Nail the heat: Here are some of the best summer nail trends for 2025

From juicy neon to French tips, summer is the season to experiment with fresh looks and stay in trend for the hot months ahead. Whether you`re soaking up the sun, or just living your best iced-latte-on-a-patio life, your nails deserve to be part of the action. And let’s be real—there’s no better time than summer to switch it up and go a little bolder.

With those sun-soaked adventures and dips in the pool or ocean comes the challenge of maintaining that perfect manicure. Don’t fret! Mid-day got experts to help you out with the must-try nail trends of summer that are both stunning and are surprisingly easy to achieve at home. Get ready to embrace a summer of chic, low-maintenance nails that stay vibrant and chip-free, no matter where your travels take you.

Chic and DIY-friendly nail trends for summer 
If you are short on time for bi-weekly nail appointments and hour-long nail sessions or prefer going low-maintenance on nails and DIY manicures, that doesn’t mean you choose to go boring with nails either. For the effortless DIY girls who can’t be bothered, Rachna Virdi, founder of House of Nails, helps with nail trends that you can be stylish without being high on maintenance because sometimes the best beauty trick is just keeping it easy. After all, your nails deserve a summer vacation too.

Juicy neon
Ever tried jelly nails? They are super fun, sheer, and chips and regrowth barely show. Go for a short, rounded shape and pick a juicy neon (watermelon pink or lime green). You’ll look like you made an effort—without actually making one.

Think pink
The pink manicure suits every style. It is all about embracing playful and vibrant styles. All shades of pink – pop pink, fuchsia pink, magenta pink, shocking pink, all continue to be popular in summer, offering a fresh and delicate look.

Low-key chrome
You’ve seen the flashy chrome look, but this summer it’s way more chill. Think soft lavender chrome, rose gold, or mint shimmer—they look luxe but subtle enough to grow out without screaming “I need a fill.” What’s more, they go with everything.

Aura-inspired
Aura nails are usually a salon thing, but you can try the vibe with a gradient polish or sponging two colours together. Pro tip: stick to soft, dreamy colours that don’t scream when they chip (think dusty pink, cloud blue, or peach).

Minimalist nail art
Minimal nail art is still trending, and it is totally DIY-able. Use a trendy polish as your base and dot on tiny stars, or dots or evil eye charm with a toothpick. It’s cute, takes less time, and still looks fresh as it grows out.

French tips
A modern take on the classic French manicure. Choose a sheer pink or milky white polish to give that clean, polished French manicure energy—even if it`s not. Throw on a quick-dry top coat and you’re done in 10 minutes flat.

7 tips to follow for water-resistant summer manicures
Long, sun-filled days and water-soaked fun are what summer is all about—but they can also be a challenge for your nails. From dips in chlorinated pools to salty ocean splashes and the drying effects of heat, manicures are put to the test. 

So, how can you keep your nails looking fresh, glossy, and chip-free all season long? Namika Kant, technical expert at Envi Salons shares seven expert-approved nail care tips to make your summer mani last:

1. Choose long-wear formulas
Opt for gel polishes or long-lasting lacquers that are specifically designed to resist chipping. Many salons now offer hybrid formulas that give the durability of gel without requiring UV light, making them a summer favourite.

2. Prep your nails 
A manicure is only as strong as its foundation. Make sure nails are completely clean, dry, and free of oils before applying polish. Gently buff the surface of the nails to help the polish adhere better, and don’t skip the base coat—it acts like double-sided tape between your nail and the colour.

3. Hydrate with cuticle oil everyday
Hydration is key. Heat and sun can dry out the nail bed, making polish more prone to lifting. Using cuticle oil daily not only keeps the skin around your nails soft but also helps maintain flexibility in the nail plate, reducing the chance of cracks.

4. Avoid hot water right after a manicure
After getting your nails done, avoid going for hot showers or washing dishes in hot water for at least 12 hours. Heat can weaken the polish bond before it`s fully set, especially with regular lacquer.

5. Wear gloves for chores
Household chores like scrubbing or gardening can be rough on your nails. Wearing gloves not only protects your manicure but also shields your hands from harsh chemicals and overexposure to water.

6. Top up with top coat
Reapplying a clear top coat every 2 to 3 days can significantly extend the life of your manicure. It adds an extra layer of protection against chips and keeps your polish looking glossy and new.

7. Don’t use your nails as tools
Tempting as it is, avoid using your nails to open packages, cans, or scratch off stickers. This can cause micro-cracks or even full-on breaks, shortening the life of your manicure.

By following these practical summer tips, you can enjoy vibrant, chip-resistant nails that hold up beautifully against the elements—all season long. Kant rounds up with an advice for water babies, “If you’re spending extended time in the pool or ocean, consider shorter nails. They’re less prone to breakage and easier to maintain while still making a trendy statement—especially when painted in the season’s top shades like sorbet orange, electric lilac, and seafoam green.”