6 Nail-Color Trends That Are Basically Summer in a Bottle
:upscale()/2025/06/15/074/n/1922153/3f9aff94684f698bbb3881.04120431_.png)
It's like what Elle Woods said: summer gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill the vibe — they just don't. (Or something like that.)
The same thing applies to the color of your nails. When you look down at your hands, the shade you're wearing can have a profound, physiological effect on your mood — just like sunlight, sex, or exercise. That makes painting on a fun chrome finish or bright-pink polish the perfect way to get ready for the season. It's science. (But, like, please don't put us on trial.)
"Summer nail polish colors are super bold, bright, and happy," nail artist Rita Remark says. "It's all about choosing colors that give a dopamine rush, so it's trendy but also personal and expressive."
If you're curious to know the mood-boosting nail-polish hues that everyone will be wearing for summer 2025 — or are looking for a reason to finally whip out your sandals in the coming weeks — we've asked a few nail experts to dish on their predictions for the season. From bold oranges to metallics, the best summer nail colors have a little something for everyone and every beauty style.
And, of course, when in doubt, you can bet your money that classic, crisp, white nails won't be going anywhere anytime soon (we think we're all finally done boycotting the shade due to the Scandoval drama), so feel free to bust out that bottle along with the white pants you put away after Labor Day last year.
Experts Featured in This Article
Rita Remark is a nail artist and Essie global lead educator.
Deborah Lippmann is a manicurist and founder of nail-care brand Deborah Lippmann.
Leanne Woodley is a celebrity manicurist.
Hemi Park is a Lechat Nails brand educator.
:upscale()/2022/05/16/916/n/1922153/974d256215864b61_JHannah_Nail_Polish_ARTICHOKE_026_b3cf4081-e632-4b05-beda-abf0fb728c02_675x900_crop_center.jpg)
Green
J.Hannah Nail Polish in Artichoke ($22)
As we've said, Remark says summer nail-polish colors should be "super bold, bright, and happy." One bold shade that's getting a lot of attention right now is green. Not only will the nature-inspired hue make you feel one with your surroundings as you spend more time outside this season, but it's also super trendy right now.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/05/16/921/n/44344577/shopsQIy8n.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/06/13/860/n/1922153/8ac14c8c55f210fe_essie-nail-polish-you-do-blue-095008039961-AV36-530.jpg)
Metallic Blue
Essie You Do Blue ($11)
"Vacay-ready beach nails are out, but the coastal metallics are in for summer," says Hemi Park, Lechat Nails brand educator. If you're inspired by trends like "water" nails, you're onto something. "Nothing reminds me of summer better than deep oceanic blue shades, and what would be more perfect than deep blue-toned metallics?" she adds. "I recommend this color on any shape of nails, but especially on short nails and toenails to shine those clean-cut shorties without messy chrome application."
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/06/17/016/n/44344577/shopHXmPR5.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/06/13/879/n/1922153/56d993fa84821efe_shopping.webp)
Pink
OPI Racing For Pinks ($12)
Our experts agree: even before Barbiecore was a thing, pink manicures reigned supreme. "Everyone loves a classic pink manicure," says Deborah Lippmann, manicurist. And Park agrees: "Pinks are definitely a huge part of summer nail trends, and now is the time to wear it."
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/06/13/879/n/1922153/56d993fa84821efe_shopping.webp)
:upscale()/2024/04/05/907/n/1922153/382ccb106610630ee6d511.22877218_SUN_DANCE_SH.webp)
Chrome
Olive and June Sundance Shimmer ($9)
If you've been paying attention to popular nail looks, you know that chrome nails have been in the spotlight for back-to-back years, and celebrity manicurist Leanne Woodley sees the shade continuing as one of summer's hottest trends. You can either get the look with a chrome powder, or opt for an easy nail polish that already has a chrome finish.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/04/05/907/n/44344577/shopXSHJTD.jpg)
:upscale()/2022/05/16/916/n/1922153/3a675ffcc4c38b69_s2560332-main-zoom.jpg)
White
Gucci Vernis À Ongles GlossycNail Polish ($35)
Stumped on what shade to get at the nail salon next? When in doubt, go with a classic: white nail polish. This crisp shade really makes your fingers pop and is a staple in every nail kit. It looks great on both fingers and toes, and it matches every outfit.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2022/05/16/916/n/1922153/3a675ffcc4c38b69_s2560332-main-zoom.jpg)
:upscale()/2025/06/24/982/n/1922153/312ebaf3a2f8964d_its_always_stunny_isl113_long_lasting_nail_polish_99399000349_2000x2477_9b92dde0-7b61-4406-85ae-f87e35ca8ae8.webp)
Butter Yellow
OPI Infinite Shine in This Chic is Bananas ($14)
Butter yellow has been everywhere this season: cute sweaters, fun bikinis, and spunky hats. Why not bring summer's most popular color onto your nails as well? The pale yellow shade has been seen on celebrities like Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber, and it's the perfect tone to make your summer tan pop.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/06/24/982/n/1922153/312ebaf3a2f8964d_its_always_stunny_isl113_long_lasting_nail_polish_99399000349_2000x2477_9b92dde0-7b61-4406-85ae-f87e35ca8ae8.webp)
:upscale()/2024/04/05/908/n/1922153/082d4395bc9c4e22_Commerce_Mini_Bio_Slides.png)
— Additional reporting by Kelsey Castañon
Renee Rodriguez (she/her) is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Kelsey Castañon (she/her) is an ASME Award-nominated writer and editor with enough years of experience to warrant a retinol prescription. She is currently the editor-in-chief at PS, where she manages content across platforms while simultaneously stockpiling (and reporting on) everything from skin care to wine.