8 Summer Nail Colors to Bring a Burst of Energy and Vibrance to Your Manicure (2025)

Meet the expert

Jelly Blue

Jelly blue nails are making a splash this summer, and it’s easy to see why. The see-through, high-shine finish gives the shade a nostalgic, candy-like feel, while the color itself feels instantly refreshing. As nail artist Priscilla Nguyen puts it, “What better color to cool down for the summer but also keep it fun and playful? This transparent blue perfectly mimics a pool on a beautiful sunny day. Your nails are ready to take a dip.”

Bright Orange

Bright orange nails are the ultimate summer statement. They're bold, vibrant, and unapologetically fun. "The sun is burning hot during the summer and so is this color. Orange is a notable color to make any nails pop," says Nguyen. "Have your nails stand out this summer using a bright orange."

Soft Sheer Pink

A soap nail is a classic for a reason and will never go out of style. For when you want to keep your manicure feeling simple but still cute, go for this shade. "For someone who likes to keep things low-key, a subtle sheer pink will be perfect this summer," explains Nguyen. "Keep it clean without being too loud this summer."

Glitter Red

Glitter is a year-round kind of thing. And during summer, the season calls for it to be mixed in with a punchy red shade. "Summer and glitter go hand in hand," shares Nguyen. "Elevate your nails by adding sparkle to your color or design. Adding glitter to a classic red creates a spicy spin on things."

Marigold

Bring a bit of sunshine to your tips by swiping on some marigold. As Nguyen shares, "This color is expected to be a hot hit for the fashion scene this summer. Complement your outfits by having marigold on your nails."

Burgundy

This shade is for those who can't quite let go of moody shades but still want a sprinkle of seasonal fun. It's cherry red's cooler older sister. "This color has been circulating and making a trend for itself. It’s not too red, not too purple, not too pink, it's a blend of it all," explains Nguyen. "Perfect color for nail art this summer."

Jelly Pink

Nostalgic pops of pink that look like candied tips are such a fun way to incorporate the whimsical energy of the season. "Summer is the season for bright and bold colors," says Nguyen. "This see-through pink is a great color to make a statement all on its own. It literally screams 'hot girl summer.'"

Edgy Silver

When in doubt, go for a cool wash of metallic silver. It'll instantly make your manicure look like an avant-garde work of art without the need for an intricate design. "This color is another trend setter," shares Nguyen. "Your nails will pop and stand out this summer with metallic silver. Cool down this summer with this color."