This season’s nail trends are about embracing colour, texture and personality. Whether you’re going for cherry-glazed power nails or dipping into dreamy pastels with a twist, there’s never been a better time to experiment.
Sun’s out, nails out. As the weather warms up, many of us start contemplating that all-important decision: what nails should you get for your holiday?
And if this season’s trends are anything to go by, 2025 is all about confidence, nostalgia and playful self-expression.
We asked industry insiders (and scrolled far too much on Pinterest) to put together a list of the prettiest nail trends for your upcoming girls’ trip or romantic getaway.
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.
Read more: What nails you should get, according to your star sign
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.
Read more: Summer makeup tips and products for a sweat-proof look
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?”
Read more: 6 best London outdoor restaurants for drinks and dinner 2025
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
