25 Trendy Nail Designs Everyone Is Asking for This Summer | Glamour
By Daniel Kim
The power of a great manicure is not to be underestimated: Beyond helping you feel instantly more put-together, personalized nail designs are an outlet for self-expression. With that in mind, it only makes sense to start a new season with a manicure you’re obsessed with. Luckily, summer 2026 shaping up to be one of the best for nail trends.
Last year the minimalist manicure was one of the biggest trends, with understated styles like and dominating our feeds (and salons). So it’s not much of a surprise that we’re entering summer 2026 with a taste for something bolder. , a celebrity nail artist, educator, and co-owner of , predicts that and bright, colorful, detailed nail art will set the tone for this summer’s nail trends.
Yes, maximalist nail designs are here to stay for summer 2026. As , nail expert and Sally Beauty brand ambassador, tells Glamour, “The maximalist nail trend will be defined by mix-and-match designs across a full set, intricate hand painted details, and deliberate texture play. Expect to see paired with , chrome layered over sheer bases, and 3D embellishments such as pearls, sculpted acrylic shapes, and metal accents.”
But even though we’re seeing a pivot from minimalist to maximalist nail inspo this summer, there are a few minimalist nail designs that continue to stand the test of time. Rebecca Isa, creative director at tells us, “One of the biggest nail trends for 2026 is the elevated , a clean, that enhances the nail rather than covering it completely.” For the girls wanting a simpler look this summer, this trend is the one to try. “It’s ideal for anyone who wants nails that look polished but not overly done,” says Isa.
As we head into the summer season, celebrity manicure tastemakers like and Tracee Ellis Ross have also shown us some examples of how to embrace summer-inspired nails. Jenner recently wore a bedazzled flower manicure, for example, while Ross showed off a fun mismatched nail look.
Even simple, solid-tone manicures are expected to get an upgrade in 2026 as trendy nail effects like the magnetic current cat-eye treatment pick up steam. And remember, manicure trends may come and go, but taking good care of your nails is always in style. Celebrity nail artist (whose regular clients include Hailey Bieber, Jenner, and Sabrina Carpenter) has noted a recent uptick in uptick in in the nail realm. “Nail, hand, and foot care has become more popular, even if you don’t like polish on your nails,” she says. “I see a lot of people started posting their hand- and feet-care routines.”
Ready to meet your new favorite manicure? Ahead, see all of the must-try nail designs that are trending this summer, according to pro nail artists.
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Adorned French
Think classic french tips with “chrome finishes and rhinestone details, adding a modern edge to a timeless manicure,” says Russell. Clearly, we’re all still thinking about the Sabrina Carpenter wore for her , courtesy of Ganzorigt.
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Metallic Tips
The easiest way to make a French manicure a little edgier—but still neutral enough to go with everything in your wardrobe—is to sub in a metallic tip. Add a for a futuristic vibe.
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Bold Stripes
We’re ready to trade in our for . Versatile striped nails can be worn as or as you like; and with a few small tweaks to the colors, they can be worn all year long too. They’re also easy to combine with trendy nail effects, from holographic to crisp chrome lines.
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Luminous Cat-Eye
or effects were wildly popular this past winter, even among so-called mani minimalists. And it seems the cat-eye trend has stuck around for the summer season too. Maybe it’s because even though cat-eye nails look intricate and complicated, they’re actually super easy to DIY at home with the right products (like this ).
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Lavender Milk Nails
The latest take on the craze uses the color to create a clean-looking mani that’s flattering on everyone. Similar to and , lavender milk nails have just the right amount of pastel color and shine. Don’t forget the finishing touch: “plump skin that looks extremely healthy and glowy without feeling greasy,” says celebrity nail artist . Make sure to moisturize with a good after your manicure to complete that fresh-out-of-the-bath look.
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Pretty Pastels
Pastel colors are having a big moment. “We’re leaning toward soft light shades like lavender, mint, peach, and baby blues, which are really great and give an airy vibe,” says . Even better news for nail art lovers: “Pastels are also great for some of this year’s trending designs, including and .”
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Blue Aura
If you ever tried the , you’ll love these blue . As for what aura nails are? Similar to , they feature the seamless blending of colors, usually two, creating an aura-like gradient orb. In fact, Russell names it as one of her top nail trends for summer. “What makes this nail art so popular is the endless color combo possibilities,” she says.
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Farmer’s Market
Dainty fruit art looks extra darling on a clean nude nail. For an extra pop, add chrome detailing to catch the light. Some colorful fruits and veggies we recommend bringing to your nail artist? Blueberries, cherries, bananas, carrots, peppers, lemons, limes, grapes, oranges, and peaches.
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Floral Nails
Pick your favorite bright shade and add floral nail art for the perfect summer manicure. who by the way was the manicurist behind Emily Blunt’s nails for the The Devil Wears Prada premiere, says the best way to achieve this look is by “using gems or pearls to create a 3D flower on the nail.”
If you plan to DIY, follow this guide from Kandalec: “Where the pearls and gems are, apply an extra drop of top coat, then immediately drop in a center crystal, then five flat back pearls around it. Allow to dry, and top coat again to secure.”
