florals on Soft Yellow
Nothing says “I’m ready for sunshine” like buttery yellow polish and bright flowers. It has a feminine look but isn’t too dainty and it reminds me of flowers in a garden which is right on trend for summer 2025. The floral details are not bold, but include enough design so you notice them easily.
Essie’s “Sunny Business” makes a great pastel yellow base. You can either paint the flowers by hand or use nail decals from Deco Miami. A glossy top coat ties everything together.
This one’s all about steady hands. Paint your yellow background, let it dry and then add flowers with a dotting tool or micro brush. Adding sage green nail polish gives the look a little extra texture. Putting a thick top coat on will help guard the painting.
If I could save the feeling of being in a flower market with a cup of iced coffee and no work to do? This mani would be it. It’s sweet, fresh and surprisingly elegant, so it’s a great choice for anyone wanting a summery floral without pink.
Green Goddess with Butterfly Charm
This style highlights all the freshness and vitality of the season. This green matte polish is striking and natural and the almond shape helps to make the hands look longer. But the charm is in the details—literally. A butterfly on the ring finger in metallic gives a soft touch of elegance and a row of little silver studs on the pinky brings a touch of sparkle. It’s somewhere between simple and bold nail art and I can’t get enough of it.
To create this design, you’ll want a bold gel like OPI’s “I’m Sooo Swamped!” or Cirque Colors’ “Avocado”. Use a matte topcoat like Velvet Matte by Essie. If you’re interested in the butterfly charm and rhinestones, you can check out Born Pretty or NailZCraze on Etsy.
Shaping and preparing the nails complete, add two layers of green polish and give each layer time to cure. Attach the metallic butterfly to a slightly sticky surface or after applying gel glue with tweezers. A dotting tool and a thin layer of builder gel are all you need to keep your rhinestones in place. Seal everything off and give the frame a matte spray.
What I like is that this look is colorful and stands out, but still looks elegant and classy. On a girls’ trip to Palm Springs, I wore a similar outfit and had people asking me every day where I had the outfit done.
Neon Heat Meets Sugar Glow
Welcome to the bright side. The glow-from-within look of this short square mani comes from mixing highlighter neon pink, acidic green and soft white ombré. This summer, the nail trend is to have lots of color and still look balanced. The shape is what grounds it and the gradation provides a gentle, sweet contrast that’s popular today.
Use neon brights like Modelones’ Glow Neon Gel Kit or Beetles UV Neon Set, and blend with a white gel base such as DND’s “Snow White”. A sponge will give you that seamless fade.
Start by applying a white base and curing it. Apply neon shades from the tip of your brush to the base using a sponge—keep layering until you get the blur you want. Wipe the cuticles clean and then apply a shiny protective coat. Cure and you’re done.
This look is for the maximalist at heart. On Reels, I’ve noticed that variations are popular, usually with bright eye makeup or bright swimwear. If you want a summer 2025 short square nail that’s perfect for a party, you’ve found it.
Modern Orange with Artistic Lines
If you like minimal and modern nail designs, this is perfect for you. It joins a bright orange polish with silver and black wave patterns. The mix of solid color and empty space looks balanced and modern and it looks great on short nails. If you have an art school friend or just want something trendy and sleek, this style is for you.
Try applying Essie’s “Tangerine Tease” with a base of CND’s “Bare Chemise”. Use a fine brush for linework and chrome detailing. You can purchase striping brushes and metallic gels at either Nail Art House or Daily Charme.
After you have your base, use a striping brush with silver or black polish to draw the curves. Layer as needed for impact. For crisp lines, work slowly and cure between layers. You can see how wonderful the design looks on square and almond nails.
It’s a nail style that’s easy to wear daily and still feels like a designer manicure. Believe me, it looks fantastic with a cold drink or near silver jewelry.
Gradient Greens, But Make It Glossy
Greens are all the rage in summer 2025 nail trends and this gradient look shows why. Moving from dark green to bright lime, this style gives a bold touch to nature. The nail is shaped so it’s neat and easy to wear and the glossy finish gives it a trendy feel. It’s a story of color, with a strong and deep feel—like a smoothie from the rainforest for your hands.
Some great shades to choose from are Olive & June’s “Artichoke Hearts”, OPI’s “Green Come True” and Zoya’s “Josie”. For an easy blend, use either a flat ombré brush or a sponge. Make sure to finish your manicure with a seal coat of gell gloss, for example Seche Vite.
Use the darkest green at the cuticle and blend it to the lighter greens at the tip. Mixing the tones becomes effortless with the help of a sponge. Tidy the border wall and paint an attractive top layer to complete the wall look.
I really like that this outfit embraces the season’s colors in a natural way. I’ve noticed that celebrities like Hailey Bieber can wear similar colors with green-tinted sunglasses and it looks great.
