I'm a Pro At Spotting Up and Coming Nail Trends—7 We'll See All Summer Long
Celebrity nail artists agree.
I don't know about you, but summer is one of my favorite times of year to experiment with different manicures. There's something about the summer energy that makes me want to wear looks that are more playful, bold, and eye-catching. To be honest, most of the year I tend to stick to neutrals, so when the weather starts heating up, I know that I can lean into the change of season and use that as an excuse to get creative.
This year though, it's become pretty clear that certain nail trends will absolutely dominate over the next few months. In fact, just the other day I was scrolling on TikTok and saw several videos about the rise of bare nails and square French manicures (more on that below). Between everyday nails that have gone viral and celebrity-spotted manicures that made waves throughout festival season, there is truly a wide range of styles that can work for anyone.
Don't believe me? I chatted with three celebrity nail artists to get proof straight from the pros. Ahead, find the seven nail trends that are taking over this summer.
Top Nail Trends for Summer 2026
Naked Nails
As I'm sure you've probably seen by now, the no-nail polish look has taken off everywhere. And while some people prefer to go without polish altogether, others like to get as close as you can to bare while still enjoying a neutral polish. That's where naked nails come into play. "As a nail girly with 500+ bottles of nail polish, it deeply pains me to say this, but bare nails are one of the hottest nail trends of summer," says celebrity nail expert and Sally Beauty brand ambassador Juli Russell. "Think healthy, well groomed nails with a strengthening treatment, and maybe a super glossy top coat." She adds that this creates a polished look that's easy to maintain between maintenance appointments.
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Textured nails
Taking your bold manicure to the next level is easy when you add some texture into the mix. "Textured nail designs are having a major moment this summer, with raised elements, crystals, pearls, and sculpted accents taking center stage," says Jacqueline Pham, celebrity manicurist for Color Street. "These designs transform nails into wearable art and allow for endless customization, making them especially popular with my trend conscious clients."
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Short Square French Nails
I recently came across a few videos about almond and oval nail lovers givng square French manicures a try (and loving them), so it doesn't shock me that Russell predicts them to be a trend this summer. "Short square nails are quickly becoming the It girl nail of the season," she says. "They’re practical, low maintenance, and look clean and luxury without trying too hard."
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Bangle nails
This trend has been around all year, and it's currently my favorite to wear for its maximalist feel. "Bangle nails are one of summer’s most fashion forward trends, inspired by stacked jewelry and metallic accessories," says Pham. "Featuring chrome finishes paired with strategically placed rhinestones, this look creates a statement manicure that feels bold, modern, and perfect for festival season or summer nights out."
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Whimsical Nails
Think 2012 nostalgia for this trend. "People are leaning into playful, personality filled nail art that sparks conversations and feels a little nostalgic and a lotta whimsy," says Russell. "This year we’re getting looks like goose nails, ladybugs, and other cute little characters popping up on manicures." If you look closely, you can spot the small goldfish in this summer pond-inspired mani.
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Floral Nails
Florals started taking off during spring and they're here to stay for the summer. "Anything with your classic simple flower, whether it's bedazzled or hand drawn is in," says celebrity nail artist Katie Masters. "This definitely has to do with the Y2K resurgence for sure, because it's so nostalgic to that classic nail salon "dot" flower, and it's just a little elevated!"
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Holographic nails
Holographic nails have been on trend before, and they're making a big comeback. "Glitters, chromes, and cat eyes, are on trend right now, and I think a lot of it has to do with the Y2K resurgence, too," says Masters. "Also, holographic [manicures] are very reflective, and since everyone is out in the sun in the summer, it only makes sense to have bright reflective nails as well."
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