If you've yet to book your first salon visit of the summer or you're patiently waiting for your turn to come around, chances are you've spent the best part of the last week looking at manicure inspiration—because that's what we've been doing, too.
The excitement of seeing our favourite nail technicians once again is palpable, but with so many manicure and nail-art options to choose from, we're becoming a tad overwhelmed by the choice. So ahead of our stint in the salon chair, we thought we'd use our time wisely to discover which nail looks are the most-requested in salons right now.
We consulted some of our salons to find out which nail and manicure styles are trending this summer, direct from those firmly in the know. See what they said below, and then check out all the inspiration you need to make up your mind on which trending nails is for you.
RAINBOW BRIGHTS AT HOUSE OF LADY MUCK
"We’re already starting to see a real focus around brights and pastels—specifically a different colour on every nail. It’s the perfect way to come out of lockdown and cheer yourself up! We use The GelBottle polishes, which are vegan and cruelty-free. The gorgeous colours used in the snap below are Flame, Flax, Pink Ribbon, and Papaya." — Laura Southern, founder of House of Lady Muck
TORTOISESHELL AT BUFF
"Along with the usual bright colours our clients always crave come summer, we’re finding many of them are asking for tortoiseshell nails, too. People keep telling us how much they’ve missed having their nails done, so we think they’re being more directional and opting for our standout but versatile tortoiseshell nail art. Some are even saying, ‘Do whatever you like,’ which is a nail technician’s dream!” — the nail experts at Buff
FOIL DETAILS AT DRYBY
"Our clients are seeing their first appointments back in the salon as very special experiences, so it’s little wonder they’re looking at ways to make their manicures more fanciful, too. One of our most popular requests, pre- and post-lockdown, is foil nail art, which always looks so gorgeous.” — the nail experts at DryBy
NEON HUES AT NAILS.INC
"Since reopening, we’ve noticed that our customers are being a lot more experimental with pops of colour on their nails. Our Naked in Neon collection sold out at launch! Popular shades include acid orange, yellow and neon pink, either by coating the entire nail or through incorporated nail art.” — Thea Green, MBE, founder of Nails Inc
NUDES AT NAF!
"Our NAFIA are just so excited to see their fave nail techs AND get some self-care time dedicated to their paws again! And of course, our extension babes are excited to get their claws back! Our clients have always loved a huge range of nail art styles, shapes, colours, etc. Although, we do predict that nudes, as well as The GelBottle Inc Builder gels and new summer collection, will be huge hits." — the nail experts at NAF! Salon
COLOURED TIPS AT COLOUR RIOT
"Our most-requested mani lockdown once was lifted was our Colour Riot Signature Shea manicure, finished with a nude base and contrasting coloured tips. Our signature manicure uses products such as Shea butter and black soap straight from Africa to ensure the ultimate hydration, while the nail art symbolises a fresh start post-lockdown. The coloured tips are proving popular for those seeking summer vibes.” — the nail experts at Colour Riot
PETALS AT TOWNHOUSE
"We are so happy to be back open, and our customers have been so excited to get a much-needed post-lockdown pampering. Since the reopening, customers have been opting for fresh, bright looks for the outdoors—tonal manicures in pink and blue tones, also bright colour pops of coral and electric blue. The most popular nail-art requests so far have been delicate floral looks including Secret Garden and Summer Nights, both from our S/S 20 collection.” — Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of Townhouse
BLUES AND GREENS AT NAILS BROWS
"The majority of our clients are choosing bright and pastel colours for their post-lockdown mani/pedis. Vivid and colourful shades are a great way to inspire mood change and have some fun. Some popular shades have been light greens such as Mint Convertible from CND Shellac and turquoise such as Kure Bazaar’s Hope. In terms of shape, almond-shaped nails remain the most-requested, closely followed by square shape with rounded sides, which is a more natural look. We’ve also noticed that our clients’ nails are in fabulous condition. This could be due to the fact that they have had three months away from having acetone applied to remove shellac polish.” — Sherrille Riley, founder of Nails Brows Mayfair
Opening Image: @slipintostyle
Next: The nail colours the world's most stylish women are wearing right now.
-
Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Beer Both Wore This $12 Nail Polish to the GrammysIt's a classic.
-
The Exact 2 Chanel Nail Polishes Behind Margot Robbie's "Barbie Doll Hands"New manicure inspo, unlocked.
-
I Don't Say This Lightly—These Are the 31 Best Things I Got on Amazon This YearOut of dozens of orders.
-
I Buy My Gifts From Shopbop andReplica Store—These Are the Ones I'm Ordering FirstSeriously good presents ahead.
-
I'm a Pop Culture Obsessed Beauty Editor—These Nostalgic Products Give Me My FixThis was fun.
-
I Got the Scoop on the Beauty ProductsReplica Store Has to Restock ConstantlyI want everything.
-
She Wanted to Send Those Brats Off to Switzerland—I Wanted Her Beauty AestheticAn ode to Meredith Blake.
-
I Bled From Chafing While Marathon Training—This Anti-Chafe Stick Worked MagicIt's the only thing that helped.
