Coral Red, Neon Yellow, & More Trending Nail Polish Colors For Summer 2024 (2024)

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Emerald green chrome? Don’t mind if I do...

by Olivia Rose Rushing and Jillian Giandurco

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With each minute that passes, the sun-drenched days, strappy sandals, and carefree energy so associated with summer months come that much closer. This means beauty lovers are already booking their pre-vacation nail appointments. And according to pro manicurists, the incoming nail polish trends are quite polarizing.

According to, Gina Edwards, celebrity nail artist and KISS ambassador, beauty lovers will either stick to their tried-and-true neutrals, or go the complete opposite direction to embrace bold color. “The manicure vibe for this summer is a mix between soft and bold,” Edwards tells Bustle.

Namely, sheer balletcore pinksrecently worn by names like Margot Robbie — will bring “soft girl” vibes to manicures ahead. On the other end of the spectrum, more vibrant nail polish colors, like Tiffany blue and highlighter yellow, will have main character moments of their own.

Tom Bachik, an imPRESS ambassador and celeb manicurist (with clients like Selena Gomez, J. Lo, Camila Cabello, and more), says this season’s polish trends will essentially be the manicure version of a vibe check: “I am really loving ‘mood colors’ for summer 2024, which essentially means nail colors that match whatever mood you’re currently in.”

In other words? Those who are inspired by the vivid turquoise color of the Caribbean sea may opt for a color to match the vibe. Similarly, fiery coral manicures may be the perfect polish shade when you’re feeling extra confident.

Ahead of the sunshine-filled summer season, below, find the buzziest nail polish color trends, as shared by mani experts.

Baby Blue Hues

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, baby blue is truly the color of it girls — at least for summer 2024. (Case in point: Megan Fox most recently traded in her pink hair for a cool, “washed denim” shade.)

The pastel color is trending in the manicure space, too, because, according to Bachik, it gives big “‘by the ocean’ vibes.”

Major Magenta Moment

For quite some time now, hot pink has been a manicure mainstay — particularly for those craving a shocking pop of color. In a post-Barbie world, Bachik says the pink obsession will lean more toward purple, with “cute and sassy” magenta hues taking the lead.

Rose Gold Metallics

In a sea of silver and gold chrome, Bachik predicts copper polish will skyrocket in popularity. “Rose gold looks like a neutral, yet has that bit of twist. It’s a really versatile color and looks great on a lot of skin tones.”

For a rose gold mani in minutes, Bachik names the imPRESS “Wanderlust” press-ons as a personal fave.

Lilac-Toned Greige

Just before winter’s end, Alix Earle made gray “stone nails” a major trend. Come summer, the gray obsession is getting a seasonal touch of pastel.

“I love grayish lilac polish,” says Edwards. “It can be used as an ‘anchor color’ when outfitting a look.” In other words? Purple-tinted greige nails are the new neutral.

Red Coral

Year round, red nail polish is a nail salon staple. Bachik says this year the red-hot hues will be slightly more orange in comparison. “Corals are a summertime red,” he says.

Pearly Mermaidcore Finishes

Come summertime, many adopt a decidedly mermaidcore aesthetic — and the same applies to manicures. “Right now, I am really loving sheer reflective colors,” says Edwards. “They can be worn alone or layered, and are so much fun to play with.”

Enter: pretty pearlescent finishes. These pearly nails are a play on 2024’s chrome nail trend, but with added oceanic vibes.

Luxurious Tiffany Blue

For a bit of luxury in your manicure, Bachik names one turquoise-blue color in particular. She says Tiffany blues “bring an upscale vibe.” Basically, this is “quiet luxury” turned up a notch.

Emerald Green Chrome

Another faction of the metallic trend, green chrome nails are slowly but surely taking over. “I really love chrome, which gives off an extreme fashion-forward vibe,” says Edwards. For those painting their nails at home, the polish shade “Clarice” by ZOYA is a perfect option.

Barely-There Balletcore Pink

Don’t worry, neutral nail girlies, there’s something for you, too. Edwards points to sheer pink as an on-trend color that’s perfect for everyday wear. Rosier tones make the classic shade feel subtly on-trend.

Sun-Lit Neons

For summer, buzzy polish colors will be bolder and brighter than ever before. “Something a bit unexpected that I love right now are neons,” says Bachik. “Neon yellow is very eye-catching and is sure to draw interest.”

Zendaya has been rocking the tennis ball-inspired shade while on her press tour for the film Challengers, formally cementing it as the color to watch.

Matcha Manicure

You don’t have to be a matcha stan to appreciate this earthy polish color. Although the color was a huge hit in fall 2023, there’s a good chance the coffee alternative shade will be just as popular during the warm weather months.

Pink Coral

Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND, predicts vibrant shades of coral will be a staple this season. To get the perfect hue, Arnold recommends CND’s “Sunrise Energy.”

Tropical Aqua

You can’t go wrong with an aqua hue that screams “tropical vacation.” It’s playful, it’s vibrant, and it’s exciting — just how summer should be. Plus, it’ll look great in an Insta Story or two.

Flamingo Pink

Though 2023 may have been the summer of Barbie, Barbiecore isn’t going anywhere. Celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce predicts flashy pink polishes like “As If!” by Apres Nail will be a big theme this summer.

Lavender Haze

Though often considered a spring color, licensed nail technician Kaylee Sotelo thinks lavender will be a hit this summer, as it “perfectly [pairs] with any summer outfit.”

