Nails are more than just an accessory – they’re a way for individuals to express themselves. In 2025, the most unique summer nail designs will include a mixture of bold colors and creativity. This means designs such as retro prints and futuristic metallics will prevail, along with playful techniques to help make nails pop.
Read on to learn about which summer nail designs are set to dominate the scene in 2025.
Table of Contents
Global market value of nail polish
5 unique summer nail designs
Conclusion
Global market value of nail polish
The nail polish market is a lucrative one. Every season, new nail polish colors and nail designs emerge, which ensures consumers are always on the lookout for the latest trends. There are many different types of nail polish on the market today to match the growing interest in nail art around the world. In addition, there is a seemingly endless selection of nail supplies designed for the application and removal of nail polish.
The global market value of nail polish reached USD 15.19 billion at the start of 2024 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 8.22% until 2033, bringing the total value to approximately USD 33.46 billion. Both Africa and the Middle East are projected to be the fastest-growing markets during this period.
5 unique summer nail designs
Numerous new designs are expected to make a splash in 2025. These vary from vibrant colors to retro designs that add a touch of nostalgia to summertime.
According to Google Ads, the search term “summer nail designs” receives an average monthly search volume of 135,000. As you’d expect, most searches appear between June and August, during the summer season, with searches remaining low during the remainder of the year.
Google Ads also shows that the most-searched-for summer nail designs are “pastel nails” with 22,200 monthly searches and both “holographic chrome nails” and “pop art nails” with 4,400 monthly searches each. These are followed by “flower nails” with 2,400 searches and “geometric nails” with 1,300 searches.
Below, we take a closer look at each of these unique summer nail designs.
Pastel nails
One of the biggest projected trends for summer nail designs in 2025 are soft ombre pastel nails. Pastel nails are always a big hit as they offer a timeless feminine aesthetic, with this year’s big favorites set to include soft and muted colors such as blush pink, mint green, sky blue, and the ever-popular light lavender. These colors create a watercolor effect that’s both classy and playful.
A fading effect – set to be a go-to look for the fashionable crowd in 2025 – can add a creative twist, giving a breezy and carefree vibe for the summer months.
Holographic chrome nails
Holographic chrome nail designs are also set to make a splash in summer 2025. These nails have a futuristic look with a high-shine effect that makes them stand out. The holographic undertones also change colors in the light, generating an almost rainbow-like effect.
Both pre-designed artificial nails and holographic nail polish look to be in big demand. This look creates an edgy vibe to any summer outfit and can be paired well with a minimalist look as well as quirkier styles. The holographic nail designs can be used for a full manicure or as accents combined with other unique summer nail designs.
Pop art nails
Another major eye-catching nail trend looks to be pop art nails. These nails draw on inspiration from ’70s and ’80s pop culture, so expect lots of comic book designs and vibrant colors. This nostalgic take on summer nail designs will also include a lot of retro patterns, such as speech bubbles and polka dots, making a big, bold statement.
Pop art nails are a great way for individuals to express themselves boldly through exaggerated designs that look like miniature pieces of artwork; one way to bring a fun and whimsical vibe to the summer months.
Flower nails
One summer trend that never goes out of style is flower nails. This trend consists of real or faux, pressed flowers that are embedded into the nail polish. This creates a garden-inspired look with plenty of details that are sure to be a conversation starter at any summertime event.
Flower nails add a touch of freshness and beauty to any manicure. They’re a subtle and striking way to bring summer’s floral vibes to the fingertips.
Geometric nails
Geometric patterns look to be the biggest modern nail trend in summer 2025. This design blends artistic patterns with minimalist designs, focusing on sharp angles, clean lines, and abstract shapes while at the same time making use of negative space to help the nails stand out. It offers a contemporary and sophisticated look not seen in other summer nail designs.
Geometric nails are suitable for everyday wear as well as fashionable events, this look is ideal for people who prefer structured nails that aren’t confined to just one design.
Conclusion
Unique summer nail designs for summer 2025 look to embody a playful mixture of nostalgic and classy styles paired with bold colors and quirky designs. Whereas some consumers will prefer pastel tones that can match any outfit, others will be looking to create a more edgy look that grabs eyeballs. As such, both nail polish and faux nails that help create these effects will be in high demand in 2025.