Flower Nail Art Is Summer's Cutest Nail Trend—22 Designs I've Screen-Grabbed

I’ll admit when it comes to my nails, I’m a one-shade wonder. I feel most safe in the salon hot seat when I’ve asked for a short rounded shape and selected a colour that sits within the confines of a dark burgundy. Anyone else familiar with the feeling of going for a nail colour outside your comfort zone only to be filled with deep regret alongside a slight nervous sweat at the first layer, but nodding over enthusiastically when asked if you’re happy with it?

However, the tides may my turning. The other week I was invited to try one of two limited-edition Elemis x Townhouse nail art designs. As I knew I was writing this feature on flower nails, I went straight for the floral French option (I’m a very committed and very serious journalist, guys). Long story short, I haven’t stopped taking pictures holding various items around the flat since. Turns out I’m a flower nail girly after all. And I’m most certainly not alone.

My Elemis x Townhouse mani

Are Floral Nails Trending?

It's no secret that floral nails were a big deal in 2023. "Floral prints are dominating the season, with the demand for ‘floral French’ nails up by 767% in the lead-up to spring,” explained Nick Drewe, Trend Expert at Discount Platform, Wethrift, when discussing nail trends last summer. "It’s unsurprising to see the floral trend continue to reign supreme as we embrace warmer weather, blue skies and flowers blooming. This year, we’re seeing nail artists get more creative with their designs, from retro flowers to hand-painted roses.”

I was curious to know whether this nail art design would still be in style this summer, and after doing a bit of research, I can confirm that it is just as popular. Not only have I spotted the trend all over Instagram, but according to Google Trends, searches for floral nail art and easy flower nail art are on the rise.

Finding the Right Floral Nail Art

With so much flower nail inspo out there, it can be hard to know exactly what to go for, which could in turn lead to feelings of regret as detailed in the first paragraph. If you’re new to the trend or prefer low-key designs, pro nail artist Alyx Lippiat advises to play it safe with pastels. "Think pinks, peaches and mint greens. A baby blue, pastel yellow and lilac also work really nicely and all of the colours mentioned work harmoniously together.”

If you want to add a touch of glam to the design, manicurist Faye Dennis says to introduce a gold chrome outline around the petals. "It works perfectly for a bridal manicure.”

How To Create Flower Nails At Home

I hit up London-based nail artist Nikki Parker aka @nails.by.nikk to get advice on creating the perfect floral design at home. "Using a dotting tool, create 5-6 dots in a circle, applying a very small amount of gel/polish, cure in the lamp, and then create the dot in the centre with your chosen colour for the middle. Finish with a shiny top coat.”

Ahead are my favourite flower nail designs to save for your next trip to the salon.

The Best Flower Nail Designs:

1. Colourful Detailing

Flowers so detailed, it feels like looking at a garden in full bloom IRL.

2. Pretty in Pink

Proof you can't go wrong with roses surrounded by gold foil.

3. Bold Blue

Cobalt blue nails are still very much having a moment. Here's the floral way to wear them.

4. Floral French

If in doubt, ask for the floral French. The colour-way on this design is screaming summer.

5. Easy Flower Nail Art

Simple yet oh-so effective. Floral nail art can sometimes come across super complicated, but easy flower nail designs are achievable too. To get this look, you can either use a quick floral nail sticker or use a small nail brush and paint on five petals. Plus, this neon green shade provides the perfect pop of colour.

6. Pastel Shades

Much like Lippiatt suggests, pastels are a soft and subtle way to embrace the trend.

7. Sunflowers

If you want a major mood boost every time you look at your hands, go for sunflowers.

8. Multi-coloured French Tips

Multi-coloured tips work beautifully alongside white petalled flowers.

9. Floral Accent Nails

Another great way of wearing the trend is opting for a flower on one or two nails per hand.

10. Nude Florals

For everyone who has an affinity for nude nails.

11. Retro Florals

Mix it up by incorporating a flower nail within a retro design. Need to get ourselves one of those smiley rings...

12. Daisy Designs

Aptly named 'daisy half moons' by editorial nail artist Queenie Nguyen.

13. Lilac Loving

Lilac is one of the trending nail shades of 2024. This is how you'll find us wearing it.

14. Intricate Details

The shading. The stems. We are floored by the detail of this design.

15. Monochrome Florals

Never underestimate the power of a black and nude flower.

16. Rhinestone Detailing

For the times you're feeling a little bit extra, use rhinestones to create a flower shape.

17. Larger Leaves

Add depth to your flowers by creating bigger leaves with a darker, more dotted centre.

18. Gold Detailing

You can't go wrong with a little bit of sparkle in your nail garden, so try adding gold flakes to your floral design.

19. Sunshine-Yellow Shades

A see-through base accentuated with pastel tips and flowers. So much yes.

20. 3D Floral Nail Art

3D nail art is so trendy right now.

21. Micro Flowers

These micro flowers look super chic.

22. Flower Frame

How cute is this 'flower frame' design created by nail artist Imarni?

Get the Look At Home:

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.