Your hands are your calling card, especially paired with a glowing summer tan. Discover the top summer 2021 nail trends—from New French designs to retro '90s vibes—and let your nails shine all season long.
Well-groomed hands reveal a lot about your personal style and attention to detail. As beauty experts with years of experience in nail care, we recommend manicured nails as an essential for every woman. Pair them with the latest fashion trends and a vibrant summer color to perfectly accent your outfits.
Reading tip: This is how you do the perfect manicure at home
Summer 2021 delivers bold, unexpected nail colors and designs. Pantone's 2021 shades take center stage, alongside fresh takes on New French manicures and nostalgic '90s aesthetics.
This year, two standout Pantone colors dominate nail trends: the vibrant Illuminating yellow and sophisticated Ultimate Grey. These pair beautifully for striking nail looks. Beyond them, explore on-trend hues like marigold, French blue, mint, and raspberry sorbet. Mix and match for radiant, summery nails.
The classic French manicure features white tips on a natural base, but summer 2021 evolves it into the New French style. Skip the stark white—opt for colorful tips instead. Shape your nails into an almond form and add one, two, or three vibrant shades at the tips for a modern eye-catcher.
Prefer a subtle glow? Pastel shades are a summer must-have. Go monochromatic or blend 2–5 soft tones across your nails for subtle yet captivating designs.
Indie nails are effortlessly creative: paint each nail a different color or experiment with unique patterns. It's a playful way to embrace 2021 summer trends without complexity.
For a polish-free option, try the Japanese manicure. File nails to reveal their natural pink hue, then seal with a protective, shiny topcoat. It's simple, elegant, and promotes healthy nails.
After months indoors, neon explodes onto nails for 2021. Go all-over or add accents to a natural base. Pro tip: Keep nails short and rounded to balance the boldness.
Get artistic with lines and swirls over a neutral or colored base. Use contrasting shades, keep lines wavy and playful, and mix colors freely for fun, custom designs.
Add subtle glamour with gold glitter on tips or half-moons. It's a chic way to sparkle without overwhelming your summer look.
Keep it simple yet stylish: Alternate matte and glossy topcoats across nails. Try glossy on thumb, index, and pinky; matte on the rest for texture contrast.
'90s nostalgia rules 2021 nails, from twisted French manicures to dark, trimmed edges. The standout? Tie-dye nails in cheerful, multicolored patterns that scream summer fun—perfect for experimentation.
Red remains a timeless classic. For summer, choose fresh, bright shades to evoke vacation vibes.
As seasoned nail trend watchers, we see endless options this summer. Which 2021 trend will you try first?
