I Plan My Manicures in Advance—7 Nail Trends I’m Considering for My Upcoming Holiday

With such predictable summer weather in the UK, all I've been dreaming about lately is jetting off somewhere hot for a bit of rest and relaxation. All I can think about is sandy beaches, blue waters and clear skies as far as the eye can see. Not only am I excited to top up my tan and get stuck into a good book, but as a beauty editor, I also can't wait to start planning my holiday hair, makeup and nails.

I've already booked in for some blonde highlights and dug out my favourite summer fragrances, but now it's time to think about my manicure. There are so many options when it comes to holiday nail ideas, but as someone who often gets overwhelmed when asked to make a decision at the nail salon, I thought I'd narrow down the choices to six chic trends that are so in style right now. Although I have my personal favourites, I've made sure to include something for everyone, from bright, neon shades to more classic, minimal designs.

So, whether you're jetting off this bank holiday or simply starting to plan a holiday for the end of summer, keep on scrolling for my top holiday nail ideas and trends to try...

Holiday Nail Ideas:

1. Colourful French Tips

@raelondonnails yellow French tips

(Image credit: @raelondonnails)

For a subtle pop of colour, you can't go wrong with a bright French tip. This neon yellow shade would look incredible with a cocktail in hand.

@harrietwestmoreland green French tips

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Matcha green hues are perfect for spring.

Get the look:

2. Sunset Hues

@themaniclub sunset orange manicure

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

There's nothing better than being on holiday and enjoying the sunset, so why not opt for a sunset orange manicure to match?

@iramshelton bright orange manicure

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

If you want to make a statement with your nails, try a neon orange hue.

Get the look:

3. Pastel Shades

@iramshelton pastel French tip nails

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

Pastel shades are perfect for any spring and summer holidays you have planned. I personally love this pastel French tip design, as it gives a chic take on the colourful nail trend.

@betina_goldstein pastel manicure

(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

There are so many fun ways to wear this manicure, so you can totally tailor it to your chosen holiday destination.

Get the look:

4. Aqua Blues

@themaniclub aqua blue manicure

(Image credit: @themaniclub)

Heading somewhere near the sea? This aqua blue manicure will be sure to blend in with your surroundings.

@harrietwestmoreland aqua blue French tips

(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

If you're not a fan of block colours, why not try an aqua blue French tip design?

Get the look:

5. Neon Tones

@paintedbyjools neon green manicure

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

I always wear brighter colours when I'm away, which is why I'll be opting for a neon manicure on my next trip.

@paintedbyjools neon pink manicure

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

It's giving 'Barbie goes on holiday' vibes.

Get the look:

6. Bright Whites

@iramshelton white manicure

(Image credit: @iramshelton)

This holiday nail trend is for all of the minimalists out there. It's simple, it's classic and it will look great with a tan.

@paintedbyjools white manicure

(Image credit: @paintedbyjools)

Ok fine, I'll book a holiday just so I can recreate this manicure...

Get the look:

7. Natural Tints

Holiday nail ideas nail tints

(Image credit: @IRAMSHELTON)

A chic yet wonderfully low-maintenance holiday nail looks comes in the form of the nail tint trend—a wash of barely-there colour on the nails for instant polish.

Holiday nail ideas nail tints

(Image credit: @HARRIETWESTMORELAND)

If you want a little extra colour then just layer up the coats for a fresh, but still pared-back, holiday nail look.

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.

With contributions from