I’ll admit: when it comes to my nails and the latest nail trends, I’m a one-shade wonder. I feel safest in the salon hot seat when I’ve asked for a short, rounded shape and selected a colour that sits within the confines of a dark burgundy. Anyone else familiar with the feeling of going for a nail colour outside your comfort zone, only to be filled with deep regret alongside a slight nervous sweat at the first layer, but nodding over enthusiastically when asked if you’re happy with it?
However, the tides may be turning. During a recent trip to the nail salon, I opted for a floral French tip (I knew I was writing this feature on flower nails, and as a very serious journalist, I wanted to commit to the bit), and it turns out I'm a nail-art girly after all. Seriously, I haven’t stopped taking pictures holding various items around the flat since, and it seems I’m most certainly not alone in my new obsession.
Are Floral Nails Trending?
It's no secret that floral nails have been a big deal in summers past, but I was curious whether the motif would still be in style this summer. After doing a bit of research, I can confirm it is just as popular. Not only have I spotted the trend all over Instagram, but according to Google Trends, searches for floral nail art and easy flower nail art are on the rise.
Finding the Right Floral Nail Art
With so much flower nail inspo out there, it can be hard to know exactly what to go for, which could in turn lead to feelings of regret as detailed in the first paragraph. If you’re new to the trend or prefer low-key designs, pro nail artist Alyx Lippiat advises playing it safe with pastels. "Think pinks, peaches and mint greens. A baby blue, pastel yellow and lilac also work really nicely, and all of the colours mentioned work harmoniously together.”
If you want to add a touch of glam to the design, manicurist Faye Dennis says to introduce a gold chrome outline around the petals. "It works perfectly for a bridal manicure."
How to Create Flower Nails at Home
I hit up London-based nail artist Nikki Parker, aka @nails.by.nikk, for advice on creating the perfect floral design at home. "Using a dotting tool, create five to six dots in a circle, applying a very small amount of gel polish. Cure in the lamp and then create the dot in the centre with your chosen colour. Finish with a shiny top coat."
Ahead are my favourite flower nail designs to save for your next trip to the salon this summer.
The Best Flower Nail Designs
1. Colourful Detailing
Flowers so detailed, it feels like looking at an IRL garden in full bloom.
2. Pretty in Pink
Proof you can't go wrong with roses surrounded by gold foil.
3. Bold Blue
Cobalt blue nails are still very much having a moment. Here's the floral way to wear them.
4. Floral French
If in doubt, ask for the floral French. The colourway on this design is screaming summer.
5. Easy Flower Nail Art
Simple yet oh-so effective. Floral nail art can sometimes seem super complicated to create, but easy flower nail designs are achievable, too. To get this look, you can either use a quick floral nail sticker or a small brush and paint on five petals. Plus, this neon-green shade provides the perfect pop of colour.
6. Pastel Shades
Much like Lippiatt suggests, pastels are a soft and subtle way to embrace the trend.
7. Sunflowers
If you want a major mood boost every time you look at your hands, go for sunflowers.
8. Multi-Coloured French Tips
Multi-coloured tips work beautifully alongside white-petalled flowers.
9. Floral Accent Nails
Another great way of wearing the trend is opting for a flower on one or two nails per hand.
10. Nude Florals
For everyone who has an affinity for nude nails.
11. Retro Florals
Mix it up by incorporating a flower nail within a retro design. I also need one of those smiley rings.
12. Daisy Designs
Aptly named "daisy half moons" by editorial nail artist Queenie Nguyen.
13. Lilac Love
Lilac is one of the trending nail shades of 2026. This is how you'll find us wearing it.
14. Intricate Details
The shading, the stems… we're floored by the detail of this design.
15. Monochrome Florals
Never underestimate the power of simple black detailing on a nude base.
16. Rhinestone Detailing
When you're feeling a little bit extra, use rhinestones to create a flower shape.
17. Larger Leaves
Add depth to your flowers by creating bigger leaves with a darker, more dotted centre.
18. Gold Detailing
You can't go wrong with a little bit of sparkle in your nail garden, so try adding gold flakes to your floral design.
19. Sunshine-Yellow Shades
A see-through base accentuated with pastel tips and flowers. So much yes.
20. 3D-Floral Nail Art
3D nail art is so trendy right now.
21. Micro-Flowers
These micro-flowers look super chic.
22. Flower Frame
How cute is this "flower frame" design created by nail artist Imarni?
23. Aperol Magnolias
Taking inspiration from everyone's favourite summer drink, this bright and bold orange manicure looks so cute paired with a scattering of cute blooms.
24. Daisy Stilettos
I love the contrast between these dramatic stiletto-pointed lengths and the delicate daisy print. So chic.
25. Hibiscus Pop
This 3D floral detailing proves popular year after year and is the perfect way to nod to the flower trend without going for a full flower manicure.
26. Bedazzled Blooms
Kylie Jenner's viral Coachella nails will be providing sparkling inspiration for countless other festival sets this summer.
27. Something Blue
Blue nails are having a moment this summer, and this delicately frosted set is so beautiful.
The Best Products for Flower Nails
Create flower nails with these quick and easy-to-use nail wraps.
Perfect for creating floral designs or simply adding dots of detail to your nails.
White nail polish features in many of our favourite floral designs.
If you love a gel manicure look, this super fast-drying, colour-locking, super-shiny UV top coat gives your manicure a chip-resistant, ultra-glossy finish.
Nail art often brings out our most indecisive nature, so starting any manicure with a strong base is a must.