Wherever summer’s plot takes you, there is a nail colour to match. Imagine the sun glistening on your metallic nails as you grasp a refreshing drink on a rooftop. Or perhaps you are enjoying some R&R in Turks and Caicos, and as you take a dip in the ocean, your glossy aqua-blue nails camouflage into the waves.
Dreamy, no? “We’re shaping up for a vibrant season of nail trends,” says New York City-based nail artist Julie Kandalec.
With summer 2024 nail colour trends taking inspiration from the liveliest scenes of the season, brands are launching new collections to match.
Vibrant shades like jelly pink, tangerine, and ocean blue “capture the essence, energy, and romantic allure of the warmer months,” says Julie.
And electric shades aren’t the only option. A pastel butter yellow is a shockingly wearable swap for your usual paired-back neutrals — plus, the shade pairs beautifully with a classic summer white pedicure.
On that note: Experts predict fresh whites will be just as popular on your fingertips as the colour has always been on your toes.
Ahead, discover a rainbow of nail polishes to have on rotation all summer long.
Meet the experts:
- JinSoon Choi is a New York City-based nail artist.
- Lonna Janee is a California-based nail artist and V Beauty Pure educator.
- Julie Kandalec is a New York-based nail artist.
- Alexandra Rivera is a Florida-based nail artist.
- Amy Ling Lin is the founder of New York City-based salons and nail brand Sundays Studio.
Butter Yellow
Pass the butter (polish), please! This “dreamy pastel adds a touch of elegance with a playful twist,” says New York City-based nail artist JinSoon Choi.
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in 129 Ovni is the perfect soft pale yellow.
Tangerine
Reminiscent of Fanta soda and summer sunsets, tangerine practically screams summer. For California-based nail artist Lonna Janee, “it’s giving sunflower, it’s giving sun,” which makes it one of her go-to summer colours.
We love Nailberry Spontaneous Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, a beautiful orange polish with yellow undertones.
Ocean Blue
Last summer, pool nails took over our feeds. This year, we’re headed to the shore. A coastal ocean-blue shade makes for a bold statement on its own or as an accent colour.
Florida-based nail artist Alexandra Rivera recommends a deep sea-inspired vertical ombré manicure, like the one pictured here—play around with different shades of blue to create a dimensional look. We love the Manucurist nail Polish in Ultramarine.
Chilli Pepper Red
The heat is on this summer — and we recommend a fiery, red-hot nail lacquer to match. A chilli-pepper shade is “an energetic and spicy mood booster that harnesses the vibrant energy of the season,” says Amy Ling Lin, Sundays Studio founder.
Try Dior Vernis in 999 Rouge, which provides an opaque, glossy finish in a warm, red hue.
Molten Metallics
“Metallics remain a summer favourite,” says Julie. In the coming months, purple will have its shining moment. Try Nails Inc Plant Power Vegan Nail Polish in Eco Glow (a cool metallic lavender).
Summer White
White linen sets, white sand beaches, a classic white pedicure…a fresh hue such as OPI Funny Bunny is practically synonymous with summertime.
“It’s a versatile colour that makes your skin appear tan and instantly brightens your overall look,” says Amy Ling.
Jelly Pink
A popsicle is an idyllic treat on a steamy day — and it’s become the inspiration for one of our favourite new manicures. Jelly nail polishes are an easy way to mimic the “popsicle-stained” effect and the formulas are especially pretty in pink.
“The summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of all the different shades of pink… a soft pastel or maybe something neon but jelly pink will be the most popular,” says Lonna.
Vivid shades of magenta are popular. That said, we also love Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss 60 Blush Jelly, a soft jelly rose shade for a subtle manicure.
Turquoise
Looking for a shade that will pop with your favourite sandals or on a white sand beach? Turquoise is the answer.
Amy Ling predicts the minty blue-green shade will be on everyone's toes and is a big fan of the “happy, cheerful colour.” Paint on Gucci Glossy in 713 Dorothy Turquoise for a long-lasting pedicure that will hold up through several beach days.
A version of this article originally appeared on Allure.