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BB Cream Nails
As the name implies, this manicure takes its inspiration from (a.k.a. blemish balm cream), a two-in-one makeup and skin care product. The result are soft, glowy, semi-sheer nails that don’t feel overdone.
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Glazed Chrome
This is a fan favorite. “Shimmer is becoming much more refined,” says Isa. “Instead of heavy glitter or , we are seeing soft opalescent dimensions—sheer washes of light, , and iridescence that shift subtly as the hands move. It’s a beautiful way to make a manicure feel special without it feeling too loud.”
To achieve this look, Isa recommends keeping the base sheer and clean. “Apply a perfecting shade first, then layer a soft opal or pearl-effect shade over top,” she adds. “Keep coats thin and finish with a high-gloss topcoat to amplify the reflective effect.”
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Depth and Dimension
has been a huge trend in 2026. You can interpret that with trippy allusions, as seen here, or go for a more subtle—though just as complex—design. “ are here to stay,” says of the latest trending manicures. “Everyone wants nails with dimensions, whether it’s mimicking a mermaid or jewelry. Painting nails one color is a thing of the past.”
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3D Neutral
According to , celebrity nail artist and founder of Nails of LA and , we’ll be seeing way more 3D neutral nails incorporating stones, charms, and sculptures into their designs. One of her most recommended styles, in fact, is this 3D neutral look—so much so she turned it into ’
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Short and Sweet
Gerstein also points to , sweet, and soft shades as a major trend to watch for. “This could be pastels, it could be rich-girl nude, or it could even be a subtle chrome,” she says. “The key is for it to be delicate—think a baby blue that’s so light you don’t realize it’s baby blue. ”
This look is more of a tint of color that gives a polished finish, as you always look better polished than undone, she adds. “ is a perfect example as it’s just a tinge of color.”
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Glass of Merlot
If black and brown feel too dark for your style, Ganzorigt recommends dabbling in a instead. Her favorite example of the look? This merlot manicure she created for Ariana Greenblatt, which you can re-create with two coats of or one coat of .
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Pattern Play
, gingham, and other classic textile patterns will be a huge trend this summer. They’re a great way to bring some order to the maximalism trend, with clean lines and lots of freedom to choose a bold or monochrome palette.
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Mannequin Hands
Prepare for the return of mannequin hands. “Mannequin hands was a widely popular nail trend that circulated in the beauty community in the 2010 era,” says Russell. “It features a that gives your hands the appearance of mannequins’ hands. This time around we have better skin-tone shades and formulas so you have more flattering options.”
To get the look, Russell suggests using a semi-sheer beige that elongates the fingers and looks clean and effortless. “ has a range of skin-tone shades to help achieve that seamless tonal effect,” she says. “Pro tip: Always prep with a base coat and finish with a to avoid giving your hands a dull appearance.”
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Pearly White
is back in fashion, which is perfect timing for summer. Plus, it’s the ultimate stealth-wealth shade. To get the look, try .
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Blush Nails
Shades of baby pink and hot pink will transform your into blush nails. To get the gradient effect, apply baby pink all over the flat side of a soft sponge before adding hot pink to the center. Carefully buff onto the nail and follow with a layer of clear topcoat.
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Matcha Moment
Lattes aren’t the only beverage taking over nail trends. Mint green, are also making waves in 2026.
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Groovy French
While minimalist nail looks were in, manicures with loud, vivid colors were evolving. “They can still be seen in more abstract designs and patterns, like bold bright swirl designs and more vibrant French tips,” Michelle Nguyen, nail expert and founder and CEO of , explains. “ with a sheer base and a vivid tip are a look to watch out for, as it blends a classic design with a pop of color.” For some inspo, check out this groovy design that was created for .
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Mod Monochrome
Abstract designs and patterns, like swirl designs and unconventional French tips, are trends to watch. We love this monochrome take on the look.
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Spanish Tile Nails
Spanish Tile–inspired nails are the perfect way to add a pop of color to a neutral base coat. “For Euro summer, colorful little details on a soft white background are one of my favorite looks,” says Kandalec. To accomplish this look, “Start with a semi-sheer, milky white base, pick some colorful European summer shades, then use a dotting tool and short detail brush to draw the flowers.” Kandalec recommends using shades , , and .
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Edgy French
The French manis of 2026 come in neutral shades, too, as seen in this look that is peak “quiet luxury meets edgy French.”
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Simply Sheer
This sheer manicure “is the evolution of the “” look, but with more treatment benefits, more glow, and a more perfected finish,” says Isa. “Products like the are perfect for this because they create a sheer, tone-enhancing veil over the natural nail while helping smooth the look of ridges and discoloration.” For a softer, more luminous effect, she uses for a light-catching opalescent finish that makes the nails look bright, clean, and fresh.
is a Brooklyn-based (but LA-raised!) writer and editor specializing in , , , , and . At Glamour, Danielle covered , , trending phenomena like , , , , and the latest in , , , , ...
is the Associate Beauty Editor at Glamour, where she covers beauty and wellness news, trends, and burning questions through a pop culture lens. Grace is based in Manhattan, and studied English with concentrations in creative writing and fashion at Fordham University. Previously, she has held a staff position ... Associate Beauty Editor
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