Nails
Jun 25, 2022

Call Your Manicurist—These Are the Only Nail Designs That Matter This Summer

by Yusra Siddiqui

I'll be honest: I don't do my nails often. I usually keep them bare and add nail polish here and there, but my nails stay simple for the better part of the year. But when summer rolls around, I'm immediately in the mood to get playful and start to save a plethora of bright and fun manicure designs to my Instagram Saved folder.

I'm already starting to think about which designs or colors I may want to try out. There are so many options out there—just a scroll on Instagram (and TikTok, with the nail transition videos) can lead to endless possibilities. For inspiration, I tapped through some of my favorite nail accounts and pinpointed the designs that I think will be perfect for the season ahead. Hint: They're all very fun, so be prepared to smile.

Take a look below, and start envisioning these on your nails. You know I've already done it for all of the options.

Photo:

@imarninails

I've seen so much fun jewelry trending. Why not take the same kitschy designs to your nails?

Photo:

@imarninails

These punchy colored tips are perfect.

Photo:

@evemeetsnails

Another nail-meets-fashion trend: checkerboard. Opt for the print in black and white for a more versatile look, or feel free to play around with color.

Photo:

@thehangedit

This floral design is absolutely adorable.

Photo:

@celmatique

Prints and colors galore! If colorful is your vibe this summer, these are the nails to match. Choose your own color combos, and save this for your next manicure appointment.

Photo:

@thehangedit

Cobalt blue is trending.

Photo:

@paragonnails

It wouldn't be Hot Girl Summer without nails like these. As Y2K trends reemerge, I've seen the flame print make its way back on to phone cases, sweatshirts, etc. You can add nails to that list.

Photo:

@betina_goldstein

I don't always want all my nails to be brightly colored, so this subtle daisy detail on two is perfect if you're in the same boat. Just pick a color of your choice along with a subtle design on the other nails.

Photo:

@nailartbyqueenie

Shades of blue were seen all across the runways for summer, so these nails are perfect for the season ahead. Even looking at them reminds me of hitting the beach.

Photo:

@imarninails

The prettiest wedding manicure I've seen.

Photo:

@nails_of_la

I'm not usually one for French tips, but seeing colorful tips on the rise is making me think otherwise.

Photo:

@buffcs

Not for color this summer? Opt for a sleek design using negative space and your trusty black nail polish.

Photo:

@thehangedit

In our 2000s trend report, we noted that butterflies have made a comeback. (Did you see Dua Lipa at the Grammys?) If you're not willing to add the fun detail into clothes or accessories, I think it would make a solid addition to your summer manicure.

Photo:

@thehangedit

Who said pastels had to be for spring only? If muted tones are your vibe, mix and match your favorites on each nail to create a colorful but calming scene.

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