If you’re in your manicurist’s chair faithfully every week, and no outfit is ever complete without a perfectly curated mani or a fresh full set, then we just landed in your season. June 1st is Nail Polish Day, and with Memorial Day weekend behind us, the unofficial start to summer is in full swing. There’s no better time to showcase your favorite nail colors and shapes or to freshen up your nail kit with bright colors and fire designs.
We asked Baltimore, MD-based nail technician, Shawn A. Millin of Kuticles Nail Bar, about her favorite trends for summer. “Bright colors are always a go-to for summer. I’ve recently been seeing a lot of denim-inspired nails and I’m loving it!” When it’s time to search for inspiration Shawn says, “Find something that matches your personality. Nails can be fun and there are no longer boundaries, so try new things!”
[SEE ALSO: Try This Easy Hack for the Micro French Nail Trend]
We love that nail trends get so bold and over the top in summer, making it the perfect time to take Shawn’s advice! So we’ve rounded up a slew of summer-ready designs to get the ideas flowing.
Chrome Nails
The chrome nail trend is not for the timid. With mixed metallics, from silver to gold and even gleaming jewel tones, chrome nails are a statement of cool confidence even in the summer heat. Wear them to complement your jewelry, as Kéla Walker shows off here, or let them speak for themselves as your statement accessory.
Kéla Walker, @kelawalker
Candy Paint Pink
Go ultra girly for summer in the cutest candy pink from Black woman-owned brand, Mischo Beauty. And if you tend to shy away from toxins, this sugary shade has the bonus of being 10-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Mischo Beauty, @mischobeauty
Spicy for Summer
Get spicy for summer with Pepper Sauce, a classic, opaque red from Black woman-owned Ginger Beauty Lab that turns up the wattage when exposed to the sun. Ginger Beauty Lab products are vegan and cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified).
Jessica Tong-Ahn, @jesthemess
Inspired by Nature
Giving new meaning to the term “natural nails,” nature-inspired motifs are currently très on trend. Love flowers, butterflies, and sunsets? This summer is the perfect season to try them on! We’re feeling all fluttery and excited just looking at this butterfly nail design using shades from OOO Polish, a woman-owned small business on a mission to diversify beauty in nail polish.
OOO Polish, @ooopolish
Denim Designs
The early 2000s denim-on-denim look is back, but this time it’s on our nails. Denim-inspired designs are having a major moment, ranging from subtle nods to the casual fabric in blueish-gray shades, to deeply detailed looks that exactly match your favorite pair of jeans.
Which nail trend are you excited to try for your next mani moment?
