13 Summer Nail Trends to Try in 2025: Fruit Sorbet, Linen Luxe, Butter Yellows, and More

We may only just now be officially starting the new season, but the hottest nail trends of summer have already been gaining momentum for weeks. So, if you’re heading to the salon or getting ready to DIY your set at home, you’ve stumbled upon the right article.

Summer is the season when your nails become the ultimate accessory. Whether you are heading to barbeques or planning your next beach holiday, there is nothing like summer with a fresh mani and pedi!

Nail trends come and go, and as soon as you nail one, there are already new ones buffing up. When the seasons shift, so do nail trends. Over the past few years, we’ve seen nail colors, styles, and art trends all over social media, from pastel pink polishes to glazed donut nails and milk manis. This season, it seems like we're building upon those and adding some new ones into the mix.

Forget what you knew about subtle because the best summer nail trends this year are all about playing with different textures, bold colors, and statements on your fingertips. This summer, get ready to dip into a little more dimension with 3D maximalism – we’re thinking pearls, charms, and even mini sculptures. If you prefer to keep it more chill, luckily, you’ve got sorbet colors at your fingertips; think juicy watermelon pinks and lime greens or a mix of both if you are feeling the guava girl trend.

If you are feeling a more effortless cool vibe, there is always the reimagined French tips with chrome accents for a summer shimmer. Last, but certainly not least, poolside pastels are making waves – milky lavenders, baby blues, and butter yellows. Whichever trend you opt for, there are so many polished picks for all personalities and a mani for every mood this summer. In need of some inspo? Below, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest summer nail trends to try out.

Summer is for sorbet. And while we all scream for ice cream, we can do it with these delicious colors on our fingertips! Vincent Nguyen, founder of Nailology salons, tells Teen Vogue: “Clients are already opting for fruity colors with a slight jelly or translucent finish, and we see this continuing to be popular for summer.” These sorbet shades can include soft coral, raspberry pink, watermelon red, tangerine orange, lime greens, and, of course, guava. The glassy finish on these fruity hues makes them perfectly summertime sweet!

Who says that flowers are only for May? Summer is also in bloom, and the floral frenzy is perfect for every summer event. You can invest in a good dotting tool and achieve many floral designs at home! Of course, Pinterest has endless floral inspiration. If you don’t want the mess or to visit the salon, you can even get a garden variety of press-on nails now to mix and match! Dua Lipa is really feeling this style and has been seen with both a black-and-white and a colorful rhinestoned version.

Linen luxe nails are set to trend this summer, evoking effortless elegance and breezy sophistication. This trend is all about elevated summer linen fabrics at your fingertips – think soft, muted earth neutrals. Believe it or not, the core “linen” colors that fall under this trend are vast, including beige, off-white, cream, muted grey, oatmeal, and even milky shades, to name a few.

Butter yellow nails have the cosign from both Sabrina Carpenter and BLACKPINK's Rosé: so, of course, they are a safe bet for summer. Butter yellow nails offer the perfect balance between a neutral and a vibrant pop of color. They will be the epitome of summer freshness. Rianna Basurto, director of marketing and brand development at Bellacures, confirms, “Butter Yellow [is] a gentle shade that brings a soft, sunny glow to your nails. Ideal for those who want to stay on trend without being too overpowering, this shade is perfect for a subtle yet stylish statement.”

Summer blues are the best type of blues because we aren’t talking about being down, but we are beachside, resort-ready, or feeling electric. Basurto says, “This season, Jelly Blue is a must-have. Its vibrant, yet see-through hue pairs well with a variety of summer outfits, offering a chic and modern take on classic blue nails. Whether you're hitting the beach or attending a garden party, Jelly Blue nails add a touch of effortless chic to any ensemble.” If you aren’t feeling the jelly, you can opt for other shades like baby or pastel blue – all will lead to blue skies ahead!

For a sparkly set with a subtle design, consider magnetic nails. Whether you opt for specks of glitter or chrome nails, the magnetic polish allows you to try different patterns in a quick and low-key way. Speaking to Teen Vogue, Zola Ganzorigt, the celebrity nail artist behind Hailey Bieber’s viral glazed donut nails, shared that it was a trend she was looking forward to in 2025.

Chrome and magnetic nails are definitely in the same family. “Chrome is here to stay,” confirms nail artist Vivian Marie Wong. “I don’t think chrome is ever going away, but we will see a lot more pastel shades this summer: think butter yellow, lavender, even pistachio!” In fact, Vincent Nguyen, founder of Nailology salons, tells Teen Vogue he’s already seeing it. “Clients are getting summer-ready by requesting French tips in different pastel colors, but then adding white chrome on top for extra shine and shimmer.”

