12 Best Summer 2023 Nail Trends, According to Nail Experts
Discover the hottest summer nail trends from chrome finishes to tropical florals
Summer 2023 has brought an exciting array of nail trends that perfectly capture the season’s vibrant energy and carefree spirit. From shimmering chrome finishes to playful tropical designs, this season’s nail art offers something for every style preference. Nail artists and beauty experts have identified the most captivating trends that will elevate your summer manicure game to new heights.
The Rise of Iridescent Chrome Nails
Leading the charge in summer 2023 nail trends is the mesmerizing world of iridescent chrome nails. This stunning technique takes the beloved glazed-donut nail trend to the next level by incorporating pearly chrome powder with flashes of pink, blue, and purple. The result is a multi-dimensional finish that captures and reflects light beautifully, creating an ethereal glow that’s perfect for summer’s bright sunshine.
Nail artist Miki Higuchi emphasizes that these nails truly shine under sunlight, delivering what she calls “mermaidcore” energy. The trend gained significant attention when celebrities like Halle Bailey showcased similar looks at major events, proving that chrome nails are both red-carpet worthy and perfect for everyday summer glamour.
To achieve this look, start with a neutral base coat, then apply the iridescent chrome powder using a soft brush or sponge applicator. The key is to work quickly while the base coat is still slightly tacky to ensure proper adhesion of the chrome particles.
Pastel French Tips: A Fresh Take on a Classic
The timeless French manicure receives a contemporary summer makeover with pastel French tips. This trend offers a sophisticated alternative to full pastel coverage, which can sometimes appear too spring-like for summer wear. Instead of painting the entire nail bed in pastel shades, this technique focuses on creating delicate French lines over a sheer, neutral base.
Nail artist Jin Soon Choi, who introduced this trend on the Brandon Maxwell SS2023 runway, explains that the subtle approach prevents the look from appearing overly sweet while maintaining summer’s fresh, light aesthetic. Popular pastel shades for this trend include soft lavender, mint green, peachy pink, and baby blue.
The technique requires steady hands and attention to detail. Use a thin brush or nail art pen to create crisp, clean lines across the nail tips. The contrast between the neutral base and pastel tips creates an elegant and modern appearance that works beautifully for both casual and formal occasions.
Cyber-Dot Nail Trend: Digital Age Aesthetics
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier dress design, the cyber-dot nail trend brings futuristic aesthetics to summer nail art. This bold and colorful trend features strategic dot placements that create visually striking patterns reminiscent of digital pixelation or circuit board designs.
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The cyber-dot trend is particularly appealing because it allows for extensive creativity and personalization. You can opt for monochromatic dots for a subtle approach or embrace the full spectrum with rainbow-colored dots for maximum impact. The key is maintaining consistent spacing and size for a professional finish.
To create cyber-dot nails, use dotting tools of various sizes or the end of bobby pins for smaller dots. Start with a base color, allow it to dry completely, then add dots in contrasting colors. This trend works exceptionally well with neon and metallic shades that enhance the futuristic aesthetic.
Sheer-Blush Summer Nails: Less is More
Sometimes the most impactful nail trend is paradoxically the most minimal. Sheer-blush summer nails celebrate natural beauty while providing a polished, healthy appearance. This trend focuses on enhancing rather than covering the natural nail, creating a sophisticated look that’s perfect for professional settings and everyday wear.
The sheer-blush trend particularly benefits those who have been investing in nail health through cuticle oils and strengthening treatments. The translucent coverage allows the natural nail to show through while providing a hint of color that brightens the overall appearance.
Choose sheer formulas in pink, peach, or neutral tones. Apply thin, even coats, building up the color gradually rather than attempting full coverage in one application. This technique ensures a natural, healthy appearance that looks effortless yet refined.
Strawberry-Glazed Donut Nails
The beloved glazed donut nails receive a fruity summer transformation with the strawberry-glazed variation. This trend capitalizes on the popularity of pink tones, influenced by both the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year (Viva Magenta) and cultural phenomena like the anticipated Barbie movie.
Nail artist Kameron Lange notes that pink nails have gained tremendous popularity, making strawberry-glazed donut nails a perfect intersection of current trends. The technique involves applying a pink base color followed by a chrome powder finish that creates the characteristic glazed appearance.
For the best results, choose a pink shade that complements your skin tone. Bright fuchsias work well for those who prefer bold statements, while muted blush tones offer a more subtle approach. The chrome powder application requires gentle brushing techniques to achieve the desired luminous finish without creating streaks or uneven coverage.
Negative-Space French Tips: Modern Minimalism
The negative-space French tip trend represents an evolution of the classic French manicure that embraces modern minimalist aesthetics. This technique focuses on creating interesting shapes and patterns by strategically leaving portions of the nail unpainted, allowing the natural nail to become part of the design.
This trend offers incredible versatility in terms of color combinations and line shapes. You can experiment with geometric patterns, curved lines, or asymmetrical designs that create visual interest while maintaining elegance. The negative space element adds depth and dimension to the overall look.
The key to successful negative-space designs lies in precise application and clean lines. Use nail tape or stencils to create sharp edges, and remove them while the polish is still slightly wet to prevent peeling. This technique works with any color palette, from neutral tones to bright, bold shades.
Denim Nails: Casual Cool Meets Nail Art
Reflecting the continued popularity of denim in fashion, denim nails bring casual coolness to summer manicures. This trend uses gray-blue polish shades that mimic the appearance of distressed blue jeans, creating a unique and on-trend nail look that perfectly captures summer’s relaxed vibe.
