Popular nail art recommendations for this summer

Want to show off your summer style in a fresh way? This season, you’ll see French ombre manicures, jelly manicures, animal prints, fruit-themed designs, 3D art, pastel ombre manicures and mermaid manicures everywhere. These looks shine with bright colors and playful shapes, perfect for sunny days. Last year, searches for fruit and chrome manicures surged 83% , while jelly manicures have also made a comeback thanks to social media buzz . The global nail art market continues to grow , and now is the perfect time to try out a new popular nail art trend that suits your summer vibe.     

Key Takeaways

• Try popular summer nail art,Such as gradient French manicure, jelly manicure, animal prints, fruit prints and 3D art to express your style.  
• Use bright colors like pink, orange, neon, and soft gradients for a fresh and playful summer look.
• Taking good care of your nails, doing a good nail treatment, moisturizing your cuticles, and using a base coat and top coat will help your nails last longer.
• Choose a round or oval nail shape for strength and durability during summer activities.  
• Mix and match different nail art trends and colors to create a unique design that suits your personality and summer vibe.

Popular nail art trends

Gradient French tip

Ombre French manicures  are everywhere this summer. You can see them all over Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. This manicure combines two or more colors, gradating from one hue to another. The pink and orange combination looks especially fresh and bright on sunny days. You can try this look at home using a makeup sponge. Apply your favorite summer hue to the sponge, press it onto your nails, and finish with a clear topcoat. If you want some variety, add a thin layer of white nail polish for a modern French look.

Tip: Use pastel colors for a softer vibe or bold neon hues for a stronger pop.

Many people love this style because it's both classic and new, and social media makes it easy to find inspiration and tutorials so you can create your own version of the popular manicure.

Jelly Nails

Jelly nails are making a strong comeback. These nails have a clear, glossy finish that looks like colorful candies. You can choose any color, but pink, blue, and green are top choices for summer. Brands are constantly launching new jelly colors, and the market for this type of nail polish is growing fast. In 2024, the nail polish market was worth $5.86 billion , and experts predict it will reach $10.32 billion by 2033. This means you'll soon be seeing more jelly-colored options. 

To create this effect, use clear polish or mix a drop of colored polish with clear polish. Apply two or three coats and you'll have the perfect jelly effect. You can even add glitter or stickers underneath for a fun twist.

Animal prints

Animal prints never go out of style, but this summer, you’ll see them in new ways. Cow, zebra, and leopard prints are popping up all over social media. You can keep it simple with black and white, or try pastels or neons for a playful touch. Many people use nail art pens or thin brushes to paint the patterns. If you want to go easy on the DIY side, use stickers or press-on nail art stickers.

• The cow print looks lovely against the pastel background.
• Leopard spots are paired with neon outlines.
• Zebra stripes are perfect for decorating your nails.

Animal prints let you bring out your wild side. They go well with other popular nail art trends and are easy to pair with summer outfits.

Fruit Manicure

Fruit manicures are one of the most popular manicure choices this summer. You can see little strawberries , cherries , lemons, and watermelons adorning nails everywhere. In 2025, searches for "summer fruit manicures" grew 249% . People love these designs because they look fresh, bright, and fun. You can use stickers, stamps, or hand-paint the fruit shapes with a stipple tool. 

Note: Bright colors like orange, yellow, and lime green make the fruit pattern stand out more.

Fashion magazines and Google Trends both highlight fruit and tropical themes as popular choices for the summer. You can try a different fruit on each nail or mix fruit with other summery patterns, such as flowers or waves.  

3D Art

3D nail art is becoming a trend that can’t be missed. You might see juicy 3D cherries , sculpted flowers , or tiny gems sparkling on your nails . Magazines and influencers have shown off these looks, and now more and more brands are launching easy-to-use 3D accessories and powders. Buttery yellow , halo designs, and layered effects are particularly popular now. 

• Try adding 3D cherries to your French tip for a playful twist.
• Use acrylic or gel to build up the shape.
• Chrome powder is added for a shiny finish.

