Summer’s Nail Color Trends Will Delight Minimalists & Maximalists Alike

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, baby blue is truly the color of it girls — at least for summer 2024. (Case in point: Megan Fox most recently traded in her pink hair for a cool, “washed denim” shade.)

The pastel color is trending in the manicure space, too, because, according to Bachik, it gives big “‘by the ocean’ vibes.”

For quite some time now, hot pink has been a manicure mainstay — particularly for those craving a shocking pop of color. In a post-Barbie world, Bachik says the pink obsession will lean more toward purple, with “cute and sassy” magenta hues taking the lead.

In a sea of silver and gold chrome, Bachik predicts copper polish will skyrocket in popularity. “Rose gold looks like a neutral, yet has that bit of twist. It’s a really versatile color and looks great on a lot of skin tones.”

For a rose gold mani in minutes, Bachik names the imPRESS “Wanderlust” press-ons as a personal fave.

Just before winter’s end, Alix Earle made gray “stone nails” a major trend. Come summer, the gray obsession is getting a seasonal touch of pastel.

“I love grayish lilac polish,” says Edwards. “It can be used as an ‘anchor color’ when outfitting a look.” In other words? Purple-tinted greige nails are the new neutral.

Year round, red nail polish is a nail salon staple. Bachik says this year the red-hot hues will be slightly more orange in comparison. “Corals are a summertime red,” he says.

Come summertime, many adopt a decidedly mermaidcore aesthetic — and the same applies to manicures. “Right now, I am really loving sheer reflective colors,” says Edwards. “They can be worn alone or layered, and are so much fun to play with.”

Enter: pretty pearlescent finishes. These pearly nails are a play on 2024’s chrome nail trend, but with added oceanic vibes.

For a bit of luxury in your manicure, Bachik names one turquoise-blue color in particular. She says Tiffany blues “bring an upscale vibe.” Basically, this is “quiet luxury” turned up a notch.

Another faction of the metallic trend, green chrome nails are slowly but surely taking over. “I really love chrome, which gives off an extreme fashion-forward vibe,” says Edwards. For those painting their nails at home, the polish shade “Clarice” by ZOYA is a perfect option.

Don’t worry, neutral nail girlies, there’s something for you, too. Edwards points to sheer pink as an on-trend color that’s perfect for everyday wear. Rosier tones make the classic shade feel subtly on-trend.

For summer, buzzy polish colors will be bolder and brighter than ever before. “Something a bit unexpected that I love right now are neons,” says Bachik. “Neon yellow is very eye-catching and is sure to draw interest.”

Zendaya has been rocking the tennis ball-inspired shade while on her press tour for the film Challengers, formally cementing it as the color to watch.

You don’t have to be a matcha stan to appreciate this earthy polish color. Although the color was a huge hit in fall 2023, there’s a good chance the coffee alternative shade will be just as popular during the warm weather months.

Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND, predicts vibrant shades of coral will be a staple this season. To get the perfect hue, Arnold recommends CND’s “Sunrise Energy.”

You can’t go wrong with an aqua hue that screams “tropical vacation.” It’s playful, it’s vibrant, and it’s exciting — just how summer should be. Plus, it’ll look great in an Insta Story or two.

Though 2023 may have been the summer of Barbie, Barbiecore isn’t going anywhere. Celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce predicts flashy pink polishes like “As If!” by Apres Nail will be a big theme this summer.

Though often considered a spring color, licensed nail technician Kaylee Sotelo thinks lavender will be a hit this summer, as it “perfectly [pairs] with any summer outfit.”

A subtle neutral with a touch of warmth, cream is basically the perfect summer hue. It goes with everything, and transitions easily from day to night. It’s a good thing simple nails are on-trend again.

A pretty peach pastel hits right in the sweet spot between bright colors and neutral tones. The wearable shade will look great whether you’re vacationing at the beach, traveling to a new country, or at a backyard barbecue under the stars.

If you’re going for a barely-there mani, Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon, suggests a sheer shade, like JINsoon’s “Pixie” polish. for a “glossy, glazed effect” that exudes a “fresh and modern vibe.”

After the success of oyster nails and the milk bath trend, Arnold says, it’s no surprise that rose champagne is on the rise. The shade is simple, shiny, and elegant. Try CND’s “Night Brilliance” polish for an easy, at-home version.

