When the weather gets warmer, it's fun to mix things up with your nail colours. Wave goodbye to the dark-red, brown, and black polishes of the winter months and the pretty pastels of spring. You served us well, but the bright and bold colours of summer are back on trend. If you're a fan of an eye-catching mani, then now's the time for your nails to shine (quite literally).
Of course, that's not to say you can't wear dark colours in the warmer months and bright colours in colder seasons, but there's something that just screams summer when you've got a fun, bold manicure. Bright colours are often synonymous with happiness and optimism, and I'm a firm believer in the idea that a great manicure can instantly lift your mood. To me, there's no better accessory than a stand-out manicure when you have a summer of festival, holiday, and wedding outfit planning ahead, don't you agree?
And I'm not the only one. It seems like everyone on my Instagram is wearing bright, fun, bold hues on the hands and toes right now!
To prove it, I did some serious scrolling to bring you the best bright colours to wear on your nails this summer. See my picks, and (if you're into DIY-ing your mani) add these bright nail polishes to your wish list.
1. Red
Red nails are a classic option which actually look good all year round. If you're a neutral or monochrome dresser, then red can provide the perfect pop of colour against your outfit.
Shop the Look:
If you're going to have just one red polish in your kit, make it this OPI bestseller.
Is there anything chicer than this Hermès polish? This pink-red hue is ideal for summer.
2. Pink
Pastel pink nails are perfect for spring, but come summer, now's the time to upgrade to a brighter, more vibrant hue. Whether your nails are short or long, rounded or square, bright pink looks great on on everyone.
Shop the Look:
What could be more summer appropriate than a shade named 'Watermelon'?
Barbie-pink is having a big moment right now, and this one looks just as good painted all over the nails as it does for colourful French tips.
3. Green
From lime green and grass green to matcha green and that viral Bottega green, there are so many bright green colour options to choose from.
Shop the Look:
Let your nails speak for themselves with this eyecatching grass green.
This darker green from Nails Inc. will still make an impact.
4. Blue
A bold blue manicure will look super fresh for summer (and beyond). We've seen so many French tip designed incorporating blues—from electric baby blue shades, to darker and more vibrant hues.
Shop the Look:
Even if you can't make it to the beach, you can feel like you're there (sort of) with deep shimmery sea blue shade.
If you dare to go gold and blue, go all out with this stand-out shade from Manucurist
5. Neon
Neon nails make a summer comeback every year—after all, what could be more appropriate for festival season? If you're not brave enough for an all-over neon manicure, opt to incorporate hints of neon brights into your nail art designs instead. We especially love a neon yellow and lilac colour combination.
Shop the Look:
Four neon brights to choose from. The perfect set.
If you fancy trying your hand at some neon nail art, this kit has everything you need.
6. Orange
Vibrant, fun, and juicy, orange nails truly come into their own during the summer months. This is another shade that looks great when used to add colour to a French manicure—celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland is a big fan.
Shop the Look:
This golden and sunny orange just exudes happiness.
This true tangerine orange looks good on both hands and toes.
7. Multicolour
Can't settle on just one colour? Feeling overwhelmed by choice? We suggest opting for a bright multicoloured nail art design instead. After all, if you're going to go bright, you might as well make a statement.
Shop the Look:
Pink, orange, blue, along with some neutrals... Everything you need.
We're obsessed with this mint and fuschia colour combination.
-
I'm Bored of Red Christmas Nails—I'm Trying This Expensive-Looking French Manicure InsteadSparkle all the way.
-
Experts Say These Chic Nail Colours Look Even More Stylish on Your ToesHello, party feet!
-
From Elegant Colours to Glossy Details, These 7 Nail Trends Are About to Dominate 2025Watch this space.
-
It's Official—This Elevated Winter Nail Trend Is Dethroning the Glazed ManicureIf you're wearing it, I know you're chic.
-
10 Editors on Their 2025 Beauty Vision BoardsSelect your vibe.
-
Christmas Nails Can Be a Little Tacky, But These 13 Festive Manicures Are Elegant and Very ChicNo post-salon regret here.
-
The Elegant Nail Colour I Rely On to Make At-Home Manicures Look More ExpensiveOne for the minimalists.
-
The Glowdown: Nicola Coughlan Shares the Beauty Secrets We All Want to KnowYou won't want to miss this.
