Trendy summer nails: An ultimate inspo guide

With temperatures above 25 °C, sunsets at 9:00 p.m., and barbeque season among us, this means it’s finally time for me to start searching up ‘summer nail inspo’. This is arguably the best time of year for nail art as the simple designs worn all year round are ditched for the brightest, most colourful, and eye-catching designs. I’ve taken it upon myself this year to sort through hundreds of aesthetic Instagram influencer and nail artist accounts to bring you this year’s most trendy nails. Without further ado, here are the most trendy nails of summer 2021.

Trend #1: Colorful french manicure   

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A post shared by Jenny (@jenny.jennys)

The classic French manicure has undergone an overhaul with the simple white tips replaced with colours found throughout all 7 hues on the rainbow. I have to say this is by far my favourite trend because although it maintains a simple design concept, there are endless colour palette possibilities, making it impossible to run into a dull moment. Bonus: this can be accomplished at home by following the free edge of the nails, which is what I’ve been doing and I can confirm that it looks great!

Trend #2: Smiley face nails

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Having become increasingly popular in the past few months, smiley face nails are the new craze this summer. The smiley face craze can be noted in apparel such as merch, accessories such as phone cases, jewellery, and now nails are the newest to fall victim to this trend and I’m not mad at it. I think this is a fun and playful trend which I can’t wait to see more of.

Trend #3: Abstract swirl nails

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If you have an Instagram account, you have more than likely come across these nails as they have become a staple this summer. With a simple, yet creative design, this nail art look comes in many colors and swirl variations. From the first time I saw this nail art trend till now, I can confidently say I fall more in love with it every time. 

Trend #4: Groovy Swirls

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A post shared by NAILS TORONTO (@milenas.nail)

Similar to the abstract swirl nails but not to be mistaken, the groovy swirls look different in that the design is typically centred and follows a swirl pattern of the same colour, placed in fashion from the darkest to lightest colours or vice versa. This is another fun look I can’t wait to try out this summer. 

Trend #5: Floral nails

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Although floral nails are not a new trend, this specific look showcasing more dainty floral designs and a pastel colour palette has become the new ‘it’ look from what my Instagram feed tells me. Following a minimalism design, this is a great nail art look to try out for anyone who is not into the overly bright and out-there designs. 

Trend #6: Flame nail art

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A post shared by Jenny (@jenny.jennys)

With this trend blazing through my Instagram feed since 2019, the flame design has not died down and it’s a fire look to try out this summer. If you’re a couple of years late to this trend like myself, I think it’s time we hop on the bandwagon and give this look a try!

Trend #7: Checkered nails 

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A post shared by Classy - Fashion Style Inspo (@classystreetweargirls)

With checkered vests being extremely popular this past winter, it comes as no surprise to me the checkered trend has continued into the summer, in the form of checkered nails. Most of the nail art looks to showcase a few accent nails with the checkered pattern which adds a really fun touch to any set. 

Trend #8: Color block nails

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This is another nail art trend I enjoy, especially because it can be easily achieved at home or with the use of nail guide stickers. Pairing the fun colours in an abstract format brings out a unique design that will stand out this summer at your next outing. 

Trend #9: Colorful marble nails

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This nail art trend plays on the staple go-to classic marble nails. With the addition of endless colour possibilities, this trend has yet to fade out of the spotlight for a reason. I have to say I love this trend because of its classy yet playful appearance, differentiating it from other designs. 

Trend #10: Neon nails

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As spring ends and summer begins, I can almost guarantee a shift from pastel to neon nails will be encountered every year. This year is no exception to that trend considering neon nail colours go perfect with summer outfits worn at the beach, at picnics, hikes, museums, vacations, etc. My prediction is this nail trend will never be out of style in the summer seasons because a vibrant season calls for vibrant nails. 

Many of the trends are not mutually exclusive as the designs have been used in combination with one another to create some incredible nail art. This summer season, I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and try out at least one of these nail art designs you never thought you would have on your nails in a million years. Just like they always say, life begins at the end of your comfort zone, so live your best nail art life this summer.