Get ready to upgrade your mani game — 2025’s hottest nail trends are all about bold colour, nostalgic flair and playful textures.
From cherry-glazed red nails to soft, dreamy pastels with a twist, this year’s summer nail ideas are designed to turn heads and express your personality.
With the sun shining and vacation season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to ask: what nail design should you get for your holiday?
Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a romantic escape or just want to feel fabulous at home, we’ve tapped into expert insights (and yes, gone deep on Pinterest) to bring you the most on-trend holiday manicure inspiration for 2025.
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@living360_uk We’re obsessed with sunflower yellow nails this season 🌻 Nail technician Alex from Cloud Beauty says: “Soft yellow tones are having a MOMENT” #nails #nailart #summernails
Cherry bomb
If there’s one shade dominating manis this summer, it’s cherry red.
“Vibrant cherry-red nails make a bold, classic statement,” says nail technician Alex from Cloud Beauty in Camden.
It’s elegant, it’s empowered and it pairs just as well with a crisp white linen shirt as it does a martini. Think 1950s glamour meets 2025 sleek tech.
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Sunbeam chrome
Soft yellow might sound like spring, but this season it gets the futuristic upgrade. Alex notes: “Soft yellow tones with a chrome finish are having a moment.”
The result? A lemon sorbet sheen that catches the light like a beachside sunset. Wear it with metallic rings and minimal everything else.
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Fombré fever
Can’t decide between a French manicure or ombré? You don’t have to. “Fombré nails combine both styles for a subtle gradient effect,” says Alex.
It’s the nail trend for the indecisive minimalist — polished, clean, but with just enough interest to make people ask, “Where did you get your nails done?”
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Animal instincts
Leopard spots. Cow print. Zebra stripes in neon hues. According to Alex, “Nostalgic animal prints are adding a playful touch to manicures.”
It’s giving Scary Spice, it’s giving Y2K, it’s giving bold-girl summer. Pair with denim cut-offs and your loudest sunglasses.
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Micro-art
Julita Fagan, nail technician from 14 Day Manicure, says small fruit and flowers will scatter our nails this summer.
“Delicious and sweet, this subtle dash of minimalism, creating the teeniest version of the duo, is absolutely adorable.”
Place the dinky designs on all your fingers or focus on one or two on each hand to make a statement.
Colour pop
This summer, it’s less ‘subtle pastel’ and more ‘drenched in sunlight’.
CoverClap nail artist Maria Jones explains: “Bold, tropical bright colours — namely neon orange, lemon-lime, cobalt blue and fuchsia — are trending.”
Use them as a full-set statement or mix them up in a mismatched medley — each finger its own fruity character.
These punchy shades double as a dopamine boost, whether you’re into minimalist colour blocks or palm frond-inspired nail art.
Jelly nails
Think lip gloss for your nails.
“Real juicy looking, almost syrupy nails that look like gummy candies or popsicles,” Maria explains. “You can gobble up that faded purplish stain in no time.”
With brands like OPI and Lights Lacquer dropping sheer watermelon reds and grape purples, the jelly mani is going mass appeal.
Best suited to almond or squoval shapes, the translucent wash of colour feels like nostalgia with a grown-up twist.
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Chrome French tips
Chrome’s not going anywhere, but it’s evolved into something sleeker and sunnier.
“In lieu of full chrome, we’re seeing very bright metallics — from lavender to emerald to even duochrome finishes that shift in the sunlight — turned into ‘French-tip’ chromes.”
Minimal base, shimmering edge. Bonus? Add tiny florals like daisies for a hyper-feminine punch.
Maria recently combined pink-chrome French tips with miniature white blooms, explaining: “That combination is a beautiful blend for where things are in the moment, with metallics and florals combined.”
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Airbrush aura nails
Soft-focus, ombré-esque and Y2K through and through, this style looks like a halo captured mid-moment.
“It gives a soft, gradient look in the centre of the nail, frequently contrasting hues like coral and mint or blue and lilac,” says Maria.
The airbrush effect is dreamy and a little surreal, especially when finished with a matte topcoat.
Feature image credit: Freepik
