7 New Summer Nail Trends To Wear Right Now, From Sorbet Chrome To Sheer Ombré

As previously mentioned by Bello, this sweet treat-inspired chrome manicure design looks best when paired with bright yet milky pastels. Our personal favourite? Silky vanilla tones, which feel like the summer iteration of last season’s butter yellow nail trend. ‘To create it, we layer a chrome powder over a cured gel base, then seal it with a high-shine top coat for that perfect reflective finish,’ explains Bello.

If you’re a fan of the classic micro French tip, you’re guaranteed to love this elegant, summer-ready version. ‘This summer’s French manicure is going to be a fine-line and bold,’ says Bello. ‘A whisper-thin neon tip on a nude or sheer base is the definition of understated edge. Whether it’s electric coral or vivid lime, it gives your manicure a modern, fashion-forward energy without ever doing too much.’

Looking for a way to dress-up a minimalist manicure for summer? A timeless fashion pattern, in this case polka dots, is the most effortless method – plus, it looks fantastic with any primary or basic colour. If you’re still clinging to a ‘clean girl’ manicure aesthetic, we recommend opting for a black or white base, adding symmetrical, contrasting spots with a dotting tool.

Ombré nails have been around for decades, but this summer’s iteration is classy and refined. ‘There’s something timeless about a barely-there ombré,’ says Bello. ‘This season, we’re blending sheer nudes, blushes, and milky tones to create a subtle fade that looks effortlessly polished. It’s soft luxury blended using a sponge technique or airbrush, topped with a jelly gloss for that natural, healthy glow.’

If you’re heading off to enjoy the sunny Mediterranean climate this summer (or simply fancy some escapism courtesy of a fresh manicure set), this lemon adorned design is perfect. Options for this nail design are plentiful, it just requires a combination of sea blue accents and a helping of citrus slices. Due to its intricate nature, we’ll leave this one to the professionals.

Nail artist Iram Shelton is making a case for micro nail art this summer, from tiny fruit decals to minimalist spots. ‘This trend is all about pops of bright colour; think tiny hearts, abstract shapes, or dots in electric neon against a clean nude base,’ she says. ‘It’s a fun way to wear bold colours without committing to a full set. Start with a sheer nude or pink base, then use a dotting tool or fine brush to place your accents exactly where you want them. Top coat is key to keep it fresh and wearable all week long. My favourites right now are mini cherries and olives.’

For fans of a short manicure, you can keep your summer nails exciting by opting for a graphic square shape and a bold, bright polish. ‘A short, clean, natural square nail with softened corners in bright, bold colours particularly in a summery, fresh red or electric blue,’ says Vivii. Our favourites? A statement hot pink or a golden sunshine yellow.