We found the best summer-inspired manicures for you to try at home
Time to retire those winter hues
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

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
@dicakoo (opens in new tab) ♬ Say So -Japanese Version- (tofubeats Remix) - Rainych (opens in new tab)
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.
- View at Feel Unique in the UK (opens in new tab)
- View at Selfridges in the US (opens in new tab)
'Barely there' nails
A post shared by Kim Truong (@kimkimnails) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
- View at Amazon in the US (opens in new tab)
- View at Look Fantastic in the UK (opens in new tab)
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!
- View at Glossify in the US (opens in new tab)
- View at Glossify in the UK (opens in new tab)
Ombre almond nails
A post shared by 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑁𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠 / 𝑁𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑜𝑠🇧🇷 (@criart.nails) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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
A post shared by Kim Truong (@kimkimnails) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
A post shared by Michelle Humphrey 💅🏽 (@nailsbymh) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
- View at Look Fantastic in the UK (opens in new tab)
- View at Ulta in the US (opens in new tab)
Butterfly nails
A post shared by hi, i’m key. 💗 (@_nailsbykey_) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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
A post shared by Kim Truong (@kimkimnails) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
- View at Ulta in the US (opens in new tab)
- View at Look Fantastic in the UK (opens in new tab)
A post shared by Kim Truong (@kimkimnails) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Strawberry nails
A post shared by Killer Bee Nails / Apres Gel X (@killerbeenailss) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
- View at Nailsinc in the US (opens in new tab)
- View at Look Fantastic in the UK (opens in new tab)
Neon nails
A post shared by Michelle Humphrey 💅🏽 (@nailsbymh) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
- View at Look Fantastic in the US (opens in new tab)
- View at Look Fantastic in the UK (opens in new tab)
Monochrome
A post shared by Michelle Humphrey 💅🏽 (@nailsbymh) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
- View at Look Fantastic in the US (opens in new tab)
- View at Look Fantastic in the UK (opens in new tab)
3D nails
A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
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.
Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team and has recently earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ. She has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but has taken a leap into the world of journalism after always having a passion for writing. She currently writes pieces on beauty, trends, fashion, and entertainment for GoodTo and My Imperfect Life. She also tests and reviews beauty and skincare products and tries out the latest TikTok hacks for My Imperfect Life.
Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.
-
-
What Ariana Madix has to say about that 'Vanderpump Rules' cheating scandal
We've heard from Tom and Raquel about the shocking 'Vanderpump Rules' cheating scandal. Now it's Ariana's turn
By Christina Izzo • Published
-
This iconic Zendaya Met Gala moment is going viral after her stylist retires
The Zendaya Cinderella dress was one of the most epic red-carpet collabs between the star and Law Roach
By Christina Izzo • Published