The arrival of warmer months signals a seasonal reset in beauty, especially in the world of manicures and pedicures. Summer is the ultimate time to celebrate and showcase bold, light-catching nail looks, moving beyond year-round staples to embrace colors that reflect the vibrancy of the season. This year’s top choices, as confirmed by celebrity and editorial nail artists like Jin Soon Choi and Betina Goldstein, span a dynamic range: from unexpected hues like butter yellow and chartreuse to sophisticated takes on classics and the latest iteration of shimmering metallics. Whether seeking the high-impact energy of a neon bright, the softness of a modern jelly pastel, or the effortless chic of a barely-there neutral, the ultimate summer nail shade is one that feels fresh, fun, and perfectly paired with sun-drenched days and evening glow.
The Mellow Side of Bright: Citrus and Green Themes
Summer’s color spectrum is embracing an enthusiastic yet sometimes softer approach to traditional brights, with citrus tones and various shades of green taking center stage. The viral popularity of butter yellow is expanding into a full-blown trend, with nail experts predicting a widespread adoption of various yellow hues, from ivory and eggshell to a bright canary jelly. Chanel nail artist Betina Goldstein points specifically to the rise of chartreuse—a vibrant, greenish-yellow—as a must-try shade that pushes the boundaries of conventional summer color.
Green, in its many forms, is also showing significant staying power this season. Celebrity artist Queenie Nguyen and manicurist Naïma Coleman confirm that shades ranging from bright, playful greens like Londontown’s “parakeet green” to the more subtle, plant-based avocado tones of Nailtopia’s Green Goddess are universally flattering and add an impossibly modern pop of color. This green theme allows for high-impact manicures and pedicures that remain sophisticated, whether you choose a creamy opaque or a shimmering seafoam finish.
The New Nudes: Minimalism, Metallics, and Jam Nails
While summer is often synonymous with saturated color, the season also offers a refreshed approach to minimalist manicures and intriguing textures. The “Your Nails, But Better” trend continues with sheer pinks and barely-there neutrals that maintain a polished, put-together look while being incredibly easy to apply quickly. Sheer pinks, like the model favorite Dior Vernis Nail Color in Muguet, provide a clean, low-key base that works for any occasion, from the beach to a formal evening.
On the opposite end of the textural spectrum, chrome and metallic polishes are back with a sophisticated twist. Celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi refers to this as “light-catching nails,” focusing on chic, glamorous shades like rose gold and translucent silver. These metallic hues, such as the dazzling silver of OPI’s Chrome Clawz or the rare rose gold of Jin Soon’s Spiffy, create a luminous effect that truly shines on sunny days. Combining these finishes is the emerging Jelly-Inspired trend. These soft, translucent shades can lean pastel, but the new, more opaque version—dubbed “jam” colors by celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec—offers sheer washes of highly saturated color, like a sheer violet in lieu of a dense lilac.
High-Impact Classics: Vivid Reds and Electric Blues
Certain colors are timeless, but they get a distinct injection of energy for the summer. Red is a perennial favorite, but this season sees a shift towards bold, energetic versions. Experts are betting on red-orange shades—a vibrant hue that captures the fiery, passionate energy of the warmer months. While cherry red is traditionally a fall/winter color, celebrity nail artist Angel My Linh predicts its popularity will soar this summer, reflecting a move toward bright, classic shades inspired by high-glamour trends. CND’s Mambo Beat, which offers a classic red with a coral brightness, is an ideal choice for this updated look.
Another color making a serious bid for the season’s top spot is blue. Nail experts are unanimously betting on all shades, from light cornflower to deep azure. This is a chance to get ahead of the curve with a less conventional summer shade. The light periwinkle shimmer of Dazzle Dry’s Sail Away is perfect for pairing with summer sandals, while the baby-blue elegance of Chanel’s Le Vernis in Muse cleverly straddles the line between the trendy blue theme and the timeless appeal of a nude base.
The Boldest Statement: True Neon Brights
No summer nail story is complete without the guaranteed high-voltage impact of neons. These shades are a summer staple for a reason, providing a playful, unapologetic pop of color that looks incredible against sun-kissed skin. Celebrity nail artist Imarni notes that summer is the perfect time to experiment with these “highlighter hues” of pink, yellow, orange, and green.
These colors are meant to be seen and to truly “scream summer.” Options like the brighter-than-the-sun neon yellow of Orly’s Snatched or the vibrant hot pink from Nails Inc. provide that essential electric energy. For a slightly more unique take, the purple-blue tone of ILNP Cosmetics’ High Dive is a playful, poolside accent. These light brights offer the most impactful and spirited way to embrace the freedom and fun of the summer season, guaranteeing a manicure that never goes unnoticed.
