You know one of the things that I love most about summer? The fact that people can actually SEE my manicure for once. Like, sure, winter has it’s perks (read: drinking hot chocolate and laying under my weighted blanket for days on end) but as soon as I bundle up and head outside, all the hard work that my beloved manicurist (jk, it’s me) put into my nails is sadly hidden away in gloves or pockets. So you better believe that when June hits, I’ll be flaunting my naked hands and manicure around like it’s my GD job. And since that time is coming sooner than you think, I’ve rounded up the 12 summer 2021 nail trends—from IG-worthy designs to bright, eye-catching polish colors—that you should 100 percent try this season.
Need even more nail inspo? We’ve got you covered…
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DIYing a color block design like this for your next manicure is surprisingly easy. Just paint your first four nails in lavender polish and your pinky in hot pink polish. Then go in and paint half of your thumb, pointer, and ring fingers in the same hot pink shade.
✨ Recreate it with: Sundays Nail Polish in No 12 and JinSoon Nail Polish in Birdie
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These multi-color tips combine two of my favorite nails trends—the French manicure and the ombre manicure. They’ll add the perfect amount of flare to your look without clashing with your summer outfits.
✨ Recreate it with: Pretty in Pink Skittle Mani Kit
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Gold and blue are two versatile nail polish colors that don’t get paired together enough—and summer 2021 is here to change that. Like, look how chic/cool this combo is?!
✨ Recreate it with: Zoya Nail Polish in Soleil
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Summer is the perfect time to simplify your beauty routine, but you can (and should!) still make a statement with a bright, bold manicure. A few quick coats of this spicy red shade will do just that.
✨ Recreate it with: Olive and June in Lava
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An abstract mani honestly looks trendy in any season, but the bright yellow blocks of color in this graphic design are practically made for wearing on your nails in the warmer months.
✨ Recreate it with: OPI in Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
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Move over sunset eyes, the sunset manicure (complete with gradient nail polish colors and detailed palm trees) is having it’s moment for summer 2021.
✨ Recreate it with: Orly in Here Comes the Sun
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Show up to brunch with coolest mani at the table by using two top coats with different finishes—one that’s matte and one that’s glossy. You can use them on alternate nails or on the same nail to create detailing.
✨ Recreate it with: Rooted Woman Non-Toxic Nail Polish in Rest
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You don’t need a fancy nail kit to DIY this cute red and white summer nail idea. Apply two coats of white polish to your nails, wait until it’s fully dry, and then play around with the red brush strokes.
✨ Recreate it with: Nails Inc. Gel Nail Polish in Pillarbox Red
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Using a few different warm-toned polishes gives this neutral mani a fun, summery feel. It’s the perfect way to keep your nails low-key without being too basic or boring.
✨ Recreate it with: Essie in Island Hopping
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When rose quartz nails first became popular, I didn’t immediately jump on the bandwagon, and I deeply regret that. Good thing the look is still trending for summer 2021, bc I’m now fully obsessed and will be wearing it on my nails through Labor Day.
✨ Recreate it with: Triple O Nail Polish in Aneke
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If you’re looking for a multi-colored mani without going full rainbow, these bright French tips are it. Just be sure to seal it all in with a gel topcoat for an extra-shiny and chip-resistant finish.
✨ Recreate it with: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Jazzy Jade or Nails Inc Plant Power Nail Polish in Time For A Reset
A post shared by Karirenize Guerrero (@karisnailart)
The best part about this summer nail trend is that it hits on two levels: retro summer and Funfetti dessert. It’s also my favorite new nail idea to wear on a summer date.
✨ Recreate it with: Pear Nova in Frida Be Free