As we’ve seen nail trends come and go over the past few years, one thing has become clear: everyone gets excited about a nail idea that feels fun and fresh. (Ahem, does anyone else remember the summer of glazed doughnut nails?) And according to nail artist Aja Walton, we’ve got a lot to look forward to when it comes to summer 2024 nail trends.
This year, expect the unexpected when it comes to nail art, designs, and shapes. We’re predicting unique new shapes (see “Russian almond” below), kitschy designs, pastel tones, and mega nail art. Keep scrolling for all of our summer 2024 nail trend predictions, straight from Walton.
The best nail trends for summer 2024
Metallic jelly nails
According to Walton, “metallic accents – in shades of silver chrome, rose gold, and copper – over jelly nudes” will be one of the biggest new trends of summer 2024. And luckily, there is a ~handful~ of ways to get the look for yourself. “These clear and often multicolour-shifting shades give a beam-like shine in popular purples and blues,” she says.
Try sandwiching a chrome or metallic nail polish with a jelly polish to achieve that sheer look with lots of shimmer and shine. “Apply one coat of a translucent or jelly colour, followed by one coat of chrome-effect polish or powder,” says Walton. “Then layer with another coat of the same jelly polish.” You can also try this with magnetic polish if you want a more velvety or cat-eye vibe rather than shine.
Clean, fresh cuticles
Sometimes the chicest nail look is one that makes your nails and skin look healthy AF. This summer, minimal nail designs and nude nail polishes will get a big upgrade when paired with moisturized, clean cuticles and hands. Grab yourself a manicure set to help groom your cuticles at home – but leave cuticle cutting to the pros to avoid any nicks or cuts—and make sure to load on cuticle oil daily and nail strengtheners in between polish. FWIW, I’m legit obsessed with this nail strengthener rn:
Russian almond shape
Practical? No. Worth it? 100 per cent. “The Russian almond nail shape is a variation of the classic almond shape, but with a more pronounced, elongated, and tapered tip,” says Walton. Think of it like a marriage of almond and stiletto nails. “Its pointed yet slightly rounded edges are achieved by filing the sides of the nail into a pointed tip while maintaining a soft curve along the edges.”
Pastel colours
Tell the eye-popping brights to back off. “This summer, soft and delicate pastels will gain popularity with baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon leading the palette,” says Walton. It’s fresh and fun for summertime without the intensity of the brights and neons we’re used to seeing in the warm months. Personally, I’ve been loving the bright pistachio shade above, like…
Dripped French tips
French tips will never go out of style, but every year, we find a brand-spanking-new spin on the classic to make it feel modern. 2024’s take? These drippy French tips in a gold chrome colour by nail artist Gina Edwards for the Prabal Gurung spring/summer 2024 show. If you’re DIYing, feel free to opt for a shimmery gold polish and create imperfect French tips (no need for any hacks here – the sloppier, the better).
But if you want to also go for this ultra-shiny, 3D look by Edwards, head to the salon and ask your artist to create these swirly tips with soft gel, then go over them with gold chrome powder.
Cherry designs
Kitschy nail art will reign supreme this summer, including these adorable cherry nails, says Walton. But feel free to tailor this to your ~vibes~ with fruits, lil cute insects, magic eight balls, or whatever your heart desires. If you’re a real Van Gogh, you can casually paint these on your nails, but if not, no biggie – just stick on a nail decal.
Aqua colours
Think beach. “Also gaining in popularity are ocean blues and greens like aqua, seafoam and cobalt blue, especially in a monochromatic fashion,” says Walton. This is why I’ll be donning my nails in this stunning, vivid aqua shade from China Glaze (shop below), which feels so summery and festive. But if you’re just looking to, ahem, dip your fingers in the trend, try it with some French tips.
Puffy nail art
Walton predicts the puffy, 3D nail art trend will only get bigger this summer, such as the cute hearts above. Generally, though, your best bet is heading to a nail artist who can create these with soft gel, then cure them with the UV nail lamp so they don’t budge. Heads-up: Make sure to bring lots of examples from IG to your nail artist. Plus, it’s always good practice to let your artist know when you make the appointment that you want a more ~laborious~ nail design so they can plan ahead properly for timing.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
