A summer heatwave comes with the promise of finally being able to brush off our linen co-ords and jelly shoes, embrace a sunlit make-up palette, and experiment with the sea of summer nail trends currently taking over Instagram feeds right now.
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As ever, the latest summer nail art is informed by a string of fledgling make-up trends which have made their way from the runway and onto our fingertips, from nostalgic acid green to farmer's market fruits and Y2K nostalgia. The subtle, barely-there and ever minimalist palette is also being upgraded for peak-summer via glossy finishes, polka dot accents and seashell embellishments.
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So, from our Pinterest board to yours, we bring you the coolest and cutest summer nail designs for 2025. Sit back, scroll, screenshot and copy at your will.
The Best Summer Nail Designs To Bookmark Now
Neon Orange
A heatwave set to soar over 30 degrees this weekend calls for an equally scorching neon orange hue. Pair a bright orange manicure with square nails like @paintedbyjools and opt for shades such Biosculpture's Poco Pop to recreate the look.
Green Cat Eye
Cat eye nails have been enjoying an extended moment in the spotlight of late and if you're searching for ways to extend the manicure of the moment into the high summer months, this is it – a pastel green cat-eye finish with floral embellishments.
Pride Nails
Celebrate Pride month with these cute minimalist accents (achieved using striping tape finish and a fine nail art brush) and a sheer extra glossy base.
Glass Pink
Inspired by the omnipresent 'glass skin' trend, glass nails have become the glossiest manicure around. A hybrid between your classic cat eye and glass nails, this manicure results in a sheer, almost 3-D finish.
Blue Crocodile
If the heatwave has you in the mood to experiment, a crocodile print in electric blue is the perfect way to embrace a bolder manicure.
Summer Chocolate
Chocolate tones might be more synonymous with the cooler months, but as shown by the infinite brown pieces filtering onto the aisles right now, it's a tone that is just as appropriate for summer. Add an extra glossy top coat and teeny-tiny dot details to lend the manicure a more summery feel.
3-D Seashells
The epitome of a holiday manicure, seashell nails were made for soaring temps. A nice addition to an otherwise neutral manicure, try adding a jelly finish to the tip to create the seashell shape.
Matcha Tips
A hue that might have once sent shudders down the spines of minimalists, green is fast becoming the colour du jour. 'A huge trend I’m seeing this summer is green nails in all forms: tennis ball green, matcha, pistachio, and the new edition of Chanel’s Le Vernis range ‘Rêveuse’ in acid green,' agrees celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae, also known as the woman behind Sofia Richie's nails.
Heavy Metal
Heavy metal is also trending right now. 'It’s a metallic, almost golden green which worn alone and topped with the Chanel Le Gel Coat gives a chrome effect but also looks almost three dimensional - two more trends that are also super popular this summer,' she says.
Tipped Off
Colourful French tips aren't going anywhere either, says Rae. 'A trend that always makes a comeback every summer is a colourful French. To create it, apply your neutral shade and, using a thin liner brush, apply your colourful shade to the tip, tracing the free edge of your nail.'
Nude Chrome
Rae also suggests that nude chrome is set to become the new glazed donut manicure. An iridescent shimmer, it lends itself to the 'Nude Glow' manicure that's been doing the rounds but adopts a more subtle mirror-like finish.
Farmer's Market Fruits
If you've spotted the delicious farmer's market fruits infiltrating your feed, thanks to Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner, expect the trend to be supercharged as peak-summer kicks in. Whether you opt for intricate nail art or easy nail stickers, fruits are a sure-fire way to inject some personality onto your nails.
Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossom floral accents are coming to the fore this summer, too. 'They can actually be recreated fairly easily too,' shares Rae. 'Starting with a neutral base shade, take two colours of your choice, one to form the petals and another shade for the centre of the flower. Using a dotting tool (or bobby pin), apply the colour in small dots to form a circle and another dot in the centre. You could apply one flower central to the nail or as many as you like,' she says.
Aura Nails
This dreamy, psychedelic nail design can be customised with any colour combination your imagination conjures - but we're especially obsessed with this strawberry matcha duo. Aura nails are meant to reflect the energy that radiates from within, so choose colours that resonate with you to make it your own.
Micro Florals
Not big on nail art? You can't go wrong with a nude base and a few itsy-bitsy daises.
Sunshine State
From our wardrobes to our fingertips, butter yellow is officially the colour of the summer.
Under The Sea
Have you ever seen a more perfect set for summer jet-setting? These glittery starfish nails are practically made for beach getaways and poolside lounging.
Polka Dots
Bringing a retro twist to summer nails, polka dot nails are the easiest way to upgrade a classic mani. So easy, in fact, you can create them at home with a cocktail stick or a bobby pin (truly retro).
Dolce Vita
You, a limoncello spritz and this set – all summer long.
She Sells Seashells
If your vibe leans clean-girl minimalism, this maximalist 3D seashell set might not be your match. But for the rest of us? We'll take all the fun, vibrant colours, please!
The Tuna Can
Dubbed 'the tuna can' by the artist, this set mixes retro prints with citrus slices and cocktail garnishes for something completely unique.
Micro French
Add a splash of baby blue to your summer French tips for something fun, fresh and subtle.
Lime Swirl
A yin and yang, but make it lime green. This swirly set looks especially cute on short, rounded nails.
Sweet Cherries
These dainty, fruity touches are perfect for those who prefer a more subtle mani. You could try it out with lemons, limes or strawberries, too.
Confetti Nails
So cute – and surprisingly easy to DIY. Channel your inner tween with a swipe of glitter polish over a nude base, or use a bobby pin to dot on playful, multi-coloured polka dots.
Whether you opt for chrome finishes or experiment with fruity touches, there's never been a better time to rediscover the joy of nail art.
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Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
