Nail Art Trends That Scream Summer Vibes

Introduction to Summer Nail Art Trends

Season three of The White Lotus left us with a range of big emotions, including heartache over Rick and Chelsea and anger over Gary and the Russians getting off scot-free, but it also left us feeling very ready for summer, with visions of sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and diaphanous caftans dancing in our heads. Nowhere is this summer readiness clearer than in the season’s top nail art trends. We can’t remember a time when the most popular nail designs felt so quintessentially summery, whether that means dreamy 3D seashells, tropical-flower decals, or all the animal prints and rainbow-bright French tips in between.

Overview of Current Nail Art Trends

Many of the season’s coolest designs are reflective of 2025’s overarching nail art trends, but with a warm-weather twist: Cat-eye polish in shades of beige and pink sand twinkle beautifully in the sun; 3D embellishments in the form of miniature hibiscus flowers and abstract chrome accents; and aura nails that feel less zen and more beach party-appropriate when done in vibrant neon tones. This summer, people are obsessed with press-ons, which let them update their manicures easily and often. The phrase “press-on nails” currently receives an average of 82 million views on TikTok and 605.3K monthly searches on Google per week, according to Spate.

Popular Summer Nail Art Trends

Pop-Up Tropical Flowers

Three-dimensional flowers of all genus and species will be trending this summer, says Rita Pinto, founder of Vanity Projects nail salons in New York City and Miami, although “orchids have been a client favorite.” Nail artist Fleury Rose agrees that 3D tropical flowers, primarily meaning orchid and hibiscus shapes, also popular last summer, will have another moment in 2025. These dainty orchidaceae are created using a clay-like builder gel, Rose explains, and rubber nail-art tools. Unless you’re super skilled at sculpting teeny-tiny floral masterpieces on your own fingernails, your best bet is to schedule a salon appointment. You can also purchase press-ons adorned with florals.

Mismatched Manicures

Can’t choose between aura nails, gemstones, chrome, or cat eye? Then don’t, and ask your manicurist to create a set that includes all these looks. “I don’t see many manicures with the same design on every nail at the moment,” says Rose. People are opting to be a lot more playful right now, she adds, sprinkling different designs throughout their manicure. These labor-intensive designs are best left to professionals. If you are heading to the salon, you can find a lot of great inspiration from nail artists like Juan Alvear, Mycah Dior, longtime maximalist nail queen Naomi Yasuda, and salons like Green Nail Salon in Brooklyn and Les Mains Nail Bar in Atlanta.

3D Shell Nails

She may sell seashells by the seashore, but this summer expect to see seashell-inspired nails all over the mainland. Brands like Salon Perfect are launching shell-inspired press-ons, while the nail artists at Vanity Projects in Miami and So.Shell in London are already crafting some beautiful shell-shaped sets.

Conclusion

This summer’s nail art trends are all about embracing the fun and playfulness of the season. With the rise of press-on nails, it’s easier than ever to try out new and exciting designs without committing to a full salon appointment. Whether you’re into 3D tropical flowers, mismatched manicures, or 3D shell nails, there’s a trend out there for everyone. So why not get creative and try out a new look this summer?

FAQs

• Q: What are the most popular nail art trends for summer?
  A: The most popular nail art trends for summer include 3D tropical flowers, mismatched manicures, and 3D shell nails.
• Q: How can I achieve these nail art trends at home?
  A: You can achieve these nail art trends at home by using press-on nails or by practicing your nail art skills with the help of online tutorials and nail art tools.
• Q: Where can I find inspiration for summer nail art trends?
  A: You can find inspiration for summer nail art trends on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as well as from professional nail artists and salons.
• Q: Are press-on nails a good option for summer nail art trends?
  A: Yes, press-on nails are a great option for summer nail art trends because they are easy to apply and remove, and they come in a wide range of designs and styles.