I don't know who needs to hear this, but your summer nail look should be fun. So instead of swiping on the same solid coat of pale pink nail polish that you wear year-round, for your next getaway, consider switching things up with a nail look that'll match your vacation vibe.
According to Julie Kandalec, an NYC-based celebrity, editorial nail artist, and owner of Julie K Nail Artelier, one of this season's most popular nail-art trends are wavy lines. With this '70s-inspired design, you can play around with different looks, ranging from something subtle to a design that's more bright and bold. "If you want something subtle, you can do two simple wavy lines," says Kandalec. "Or you can do five different colors for a super-fun look." Many of Kandalec's clients are also asking for negative space: "Negative space has always been popular, but I think people are just living their best lives and don't want to come in every two weeks," she says. "People are traveling again, so with a nail design that incorporates negative space or a sheer base, the grow-out process isn't super noticeable, giving clients more flexibility."
From minimalist designs to bright French manicures with a modern twist, keep scrolling for 10 nail designs inspired by this season's trends.
Multicolored Graphics
Swipe some bold, colorful shapes over a neutral nail-polish base for an eye-catching manicure that doesn't feel too over the top.
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Neon
This graphic yet simple neon design adds a cheerful pop of color to an otherwise basic manicure.
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Orange and Yellow Swirls
These fun orange-and-yellow whirlpools feel particularly summer-ready. The colorful swipes might remind you of a Louisa Ballou dress, making a very strong case for matching your manicure with your outfit.
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Wavy French Tips
Opt for wavy, psychedelic tips instead of the classic white shade to add a retro twist to your French manicure.
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Colorful Smiley Faces
With a combination of smiley faces, pastel-colored stars, and white daisies, this manicure will give you an instant mood boost every time you glance down.
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Mix-and-Match Animal Print
Can't decide on a single print for your vacation manicure? Mix and match animal prints with vibrant polish shades to bring this fun manicure to life.
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Purple Modern French Manicure
Play around with your French mani and pick three different shades of purple to create a subtle yet colorful contrast.
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Multi-hued Negative Space
More is more when it comes to your vacation manicure. Pair a multitude of nail colors with a negative-space design to keep your nail art from becoming overwhelming.
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White Ombre
Add your initials in an "Old English" font to create an accent nail for your neutral manicure. It's a simple way to make a statement while still being minimalist.
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Multi Patterns
Why pick one nail trend when you can flaunt three? The mismatched patterns and the vibrant nail shades make for a bright and playful manicure.
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Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@thehangedit
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