8 Nail Trends You Need To Try This Summer
From neon to sweet candy hues, it's the season to make a statement.
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It's been a few weeks since I’ve had to don three layers to venture outside, which can only mean one thing: we are finally ready to emerge from our winter cocoons. It’s time to say goodbye to dreary weather and dark hues, and hello to sunshine and fun colors. And with all of that comes trendy new manis. “Summer shades are all about fun,” says Olive & June Mani Trend Expert and VP of Content & Creative Olivia Van Iderstine. “We definitely see everyone busting out their brightest shades during the warmer months. From neon to sweet candy hues, it’s the season to make a statement.” From fun twists on french, 3D nails, and the lava lamp look, summer has some exciting manicure trends in store. It doesn’t matter if you’re a mani novice or are the queen of at-home gels–even beginners can achieve these looks. From press-ons to a simple polish, “Summer is your time to try something new and different! School’s out and so are all the rules,” says Van Iderstine. There are so many ways to dip your (well-pedicured) toe into this season's trends—do what feels good to you.” Here are a few of our faves and expert predictions, as well as some tips on how to achieve them at home.
The Lava Lamp Look
For Miss PopNails, “wavy psychedelic lava lamp” nail art is calling everyones name this summer. Opt for your favorite neons and paint in swirls for a groovy look. If doing this look on your own is causing you to break out into a sweat (like me), opt for some reusable press-ons.
The Candy Hue
Van Iderstine says sweet candy hues will be everywhere this summer. She recommends looking “for inspiration from your summer memories as a kid—that little hint of nostalgia makes for the perfect mani inspo!” And what's more nostalgic than bubble gum pink candy? This pastel shade worn by model Winnie Harlow at the Moschino Spring/Summer 2022 show is the perfectly sweet version of this trend to try.
The Classic French Mani
“The French mani is also having a moment, but not just the classic pink and white,” says Miss Pop Nails, “It’s getting colorful twists like ombré, skittle nails (each finger a different color), and even pearls and rhinestones.”
The Neon Nail
This summer it’s time to play with color says Van Iderstine. Whether you are going for all one color, ombré, or rainbow nails, neon nails will be the perfect statement accessory this summer.
The Chrome Claws
Dua Lipa chanelled her inner Donatella Versace with her look at the Grammy's this year. We're channeling this same sparkly, glam look for summer. These pair perfectly with a mojito sipped on a rooftop bar–or at home in your comfiest PJs.
The Simple Approach
While this may be contradictory to everything you've ever heard about the ideal summer mani, neutral nails are trending in a big way. Celebs like Kim Kardashian, Normani, and Hailey Bieber have hit the red carpet sporting simple, uber natural nails. And this fall, there was a slieu of neutral nails on the Spring/Summer 2022 runways from brands like Chanel, Eckhaus Latta, and Tom Ford. “Doing neutral, natural tones like soft pinks always look great for summer,” says Syreeta Aaron, LeChat Nails Educator. So if colorful designs aren't your thing, opt for a neutral nail polish like Emilie Heathe's Just the Nip Nail Artist Polish or Kim K's fave OPI's Samoan Sand.
The Negative Space Nail
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the negative space nail became a huge trend. Why, you may ask? Because no matter how long you wait between nail appointments your manicure will still look polished (no pun intended). Gone are the days of the crusty, overly grown out look.
The 3D Nail
Miss Pop Nails says we should be gearing up for 3D nails this summer. Don't worry, it’s not as hard as it looks. All you need is a few nail appliqués and glue to finish of your mani. Word to the wise: You may have to be a little careful wearing knits with these claws–they can snag a string (and maybe a new beau).
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