Suddenly, Everyone on My Instagram Is Wearing These Summer-Ready Nail Colours

When the weather gets warmer, it's fun to mix things up with your nail colours. Wave goodbye to the dark-red, brown, and black polishes of the winter months and the pretty pastels of spring. You served us well, but the bright and bold colours of summer are back on trend. If you're a fan of an eye-catching mani, then now's the time for your nails to shine (quite literally).

Of course, that's not to say you can't wear dark colours in the warmer months and bright colours in colder seasons, but there's something that just screams summer when you've got a fun, bold manicure. Bright colours are often synonymous with happiness and optimism, and I'm a firm believer in the idea that a great manicure can instantly lift your mood. To me, there's no better accessory than a stand-out manicure when you have a summer of festival, holiday, and wedding outfit planning ahead, don't you agree?

And I'm not the only one. It seems like everyone on my Instagram is wearing bright, fun, bold hues on the hands and toes right now! 

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(Image credit: @MICHELLEINFUSINO)

To prove it, I did some serious scrolling to bring you the best bright colours to wear on your nails this summer. See my picks, and (if you're into DIY-ing your mani) add these bright nail polishes to your wish list.

1. Red

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(Image credit: @FONGMINLIAO)

Red nails are a classic option which actually look good all year round. If you're a neutral or monochrome dresser, then red can provide the perfect pop of colour against your outfit. 

Shop the trend:

2. Pink

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(Image credit: @SYMPHANISOTO)

Pastel pink nails are perfect for spring, but come summer, now's the time to upgrade to a brighter, more vibrant hue. Whether your nails are short or long, rounded or square, bright pink looks great on on everyone.

Shop the trend:

3. Green

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(Image credit: @MICHELLEINFUSINO)

From lime green and grass green to matcha green and that viral Bottega green, there are so many bright green colour options to choose from.

Shop the trend:

4. Blue

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(Image credit: @HARRIETSTEWART)

A bold blue manicure will look super fresh for summer (and beyond). We've seen so many French tip designed incorporating blues—from electric baby blue shades, to darker and more vibrant hues.

Shop the trend:

5. Neon

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(Image credit: @NICOLE_HUISMAN)

Neon nails make a summer comeback every year—after all, what could be more appropriate for festival season? If you're not brave enough for an all-over neon manicure, opt to incorporate hints of neon brights into your nail art designs instead. We especially love a neon yellow and lilac colour combination.

Shop the trend:

6. Orange

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(Image credit: @HARRIETWESTMORELAND)

Vibrant, fun, and juicy, orange nails truly come into their own during the summer months. This is another shade that looks great when used to add colour to a French manicure—celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland is a big fan.

Shop the trend:

7. Multicolour

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(Image credit: @CELMATIQUE)

Can't settle on just one colour? Feeling overwhelmed by choice? We suggest opting for a bright multicoloured nail art design instead. After all, if you're going to go bright, you might as well make a statement.

Shop the trend:

Next Up: The 29 Best Colourful French-Manicure Ideas to Try Now

Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.

While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.