For salon-worthy results, definitely go for a professional, but you can also test the look out with some press-ons.

Ann McFerran, founder and CEO of Glamnetic, predicts that nails will “become even bolder and more expressive” in 2025, and summer would be no exception. More is more this season. “Think vibrant colors, metallic finishes, and intricate designs that make your nails feel like mini works of art," McFerran says. “Y2K-inspired patterns, futuristic holographic, and bright, energizing colors like neon greens and electric blues will dominate as people lean into self-expression and creativity.”

“3D maximalism is here to stay on our fingertips for this summer; think of cute ocean critters or a juicy piece of fruit with a tactile element," Nail artist San Sung Kim also tells Teen Vogue. Vivian Marie Wong agrees, saying, “I do feel like 3D maximalism nails are on everyone’s mind this summer — just look at the Met Gala! So, we’re talking 3D charms, textures, bolder colors, and mix and match sets. People are experimenting more and having fun with their nails, and I love it!!”

While Wong says this trend "definitely works better with gel polishes as it’s built with a thicker builder gel, regular polish lovers can still mix and match sets, combining different prints or colors, or nail glue down some 3D charms!” While Kim adds that the key to nailing this look is in “using a good quality clear gel with high viscosity to create volume and shape.”

Flat nails are so passé! It’s 2025, and we are prioritizing fun, both in our lives and in our nails. And don’t worry, though you are more than welcome to go bold with 3D elements — you don’t really need to do too much to tap into this trend.

“People should definitely try minimalist designs with a 3D twist in 2025. Picture soft neutral tones, like nude or blush, enhanced with subtle accents like pearls, chrome details, or even tiny micro-dots. It’s the perfect way to elevate a classic look without going over the top,” McFerran tells Teen Vogue. Start with rhinestones like Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammys and take it from there.

When we say wild, we mean in the wild. Whether you are rocking safari chic (browns and beiges), jungle vibes (deep greens), or animal prints, there is something for every adventure in this summer nail trend. Kim says, “Animal print will always be a bold and fun way to express yourself even if your clothes are more minimalistic. It will give a refreshing twist to any outfit you are wearing this summer.” She suggests using a “good quality brush” in order to “get the most crisp and clean lines and patterns” if you want to rock the animal print nails this summer. “Try finding a brush that has great tension and has just the right length and width for your liking. Better yet, trying out a few different nail art brushes might help you find the perfect match.” Don’t feel like going to the salon or investing in brushes? No problem, there are so many animal print press-on options to choose from these days.

Cherry Girl is not just a fashion trend; it’s also a nail trend this year. You truly can never go wrong with a cherry shade; it’s a classic for a reason. It goes with almost everything, it is flattering for everyone, and it works on every nail shape, including short nails.

Celebrity nail designer Elle Gerstein tells Teen Vogue that when you want your nails to pop, a “rich, bold statement shade” like a deep cherry is always the answer. However, you don’t have to leave it at that. “I’m pairing it with glossy finishes and subtle rhinestones. My go-to for getting the look is Mineral Fusion Head Over Heels,” Gerstein adds.

Usually, deep cherry reds are usually synonymous with fall or winter – festive gatherings and cold weather. However, what is stopping us from having a moody manicure this summer? It is still elegant, sophisticated, and one of the top trends for the year, according to Pinterest Predicts. Both pomegranates and cherries are summer fruits after all!

When milk nails started trending in 2023, they became a go-to for a trendy twist on a simple manicure. Now, they're back like they never left, starting with the creamy lavender milk nails captioned "Spring Fling vibes" for Selena Gomez by her go-to manicurist, Tom Bachik. Not only has BLACKPINK’s Rosé also cosigned the milk nail trend, but the trend is super versatile, making it the perfect summer manicure for every mood. It also helps that ube-like lilac is trending in makeup too.

Barbiecore might have had its peak years ago, but we are still keeping some of its essence to this day. If inverting a French mani or adding a 3D element is not your vibe, and you are not fond of deep shades like cherry and navy, then baby pink nails might be your jam. Already cosigned by Hailey Bieber, this trend is subtle enough for everyday wear but will also add a touch of color and fun to an otherwise plain mani. (And, yes, you get extra points if it perfectly matches your blush.)

Navy blue nails soared in popularity this winter, and we don’t see the trend dying out anytime soon. Much like cherry, navy blue is a classic and subtle way to add a pop of color to our looks without going the extra mile. If you do want to step it up a little bit, though, you can easily combine this with some of the previous trends for extra oomph, opting, for example, for a set of magnetic navy blue nails like Victoria Monét’s. The sky is truly the limit with this shade!