Summer is almost here and while we already have our bathing suit picked out and our frizz-proof hairstyle down, we’re also looking for a mani that brings the whole look together. We’re picturing cool, manicured tips that would look nice holding an icy cold drink or a snazzy pedicure that looks amazing in some new sandals. To help guide us, two celebrity manicurists share their top picks for the four nail trends that are poised to take over the season.
The 4 Hottest Nail Trends to Try This Summer, According to Celebrity Manicurists
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Published May 24, 2022
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1. Y2k Nails
Yup, Y2K beauty is still going strong. When it comes to our nails, we’re seeing everything from heart styles to neon hues and 3D nail art. But for summer, we’re venturing to a galaxy far, far away. “We’re bringing out the space-age nail polish with multi-faceted shimmers and cosmic colors,” says Deborah Lippman, celebrity manicurist and founder of Deborah Lippman. Think: blues, greens and lots of glitter. If the ‘00s taught us anything, it’s that there can never be enough bling. “We want to have fun again, express ourselves and travel the world, so people are looking for happy and fun nail colors,” adds Lippman.
Shop the trend: Essie ($9); OPI ($11); Deborah Lippman ($20)
2. Modern French Manicure
Goodbye to the OG French manicure (at least for now). We’re looking to switch things up with something other than the standard white tips. “This trend takes a classic and puts a twist on it with bright colors, patterns and unexpected shapes that accent the tip of the nail,” says Shelena Robinson, celebrity manicurist and OPI global education manager.
Go with the traditional design and decorate your tips in your summer color of choice. (Brownie points if you apply a different hue for each nail.) Or try the reverse French style that places the accents near the cuticles instead.
3. Nail Art Mania
Nail art is dominating in 2022 and we’re bringing that creative energy into the summer. Celebs like Meg Thee Stallion and Jennifer Lopez have been showing off styles that need to be displayed at the MoMa. “Abstract nail art that looks handmade—or a freestyle look that’s similar to graffiti—is very popular right now because it is so eye-catching,” says Lippman.
Lippman suggests using a thin nail art brush to draw the designs and an additional brush to clean up any mistakes along the way. She also recommends stepping your cuticle game up and investing in products (like a cuticle oil and a moisturizer) to keep the skin around your nails nourished to better show off your fresh mani. (And if you’re not the best artist, a good reference photo for your manicurist will do.)
Shop the trend: Nail Art Brushes ($10)
4. Squared Off Tips
We love an almond style, but we’re bringing back square shaped tips this summer. “This shape is easy to achieve and can be worn on short nails for a tidy, low maintenance manicure or on longer nails for a bolder look,” says Robinson. You can create the look right at home with a good nail file and some patience. Robinson suggests filing the sides of your nail straight before filing across at the tips. She adds, “If you’re working on your natural nails, go with a softer 240 grit file. But if you have tips or enhancements, use a coarser grit (like 180) to speed up the shaping of syour nails.”
Shop the trend: Nail Filer ($5)
We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to have a hot nail summer.