3D nail art allows you to get creative and create personalized nails. Many people love this trend because it is eye-catching and feels unique. Thanks to the rise of new technologies and social media, the demand for customizable and user-friendly nail art continues to grow. 

Did you know that approximately 72% of beauty lovers discover new trends on social media and 59% want to have a manicure that suits their style?  

You can mix and match these popular nail art trends to create the style that suits you best. Whether you like ombré, jelly colors, animal prints, fruit patterns or 3D art, there is a summer look waiting for you to try.

Summer Colors and Finishes

Pink and orange combination

今年夏天，粉色和橙色的指甲 随处可见。你会看到融合了橙色、粉色和黄色的夕阳渐变色，为你的指甲营造出梦幻般的夏日夜晚氛围。明亮的法式指甲尖采用霓虹粉色和橘色，为经典的白色指甲尖增添了趣味。《南方生活》甚至重点介绍了 OPI 的夏季色彩，包括泡泡糖粉色和大胆的橙色。这些颜色从夏天到秋天都很好看，所以你的指甲油可以更持久。市场数据显示，珊瑚色和橘橙色位列夏季指甲油前三名，尤其对于 18 至 34 岁的人群而言。这些色调与杏仁形或棺材形指甲搭配起来很搭，与节日服装或飘逸的太阳裙搭配起来也很好看。   

提示：尝试在短方形指甲上采用粉色和橙色的渐变色，营造俏皮、现代的氛围。

乳白色和半透明

乳白色和半透明的指甲能让你看起来柔和干净。这些效果看起来像一层薄薄的色彩，几乎像果冻指甲，但更加低调。你可以单独使用，也可以在美甲上叠加使用，打造梦幻般的效果。乳白色或淡粉色最适合椭圆形或杏仁形指甲。搭配亚麻服装或柔和色调的配饰，打造清新的夏日风格。

霓虹灯罩

霓虹美甲彰显夏日乐趣。亮粉色、电光绿和亮黄色系的色彩引人注目。霓虹色适合任何指甲形状，尤其适合细高跟或棺材色指甲。霓虹美甲可与运动装、泳衣或节日服饰搭配。你甚至可以混合霓虹色系，打造彩虹般的效果。

柔和的渐变色

柔和渐变美甲 是夏季的首选。你可以将薰衣草紫、薄荷绿和淡蓝色等柔和的色彩混合，打造柔和的渐变效果。这种风格适合任何长度和形状的指甲。许多人喜欢使用哑光亮油来保持柔和的色调清爽顺滑。彩虹柔和渐变设计让你可以混合多种颜色，打造创意十足的造型。

1. 柔和的渐变色适合短指甲和长指甲。
2. 哑光面漆使外观保持清新。
3. 彩虹混合增添了额外的乐趣。

将柔和的渐变色指甲与飘逸的连衣裙或浅色牛仔裤搭配，营造出甜美的夏日造型。 

彩虹色和美人鱼

彩虹色和美人鱼美甲闪耀着神奇的海滩气息。这些美甲采用镀铬、全息或珍珠抛光，在光线下会变色。美人鱼核心美甲是今年夏天的热门，许多人都是第一次尝试彩虹色或3D美甲。现在你可以在商店里找到像神秘海洋色或美人鱼珍珠粉这样的特殊抛光剂。这些美甲在杏仁形或椭圆形上看起来非常惊艳，与闪亮的上衣或柔和色调的泳衣搭配起来也非常完美。  

注意：彩虹色指甲最好搭配简单的珠宝和柔和的妆容，以打造真正的美人鱼效果。

极简主义与自然灵感

柔和的猫眼

柔和的猫眼美甲散发着微妙的光泽，捕捉光线。这款美甲采用磁性指甲油，在指甲上打造柔和闪亮的线条。您可以选择淡粉色、银色或薰衣草紫色等柔和的色调，打造梦幻般的效果。许多人喜欢这种造型，因为它给人一种平静优雅的感觉。柔和的猫眼美甲可以搭配任何服装，从牛仔裤到太阳裙。如果您想在家尝试，可以在涂好指甲油后立即使用磁性棒。将棒靠近指甲几秒钟，您就会看到神奇的效果。

