11 Nail Trends That'll Be Everywhere This Summer

In terms of beauty, nothing has the power to transition your look through different seasons quite like a manicure or nail art. Just as moody tones are synonymous with winter, bright and bold hues go hand in hand with summer styling, and that's precisely what we're seeing more of in terms of nails right now. 

You need only scroll on Instagram to see that colourful manicures are currently trending, as are fresh shades of blue and green. Nail art is once again proving seriously popular, with everything from pastels to the multicoloured French tips making an appearance on our feeds. 

But which summer nail trend is right for you? To help you decide, we've rounded up 11 must-know looks for you to consider. Scroll on to see them and to shop the varnishes and tools you need to re-create them for yourself. 

1. COLOURFUL FRENCH

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(Image credit: @overglowedit)

French tips are back on the manicure agenda, with fashion types opting for colourful ends. Go all out with one colour or a different shade on each nail.

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2. CHECKERBOARD

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Having already taken over our wardrobes, checkerboard patterns are cropping up on nails, too. If it's your first attempt, try creating the look with bigger squares, and use nail-art tape to keep your lines sharp.

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3. WHITE

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

White hues always make a comeback for summer and present a way for minimalists to get in on trending nail looks. If you prefer a sheer white, then the milky nail trend is one for you.

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4. DEEP BLUE

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(Image credit: @iramshelton)

From cobalt blue to ultramarine, blue nails are big news for summer 2023. Opt for a deeper shade with a glossy topcoat for a chic way to transition your fingertips into summer.

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5. NEGATIVE SPACE 

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(Image credit: @paintboxnails)

This is another pared-back take on nail art. Use a super-glossy bottom and topcoat to ensure your negative-space nails look as premium as possible. 

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6. MICRO NAIL ART

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(Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland)

Want something more minimalistic? Enter micro nail art. Whether you opt for dots, hearts or flowers, use a nail dotting tool for precision, or cheat with nail stickers and seal with a topcoat.

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7. GREEN

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(Image credit: @browngirlhands)

If white isn't your thing, give your talons a fashionable spin with this season's trending green hue. Pistachio and grass hues are a forward-fashion bet.

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8. MIX 'N' MATCH

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

If you can't decide which colour to go for, why not wear one on each finger? I'm indecisive and swear by this trick. 

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9. SWIRLS

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(Image credit: @celmatique)

It might look tricky to re-create, but dotting a small amount of nail polish in different hues onto your nail and mixing it with a wooden nail-art tool will help you achieve this cool, swirled effect. 

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10. GRAPHIC LINES

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(Image credit: @nailartbyqueenie)

Got a steady hand? Channel your inner Picasso with graphic lines. Choose a neutral base to add polish and showcase your artistic flair with a superfine brush on top.

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11. POLKA DOT 

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails)

Already invested in a dotting tool? Put it to good use to quickly rustle up this polka-dot manicure. Wait for the dots to dry, and then apply a layer of topcoat for an ultra-glossy finish. 

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Next Up: 12 Pastel Nail Ideas to Save to Your Inspo Board ASAP

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.