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
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat
Apply this mattifying polish over the muted or neutral base color of your choosing.
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.”
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 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.”
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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