Vanilla Cream

A subtle neutral with a touch of warmth, cream is basically the perfect summer hue. It goes with everything, and transitions easily from day to night. It’s a good thing simple nails are on-trend again.

Peachy Keen

A pretty peach pastel hits right in the sweet spot between bright colors and neutral tones. The wearable shade will look great whether you’re vacationing at the beach, traveling to a new country, or at a backyard barbecue under the stars.

Sheer Sets

If you’re going for a barely-there mani, Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon, suggests a sheer shade, like JINsoon’s “Pixie” polish. for a “glossy, glazed effect” that exudes a “fresh and modern vibe.”

Rose Champagne

After the success of oyster nails and the milk bath trend, Arnold says, it’s no surprise that rose champagne is on the rise. The shade is simple, shiny, and elegant. Try CND’s “Night Brilliance” polish for an easy, at-home version.

Pop of Purple

Bold colors are going to be everywhere this season, per Choi, and vibrant orchid makes for an unexpected choice.

Sunset Orange

Polishes that are reminiscent of the sunset, like burnt orange, are a must (for obvious reasons). It’s the chic older sister of your classis neutral shades.

Soft Baby Pink

If Barbiecore isn’t your thing, you can always go for a lighter shade to keep your nails looking fresh. It wouldn’t be a soft girl summer without a baby pink set, after all.

Cherry Red

Between colorful Skittles nails, heart-lined classic Frenchies, and fruity nail art, cherry red will be practically inescapable this season. “A manicure with this beautiful color will bring your confidence up with its fun and bright vibe,” says Sotelo.

Gold Chrome Glam

Chrome nails are having a moment, which is why you’ll probably see gold metallic manis dominating your IG feed this summer. It’s just as timeless as your favorite gold necklace, but doesn’t cost nearly as much.

Seafoam Green

Match the sea glass at the beach with a stunning seafoam color like DND’s “Carousel” gel lacquer. “With each stroke, your nails become a canvas for summer's allure, radiating a youthful energy and effortless elegance that's perfect for any sunny adventure,” says Sotelo.

Refreshing Lemon

Citrus is in this season, and you can get a taste with “Tweety” from JINsoon. “This refreshing hue adds a playful, yet chic, element, perfectly reflecting the contemporary style,” says Choi.

Flamin’ Hot

Can’t choose between red or orange? No problem, because according to Arnold, combos of both, like CND’s “Ig-night-ed,” will be everywhere this summer. It’s the perfect shade for a sunset date with your beau.

Summer Blues

Boyce anticipates blue sets will be popular during the warm weather season, and suggests embracing the fad with Apres Nail’s “Posei-Donna” polish. “I'm obsessed with a neon-base blue that’s toned down to give the powdered neon look,” says the manicurist.

Milky Manis

Celebs like Kylie Jenner have been loving the “milk bath” nail trend lately, so it’s fair to assume the fad is here to stay. Not only is it a “clean girl’s” dream mani, but it’s basically impossible to find an outfit it won’t pair well with.

Fresh Raspberry

After the rise of “strawberry girls” and “tomato girls” last summer, it’s only a matter of time before “raspberry girls” become a thing. This color will transition you from late summer to early autumn, but don’t be afraid to test drive it in the meantime.

Electric Orange

Summer is the unofficial season of statement nails, so of course an eye-catching hue like orange will be on trend. “Neon orange hue radiates warmth and energy, reminiscent of tropical citrus fruits and golden hour skies,” says Sotelo.

Sage Green

Summer is prime picnicking season, so it’s only fitting that grassy green colors, like CND’s “Meadow Glow,” will be a big hit this year. Experts agree green is going to be a big theme in the coming months, so if seafoam or matcha aren’t really your vibe, this might be the shade for you.

Pretty Pastels

Contrary to popular belief, pastels aren’t just for spring. Their soft femininity offers a “romantic and whimsical vibe perfect for the season,” Choi says. According to the expert, JINsoon has no shortage of pastel hues to choose from, with polishes like “Aero,” “Keppel,” “Ube,” and “Lavanda.”

Warm Yellow

Arnold expects warm yellow manis will be on everyone’s mood board this summer. Sotelo agrees, and promises that the happy color will “evoke feelings of joy and vitality.”

Dreamy Blueberry

Just like the fruit they’re named after, blueberry nails are in season Maybe it’s because blue is the unofficial nail color of cool girls, or perhaps it’s a sign that bold sets are making a comeback.

Zesty Lime

If you can’t already tell, green is going to be a vibe this summer. Boyce recommends the “Plantling” shade from Apres Nail. “It’s a color that not everyone is comfortable wearing, but it’s super in.”

Jellyfish Pink

According to Sotelo, a shade like this will “make you feel like you are walking around with glistening pink water on your fingertips.” Tru V Beauty Pure’s “Jelly Fishing” polish to get the look yourself.

Nighttime Navy

Yes, you can still wear goth-adjacent shades in the summertime. In fact, you could rock this color straight into autumn, and no one would bat an eye.

Pretty Taupe

Rich taupe shades, like V Beauty Pure’s “Mocha,” evoke the colors of nature. “This shade conjures visions of sandy beaches and sun-warmed driftwood, offering a sense of grounding and tranquility amidst the season's heat,” says Sotelo. “It's neither too light nor too dark, striking a harmonious balance that compliments the vibrant colors of summer, without overpowering them.”

White-Bright

When in doubt, a plain white set is great for just about any occasion — except maybe a wedding.

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Coral Red, Neon Yellow, & More Trending Nail Polish Colors For Summer 2024 (2024)
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