Summer nail trends: ditch the rules, embrace the glow

Forget everything you think you know about summer nail color. This season, it’s all about unapologetic vibrancy and a serious disregard for outdated etiquette. We’re talking tangerine shocks, cobalt blues, and electric purples – a riot of color designed to amplify your adventures, not hide them.

Decoding the deck: your guide to summer’s hottest shades

From celebrity nail artists to the hottest pros, the consensus is clear: bold is the new neutral. But how do you navigate the trend without ending up with a chipped, faded disaster? The secret lies in preparation and protection. A solid base coat and top coat are non-negotiable, especially when facing chlorine, sun, and those sticky summer cocktails.

The color forecast: 15 shades you need now

Here’s the rundown on the shades dominating the season's manicures, straight from the experts:

Tangy tangerine ($12)

Yoko Sakakura, a Forbes contributor, calls it “bright and fun for summer.” Think OPI’s ‘Your Zestination Awaits’ – a vibrant orange that screams vacation. Hermès’ ‘Orange Boite’ offers a slightly deeper, richer take on the trend, while Manicurist’s ‘Tangerine’ provides a softer, pastel version.

Bottega green ($10)

Brittney Boyce champions Bottega green, describing it as “a blissful shade” – perfect for short, square nails or adding an edge with a French tip. She recommends Manicurist’s ‘Brazil’ to capture that neon intensity. JinSoon’s ‘Palma’ and Essie's ‘Feelin Just Lime’ provide alternatives with varying levels of depth.

Electric purple ($18)

Sonya Meesh swears by electric purple, calling it “an excellent choice for a bold pop of color.” OPI’s ‘Glowing’ On Vacay and Dazzle Dry’s ‘Epiphany’ deliver that striking hue. Don’t be afraid to lean into the boldness – it’s a far cry from the muted tones of last year.

Olive & june’s i’ll take another spritz ($10) – $16

This brand is known for its long-lasting polish, and their ‘I’ll Take Another Spritz’ offers a sophisticated, muted yellow that works with any outfit.

Butter yellow ($16)

A staple shade, Sakakura loves it for its seasonal feel. OPI’s ‘Sunny Bunny’, Chanel’s ‘Ovni’, or The Gel Bottle’s ‘Queen Bee’ provide variations on this classic.

Bold cobalt ($11)

Orly’s ‘It’s Brittney, Beach’ remains a best-seller, showcasing the unexpected appeal of cobalt blue. Chillhouse’s ‘Cobalt Klein’ and Essie’s ‘New Highs’ offer similar shades.

Chocolate brown ($18)

Meesh’s go-to, chocolate brown provides a sophisticated alternative to black. Kure Bazaar’s ‘Ganache’ or Hermès’ ‘Brun Bistre’ deliver a rich, luxurious feel.

Tomato red ($15)

Jin Soon Choi predicts a return of tomato red, highlighting its vibrancy and connection to the current trend. Hermès’ ‘Orange Poppy’ and Dazzle Dry’s ‘Red Hot Chili’ offer a bright, energetic take on the classic color.

Capri blue ($8)

Queenie Nguyen advocates for Capri Blue, associating it with the idyllic Italian summer. Nails Inc.’s ‘Seabright Street’ and Zoya’s ‘Breezi’ capture the essence of the color.

Silver chrome ($19)

Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec believes silver chrome is poised to dominate, bringing a moderntouch to summer manis. JINsoon’s ‘Halo’ and Nails Inc.’s ‘Wherever I May Chrome’ offer shimmer and shine.

Montecito mani ($32)

Drawing inspiration from Meghan Markle, celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein recommends Chanel’s ‘Longwear Nail Colour Légende’ – a latte beige that complements any look.

Lilac jelly ($13)

A trend emerging from Korea, Jin Soon Choi suggests lilac jelly for a unique summer manicure. Options include Light Lacquer’s ‘Bikini Bottoms’ and OPI’s ‘The Pass is Always Greener’.

Yellow taxi ($15)

Paying homage to iconic New York cabs, Choi recommends the shade for a playful and chic summer look. JINsoon’s ‘Tweety’, Londontown’s ‘Mango’, and Hermès’ ‘Jaune Impérial’ deliver the perfect yellow hue.

Conclusion: unleash your inner colorist

This summer, the rules are off. Embrace the boldness, experiment with unexpected combinations, and don’t be afraid to let your nails be a reflection of your vibrant spirit. It's time to trade in the beige for brilliance – and make a statement with every swipe.