Wavy Pop Art with Retro Flair
Okay, how fun is this? Wearing emerald green, pastel pink and highlighter lime in thick waves makes it seem like you’re from a retro pop art era. This style is similar to what you’d find on a 1970s beach towel, but it’s updated for today. The nails are square and short, the colors are bright and the whole look is relaxed, just as summer 2025 nails should be.
You can use Color Club’s “Poptastic” pink, Lights Lacquer’s “Jade” and China Glaze’s “Lime After Lime” for those eye-catching curves. A fine nail art brush is necessary for the waves; make sure to take your time.
Paint the background a pale pink and give it time to completely dry. After that, draw out the waves with a fine brush using the dark and light colors. Go over each layer until the opacity is even. Finish with a gel-effect top coat for glassy shine.
It makes me think of old fashion magazines which were bold, playful and a bit flirty. You’ll feel like a star if you choose this almond look. Plus, it’s proof that simple can still be head-turning.
Chartreuse & Pop Art Accents
It’s a quick and cheerful burst of attitude. Pairing chartreuse with white, nude and black polka dots gives you a bold look that’s still clean. The star here? That funny lime heart with a black outline—a bit old-fashioned, a bit cheesy and very summery for 2025 nails. I like how color art can instantly add personality and the different pieces mixed together don’t look messy.
You’ll need Color Club’s “Under the Blacklight” for the yellow-green, OPI Alpine Snow for the white base and a black dotting polish to recreate this. You can paint your heart by hand or add a sticker from Daily Charme.
Put down your general base colors and completely allow them to dry before going further. The polka dots can be applied with a dotting tool or a nail stamper and a detail brush will help you get the heart right. Add a top coat for shine and protection.
I attended a rooftop art show last July in this dress and received so many compliments it was hard to count. This design is simple to do but looks fantastic and it looks especially nice on darker skin.
Teal Matte Geometry
With a bold shape, matte finish and minimal design, this almond-style set features a deep teal background and fine gold lines. The result? Effortlessly classy, like modern architecture you can wear. The diagonal stripes add an editorial touch that is simple to achieve using the right tools.
If you like, begin with Zoya’s “Hadley” or CND’s “Peacock Plume” and complete the manicure with a matte topcoat. Painterly draw lines along your nails with gold nail striping tape or metallic gel using a thin brush.
Round off the nail at the tip and brush on two layers of polish. When the surface is dry, put striping tape on or carefully paint thin gold lines. If you use tape, press down to seal it and then put on another layer of matte topcoat to fix it.
I am reminded of a time I stood on a boardwalk, basking in golden hour, while eating sweets and sipping wine out of a plastic cup. Chic with zero effort.
Chrome Candy Mix
This mani is basically sunshine bottled. The shiny, almost metallic effect on these colors—orange, blue and pink—brings back memories in a wonderful way. The disco ball effect from the finish is clear and the colors in this collection remind me of a candy shop. Perfect if you’re into simple but bold styles that don’t need nail art to make a statement.
The Holo Taco Multichrome Collection is a great choice and you’ll love shades like “Sunset Vibes” and “Blue Ain’t Slick.” You can complete your manicure with Born Pretty’s Mirror Powder Sealer for a super-glossy finish.
Paint each nail two times with a different color on each coat. To finish a using chrome powder, sponge the powder and then seal it using a gel topcoat. A UV lamp will lock in that liquid shine.
This is what I call a “just let the colors talk” mani. I’ve tried this style for both weekend brunches and days at the beach and it always makes me feel better.
Lemon French Energy
Discuss how the French tip can be made in a more creative way. The summer version replaces white with a juicy yellow and fades it gently toward your nail bed for a lovely, sunny look. With its thin graphic line, the curve looks fresh, sharp and very much in tune with the year 2025. This style matches any outfit and always looks like you meant it.
Use Essie’s “All Fun & Games” to get the yellow and a soft nude like Zoya’s “Dot”. If you use nail striping tape or a stencil, it will be much easier to draw a thin line.
Apply a nude base, wait till it is dry and following along the tip using a sponge to paint on yellow. After your paint has dried, use a striping brush and a fine liner to add the curved edge. A glossy topcoat gives it that salon-perfect glow.
I noticed the same style on a stylist at Nail Sunny and she said it’s the one everyone asks for this summer. It’s giving classy with a twist—and I’m 100% in.
Blue Waves on Matte Base
If you want a matte set that is clean, graphic and trendy, this electric blue one is the one to get. The white wavy lines give each nail a beachy look, but they are not too obvious. It has a neat movement that suits all kinds of nails and the almond shape makes it look especially cool.
Apply ILNP’s “Carried Away” or OPI’s “My Car Has Navy-gation” and then use Essie’s Matte About You topcoat. You can’t do wave lines without a fine nail art brush.
First, paint two layers of blue, cure or dry and then draw the waves with white gel or paint polish. Clean edges, cure again, and seal with matte topcoat. Easy, breezy, elevated.
