The 5 Summer Nail Trends For 2026

Summer is the season for having fun with colour, embracing playful designs and creating nails that become part of your client’s holiday outfit. Including preppy patterns and vibrant French tips, summer 2026 nail trends are anything but minimal. So, if your clients are looking for fresh nail inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite trends using Naomi Rose Gel Polishes, created by our nail technician, Chloe Sheffield (@purely.polished_), so you too can recreate these with your clients.

Preppy Chic

If maximalist nails are your client’s thing, this trend is guaranteed to be a favourite. Preppy-inspired manicures are everywhere right now, combining all the biggest nail trends we’ve seen over the past year into one playful set. This combines checked French tips, cherries, bows, tiny fruit details and classic polka dots, all tied together with a palette of reds, pinks and a crisp, clean white. It might seem like a lot, but it just works!

Gel shades used: Lipstick Red, Pure White, and True Black

Hot Pink French Tips

The French manicure isn’t going anywhere this summer, but instead, it’s getting a brighter update. Hot pink French tips are proving to be one of the season’s biggest trends, adding a bold pop of colour while keeping the elegance of a classic French. This makes the perfect option for clients who love a traditional manicure through and through, but want something a little more vibrant for the summer season.

Gel shade used: Pink Paradise

Eurosummer Nails

Zara Larsson called… she wants her manicure back. If there is one set of nails that sums up summer 2026, this would be it. Inspired by the vibrance of a European getaway, these Eurosummer nails combine bright colours with playful holiday-inspired details. With colourful French tips, starfish, and hibiscus flowers, these designs instantly transport your clients to the beach. It’s fun, vibrant and guaranteed to get your clients in the holiday-ready mood.

Gel shades used: Fuchsia Royale, Aquamarine Dream, Pale Apricot, Palmetto Purple, Banana Split, Pure White, Beach Club Blue, Top Coat, Orange Soda

Summer Blue

Move over butter yellow, summer blue is quickly becoming the colour of the season. Fresh, vibrant and super wearable, this soft blue shade looks even better against sun-kissed skin, making it the perfect summer manicure. Either worn on its own or paired with minimal nail art, this summer blue offers a clean and modern finish that is extremely chic. Sometimes, one colour is all you need!

Gel shade used: Beach Club Blue

Disco Ready

Festival season, summer parties, and concert nights call for one thing only… disco nails. Inspired by the super fun aesthetic of Harry Styles and his Together Together Tour, this trend is primarily about mixing silver accents, disco ball details, soft ombre finishes, and fun graphic motifs into one statement manicure. It’s bold and super Harry-coded, so if your clients are attending his concert, you’ll know the exact vibes to bring.

Gel shades used: Beach Club Blue, Pure White, Lipstick Red, True Black

This summer, it’s time to embrace colour with personality and bring out your clients' maximalist side. With bold shades and a mix of nail art, there is a trend that suits every style this season. Don’t forget to explore the Naomi Rose Gel collection in-store & online exclusively at Alan Howard so that you can recreate this summer’s must-have manicures in your salon.