21 coolest summer nails to know for 2025, from polka dots to astral nails
The summer nails trends are in and if TikTok has anything to say about it (and obviously, TikTok has a lot to say about it), two main themes are dominating: soft and pastel; or experimental, maximalist and colourful. Either way, we're into it, because the only thing that's better than having a chilled rosé in your hand on a sunny day, is having a fresh mani to show off at the same time.
“People are being much more adventurous with their nails now,” celebrity nail artist Harriet Westmoreland tells GLAMOUR. “They’re having fun and wearing polish more, which then enables you to have more fun because you can take it off and redo it. You're not locked in for two or four weeks as you would be with a gel manicure.”
When it comes to specific tones and designs, 3D details are bringing the drama, while bold florals and summer auras are bringing the colour. And, no surprises, glazed finishes are returning once again to reflect all that sunlight, but the shades are branching out from just baby pinks (although that's one key trend all on its own) to moodier, modern cool-toned metallics.
Elsewhere, butter yellow is back for a second summer running as the shade all the cool-girls are tapping up. And alt-green appears to have been dubbed the unofficial colour of the summer. Want more? How about bubblegum ice cream nails that look good enough to eat, mermaid manicures from the deep blue sea, or astral nails that give the Milky Way a run for its money.
Whatever your mood, there's a design for you, and to help you along, we've edited some of our favourite summer nails below…
Milky
“Milky nails are huge and not going anywhere,” says Harriet on the enduring appeal of these clean nails. She recommends using Hermès Les Mains Hermès nail polish in Blanc Orange for the perfect milk nails. But how can you update the look for this summer? “Lavender milky nails,” she says, “but you do have to be careful about getting the right tone if your skin is very pale as it can bring out the red and grey undertones of your skin.”
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Polka dots
You’ve probably spotted (wink, wink) polka dots cropping up all over your FYP and been hoodwinked into buying it for your summer wardrobe. It was only a matter of time before it crossed over into the beauty space too. Go classic with black dots on top of your French mani or flip the script with white dots on black nails. Or throw out the rulebook completely and go for a jumble of different spotted colours.
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Mermaid
Rising from the depths of the deep blue sea, mermaid nails are what you might imagine Ariel donning before she got her legs. Whether your mimicking the rippling waves, the inside of a shiny shell, or adding cute sparkling starfish to your nails – trawl the entire ocean for inspo. Don't forget the gadgets, gizmos, and thingamabobs (IYKYK).
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Guava pink
We can’t think of a more summer-appropriate shade than this tropical pink inspired by the fleshy inside of a guava. Perfect for mani, pedi, or both!
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Abstract art
Leaning into the mismatched manicure trend, these abstract arty nails have no limits when it comes to clashing colours, prints or patterns. The perfect set for maximalists who can’t decide what trend they want to hop on. Hang them in the Louvre!
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Astral
From the depths of the ocean to the wide expanse of space, astral nails take you out of this world and out into the galaxy. Spotted on Jennifer Lopez at American Music Awards, celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik used a sweeping of sparkles to complement the singer's crystal dress. Dip into astral nails yourself with a wash of shimmering nail polish evoking nebulas and supernovas.
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Bubblegum ice cream
What’s more appropriate for the summer than a giant scoop of ice cream on a hot afternoon? Looking good enough to eat, bubblegum ice cream nails are already summer’s coolest nail trend thanks to Addison Rae. A clash of pretty pastels, go for soft shades or turn up the contrast for a technicolour twist.
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Pearl
Calling all June babies! If you’re celebrating your birthday this month, this could be the manicure for you. Representing purity, peace, and harmony, pearl is the traditional birthstone for June – it also makes a beautiful nail set too. Working harmoniously with Frenchies – give your tips a pearlescent twist for an extra dose of pearl – you can amp your set up with cute pearl accoutrements. Cute and coquettish.
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Jelly
Juicy jelly nails have been a go-to the past few summers, but they’ve been given a new lease of life for 2025. Instead of traditional bright colours, beauty oracle Hailey Bieber opted for a minimal take on the translucent set. The birth child of jelly and soap nails, jelly-gloss nails combine the best of both worlds. They're shiny, clean, transparent, with the softest hint of pink – like lips coated in gloss.
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3D
We've been saying it for yonks but 3D nails are going mainstream. From cute squiggles to intriguing bits and blobs they can take your mani to another level, and many nail salons are now offering the service thanks to sculpture gels. Expect raised florals and intricate greek goddess nails.
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Butter yellow
Butter yellow remains the ‘fashun’ shade of summer with JW Anderson, Jil Sander, Max Mara, Loewe, Tove, Zimmermann and Givenchy all featuring the colour in their collections. Selena Gomez has given the shade her stamp of approval and we've spotted celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley tapping up the colour for a new take on a French tip. We've seen it worn straight, up, glazed and as an accent, but whatever way you like it, the sunny shade is a very cute summer vibe.
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Babycore
Cute, glazed baby pinks are going nowhere this summer. They have the ability to look polished and sophisticated when worn all-over, but we've also seen the shade doubled-up with a French tip and accessorised with gemstones for an adorable '90s take on chrome.
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Alt-green nails
One of the most popular shades of the year is green. From pistachio to lime or mint to matcha, the colour has become one of the most requested and worn shades of 2025 and for good reason. It was even spotlit in Pinterest's “Pinterest Palette” – a line-up of colour trend predictions based on the biggest search terms – with “dill green” set to lead the way and “pickle margarita” up by 100%. The tone is fun, it's peppy and it's perfect for summer. Wear it all over or as an accent or tip.
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Pewter chromes
Mirror-like finishes are modern and futuristic and there's never a better chance to see them shine (quite literally) than in summer. Instead of hi-vis colours though, cool-toned pewters, silvers and smoky browns are going to headline this summer, and offer up a slightly moodier and unpredictable alternative.
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Summer aura
If you're all about colour when it comes to summer, aura is the answer. Aura nails are a whole moment on their own and a perfect way to personalise your mani so that it reflects your mood. Introduce a juicy colour palette, like hot pinks, tangerine and lemon, though, and it's a total vibe.
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Mocha mousse
Named 2025's pantone of the year, mocha mousse isn't just for the colder seasons. If you're looking for a sexy, sultry, deeper shade to see you through summer, dark chocolates can look delicious at any time of the year.
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Bold florals
Florals are a given for spring, and they're getting even bolder for summer with beautiful bright and 3D renditions already filling up our FYP.
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Tomato red
Red has always been a classic, but it did get a little lost there for a minute while milky and glazed pinks took off an ran with it. Now we've seen the shade restored to peak it-girl status and for summer 2025 bright tomato tones are set to trend.
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Fruity nails
If you want something fun, fresh and adorable, fruity nails are super cute and they're trending once again for summer 2025. Specifically? Strawberry nails, cherry nails , citrus nails and assorted fruit salad nails.
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So we've brought you all the inspo 🍓🍋🍒🍉🍑
Nail jewellery
Throwing it back to the nineties and noughties, nail piercings and nail jewellery are making a return, with manis that look like they’ve been dipped in our old arts and craft box. So, prepare to see little studs and dangly jewellery, gemstones, crystals, dinky hearts and teensy butterflies scattered across tips.
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Colourful Frenchies
If you want to introduce colour, but in a slightly subtler way, we love skittle tips or colourful Frenchies. They're super cute – and they're versatile, since you're not limited to a single shade. “This summer I think there will be a mix of colour clashing brights and pastels,” confirms pro nail artist, Ella Burgess.
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And we have all the inspo…
For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
