Summer Just Isn't Summer Without These Beautiful Nail Colours

Nothing says summer quite like a bright manicure or a standout pedicure, and with sandal season now in full swing, we decided it was time to start thinking about the shades we want to wear on our talons and toes over the coming months. 

The great thing about summer nail colours is that you're guaranteed to find one to suit you no matter what your dress sense may be. Of course, there are bold shades of yellow and blue for maximalists, but then there are hues of white and terra cotta that'll appease those with minimal aesthetics, too. Throw nail art into the equation, and the options are truly endless.

Like everything else in the style ether, nail colours go in and out of fashion, so we reached out to some of the industry's top nail artists, technicians, and experts to find out which summer nail colours they predict will dominate this season. Scroll below to discover them ahead of your next salon appointment, followed by our pick of the best of the rest. 

AQUA

"Our clients are currently obsessed with aqua and turquoise shades,” say the nail experts at acclaimed London salon Colour Riot. "We’re continuously having to top up our bottles to keep up with the demand.” 

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ORANGE

Another predominant hue at Colour Riot this summer is orange. "The juicier the tone, the better!” they say. "Orange is so popular right now as we head into the warmer months. We love it as a pedicure.”

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SHADES OF GREEN

"Green nails are becoming a huge trend this summer, from bright, juicy apple to more muted pistachio and olive tones,” shares Jen Seales, nail artist and founder of Swak Nails. "Personally, I love the shades Appletini and Pistachio Green by Bio Sculpture Gel. They look great as a block manicure or as part of a more elaborate design. I was recently commissioned to create this manicure featuring Pistachio Green alongside another big 2021 trend: the micro French.” 

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BUBBLEGUM PINK

"Nudes are popular year-round, but I’m getting lots of requests for bubblegum pink right now, too,” says top Hollywood nail expert Queenie Nguyen. "It’s a fun colour to start summer with and is an easy switch for those who like their red manicures, as it sits in the same shade family."

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OTHER SUMMER NAIL COLOURS TO TRY

WHITE

YELLOW

PINK

BLUE

RUST

CREAM

RED

GREEN

BLUSH

METALLIC

LILAC

Next Up: The Unexpected Nail Trend That Will Be Everywhere This Summer