提示：尝试使用透明底色，以获得更柔和、更自然的外观。

搅打香草

香草味指甲油看起来柔滑细腻，就像你最爱的夏日甜点一样。这款指甲油采用乳白色或浅米色指甲油，打造干净清新的妆效。你可以涂一层亮面亮油，增添光泽。香草味指甲油适合任何喜欢简约精致外观的人。它适合各种肤色，也能搭配任何夏季服装。如果你想添加一些细节，可以尝试在每个指甲上贴一个小金色贴纸或点缀一个点。

• 在家即可轻松完成
• 适合短指甲或长指甲
• 非常适合日常穿着

虫子和海滩的氛围

今年夏天，自然风美甲 风靡一时。你可以画上小瓢虫、蝴蝶，甚至是小贝壳。这些图案能为你的美甲增添一抹俏皮。许多人会使用指甲贴纸或印章来简化美甲过程。你可以将圆点或波浪线等简单的形状与自然主题相结合，打造趣味十足的造型。极简主义美甲通常采用小巧的创意图案，例如裸色底色上的波点图案或抽象线条。无需过多繁琐，即可打造清新亮丽的造型。  

注意：尝试裸色或透明底色，让您的虫子或海滩设计脱颖而出。

泥土和赤陶

如果您想要营造温暖自然的氛围，大地色和赤陶色指甲是理想之选。赤陶色融合了橙色、棕色和红色，打造出适合任何季节的舒适造型。美甲专家表示，这些颜色是2025年精致极简主义潮流的一部分。您可以单独使用大地色系指甲，也可以搭配一些简单的艺术作品，例如双角法式尖头指甲。这些颜色看起来时尚低调，却又不失时尚感。赤陶色指甲适合夏季和秋季的服装，因此只需一支指甲油即可多次使用。   

现在许多人选择中性色调和大地色调来打造精致、百搭的美甲。

脚趾甲潮流

粉彩脚趾

淡雅的脚趾甲是夏季的宠儿。天气转暖，随处可见柔和的粉色、薰衣草紫、薄荷绿和淡蓝色。这些柔和的色调看起来清新干净，让你的双脚随时可以穿上凉鞋。谷歌趋势显示，人们在五月和六月搜索“脚趾甲油”和“夏季脚趾甲设计”的频率最高。这意味着，如果你想在下次足部护理时尝试一些新的东西，你并不孤单。

• 淡粉色、淡紫色、桃色、薄荷色和香草色 是 2025 年的热门颜色。
• 柔和的色调几乎可以与任何凉鞋或人字拖相配。
• 这些颜色适合所有肤色。

小贴士：尝试混合两种柔和的色调，打造有趣的双色造型。给每个脚趾涂上不同的颜色，打造俏皮的彩虹效果。

你可以使用普通指甲油、凝胶，甚至是半固化凝胶贴片，方便涂抹，颜色持久。现在很多品牌都推出了淡彩套装，让你整个夏天都能变换造型。

金属色调

金属元素为你的脚趾增添一抹亮丽。镀铬、银色和金色饰面是本季的流行趋势。《Vogue》和《Harper's Bazaar》等时尚杂志都将镀铬和水晶装饰列为必试单品。你可以为整个脚趾涂上金属指甲油，或者只是添加闪亮的条纹或圆点，增添一抹微妙的点缀。  

• 镀铬和彩虹色饰面在光线下闪闪发光，在海滩上看起来非常漂亮。
• 金属贴纸和美甲条让您在家就能轻松打造沙龙效果。
• 将金属色的鞋头与简单的凉鞋搭配，让你的指甲闪闪发光。

注意：带有大胆颜色（如绿松石色和柠檬黄）的凝胶抛光套装也很受欢迎，尤其是在初夏。

牛油果小贴士

Avocado nails are a fresh and playful choice for summer toenails. You can paint the tips of your nails a soft green or add little avocado designs for a playful touch. Many people like to use avocado oil in their nail care routine because it keeps nails hydrated and healthy. Avocado cuticle oil can help your pedicure last longer and promote nail growth.

