5 Sunny Nail Designs That Are Perfect For The Summer Heatwave
From bright hibiscus motifs to 'Ariel nails', consider your next manicure inspo, sorted
Great news for all sun-seekers: these last few weeks of the summer are set to be sunny and bright, which means there’s really no better time to embrace something that’s equally vibrant, light-hearted and fun (yet no less refined) for your summer manicure.
The best nail designs for the summer heatwave
Sunny nail designs with pops of yellow and orange are still incredibly popular for the warmer months, while polka dots and French manicures prove to be the celebrity favourite, as spotted on Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner. Elsewhere, whimsical fruit designs are an eclectic and charming way to lean into the laidback mood of summer.
But if you’re looking for something fresher and unexpected, consider the ‘Ariel manicure’, the modern, grown-up take on sea-life motifs and oceanic colourways that will no doubt please the sea princess. For fans of aura nails, the zodiac manicure is equally enigmatic and brings a sense of magic to your look.
This is a great time to make the most of punchy hues, too. Whether done in stripes or as a single-tone manicure, opt for summer’s trendiest nail colours such as butter yellow and hot pinks.
Modern art designs are also incredibly smart yet no less eye-catching. Consider leaning into your artistic side with a Warhol-ian use of contrasting colour combinations or Yayoi Kusama-esque dotty designs. Or, why not lean into Riviera nails with bold stripes and the use of coastal, beachy hues such as blue, white, orange and yellow.
'Coastal minimalism is the perfect summer nail trend for those who love a fresh, understated look with a touch of seaside charm,' agrees manicurist, Ami Streets. 'Think crisp white bases, soft sand-toned nudes, and delicate accents like fine navy stripes, single seashell charms, or tiny pearls. The palette stays light and airy, evoking sun-bleached beaches and ocean breezes,' she tells ELLE, name-checking Kure Bazaar Milk and Navy as go-to hues.
Adds TheGelBottle ambassador, Hannah Taylor: ' Washes of neutral bases with tiny starfish, hibiscus flowers and beach inspired minimalism have been popular amongst clients wanting something wearable and versatile.'
All of these maximalist trends can easily be adapted onto an understated 'soap nail' base for a more discreet interpretation. There truly is something for everyone.
The 5 best heatwave nail design trends to save right now
1. Ariel Nails
Go all out with tactile 3D motifs, shimmery metallic periwinkle and a glorious starfish design.
Minimalists, we see you. Go discreet and understated with a barely-there base and opt for a low-key, tiny design on each nail.
A neutral base brings softness to the eye-catching gold starfish and floral details.
2. Riviera Nails
Whether you've got a last minute vacay booked or not, this holiday-themed set will transport you to bustling farmer's markets and seaside cafes.
Dial up the baby blue manicure with impactful turquoise for sunnier days.
Soft lemonade yellow and glossy aquamarine make for an impossibly fresh colour combination.
3. Modern Art
Get playful with varying textures and cool colour ways such as retro blue and earthy pistachio green.
Trust manicurist Betina Goldstein to elevate unexpected colour combinations in the most elegant way possible.
Polka dots are here to stay. Go all out with a punchy, hi-vis colour palette that's guaranteed to stop traffic.
4. Zodiac Nails
A natural progression from the aura nails, a zodiac-coded design in a moody hue is perfect for those who embrace a deeper colour palette all year round.
This magical violet set is made for Cancer season, but can easily be tailored to your star sign.
Fiery and dramatic, perfect for the Leos.
5. Sunny Florals
It's not one for the faint of heart, but in these last few weeks of summer, it's worth going the extra mile.
A blossoming, colourful bouquet promises to instantly lift your spirits.
The cool girl take on flowers? Not shying away from richer cocoa hues and a mix-and-match set.
Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Victoria Beckham Puts Her Own Spin On The 'Soap Nail' Trend
A Guide To Creating Cherry Nails For Summer
The 4 Juicy Fruit Nail Trends To Try
7 Polka Dot Manicure Trends To Try This Summer
