Every time I get a manicure (which, at a point in my life, was every two weeks on the dot), I ask the nail artist what the most popular shades of the season are. It started as a way to make conversation. You’re sitting there for an hour; might as well be friendly. This practice has also given me a lot of great ideas, from my current banana latte nail design to my go-to micro-French nails. But the beauty editor in me is also intrigued for research purposes. I see all the trends on celebrities and on runways, but what about the shades people ask for in salons across the country?
So, I went a step further. I asked nail artists for the most requested nail colours they’re getting this summer. And the results kinda surprised me. Neutrals reign supreme, of course, but there were a few surprise bright picks. Keep reading for all the picks:
What nail colours are trending this season?
“I have not seen a complete shift in only one direction, from bright colours to neutrals or the other way around,” says nail technician Maryna Slynko. This summer, we’re seeing it all at the same time. “Some clients choose bright reds, raspberry shades, turquoise, and blues, especially before a vacation, trip, or special event,” she explains. “Others prefer milky, soft pink, beige shades, and French styles because they want something more natural, versatile, and practical.”
This is largely because clients are choosing colours based on their mood, weather, skin tone, wardrobe, travel plans, holidays, festivals – all the things. “Clients want their manicure to reflect their lifestyle, plans, and mood.”
The biggest nail colours of summer, according to nail artists
1. Tomato red
“Bright red and coral-red shades remain some of the most popular choices,” says Slynko. “They look fresh and expressive, so clients often choose the same colour for both their manicure and pedicure.” Nail artist Steph Stone echoes this “tomato red” nail trend. “This colour is a flirty, fun twist on a timeless summer classic, immediately making it a client favourite.”
2. French manicures
“French manicures and pedicures with light, natural bases are also very popular,” says Slynko. “These include milky, light beige, soft pink, and light peach shades – some clients choose them as a base for a French look, while others wear the base colour on its own, without the white tip.”
3. Turquoise
“Turquoise and blue shades, from bright turquoise to deep cobalt blue, have also been popular this summer,” Slynko adds. “They naturally evoke images of the sea, clear water, and vacations, adding a fresh, summery feel to both manicures and pedicures,” she says, noting that many of her clients pick these types of shades before going on vacation.
Stone loves “ocean blues” too, adding that her go-to is Essie Blue Light. “While blue nails have been trending, the translucence of this polish makes your nails look extra special.”
4. Raspberry pinks
“Clients often choose pink-raspberry shades and deeper red-raspberry tones,” says Slynko. “The exact colour can range from bright pink to a rich berry shade, depending on the client’s mood, overall look, and personal preferences.”
5. Jelly nails
It’s the summer of the sheer mani, says Stone. But if you still want a bright colour, opt for jelly. “Think sheer versions of all your favourite summer brights when painted are reminiscent of the beauty of a stained glass window,” she says. “These sheer jellies can be painted at high gloss to make your nails have a super shiny lip gloss effect or top it off with a matte coat to make your nails look like gorgeous little pieces of sea glass.”
6. White chrome
“Instead of dramatic metallic effects, clients are asking for a soft pearly glow layered over milky or nude shades,” says nail tech Svitlana Motyl. “It creates a sophisticated, luminous finish that photographs beautifully while still looking elegant in everyday life.”
7. Creamy nudes
“When it comes to colour, we’ve definitely taken a step back from last summer’s neon obsession,” says nail artist Valeriia Telemaniuk. “Bright yellows, electric pinks, and lime greens have made room for soft milky shades and those effortless ‘your nails, but better’ colours.”
Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik – based in New York, Los Angeles, and Paris – loves creating a soapy nail look for a lot of his clients. He says the key is combining multiple shades for a custom look (which your nail artist, no matter where you are in the world, can also do). His go-to pairing is Aprés Nail Fairy Wings and Forgotten Film. “This combo is a constant request from clients like Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum,” he says. “It allows me to adjust the shade for the perfect nude depending on the order I layer them.”
8. Shimmery light pinks
Bachik says many of his clients are travelling this summer, so they’re requesting nude shades that make for minimal upkeep as they grow out. To make it feel a bit more special, he’ll add a chrome finish (he’s a fan of Aprés Astral polish in Venus) for a shimmery, light-pink cat-eye.
Meet the experts
- Steph Stone is a celebrity nail artist in New York who has worked with clients such as Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, and Karol G.
- Maryna Slynko is a nail artist and educator based in Kansas. She’s also the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Overland Park, Kansas.
- Svitlana Motyl is a nail artist and educator in Chicago. She’s also the cofounder of Artme Nails Studio.
- Valeriia Telemaniuk is a San Diego-based nail artist and educator. She’s the founder of Altera Nails.
- Tom Bachik is a celebrity nail artist who works out of NYC, Paris, and L.A.. He’s also the creator of his own nail products, including gel polishes and chrome powders.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan US with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair, makeup, nail, and fragrance stories. She interviewed five nail artists around the country for this story.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
