We’ve never been more obsessed with our nails. It’s no longer a case of just a quick lick of polish, either. Now, creating the perfect nail look is a rigorous fortnightly self-care ritual with a trusted nail technician (soon to be best friend), prefaced by a brainstorm around shape, design and technique. Whether you have a penchant for a natural look, or prefer your manicures to be big, bold and expressive, here the pros predict the biggest nail trends of summer.
50 shades of sheer
“Wedding season is here, so I’m seeing a lot of French manicures and 50 shades of sheer,” says Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa and Adele as clients. “Think oat milk, translucent strawberry-milkshake and sheer nude shades.” While there are no set-in-stone rules to making the look work, she recommends a less is more approach to bridal nails, touting BioSculpture’s Lyrics of a Lily gel shade as one of her go-tos.
The airbrush effect
For Mei Kawajiri (otherwise known as @nailsbymei), summer is all about over-the-top airbrushed nails, which she often uses as an abstract base for additional 3D nail art. The airbrushing technique, which was huge in the ’90s and ’00s, creates a sprayed-on appearance, says Humphrey, who also loves the technique.
Go 3D
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Instagram is ablaze with talented nail artists creating the most intricate 3D nail art—and luckily the trend isn’t going anywhere. “They’re evolving and becoming more conceptual art pieces,” agrees Humphrey, who says that new technology and products are enabling nail technicians to push the boundaries of 3D design even further. Follow Cam Tran, Soji Nails, and Humphrey herself for inspo.
Nail glow
Summer is a great time to go au naturel on the manicure front. A file and buff, complemented by regular use of a cuticle oil, can work wonders, but if you want to subtly enhance nails, why not try adding a glow? The manicure equivalent of a dewy highlighter, you can create nail glow by using a polish with a sheer tint: “It brings the nail plate to life – Essie’s Hard To Resist in Pink Tint is a must-have in my kit,” says Humphrey. “Not only does it give nails a gorgeous glow, but it’s also a strengthener. A win-win in my opinion.”
Micro nail art
View this post on Instagram
Minimalist manicures with a side order of micro nail art is very much the order of the day right now—it’s an easy way to make nails pop for those who prefer a low-key look. “It is one of my most requested designs at the moment,” says manicurist Harriet Westmoreland, whose designs are mostly inspired by specific occasions or holiday destinations. “It can be anything from a tiny red apple for a trip to NYC to an initial or love heart.” She suggests painting your art on just one finger, keeping it small so it’s “just a little pop of color on a sheer pink or nude base.”
Italian manicure
One of this year’s biggest trends is the Italian manicure, a pro technique which creates the illusion of length on shorter nails. Alexandra Teleki, also known as The Hot Blend on Instagram, has been experimenting with different designs in combination with the technique. “As well as block color, I’ve been adding negative space shapes, swirls and flowers this summer,” she says. “Some of my favourite colors for summer include pastel blue, lilac and light green.”
Coffin shape
View this post on Instagram
Switching up your nail shape can refresh even the most familiar manicure shades. “I’ve seen a move towards the coffin nail shape,” says Teleki. “Natural nails are in and the coffin shape allows you to elongate them because it tapers in at the sides.” Whether you wear them natural or painted, it’s the shape to try if you’re in search of a fresh new way to approach your manicure.
Editor
Hannah CoatesCredit
Lead Image: Instagram via @lalalalisa_m