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

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.