Beauty

16 Summer 2023 Nail Art Trends That'll Make Your Manis Pop

The brighter the better.

by Carolyn Steber
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

With warmer days right around the corner, the call of the nail salon is stronger than ever. Whether you have a vacation on the horizon, al fresco weekend plans, or simply want to update your mani to match the weather, summer 2023’s biggest nail art trends have got your back.

While you can wear funky colors all year round, summer nail art is always a bit on the brighter side — especially for 2023. According to Rachel Apfel Glass, the founder of Glosslab, this season is all about extra bright colors and eye-catching designs. Whether it’s a set of sunset nails, a neon micro French manicure, or an artsy airbrushed mani, Glass recommends stepping outside of your comfort zone and leaning into a tropical, colorful summer fantasy.

That said, there is a place for simpler nail art come July and August, whether it’s neutral glossy tips, tiny decals, or milky, glazed donut nails à la Hailey Bieber (yes, they’re still a thing). These more minimalist hues will still look fresh while you swim, picnic, roller skate, or run through airports to catch a flight outta town.

Craving a polish update? Keep scrolling for 16 summer nail art trends that’ll inspire your next manicure.

1Colorful French Fade

Also called sunset nails, this ombre nail art starts off either white or colorful then blurs to a neutral. “French fades are nothing new, but swapping the traditional white for a summer shade makes this manicure perfect for the warmer months,” says Juli Russell, a DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty. “Much like the classic French manicure, sunset nails are easy to wear because the neutral base hides growth more than a solid color manicure, allowing longer wear time between changes.”

2Neon Micro French

According to Russell, micro French manicures are all the rage RN — and they’re not going anywhere. The dainty take on the classic has been spotted on everyone from J.Lo to Michelle Williams. “It’s minimal, effortless, and suitable for all nail lengths,” she says. “With summer just around the corner, swap out your classic white polish with a fun neon yellow.”

3Black Micro French

If you aren’t quite ready to go bright, opt for a swipe of black on your tips. It’s the perfect goth-chic touch, and it’s easy to customize — go with a colorful base if you want more of a pop.

4Glass Nails

A marbling effect that makes your nails look like glass is one way to turn heads this summer. “It can be quick, simple, and always attention-grabbing,” says Marie Littlewood, a nail expert and director at NSI. “Given that no two nails could look the same, it's a very customizable look.”

5Milky Nails

Deborah Lippmann, a celebrity manicurist and brand founder, is a big fan of milky nails this time of year. “Who doesn’t love a low-maintenance sheer nail polish to complement the summer months?” she says, noting that so many celebrities are rocking this trend on the red carpet (see also: Hailey Bieber). To recreate it at home, use a creamy white polish.

6Naked Nails

If you’re going on vacation and don’t want to worry about chipped polish, hop on the clean girl look to keep things simple. While it almost looks like you’re not wearing anything on your nails, it does involve a super simple polish. “I love this trend because I think there is an understated elegance to having a subtle, natural nail look,” Lippmann says. She recommends a sheer, natural beige polish.

7Neon Powdered Pigments

Mr. Luis, a celebrity nail artist and educator at LeChat Nails, points to neon powdered pigment nail art as a hot summer trend. “These bright neon pigments are definitely taken over this summer,” he tells Bustle. It’s bright, it’s ’90s-inspired, and it’s perfect for the boardwalk. According to Mr. Luis, airbrushing is back.

8Space Galaxy Nails

Have you ever wanted your nails to look like a nebula? Now is the time. According to Mr. Luis, the trending look combines metallics and airbrushing to create an other-worldly design. “Metallics give that dramatic color shift and multi-tone metallic effect on its own — no effort needed,” he says. Add little gems to mimic the stars.

93D Jewels

Eye-catching 3D nails will be big this summer, says Glamnetic founder and CEO Ann McFerran. To take things up a notch, ask for gems, stones, or acrylic at your next manicure to create a 3D jeweled effect.

10Geometric Shapes

Braelinn Frank, an Austin-based nail artist and founder of Rave Nailz, suggests spicing up your next mani with an abstract design. Think geometric shapes, intricate swirls, or lines across the tips. “These are perfect for those who want a unique and eye-catching look,” she tells Bustle.

11Colorful Chrome

Metallic chrome finishes have been spotted on Zendaya and are perfect for summertime manis. You can go for an all-over effect or add a touch of chrome paint to your tips. “These are perfect for adding some extra shine to your look, and they can be paired with a wide range of outfits,” Frank says.

12Micro Flowers

Adding a fun detail by way of a tiny flower is an easy way to decorate your nails, whether you have on a clear polish base or some neon. “Painting something like a tiny flower will be sure to spice up whatever color you have on,” says Apfel Glass.

13Bright Jelly Nails

Nail artist Queenie Nguyen says bright jelly nails are all about a sheer yet super-pigmented pop of color. The fact they’re see-through means they resemble popsicles or fruit jellies, she says, which is obviously perfect for summer. “Rock a single jelly color or be bold and wear different colors at once for a fun, Skittle nails look,” she tells Bustle.

14Strawberry Glaze

For another take on the milky nail trend, Nguyen suggests going for a pastel strawberry pink glaze. Simply choose a pink polish of your liking and top it off with a chrome finish for a cutesy look reminiscent of strawberry ice cream.

15Mermaid Nails

Nail artist Elle Gerstein has spotted a lot of mermaid and beach-themed manis. “It ties into the sea-inspired trends we have been seeing a lot, mostly due to the anticipation of The Little Mermaid movie,” she tells Bustle. To keep things simple, Gerstein suggests using a metallic blue nail polish to give off a deep-sea vibe. If you’re feeling artsy, ask your nail artist for an iridescent base, lots of pastels, and plenty of shells, sparkles, and gems.

16Coquette Nails

Gerstein is also seeing coquette nails, which serve major Bridgerton vibes. Think: embellishments, pearl details, and bows. “This trend looks great in pastels for the summer,” she tells Bustle.

Sources:

Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of Glosslab

Juli Russell, DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty

Marie Littlewood, nail expert, director at NSI

Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist, brand founder

Ann McFerran, Glamnetic founder and CEO

Braelinn Frank, nail artist, founder of Rave Nailz

Mr. Luis, celebrity nail artist, educator at LeChat Nails

This article was originally published on