The weather may have taken a turn, but we're still firmly in summer manicure season. There's no better time to settle into the salon chair and refresh your nails, whether you're manifesting another dose of sunshine or simply in need of a mood boost.
While you can’t go wrong with the classics — think hot pink or coral — there are plenty of fresh shades, finishes and designs worth adding to your mood board this season.
'Summer nails are about balance,' says Townhouse Founder and Creative Director Juanita Huber-Millet. 'Something polished enough for everyday, but still playful enough to feel expressive and personal.'
Of course, we couldn't resist calling on our book of nail experts to get intel on the summer nail trends that are set to dominate this year. From glossy shades to statement designs everyone will be requesting, consider this your inspiration for your next manicure.
Short nails
If you have a keen eye, you may have noticed that short nails have been dominating the red carpet lately — from Pamela Anderson to Anne Hathaway. 'Short nails are having a real moment because they feel modern, effortless and incredibly chic. There's a growing shift towards healthy-looking nails that enhance what you naturally have, rather than disguising it,' says Nail guru and brand founder, Leighton Denny MBE.
Better still, according to Leighton, a short mani is particularly flattering on mature hands. 'For mature hands, shorter nails can be especially flattering because they create a clean, neat silhouette. They tend to draw attention to the overall appearance of the hand rather than the length of the nail, giving a fresher, more refined look.'
He recommends pairing a shorter length with softer shades for an ageless look. 'Sheer pinks, rosy nudes and nail illuminators enhance the natural nail and create a healthy, youthful-looking finish, brighten the hands and complement all skin tones'
Multi-cure cat-eye
Consider cat-eye nails the grown-up take on glitter. 'Cat-eye has been around for a while but this season it's getting more complex with multi-curing sections,' explains Fariha Ali, ORLY global nail artist. 'It gives different magnetic effects for more complex, dimensional finishes. It's the kind of nail that looks like it has depth, almost 3D. You need patience and a strong magnet; the key is working in thin layers and curing at each step.'
Milky “Your Nails but Better”
Upgrade your usual neutrals with a milky finish. 'Clean, milky nails continue to dominate because they feel polished, healthy, and incredibly versatile,' says Juanita. 'Clients still want nails that look elevated, but effortless—shades that enhance the natural nail rather than overpower it. Shades like Strawberry Milk from our Flawless Polish collection are especially popular because they create that glossy, perfected finish that works with everything.'
3D minimal details
3D nail art isn't going anywhere. According to international nail championship judge and nail aesthetic expert Olga Shtanhey, this summer's take is altogether more refined, with subtle embellishments taking centre stage.
'Small pearls, chrome drops, sculpted flowers, seashell texture, or tiny raised details can make a manicure look artistic without becoming too much,' she says. 'This trend is especially beautiful for vacations and special occasions. It gives the nails dimension and makes them look like accessories. 3D details should be placed carefully. The nail still needs to be wearable and elegant. I always think about proportion, balance, and the client’s lifestyle.'
Baby florals
The floral manicure isn't going anywhere this year, but this season they're getting a softer, more understated update. 'Think delicate florals', says Fariha. 'Instead of bold statement blooms, everything is tinier, softer and almost watercolor-like—quiet luxury. It pairs beautifully with sheer or milky bases; the smaller the better right now.'
Sun-washed blues
If you prefer a single shade but want something a little fresher than a neutral, Juanita predicts soft baby blues will be everywhere this summer. 'We’re seeing a real move towards softer, sun-washed colour this summer—shades that feel inspired by travel, warmth, and escapism. Soft blues are especially having a moment,' she says.
Barely-there sheer pinks
'Sheer, healthy-looking nails continue to resonate with consumers as they lean into understated beauty and elevated minimalism,' says Thea. 'We’re still seeing glossy ‘lip gloss’ nails and ultra-sheer pink washes trending across TikTok, celebrity manicurists, and red carpets because they give nails that fresh, healthy, high-shine finish people want right now.'
Tortoiseshell
Match your manicure to your favourite sunnies with a tortoiseshell design. 'Tortoiseshell is becoming a year-round classic, but in summer I see it in a lighter, warmer version. Instead of dark brown and black, I would choose amber, honey, caramel, and golden tones,' says Olga.
'This trend is perfect for someone who wants a manicure that feels expensive and stylish without being too bright. It works beautifully on short square nails, almond nails, and soft oval shapes. For summer, tortoiseshell should look transparent and layered. The design needs depth, like natural resin or your tortoise sunglasses in the sun. It should not look flat or too dark.'
Chrome checkerboard
Update your chrome mani with a playful print. 'Checkerboard has been a recurring print trend in fashion for a couple of seasons now, and nails are catching up. This version mixes it with cat-eye and chrome, so it has that graphic edge but with a futuristic, reflective quality. It's giving graphic art meets disco ball: bold, reflective, and perfect for summer,' says Fariha.
Destination-inspired
Nothing gets you in the holiday mood quite like a fresh manicure — especially when it's inspired by your next getaway. Think hand-painted starfish details and shell-prints.
'Nail art is becoming much more detail-led and wearable. Rather than bold, heavy designs, clients are gravitating towards softer placement—micro florals, delicate French variations, and subtle embellishment layered over clean bases,' says Juanita.
Chocolate espresso browns
While we'd usually reserve espresso shades for autumn, according to Thea, they work just as beautifully in summer. 'Rich mocha and espresso tones are having a major moment because they feel sophisticated, wearable, and fashion-forward,' she explains.
'We’re seeing deep brown manicures trending heavily on Pinterest and throughout fashion and beauty creator content, especially paired with neutral wardrobe styling and minimalist makeup looks.'
Jelly colours
With the return of jelly shoes (yes, really!) comes a whole host of inspiration for your next manicure. 'Jelly nails are one of my favourite summer trends because they are bright but still soft,' says Olga.
'Think sheer cherry red, orange, raspberry, watermelon pink, grape, aqua, or lemon. The colour looks juicy and translucent, almost like candy or fruit ice. This trend is very flattering because it gives nails a fresh, clean shine while still feeling playful. It is also easy to adapt for different clients—some prefer a soft pink jelly, while others want a bold red or neon coral. The best jelly manicure has a very glossy finish.'
Summer madras
'Madras is such a summer fabric staple and it translates surprisingly well to nails,' says Fariha. 'That plaid-meets-watercolour crosshatch in bright pinks, greens, and yellows. It feels very preppy-meets-coastal. The colours really pop when done with stamping on a natural or nude base.'
Light-reflecting finishes
'Finish is playing a huge role right now,' says Juanita. 'We’re seeing strong demand for glazed, chrome, and light-reflecting finishes, but worn in a softer, more understated way. Rather than pairing chrome with bold colour, clients are layering it over neutral or milky bases to create a luminous, almost glass-like effect. It feels modern, clean, and very wearable.'
Fair warning: you may find yourself getting distracted by your own nails.
Butter yellow
'Soft butter yellow is emerging as the standout pastel shade of the season,' says Thea. 'We’re seeing the colour appear across spring/summer fashion collections and seasonal beauty edits because it feels optimistic, fresh, and surprisingly wearable.
'For this trend, Nails.INC It’s Topless in Heidi offers the perfect soft buttery tone for an effortless seasonal manicure.'
Polka dot on cat-eye
Polka dots have already taken over our summer wardrobes, so it was only a matter of time before they made their way onto our nails.
'A soft nude or cat-eye base with just a few small, perfectly placed dots. A minimal accent, this look is very wearable and chic. The less-is-more approach is what makes it feel current,' says Fariha.
