Summer 2023 is literally just around the corner, and with the warmer weather comes an opportunity to debut some bomb new outfits as well as some seasonal nails. While there’s literally no bad time for some unique nail art, the long days and sunny skies invite a whole new level of creativity. Before you head off to your next manicure appointment, here are some summer 2023 nail trends you may find yourself asking for.
Cheerful smiley face nails
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Sure, smiley faces seem kinda ’90s, but guess what. ’90s makeup trends are making a comeback, so smiley face nails are perfect for summer 2023. The ones seen above, by @helendidmynails, give off a very “Saved by the Bell” vibe in a way I feel like we can all get behind. If you don’t want to go full-on smiley, you can add in a few here and there and fill your other nails with related designs. You won’t be able to help but smile when you look down at your manicure!
Glazed donut summer nails
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Glazed donut nails are everywhere and they’re not just for summer. @nailsbyzola created a beautifully simplistic version of the trend, opting for a clear glaze look. However, strawberry glazed donut nails, using a translucent pink-tinged polish, are also popular. You can choose whatever shade you’d like, so long as you get the signature glossy, see-through finish. Just try not to eat your fingernails.
Denim nails
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If you’re generally casual AF but like a bit of drama, denim nails are the perfect combination of the two. You can keep things casual with a laid-back matte approach, or you can go full-on bling and stick on all kinds of crystals, beads, and other decals like this look from @_thenailspace_. They even added in a ripped jeans nail!
Bright color block nails for summer 2023
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If you can’t support bright neon colors in summer, when can you? This year, it’s all about the color-blocking. The above look from @samrosenails is vibrant, playful, and so much fun. Not to mention it looks great on nails of all lengths, which is pretty convenient if you’re not one for longer gels or acrylics.
Metallic chrome nails
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If you’re all about being high fashion and a little bit edgy, you need to try metallic chrome nails this summer. As @vdwnails illustrates, the oozing, drippy, melting metal look is not just cool, it’s actually kinda sexy. You can even opt to paint the entire nail in a metallic chrome shade if you want to hue without the added texture. Make these your own!
Summer garden floral nails
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For summer 2023, it’s all about nails that celebrate the great outdoors. These summer garden nails by @bysarahnailartist are elegant, pretty, and super timeless. They also do a wonderful job of highlighting the seasonal foliage we’re lucky enough to see all season long. You can either get all of your nails painted with flowers and greenery, or be inspired by the above and keep a few nails solid. Pick your favorite flowers and let your nail artist go to town!
Marble mix nails
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Marble nails have been around for a while now. However, that’s because they’re so adaptable to pretty much any season and they still look amazing. Above, @jodiesbeaute shows how you can incorporate the design into a trendy but still ridiculously adorable look you won’t want to take off. Better yet, adding a few solid colored nails in really lets the marble design pop, but you can wear your marble however you’d like. We’re not here to judge!
Dramatic ombre nails for summer 2023
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Ombre nails are another design that’s been around pretty much forever, but they’re not going anywhere soon. @misspopnails used gorgeous shades of purple for the look above, blending them seamlessly into one another in a way that’s dramatic but still really polished and professional. If you want to make a statement this year, these are for you.
Soft peach nails
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Ready to show off some amazing nails this summer but not into anything too flashy? Soft peach nails have you covered. Peach is the perfect warm, sunny shade that you want this time of year without being too overstated or noticeable. They still give enough of a pop of color that you’ll feel super cheerful every time you look at your hands, but they won’t draw any unwanted attention. That being said, don’t be surprised if you do get stopped and complimented! As @nailzbycazzy shows above, they’re gorgeous!
Monarch butterfly nails
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Celebrating nature in everything we do is something many people enjoy. If that sounds like you, take a note from the incredible @betina_goldstein and feature some monarch butterflies on your nails. The way the design is painted on is super subtle – you have to look close to see those beautiful butterfly wings – but the effect is pretty amazing. It looks like the butterflies are coming out of their cocoons after metamorphosis!
Pretty pastel nails for summer 2023
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Another low-key but perfectly seasonable nail look, pastel nails are the perfect way to bridge the spring and summer months. @thehotblend shows off a sleek AF lilac manicure that’s glossy and super beautiful. Playing around with accents on specific nails is another way to add a little extra ingenuity into the look while still maintaining its uniform chicness.
Cyber dot nails
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If you’re really hype about showing off your claws, you’re going to love @j3nnailedit‘s take on cyber dot nails. While uncomplicated enough that you could probably try this yourself at home (even if not quite as perfectly!), there’s a sense of artfulness here that makes them feel super high-brow. Like all the other looks on this list, you can even customize them with multiple shades of nail polish depending on your desired look. Needless to say, this is one of our favs.
