Summer is finally here. The weather is breaking, the sun is shining and the season's best beauty looks are starting to emerge (hello flushed cheeks and bronzed skin!). While there are lots of exciting moments ahead, the beginning of the season is the perfect time to don a new manicure. Forget your go-to designs and staple nail colors—summer is all about experimenting, and Instagram is one of the best places to find inspiration. The platform has become a hub for creators and is the place for cool nail looks, thanks to a handful of talented nail influencers. Best of all, there is something for every kind of manicure enthusiast. For minimalists, the vibe is shifting from one-note manicures to tonal designs and soft shades. Nostalgic looks are also coming back, with sculptural and 3D elements taking classic looks to a whole new level. Instead of sifting through the various images under #summernails, we gathered the best trends from the platform's top creators. Below, see the summer nail art making waves this season.
Summer Nail Art Influencers Are Loving Right Now
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3D Cherries and French Tips
This combination has been bubbling for a bit in the creator community and is poised to be a hit for summer. With saturated tips and juicy-looking 3D cherry designs, it breathes new life into classic French manicures and has an edgy vibe.
IG: @disseynails
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Butter Yellow Polishes
It's no secret that butter yellow is one of the top shades for summer. However, creators are making the look their own with monochromatic and tonal manicures. This one pairs the trendy hue with an aura design and sculpted elements. The result is as chic as it is artsy.
IG: @heygreatnails
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Soft Colored-Cat Eyes
Cat-eye nails have made their mark and are not going anywhere anytime soon. The freshest way to wear the look is to pair it with neutral tones. Unlike the moody manicures that ruled winter, these cat-eye looks showcase the soft and plush side of magnetic polishes. But make no mistake, they're just as alluring.
Short nails with pastel cat eye design
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Mermaid Manicures
Mermaid scales, sea shells and dreamy marine colors are the main elements in this striking trend. If you're looking for a fun vacation mani, consider this set that combines them for a cool and whimsical look.
IG: @heygreatnails
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Sherbert Aura Nails
Aura nails go hand in hand with summer thanks to the bold colors and blurred effect. This season creators are opting for sherbert hues that seamlessly meld together, creating a beautiful ombre look.
IG: @samrosenails
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Ditsy Florals
Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but a ditsy look for summer is super cute. Take a cue from this creator's nails that feature tiny blossoms and a poppy robin's egg blue background.
IG: @samrosenails
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Butterfly Accents
With Y2K aesthetics driving beauty trends, it's no surprise that butterfly designs are back. This set is an ode to the era with a shimmery pink base and gleaming silver butterfly wings.
IG: @overglowedit
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Subtle Stripes
While stripes are a classic pattern this time of year, this season, the look is more about subtlety than contrast. It uses different shades in a similar color palate to create a softened version. It's also one of the easier looks to recreate and pairs well with long or short nails.
IG: @samrosenails
