Can you believe it’s already summer? Well, almost. If you also consider Memorial Day to be the start of the season, then we’re nearly there. If you’re one of those calendar people, we’ll see you back here in June. Either way, we’re breaking down the hottest summer nail trends for 2023 so you can kick off the season in style.
Here’s the highlight reel for anyone who’s saving their attention span for their Kindle. Chrome nails are still hot as can be, with new colors and variations popping up like whack-a-moles.
Hot pink and lavender are the colors of the season, while neon is also eager to make its appearance. And, textured nails are blowing up, with jelly and velvet manicures gaining traction. Keep on scrolling if you’re more of a visual learner, because these summer nails are almost too hot to handle. Good thing we brought extra ice cream.
The 13 Hottest Summer Nail Trends in 2023
1. Chrome Nails
Chrome nails are the trend that just won’t quit. Popularized by Hailey Bieber and her nail artist Zola, the look has expanded from a simple neutral look to chrome-ifying all the colors of the rainbow.
For summer 2023, expect to see more variations on the trend, like this chrome drip set. The creativity of nail techs is truly boundless. Every day, we wonder why we were told we were “gifted and talented” in school when there are people out there who can do this.
2. Velvet Nails
Look, don’t ask us how to recreate these. We’re just mesmerized by the mermaid vibes. Velvet nails are somehow designed to look like…uh, velvet…and this mani really nails that aesthetic.
When they capture the light, they sparkle and shine, so they’re perfect for catching eyes at the pool. Particularly the lifeguard’s.
3. Floral French Mani
We’re hopeful that we never live to see a day where florals for summer are considered “out,” because they just make sense. Combine the floral theme with a French tip mani for a perfectly on-trend nail design for summer 2023.
This set is definitely what Miley’s song “Flowers” was really about. Liam who?
4. Dot Nail Trend
Talk about trending. The dot manicure is taking over our feeds, and for once, it’s a design we’re confident we could recreate. Please refrain from bursting our bubble.
This design can be done in any colors, but this pink and purple set is perfect for the moment. And probably the next.
5. Barbiecore Pink Nail Polish
We’re a little excited for the new Barbie movie coming out this summer, and let’s just say we’re not the only ones. Barbiecore is exploding. There’s pink everywhere. We can’t even find our dog. It’s possible that’s unrelated.
Naturally, bright pink will be the color of the summer. You heard it here first, folks. Well, maybe not first. But you did hear it here. You can’t take that away from us.
6. Aura Nails
Aura nails aren’t exactly a new trend, but they are certainly picking up a ton of speed ahead of summer 2023, so our eyes are on this style. The gradient look usually features one color toward the center of the nail that fades out to a different color on the edges.
This style can be achieved with any colors, and they’re supposed to match your aura. Not sure what that is? Fear not – there’s a Buzzfeed quiz for that, which we’re certain is scientifically foolproof. We took it and got violet, our favorite color, so no arguments to the contrary will be accepted at this time.
7. Colorful French Tips
Look out for more bold French tip designs this summer. Mismatched neons are hot, as are more lowkey pastels. Basically, lots of colors are “in” right now. Just don’t ask us which ones are “out.” We’ve never been good at picking favorites.
This design takes the rainbow element of skittles nails mixed with the French tip renaissance we’re in, making for one eye-catching mani.
8. Bright Glazed Donut Nails
Another variation on the chrome nail trend to try this summer is the glazed donut nail. It’s super shimmery and almost wet-looking, and we’re starting to see it in vibrant colors beyond the classic pinkish-white.
Hailey Bieber recently rocked them in a bright yellow, and we expect to see lots of other colors this summer. We’re starting to feel insecure that we only come in one color. Nails are so lucky.
9. Lavender Nail Color
According to Marie Claire, digital lavender has been named color of the year by multiple trend-forecasting sites, partially inspired by Taylor Swift’s song, “Lavender Haze.” If she could work on a song called “Skinny Jeans Are Still Cool” next so we don’t have to revamp our closets, we’d appreciate it.
Unsurprisingly, this color trend is carrying over into beauty with one of the biggest nail polish colors for the season. There are tons of options and shades, but this nail artist is rocking the shade Klepto from Cirque Colors. Do they have trapeze artists, too?
10. Jelly Nails
Jelly manicures are gaining traction in 2023, and this mismatched take on the trend in pink even includes an aura nail.
Overall, jelly is a big trend in shoes and accessories as part of the whole Y2K movement. If we have to relive our youth, can we at least give back our back pain? No?
11. Neon Nails
Who doesn’t vibe with neon in the summer? Neutrals have been all the rage for the past few years, but color is making a major comeback this season, and we’re predicting that it sticks around for a while.
This tie-dye version is making us both nostalgic and oddly hungry. Anyone have an extra popsicle?
12. Natural Manicure
The “clean girl aesthetic” is having a moment, making way for everything natural. Light, clean makeup, eyebrows, and now nails are all popular. We’re all for natural, but not to the extreme. Let’s keep using toothpaste, people.
To achieve the natural nails look, you’re going for a “your nails, but better” vibe. This can be achieved with a subtle clear coat or semi-transparent color. It works best if your natural nails are healthy, so don’t skip slugging day.
13. Almond-Shaped Nails
Almond nails are the biggest nail shape for the season. Feminine and soft, while still packing a punch, we understand the allure. And really, almonds need a win. Oats are crushing their confidence in the milk department.
This set features another trendy manicure design: the reverse French. The colored part of the nail is at the bed instead of the tip. It’s a two-for-one special! Can we get fries with that?
When she's not typing away on her laptop, you can find Laura working on her MBA at Boston College, listening to Taylor Swift, or sweating it out at an OrangeTheory class. Follow her on Instagram @LauraKristine21 and LinkedIn.
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