The weather just keeps getting better (she says with the air conditioner blasting at full speed) and the first summer heat wave has hit, which means it's time to get your summer mani locked in. And in my opinion, nothing complements a summer glow better than a white nail design.
I mean, think about it: white is kinda the color of summer. Wimbledon whites, linen shirts over a bikini, crisp tees paired with jorts; we are sensing a theme here! So, yes, white is the shade for summer, and your nails deserve to be on trend, too. Whether you’ve been loving polka-dot patterns or chrome finishes, white as your base is the chicest, go-with-anything hue.
Ahead, the best white nail ideas for summer that will complement your sun-kissed glow.
Best summer white nail designs
1. Invisible French
Nothing screams summer quite like a French manicure, and wearing the bold white tip with a clear coat is an extra elevated take on the look. No need for a pink or milky base; just let your natural nail peek through with a bold white tip for that “invisible” effect.
2. Glazed Polka Dots
A glassy manicure and white polka dots are a match made in heaven, combining two of the biggest Hailey Bieber-loved nail trends.
3. Milky Chrome
A creamy white manicure is the perfect clean-girl nail formula, and topping it off with a subtle glazed chrome effect somehow makes it even better for summer.
4. Deep French
If you have long nails, a deep French manicure is a fun way to amp up an otherwise classic design. Start with your favorite neutral base color, then bring the white tip down to about halfway on the nail bed.
5. Coconut Latte
The milky manicure you know and love just got a summer upgrade: Meet coconut latte nails. Go for one or two coats of your favorite white polish with a glossy top coat for that translucent finish that looks creamy enough to drink.
6. Ombré Glaze
This ombré effect almost looks like a blurred French manicure with its baby-pink-to-white gradient. Add some chrome on top for that reflective finish, and you might just have the best summer manicure out there.
7. Tortoiseshell
You can create so many fun floral designs with the help of blooming gel, but I especially love it for a tortoiseshell effect. The white and cream color combo is great for summer, and doing it on just the top half of the nail gives it a French-esque finish.
8. Pearly Whites
Pearlescent nails are trending for summer, and this shiny nail look is ideal for everything from beach days to Euro trips. Use structured gel to create pearl-like dimension, or you can even add on some beads or glitter for added shimmer accents.
9. Luxe Lace
Summer and white lace go together so well, so why not have your mani match the warm-weather material?! An intricate floral pattern would go so well with all your favorite lace maxi dresses and cover-ups.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
