When summer arrives, open-toed shoes and sandals make their way back into our wardrobes. And what better way to complement your summer footwear than with a stylish pedicure?
A fresh toenail design not only adds a pop of color but also gives you that extra confidence boost while strolling along the beach or lounging by the pool.
From bold neon hues to intricate nautical themes, there are endless ways to get creative with your summer toenails.
The first step is prepping your feet—exfoliate with a foot scrub, hydrate with a rich lotion, and trim your nails neatly. Once your feet are in tip-top shape, it’s time to choose a dazzling toenail design.
Here are some must-try summer pedicure ideas to inspire your next trip to the salon.
Neon Orange Summer
In recent months, A-listers like Zendaya and Hailey Bieber have incorporated neon colors into their ’fits. Tom Bachik, an imPRESS ambassador and manicurist to celebs like Margot Robbie and Camila Cabello, says one neon polish shade in particular will be a pedi go-to.
“Something a bit unexpected that I love right now are neons, especially neon orange. It’s sure to draw interest,” he says.
When In Doubt, Go For White
IMO, white polish has the unique ability to enhance a sun-kissed tan — and Knight agrees. She predicts the polish shade will thrive throughout the upcoming summer months.
“White nail polish complements any outfit, giving off a fresh look that brightens your toes. Whether it’s for beach days or a formal event.”
Pretty Pastel Chrome
Chrome is one of the biggest nail art trends RN, claiming mega-fans like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, and countless others. Knight explains that mirror-like pastel polishes, in particular, will reign this summer.
“Ice blue nails for the summer may not seem like the most natural pairing, however this shade is skyrocketing to popularity in the makeup category, and is set to do so in the nail category, too,” she says. “Baby blue is a dopamine-boosting shade that isn’t too loud for daily wear, and looks great on all skin tones.”
Unexpected Pink Jelly
With trends like “lip gloss nails” taking over, it’s no wonder ultra-glossy, jelly-like polish formulas are having their main character moment. Knight tells Bustle she expects to see the trend continue on through the summer months, specifically by way of the color pink.
“Jelly nails have been catching our attention on Pinterest for a while now, and for good reason,” she says. “You want to pick the best pink for your skin tone — if you have deeper skin, choose a deeper, slightly plum-leaning shade, whereas if you’re paler, a cool-toned pale pink would be a great choice.”
For those who want to amp up the trendiness factor on their jelly pedi, Edwards notes that jelly polish paired with aura nail art looks whimsical. The celeb-approved nail art trend is surprisingly easy to recreate for at-home nail painters.
Pearly Mermaidcore Toes
It wouldn’t be summer without at least one mermaidcore trend (see: oyster nails) — and this year, girlies are all loving soft, pearlescent shades.
“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.”
Cherry Red
There’s something endlessly alluring about red nails — and Knight agrees that the classic shade is a major green flag for summer.
“Cherry red is a shade that just feels so sexy, whilst also appealing to all age demographics” she says. “It’s the perfect pedi shade as it will look great with your white, black, or animal print swimwear.”
A Simple Wash Of Ballet Pink
Not so much into vivid color? Edwards says when in doubt, a sheer shade of balletcore pink is perfect for everyday wear.