The denim nail trend works particularly well when finished with a matte top coat, which enhances the realistic denim appearance. The matte finish eliminates shine and creates texture that closely resembles actual fabric, making the illusion more convincing.
To achieve the most authentic denim appearance, layer different shades of blue and gray, creating subtle variations in tone that mimic real denim’s natural color variations. This technique adds depth and authenticity to the overall design.
Lavender Summer Trend: Purple Perfection
Lavender nails have emerged as a significant summer 2023 trend, building on the broader lavender beauty movement that has influenced everything from eye makeup to hair color. This soft, romantic shade offers a fresh alternative to traditional summer brights while maintaining seasonal relevance.
The appeal of lavender lies in its versatility and universally flattering nature. It works beautifully as a solid color application or as part of more complex designs like ombre or nail art. The key to achieving perfect lavender nails is building up the color gradually with two to three thin coats rather than attempting full opacity in one application.
Lavender pairs exceptionally well with other summer trends, making it an excellent choice for those who want to incorporate multiple trends into their manicure. Consider combining lavender with chrome accents or using it as a base for negative-space designs.
Tropical Summer Florals: Vacation Vibes
Nothing captures summer’s essence quite like tropical floral nail art. This trend brings vacation vibes to everyday wear through intricate flower designs that evoke images of tropical destinations and beach getaways. The tropical floral trend offers endless creative possibilities, from simple single-flower accents to complex multi-flower compositions.
Airbrushed flowers provide a particularly authentic Y2K throwback vibe, while hand-painted designs offer more personalized, artisanal appeal. The choice between techniques often depends on skill level and desired outcome. Airbrushing creates smooth gradients and professional-looking results, while hand-painting allows for unique, individual expressions.
Popular tropical flowers for nail art include hibiscus, plumeria, bird of paradise, and palm fronds. These designs work best on longer nails that provide adequate canvas space for detailed artwork.
Neon Summer Nails: Electric Energy
Neon nails epitomize summer’s high-energy, carefree spirit. These electric shades instantly evoke thoughts of summer vacations, beach parties, and tropical getaways. The bold, attention-grabbing nature of neon polish makes it perfect for those who want to make a statement with their manicure.
For those hesitant to commit to full neon coverage, accent nails provide an excellent introduction to the trend. Choose one or two nails per hand to paint in neon shades while keeping the remaining nails in neutral or complementary tones.
Neon polishes require specific application techniques for optimal results. Use a white base coat to enhance the vibrancy of neon colors, and apply thin, even coats to prevent streaking and ensure smooth coverage. A high-quality top coat is essential for maintaining the intensity and longevity of neon shades.
Bold-Red Nails: Timeless Summer Elegance
Sometimes the most effective approach is returning to basics with bold-red nails. This timeless trend never goes out of style and offers sophisticated elegance that works for any occasion. Cherry-red shades provide the perfect balance of boldness and classic appeal for summer 2023.
The key to perfect red nails lies in application technique and formula selection. Choose high-quality polishes with good opacity and smooth application properties. Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat to prevent bubbling and ensure even coverage. Finish with a high-shine top coat for a professional, salon-quality appearance.
Red nails have gained additional attention through celebrity endorsements, with stars like Hailey Bieber frequently showcasing classic red manicures that demonstrate the trend’s enduring appeal and versatility.
Application Tips and Techniques
Achieving professional-looking results with summer 2023 nail trends requires attention to detail and proper technique. Start with clean, properly prepared nails by pushing back cuticles and filing nails to desired shape and length. Use a base coat to protect natural nails and improve polish adhesion.
For trends involving special effects like chrome or glitter, work quickly and in thin layers. Chrome powders require specific timing and technique, while glitter applications benefit from dabbing rather than brushing motions to prevent streaking.
Invest in quality tools including various brush sizes, dotting tools, and nail tape for clean lines. Proper lighting is essential for detailed work, and magnification can be helpful for intricate designs.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining summer nail trends requires specific care approaches depending on the technique used. Chrome finishes need gentle handling to prevent chipping, while intricate nail art benefits from protective top coats reapplied every few days.
Cuticle oil application helps maintain nail health and enhances the appearance of translucent or sheer trends. For bold colors and neon shades, UV protection helps prevent fading during extended sun exposure.
Regular maintenance appointments with professional nail technicians can help preserve complex designs and ensure optimal nail health throughout the summer season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do chrome nails typically last?
A: Chrome nails can last 1-2 weeks with proper application and care. Using a high-quality base coat and avoiding harsh chemicals helps extend wear time.
Q: Can I create these trends at home or should I visit a salon?
A: Many trends like pastel French tips and solid colors can be achieved at home with practice. Complex techniques like chrome application and detailed nail art may benefit from professional expertise.
Q: What nail shape works best for summer 2023 trends?
A: Almond and oval shapes complement most trends well, providing adequate canvas space for detailed designs while maintaining elegance. Square shapes work particularly well for geometric patterns and negative-space designs.
Q: How do I prevent neon polishes from staining my nails?
A: Always use a base coat before applying neon colors. This creates a barrier that prevents pigment from penetrating the nail plate and causing stains.
Q: Which trend is most suitable for professional environments?
A: Sheer-blush nails, subtle pastel French tips, and classic bold-red manicures work well in professional settings while still incorporating summer trends.
References
- https://www.nailreformation.com/pages/summer-press-on-nail-trend-report
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g43498345/summer-2023-nail-trends/
- https://www.women.com/1289560/summer-2023-hottest-nail-trends-expression-no-matter-style/
- https://us.manucurist.com/pages/beauty-awards
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/nails/
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