• Avocado oil is a go-to ingredient for summer nail care .
• The green tips look lovely and feel natural.
• This trend is in line with the growing love for nourished, healthy nails.

Try treating your avocado-fingers with a pale green nail polish and finish with a moisturizing cuticle oil for best results.

Tips for long-lasting nail polish

Preparation and care

To make your manicure last longer, start with adequate preparation . Clean your nails, trim and shape them, and push back your cuticles. Always make sure your nails are dry before applying nail polish. Using a base coat can help the polish adhere better. Experts say skipping these steps may cause the polish to peel or flake prematurely. Once you've completed your design, seal your fingertips with a top coat. This will help protect your manicure from daily wear and tear. 

• Keep your nails and cuticles moisturized every day.
• Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
• Never use your nails as tools.
• Avoid biting or picking your nails.
• Use a mild polish.

Tip: Moisturizing your nails keeps them strong and helps prevent cracking or chipping.

Research suggests that regular nail care , such as trimming and using cuticle oil, can make nail care more effective and help keep nails healthy. Some people even use essential oils or ointments for extra care, but more research is needed to verify how effective these methods are. 

DIY and Salon

You may be wondering, are salon manicures more durable than DIY manicures? Let's take a quick look:

Salon manicures are often longer-lasting because professionals use special products and tools. You can still get the desired results with a manicure at home as long as you follow all the preparation steps and use quality products. DIY manicures save money and allow you to be creative, but they may chip faster if you rush or skip steps. Some people enjoy going to a salon for a relaxing treat, while others prefer to do their own manicures just for fun.  

Choice of nail shape

The shape of your nails can affect how long your manicure will last. Square nails are durable and won't break easily, allowing your nail art to last longer. Pointed nails look cool, but are more likely to chip or break. If you use your hands a lot, try a round or oval shape to add strength to your manicure. When choosing a nail shape, consider your daily routine. No matter which manicure you choose, the right shape will help your nails look better and last longer.  

Remember: choose a nail shape that fits your lifestyle for best results!

There are so many ways to show off your summer style with trendy nail art. This season's nail art styles range from fruit-themed nails and neon-hued nails to 3D swirls and cute smiley flowers. Try playful designs like slices of watermelon or lemon, bold rainbow fingertips, or even retro swirls. Nail art allows you to express yourself and have fun. Don't be afraid to mix and match, and share your creations with your friends!  

• Fruit theme: watermelon, orange slices, sweet strawberries
• Bold colors: neon green, rainbow french tip, blue flame
• Whimsical style: cute frogs, smiling flowers, cotton candy halos

Remember, your nails are your canvas—let your creativity shine!

FAQ

How to make your summer manicure last longer?

Keep your nails clean and dry before applying nail polish. Always use a base coat and a top coat. Moisturize your nail cuticles daily. Try not to use your nails as tools. Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes.

Which nail art trend is easiest to try at home?

You can start with a light ombre or fruit stickers . These styles only require a few tools. Use a makeup sponge to paint the ombre or press the stickers onto your nails. Finish with a clear topcoat to make your nails more shiny. 

Can I get 3D nail art without going to a salon?

Yes! You can buy 3D nail art or gems online. Attach them with nail glue or gel polish. Gently press them onto your nails and apply a top coat of polish. It's fun and easy to try at home.

What shape of nails is best for summer events?

Round or oval nails work best. They are strong and durable and don't break easily. You can swim, play sports, or garden without worrying about your nails chipping. These shapes also go well with any summer nail color. 

How do you remove bright or neon nail polish without staining your nails?

Tips: Apply a base coat before applying topcoat. To remove nail polish, soak a cotton pad with nail polish remover, press on the nail for a few seconds, and then wipe it off. This helps prevent nail staining and keeps nails healthy.