Kids may look forward to summer because it means no school and lots of time off, but we look forward to summer because it means we can finally dig out the nail art inspiration [1] we've been saving over the last few months and get started crossing looks off of our bucket list. Neon french tips? Animal print? Colourful "Pucci" designs [2]? Check, check, and check.
We love each season and the many beauty trends [3] that they bring, but there's something about summer manicures — the nail polish shades [4] get brighter; the designs, more creative — that top the rest. And something tells us this year is going to be better than ever. "A year of salons being shut down, not being able to enjoy your summer, and the anxiety of COVID-19 — that alone would inspire you to want all [the] beautiful things on your nails," nail artist Leanne Woodley [5] told POPSUGAR. "I have clients that spent a whole year creating mood boards just for their nails."
So, what nail art trends are expected to be hot this summer? Keep reading to find out.
Summer Nail Art Trend: Colourful French Manicures
According to Woodley, we'll be seeing a lot of "colourful and creative french tips." This can mean different things, like these tie-dye rainbow nails or using a different nail polish colour on each finger.
Summer Nail Art Trend: Fruit Manicures
Flowers are always a fun choice for summer manicures but we'll be taking inspiration from a different element of nature this year. "Cherries," said manicurist Queenie Nguyen [6]. "They pair nicely with the classic white French manicure for a pop of red."
Summer Nail Art Trend: Animal-Print Manicures
Looking for something a bit bolder? Try animal prints. "[It's] great for adventurous clients looking to express [their] unique personality and design sensibility," said Chillhouse lead nail technician Molly Romah [7].
Summer Nail Art Trend: "Pucci" Manicures
Nguyen and Romah agree: wavy, abstract manicures are going to be a huge trend this summer. There are two ways you can take it. "Pucci-inspired nail art allows people to have fun with bright colours and is also abstract enough to DIY [8] at home without the pressure of perfection," said Nguyen.
However, if you're into more minimal, crisp designs, keep the colours neutral and the lines simple. "Clean, simple and sweet," said Romah. Perfect for first-time nail art clients."
Summer Nail Art Trend: 3D Manicures
2D manicures are so 2020. "I definitely see 3D nail art [for summer]," Woodley. These pop-out designs take abstract manicures to a whole new level. You can also copy the trend by incorporating pearls and gemstones into your nails.
Summer Nail Art Trend: Neon French Manicures
Neon french tips will be yet another twist on the classic manicure look. According to Nguyen, "this is a great way to rock neon colours in the summer subtly."
Summer Nail Art Trend: Mismatched Manicures
The mismatched nail trend is perfect for anyone who's indecisive. "When in doubt, create different fun designs on [each] fingernail so that you can rock all [of them] at once," said Nguyen. "Mismatched nail designs are unexpected and spontaneous."
Woodley agreed: "Abstract art is making a rise this summer."
Summer Nail Art Trend: Colourful Ying Yang Manicures
"This summer, bright colours will replace the classic black and white ying yang on nails," said Nguyen. "The bright colours are more fun and unexpected." People are already making this trend their own by putting the design on all five fingers or just a few accent nails.