21 coolest summer nails to know for 2026
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…
Mediterranean
Dreaming of a summer holiday in Italy, Greece or Spain? Well whether or not you’re jetting off to sunnier climes this summer, you can still serve Mediterranean vibes with your manicure. After bubbling up all summer long in 2025, 2026 will see the manicure trend everywhere. Featuring all of your fave Mediterranean moods – lemons, olives, lobsters, oysters, sardines and ornate tiles in signature blue – the more variety, the better. Delicious-looking and eye-catching, what’s not to love.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Ocean blue
With pastel nails taking a backseat as spring turns into summer, it’s no surprise that deeper shades are moving in to take their place. One colour to watch is ocean blue, the colour you might spot far out at sea as you’re sunning yourself on the beach. A shade that immediately evokes summer, a hint of shimmer or sheer jelly shade really elevates it to new heights. We can’t wait to take a dip.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Fish
Staying in the deep blue sea, if a single nail colour isn’t your vibe for summer perhaps this one is for you. Fun fish-inspired manicures bring the aquarium to your nails. Starting off inspired by fishing lures, the trend has quickly grown to draw inspiration from all kinds of swimmers – the bolder, the better. And for minimalist manicure lovers, before you immediately dismiss this one, there are fish nails for you too. Try out a cute micro fish on each nail to dip your toe into the trend.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Stripes
If you were obsessed with polka dot nails last summer, but need a new pattern for summer 2026 – this one is for you. The cool-girl alternative to the spotty pattern, striped nails are the perfect manicure design for those looking to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you choose graphic, beach towel-esque designs or more demure French tips, the key is to mix and match your colours and line thickness for a varied finish.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Aperol
There’s nothing quite like a cool Aperol spritz on a hot summer day. It’s no surprise then that Aperol nails are in high demand as the days get longer (and warmer). Inspired by the instantly recognisable orange shade of the drink, we love the variety of ways this trend can be interpreted. Whether you opt for shimmering cat-eye to mirror the bubbly effect of soda water or go for an ombré of oranges, this trend is sure to be as much of a crowd-pleaser as an Aperol spritz after a long day in the sun.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Ladybird
A hangover from one of 2025’s biggest nail trends, polka dots, ladybird nails have begun popping up all over the FYP. Just like the spotted insect you’ll often see flying about during the summer, black spots on a red background are the classic way of interpreting this trend, but we advise throwing the rulebook out the window and having fun. Whatever colour you choose, be sure to accessorise your nails with a few friendly ladybirds as the cherry on top.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
Neon
We know, neon nails for summer are just like florals for spring. While they might not be groundbreaking, it’s hard to beat a classic combination. For summer 2026, we’re seeing the evolution of neon nails. Think all-out neons where every highlighter bright colour is combined, or utilise negative space to give your nails a bit of room to breathe. Whatever your choice is, these colours are guaranteed to brighten up your summer wherever you are in the world.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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).
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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!
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
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.
Instagram content
Instagram content
Instagram content
More on nails…
5 nail colours we’re loving for summer (and 5 we’re swapping out)
Blurred nails are 2026’s ultimate minimal manicure trend
How to apply cuticle oil, according to a pro nail artist
Cherry blossom nails are the prettiest manicure for spring 2026
47 festival nail ideas putting the fun back into manicures
