With the summer season fast approaching it’s time to dig out your best summer dresses and skirts and treat yourself to a new manicure! Thanks to TikTok and all our favorite celebs' recent red carpet looks, we know exactly what are the 2022 nail trends you need to jump on STAT—from pink jelly nails to dramatic chromes.
A new nail color can do wonders for the mood and is the easiest way to give yourself a summery boost and change up your look with very minimal effort, which we love. Last year it was all about cobalt blue and cool tones but this year we're all obsessed with healthy-looking nails, neons, shimmers and soft neutrals—so there’s something for everyone’s aesthetic.
So, without further ado let's dive into the summer 2022 nail trends...
Summer nails 2022: the season's trendiest shades and styles
Glossy jelly pink nails
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Jelly nails are still very much having a moment, which could be because we’re all obsessed with nostalgia and all things Y2k or because they’re so cute and minimal. You can find slightly tinted clear polishes that after a coat or two leave your nails looking minimal but glossy with a hint of juicy color—like jelly!
In true TikTok fashion, there's even a hack to create your own jelly polish. All you need to do is drop a bit of red or pink into a clear vanish, give it a shake and apply.
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'Barely there' nails
A trend that we can thank Kim Kardashian for, as she wore long, nude nails (brought to us by nail artist @kimkimnails (opens in new tab)) to the Met Gala to match the Marilyn Monroe birthday dress. They’re low-key but very chic and perfect to pair with bold summer prints.
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Kylie Jenner also wore TikTok's latest milky white nail trend to match her wedding-esque gown. You can shop the exact shade at Glossify!
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Ombre almond nails
The almond shape is very in right now, as is the Ombre effect. It's the perfect look if you want to make a subtle statement and can be achieved using whatever color combo you prefer. Pink and yellow for example or nude and lilac.
As WeThrift (opens in new tab)'s trend expert Nick Drewe explains: “The rounded nail look has resurfaced once more, as many are becoming drawn to the subtle nail look.”
Chrome nails
Another trend that we saw everywhere at the Met Gala—Hailey Bieber was spotted wearing the prettiest opal-like nails and if you’re a lover of darker shades, Nicola Coughlan was also seen sporting some black and midnight blue chrome nails at the BAFTAs.
While you might think you need to trot off to the nail salon to achieve that glittery sheen, you can actually do it at home easily.
All you need is a coat or two of your chosen shade and then a chrome/glitter powder which you simply apply onto the color and seal with a clear topcoat. Or you can opt for a shimmery polish like the Essie shades which will also help you achieve a chrome moment.
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Butterfly nails
Searches for butterfly nails have soared by 356% this season and it's not hard to understand why. They're very on-trend right now with the resurgence of Y2K beauty trends and as Nick Drewe notes—your nails can make a major fashion statement.
French Mani with a twist
An oldie but a goodie, the French manicure is still very much in and looks like it won’t be going anywhere soon. What is so great about this nail trend is that the possibilities are endless and right now colored tips are in as well as the traditional white.
You can also make the line between the top and nail blurred for a gorgeous blurred, ombre look.
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Strawberry nails
Strawberry nail designs are huge on TikTok right now and actually not that hard to recreate! All you need is a little brush, a red/pink, green and white nail polish and a little patience. If you want to avoid doing DIY, you can also buy the cutest strawberry stickers and seal them onto your nails with a clear polish.
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Neon nails
Neon nails are coming in hot and are perfect if you've got a festival to go to this summer. You can opt for whatever style or shape you prefer, just as long as those colors are luminous. Right now hot pink is especially trendy, so that's a good place to start.
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Monochrome
Monochromatic abstract nails are everywhere on Instagram right now. They're cool and bold but also won't distract from your outfits and the possibilities are endless.
Abstract lines are really this year's checkerboard and while they look complicated, you can achieve the style with the help of a thin paintbrush and a steady hand.
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3D nails
3D nails are the moment right now, whether it's just a tiny crystal or a big cherry (like Megan Thee Stallions.) 3D nails are very fun and perfect for a holiday—though a professional may need to handle the larger decals.
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