Here are some nail trends to look out for during summer 2026

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Summer is the perfect time to have fun with your manicure, whether that means experimenting with bold colors, playful finishes or subtle nail art. To find out which looks are poised to be everywhere this summer, we spoke with Maryna Slynko, a professional nail artist and the founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Kansas. 

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From modern metallic accents to juicy tomato-red shades, these are the nail trends Slynko predicts will define summer 2026.

In this article: OPI Nail Lacquer in Chrome Clawz, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat and BTArtbox Press-On Nails in Neon Rainbow French

Metallic microdot nails are trending for summer 2026

“People are choosing minimal nail designs with small accents instead of more complicated nail art,” says Slynko. “Metallic details interact beautifully with light and add depth and a modern feel to the manicure, while the overall design still looks polished and not overly busy.”

Shop the metallic microdot nail look

Essie Nail Polish in Good As Gold

This sunny, not-too-yellow metallic gold polish can be dotted on a variety of base colors. 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Chrome Clawz

Get up to seven days of chip-free wear with this shiny silver hue. 

HiMo 5-Piece 2-Way Dotting Pen Kit

Use this tool (with 10 tip sizes to choose from) to create perfectly round dots on your manicure.  

Tomato-red nails are a modern shift from classic red

“Bright, fresh” shades of red with orange or yellowish undertones will be “very popular” this summer, notes Slynko. “I love that this color can make even a simple manicure feel more bold.”

Shop the tomato-red nail look

OPI Nail Lacquer in A Red-vival City

This punchy hue is fast-drying and chip-resistant.

LAMIMOSA 32Pcs Press-On Nails in Red Chilli

Get the look without the dry time, thanks to these easy-to-apply glue-on nails. You get 32 nails in 16 sizes.

A matte finish on a soft color can transform your manicure

“I love that a matte top coat can completely change the mood of a manicure and make even simple colors look more modern,” says Slynko, who recommends trying the trend with pastels or neutral nail polish hues. 

Get the soft, matte nail look

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat

Apply this mattifying polish over the muted or neutral base color of your choosing. 

Instead of fully painted neon nails, try layering brights over nude hues

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Combine layers of “bold neon tones” to create a “juicy color effect” that “feels bold, playful and highly seasonal,” explains Slynko. “The contrast between vibrant shades and a nude base allows the design to feel bright while still maintaining balance.” 

Shop the neon layers nail look

BTArtbox Press-On Nails in Neon Rainbow French

These press-ons help you achieve the look with neon French tips against a nude nail base.

Chillhouse Chill Tips Press-On Nails in Groovy Baby

It only takes 15 minutes to get this aura-effect manicure with these simple press-ons. 

Milky French nails are a classy go-to that’s always in style

“Milky pink French remains popular because it looks very clean, polished and natural,” says Slynko. “I love that this design works with almost any style and makes the hands look more refined and well-maintained.”

Get the milky French tips nail look

Essie Nail Polish Ballet French Manicure Kit

Essie’s bestselling creamy pink Ballet Slipper hue is combined with a milky white in this two-pack designed to create the perfect French manicure.

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