15 Summer Nail Designs to Try in 2025

Posted By Tom Lee on May 2025

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your look — and your nails are no exception. Whether you're heading to the beach, brunch, or just chilling with friends, these summer nail designs will keep your manicure as hot as the weather. ☀️💅

1. Tropical Florals

Channel island vibes with hibiscus flowers, palm leaves, or pineapple accents. Pair with pastel bases for a soft, feminine look.

2. Neon French Tips

A bold twist on the classic — swap white tips for neon pinks, greens, or yellows. It's bright, fun, and very 2025.

3. Glazed Donut Nails

Still trending strong, the chrome sheen of glazed donut nails adds an effortlessly chic vibe to your summer look.

4. Sunset Ombre

Blend warm hues like coral, orange, and soft purples for a beautiful gradient that mimics a beach sunset.

5. Pastel Swirls

Abstract swirls in pastel shades give a playful, Y2K-inspired feel — ideal for short or almond-shaped nails.

6. Fruit-Inspired Nails

Tiny strawberries, cherries, and citrus slices are not just cute — they’re deliciously on-trend.

7. Mermaid Shimmer

Iridescent and pearly finishes in aqua and lavender evoke under-the-sea glam. Great for vacations or pool parties.

8. Minimalist Nude with a Pop

Keep it simple with nude polish and add one bright dot, line, or star per nail for a sleek summer vibe.

9. Beachy Waves

Wavy blue and white lines recreate the ocean on your fingertips. Add tiny gold foil to mimic sunlight hitting the water.

10. Rainbow Tips

Each nail a different color, or rainbow gradients across all 10 — either way, it's cheerful and summery.

11. Butterfly Accents

Tiny butterfly decals or hand-painted wings work great on soft pink or lilac backgrounds.

12. Daisy Nails

Daisies are a go-to for warm weather — try white daisies on mint, pink, or baby blue polish.

13. Matte Neon

Matte finish adds a modern twist to bold summer colors like electric blue, hot pink, or lime green.

14. Sky Nails

Cloudy skies, stars, and moon phases — go celestial with light blues and dreamy artwork.

15. Watermelon Vibes

Pink and green combos with black seeds — playful, fruity, and perfect for picnics.

💡 Tips for Long-Lasting Summer Nails:

Always apply a good base and top coat
Reapply top coat every 2–3 days
Keep cuticles moisturized (especially after swimming!)
Use SPF on hands to prevent polish fading