Summer has officially begun, meaning the curtains have closed on “cold girl makeup” and moody mauve nails to make room for warmer beauty aesthetics. Nail trends, specifically, are starting fresh in the form of nude tones and pale pinks, plus pops of abstract adornments here and there. The acrylic craze of 2020, which saw many Gen Zers glue on Cynthia Erivo-approved talons, seems to have finally finished as short nails make a comeback for easy upkeep and a more natural finish.
One trend that we have yet to shake, however, is the Hailey Bieber “glazed donut” look. Manicurists are still coating base colors — now pale pink, guava and butter yellow — in powder chrome, whether it’s only on a single nail or all of them.
Here, 10 summer 2025 nail trends, according to professional manicurists and major red carpet moments.
Short and Square
Heidi Montag’s short, square-cut nails at the 2025 American Music Awards at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Recent red carpet styles have indicated a newfound aversion to long nails, at least among the upper echelons of Hollywood. Pointy tips are now being clipped and filed down into square shapes.
Alternating Designs
Woman poses with her decorated nails next to a reflective bag on the street.
Getty Images
Patterns are playing out in the form of abstract nail art for more whimsical, fun-loving embellishments on street style outfits.
Glazed Almond
Zoe Brough’s glazed nails at the Chanel and Tribeca luncheon to celebrate Through Her Lens: The Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program.
Variety via Getty Images
The “glazed” nail trend, popularized by Hailey Bieber in June 2022, remains a top choice. Almond-shaped nails, in particular, are being partnered with the chrome finish on top of both neutral and neon bases.
Vibrant Stripes
According to nail artist Sigourney Nuñe, rainbow candy stripe nails are in. Many of her clients are asking for a kaleidoscopic sequence on their nails with line design embellishments like taffy.
French Tip
A favored aesthetic of the early 2000s, the French tip is now seemingly back in style, as many celebrities have recently sported the look for major red-carpet moments. Jenna Ortega went with French tip nails for the 2025 Met Gala in May. TikTok and Pinterest followers are also reimagining the classy style in bolder, brighter colors such as baby blue and fiery red.
Gradient
Coco Gauff’s gradient blue nails on day 14 of the 2025 French Open.
Colors are being melted into a misty abyss with celebrities such as Coco Gauff asking for gradient nail designs in every shade, shape and size.
Jelly
The gummy texture of fruit preservatives and sugary snacks is being reinvented in nail form. Shiny hues are being topped with translucent art for an added jelly-like effect.
Butter Yellow
Butter yellow nails on a matching gown with diamond jewelry.
WireImage
Butter yellow has, and continues, to dominate as the color of the summer, according to celebrity nail artists Thuy Nguyen and Alexandra Jachno. The tone is pared down compared to a mustard yellow.
“It’s the perfect shade to transition from spring into summer. When I think of spring, I think of soft pastels, and when I think of summer, it’s all about warmth and brightness. Butter yellow bridges both seasons beautifully. It’s light, creamy, and cheerful without being too bold,” Jachno told WWD.
Pale Pink
Laufey’s baby pink nails at the 18th annual Tribeca Artists Dinner hosted by Chanel on June 9.
Variety via Getty Images
Natural nail approaches are bringing an increased interest in pale pink. Hubba Bubba Bubblegum pink has been thrown out for a pastel alternative so soft it almost looks like there’s no color on the nail.
3D Art
Ego Nwodim serves up a whimsical aesthetic with pop art on her nails for the 2025 Met Gala in New York City.
It’s no longer enough to have floral-painted nails, the capitulum has to pop. Three-dimensional nail art is on the rise as many influencers and celebrities such as Ego Nwodim step out with tiny buttons, gems, sparkles and figurines glued on top of their nail beds.