Trust Me: These Are the Chicest Summer Nail Colours You Can Request This Season

When it comes to nail trends, there are two types of people in this world. There are those who walk into a nail salon and know exactly what nail colour they want. If you are this person, I can hazard a guess that 1) you're committed to your usual neutral nail colours or classic red nail polish colours, 2) you know the exact shade name to request as you walk into the salon pre-mani (for the Who What Wear UK team, that's Funny Bunny and Bubble Bath) and 3) your nail technician knows your nail colour choice before you've even sat down in the chair.

Then, there are those who lay their eyes on a wall of nail polish bottles in the salon and immediately feel indecision take hold. Should you go for a bright nail colour? Or opt for the "clean girl" neutrals? And what about nail art, or tapping into buzzy trends such as butter yellow French tips or milky nails? Choosing your manicure colour is tricky business.

I tend to fall into the latter camp of indecisive nail colour choosers. When it comes to summer nail colours, however, I favour experimentation. This is the time of year to throw caution to the wind and try something new. While I'm usually a neutrals kind of gal when it comes to my nails (Chanel's Le Vernis Ballerina is my current milky-pink obsession), I've seen so many fun nail designs lately on my social feeds that I just had to share them with you.

Don't worry, there are plenty of timeless nail colours in the mix too, just in case you're not ready to venture too far from your nail colour comfort zone. And if you're DIY-ing your manicure at home this summer, you're in luck. Scroll on to see the summer nail colours dominating in 2025.

Summer Nail Colours That Will Be Popular in 2025

1. Butter Yellow

Butter yellow nails have been one of the defining nail colour trends of 2025, and we're not seeing it going anywhere for summer. "Butter yellow is still going strong," says celebrity manicurist, Georgia Rae. "I used to be firmly anti-yellow when it came to nails, but I’ve completely changed my mind. The key is finding the right undertone that flatters your skin—when you get it right, it’s such a striking, joyful shade," she says. "If a full yellow manicure feels like too much, try a yellow French tip for an easy, playful nod to the trend."

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2. Milky Jellies

Milky nails are getting a summer update, with lilac and pink tones bringing a summery twist on the trend. "Another trend I think we’ll be seeing more of is milk bath nails with a summer twist," says Rae. "To get the look, I like layering a sheer milky white base with a hint of colour—soft lilac or blush pink work beautifully."

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3. Seashell Pearl

"The glow from within look is going to be big this season," predicts Rae. "Think sheer nude tones laced with micro-glitter or pearlescent particles that catch the light in a soft, delicate way." They catch the light in the prettiest way—like the inside of a seashell. A pearlescent manicure is a chic way to upgrade your nails for summer if you usually opt for neutral tones but want something a little special.

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4. "No Makeup" Nails

A neutral manicure like the naked French or a wash of a sheer pink nail polish is a timeless classic, so it's no surprise that it continues to be a reigning summer nail colour trend too. "Perfectly groomed, healthy, glowy nails are my vibe for Spring/Summer 2025," says Rae. "If your nails are already in good shape, keep it simple and chic: start by having your cuticles tidied up and your nails filed into a soft square or rounded shape," she says. "A light buff to enhance the natural shine can work wonders, or for an extra glossy finish, apply a high-shine clear top coat."

If your nails need a bit more love or coverage, opt for a soft pink or beige polish that complements your skin tone. "For anyone dealing with slight discolouration, try applying a sheer white nail polish just to the tips. It gives the illusion of bright, flawless natural nails with minimal effort," says Rae.

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5. Cat Eye

"One trend I think will keep its momentum throughout summer is the magnetic or cat eye nails," says Rae. "This technique uses a special gel polish infused with metallic particles, which can be manipulated with a magnet before curing. The result is a multidimensional shimmer that catches the light and gives your nails that lit-from-within glow," she says. "I’m especially into pairing this with a sheer nude base for a more subtle, glossy effect," she says.

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6. Fruit Water

Another nail colour trend we're seeing for summer is fruit water nails—think ultra sheer, vibrant washes of vibrant cranberry, grape and strawberry. Think of it as a summery take on the watery nails trend we've seen recently. One coat gives your hands a "your nails but better" effect, or you can layer up for a more jelly-like finish.

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