I choose this design when I want to wear something simple that still gets noticed. I find that it looks amazing with leather jackets and linen dresses.
Wild Prints in Electric Blue and Orange
This look is giving: fearless, playful, and unapologetically trendy. The nails are painted blue and the orange is bright, with leopard spots stamped on top for contrast. Alternating the colors keeps things inviting and a glossy finish makes everything look elegant. If you’re looking for a bold and fun design this season, this is a great choice.
For this look, go for China Glaze’s “DJ Blue My Mind” and OPI’s “My Chihuahua Doesn’t Bite Anymore”. To make the leopard spots, use a tiny brush and Maniology Straight Up Black stamping polish.
Paint your base layers and let them dry completely. Draw ovals with a detail brush, making sure they are uneven and outline them with irregular dots. That last step? Adding a glossy top coat.
I wore this print on a beach trip last July and everyone wanted to talk to me about it. If you’re bored with minimalism, this manicure will show you just how fun your nails can be.
Butterfly Garden & Pink Harmony
It combines everything that makes summer 2025 nail designs great: shimmer, flowers and a delicate pink color. While the cake ingredients stay muted, the floral detail and butterfly are sweetly soft. But an accent of shiny silver sparkle stops the nails from being too delicate. It’s the ideal mix of soft and attractive—similar to a garden party on your nails.
Paint your nails with Essie’s “Fiji”, apply silver glitter from ILNP’s “Mega” and use Whats Up Nails or Deco Miami’s floral decals to make the art.
Paint your base colors and then either use stickers or paint the flowers and butterflies on top. For the small parts, use a gentle brush and, when you’re done, coat them with a shiny top layer.
This one takes me back to bridal showers, eating outside and cheeks touched by the sun. It’s easy to do, looks great and is ideal if you’re looking for something soft but still trendy.
Baby Blue Denim Vibe
There’s something very soothing about having baby blue nails. With a square shape and shiny finish, this bag looks simple but very well made. It’s like a summer outfit with jeans and a white top—simple, yet stylish and easy to wear. If you’re searching for summer 2025 nails that are simple and still sparkle, this will work perfectly.
Give Olive & June’s “Angelfish” or Zoya’s “Blu” a try, both are easy to apply and will stay put for many hours. A base coat, a regular topcoat and Seche Vite will ensure your manicure stays salon-fresh.
Using this product is super simple—just apply, dry and you’re done. No tools, no layers, no detail brushes. Just pure color and good lighting.
Honestly? If I’m in a rush, this is my usual choice for looking nice. It goes well with all outfits and gives hands a quick tan.
Lime Energy & Glitter Spark
This nail look adds a touch of neon green to most nails, with a fully glittered accent that glimmers like summer stars. It’s fun and eye-catching, a bit bold and perfect for anyone who likes bright colors but doesn’t want art or patterns.
You can use Beetles Neon Green Gel and OPI’s “This Gown Needs a Crown” glitter polish. A makeup sponge can help concentrate sparkle if needed.
Lay down two layers of neon green on your nails and on the highlighted one, use a sponge to apply some glitter for a dense effect. Seal with top coat for a smooth finish.
The mani I did reminds me of lime popsicles, loud music and all the fun I had under string lights. It’s a great nail design to try this Summer 2025—it’s upbeat, colorful and perfect for right now.
Lavender Meets Leopard Luxe
Who says animal print can’t be elegant? This unusual mix of lavender, gold and leopard print makes the look both fierce and feminine. It’s a mix of glamour and fun—as if Barbie was going on a safari. You can still expect to see plenty of pink this summer, especially when combined with bold prints.
Apply “Do You Lilac It?” from OPI, “Good as Gold” from Essie and use a cheetah stamping plate or nail wrap for the animal part.
Paint your nails in lavender and gold and put your print on the feature nail. A fine-tip brush can clean up edges. Apply a shiny topcoat to join the whole outfit together.
I wore this with a lilac dress to a friend’s birthday brunch last season and it looked so good together that I didn’t want to remove it. This nail design is a standout for summer 2025 and we love it.
Minimalist Hearts on White
Clean, crisp white nails sprinkled with miniature red hearts? An instant serotonin boost. The square cut is the definition of simple charm—it’s playful, light and full of personality. Great for summer dates that are playful or for adding a bit of sweetness to your usual style.
You can use the “White Bunny” and heart-shaped nail stickers from DND or the ones from Nailtopia. For those who want to paint them by hand, use OPI’s “Big Apple Red” and a dotting tool.
Paint a white base and allow it to dry. You can stick on stickers or just draw small hearts by hand on each nail. Cover the work in a thin layer of clear gloss to protect all the details.
It reminds me of writing love notes and daydreaming poolside. A simple and fun nail design to try if you like minimalist looks.