Bold colors are going to be everywhere this season, per Choi, and vibrant orchid makes for an unexpected choice.

Polishes that are reminiscent of the sunset, like burnt orange, are a must (for obvious reasons). It’s the chic older sister of your classis neutral shades.

If Barbiecore isn’t your thing, you can always go for a lighter shade to keep your nails looking fresh. It wouldn’t be a soft girl summer without a baby pink set, after all.

Between colorful Skittles nails, heart-lined classic Frenchies, and fruity nail art, cherry red will be practically inescapable this season. “A manicure with this beautiful color will bring your confidence up with its fun and bright vibe,” says Sotelo.

Chrome nails are having a moment, which is why you’ll probably see gold metallic manis dominating your IG feed this summer. It’s just as timeless as your favorite gold necklace, but doesn’t cost nearly as much.

Match the sea glass at the beach with a stunning seafoam color like DND’s “Carousel” gel lacquer. “With each stroke, your nails become a canvas for summer's allure, radiating a youthful energy and effortless elegance that's perfect for any sunny adventure,” says Sotelo.

Citrus is in this season, and you can get a taste with “Tweety” from JINsoon. “This refreshing hue adds a playful, yet chic, element, perfectly reflecting the contemporary style,” says Choi.

Can’t choose between red or orange? No problem, because according to Arnold, combos of both, like CND’s “Ig-night-ed,” will be everywhere this summer. It’s the perfect shade for a sunset date with your beau.

Boyce anticipates blue sets will be popular during the warm weather season, and suggests embracing the fad with Apres Nail’s “Posei-Donna” polish. “I'm obsessed with a neon-base blue that’s toned down to give the powdered neon look,” says the manicurist.

Celebs like Kylie Jenner have been loving the “milk bath” nail trend lately, so it’s fair to assume the fad is here to stay. Not only is it a “clean girl’s” dream mani, but it’s basically impossible to find an outfit it won’t pair well with.

After the rise of “strawberry girls” and “tomato girls” last summer, it’s only a matter of time before “raspberry girls” become a thing. This color will transition you from late summer to early autumn, but don’t be afraid to test drive it in the meantime.

Summer is the unofficial season of statement nails, so of course an eye-catching hue like orange will be on trend. “Neon orange hue radiates warmth and energy, reminiscent of tropical citrus fruits and golden hour skies,” says Sotelo.

Summer is prime picnicking season, so it’s only fitting that grassy green colors, like CND’s “Meadow Glow,” will be a big hit this year. Experts agree green is going to be a big theme in the coming months, so if seafoam or matcha aren’t really your vibe, this might be the shade for you.

Contrary to popular belief, pastels aren’t just for spring. Their soft femininity offers a “romantic and whimsical vibe perfect for the season,” Choi says. According to the expert, JINsoon has no shortage of pastel hues to choose from, with polishes like “Aero,” “Keppel,” “Ube,” and “Lavanda.”

Arnold expects warm yellow manis will be on everyone’s mood board this summer. Sotelo agrees, and promises that the happy color will “evoke feelings of joy and vitality.”

Just like the fruit they’re named after, blueberry nails are in season Maybe it’s because blue is the unofficial nail color of cool girls, or perhaps it’s a sign that bold sets are making a comeback.

If you can’t already tell, green is going to be a vibe this summer. Boyce recommends the “Plantling” shade from Apres Nail. “It’s a color that not everyone is comfortable wearing, but it’s super in.”

According to Sotelo, a shade like this will “make you feel like you are walking around with glistening pink water on your fingertips.” Tru V Beauty Pure’s “Jelly Fishing” polish to get the look yourself.

Yes, you can still wear goth-adjacent shades in the summertime. In fact, you could rock this color straight into autumn, and no one would bat an eye.

Rich taupe shades, like V Beauty Pure’s “Mocha,” evoke the colors of nature. “This shade conjures visions of sandy beaches and sun-warmed driftwood, offering a sense of grounding and tranquility amidst the season's heat,” says Sotelo. “It's neither too light nor too dark, striking a harmonious balance that compliments the vibrant colors of summer, without overpowering them.”

When in doubt, a plain white set is great for just about any occasion — except maybe a wedding.