Prettiest Pink Nails for Summer 2025? Oh, we’re doing that. Since the weather is hot, our nails ought to look as good as our moodboards. Whether you’re into short, square, almond, or long and glossy, there’s a pink look this season that’s practically begging for a sunlit selfie. Neon, milky and flowery designs are not only adorable, but they’re also the nail art you want this summer.
Which shade of pink do you think you’ll be wearing this year? Sweetheart soft? Flaming hot? Let’s find your match.
Hot Pink Meets Wild Energy
It’s giving attitude, it’s giving sunshine rebellion. All the fingers on this set are covered in a glossy pink, apart from the accent nail which is covered in a black and pink cheetah print. This manicure is so summery that it would make people in Miami take notice. With its smooth finish and sharp almond-shaped tips, it looks ready for a party or a last-minute trip to L.A.
For a shiny finish, I would suggest applying OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” or Lights Lacquer’s “Knockout.” For the cheetah detailing, grab a super fine brush and a black gel polish like Beetles Gel in “Black Magic.” Always finish the painting with a high-gloss topcoat. The result? A statement piece that reveals you’re looking for a great time.
Creating this at home is surprisingly doable. After making your nails almond-shaped and adding the pink base, use a dotting tool or bobby pin to make the cheetah-like blobs. According to Betina Goldstein, a celebrity nail tech, having uneven spacing between the nails is more fashionable than having them all the same.
I wore this design to a girls’ brunch in town and it made complete strangers ask me where I got them done. It’s a daring choice, but it’s not too much and it can make any simple look a bit more interesting. Think white linen dress, bold hoops, and this mani? Instant main character energy.
Retro Groovy Vibes With a Modern Twist
This style is inspired by ‘70s disco, but it’s designed for the future. With half-moon designs in light pink, lavender and neon fuchsia, the outfit looks cute while still being well-planned. The square shape gives the look a modern and trendy feel. You might want to wear this manicure to a fashion show by the pool or while strolling through a market on a Sunday in Palm Springs.
You’ll need at least three creamy polishes—try Olive & June’s “Lavender,” Essie’s “Cascade Cool,” and ORLY’s “Artificial Orange” (yes, it leans more orange and pink than full-on red). If you have nail guides, use them or draw the arcs yourself using patience. For a more expensive option, I recommend using Aprés Gel-X extensions to achieve this look.
Julie Kandalec suggests starting with the lightest color, allowing it to dry and adding the darker shades with a striping brush. It takes time, but that precision? Totally worth it.
Last spring, I used a similar approach before going to Coachella and I swear it made everything come together. The pictures turn out great and the bold colors are gentle on the eyes. Even if you’re only going to Target, don’t forget to add oversized sunglasses and a bucket hat.
Classic French With a Rosy Kick
Let’s talk about elegance reimagined. This is for the girls who love something both pretty, simple and versatile, but also want to follow the latest trends. Sure, you know the classic French tips, but this time, add a full pink nail, a white base with a half-moon and very sharp-looking square edges. Pink nails are strong enough for a business meeting or a party on the roof.
If I want to wear a mix of soft and bold pinks, I prefer Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” and Zoya’s “Barbie.” For the last step, use OPI’s “Alpine Snow” to complete the tips and curves. If you use natural nails, you can still create this, but Gel-X extensions in a square shape will make it look more professional.
If you are learning French tips for the first time, begin by using stickers or guides. If you are using gel, Tom Bachik says to flash-cure each tip under a mini LED lamp as you apply them. It keeps the hair looking neat and tidy.
I often do this mani which I call my “reset mani.” If I want to look neat but not too fancy, this is always a good choice. Throw on your favorite nude lip, and you’re done.
Pink Swirls That Melt Like Ice Cream
Swirls are everywhere these days and this design reminds me of soft serve on a warm summer day. The colors are a soft blend of light, bubblegum and fuchsia, all running together in swirled lines. Thanks to its curved almond shape, it is both classy and trendy.
You can accomplish this by applying ILNP’s “Sweet Pea,” Holo Taco’s “Magenta Jelly,” and a sheer milky base. A liner brush helps you blend and drag the lines you have drawn. Move slowly through the lines, as that’s what makes the dance beautiful.
Mei Kawajiri, a famous manicurist, believes that swirls are as unique as a person’s handwriting. So don’t over-polish it. The smoother the rhythm, the more artistic the writing seems.
I like this style because it gives more interest without going overboard. It feels like something you’d wear to a garden brunch, iced coffee in hand. It looks stunning with both green and white outfits in the summer. Experiment with it and you could discover how well it matches.
Rosy Ombré That Feels Like a Filter
A smooth pink gradient is very satisfying and this short ombré set looks as if it was created using a beauty filter. It’s very easy to move from a sheer blush to a deep rose and the result is silky and understatedly luxurious. No harsh lines, no fuss. Pink so soft and milky that you can’t help but look at it.
I often use a sponge to apply this look at home, beginning with Essie “Mademoiselle” and blending up to either “Flirt” or “Big Spender.” Cover your cuticles with a latex barrier, as the polish can get everywhere and apply it in thin layers to achieve the soft look.
This one’s for the chill girls. The people who hope their nails look nice but are not too flashy. I wore this to a friend’s bridal shower with a pale blue sundress and nude heels. It looked pretty, soft and was put-together in a natural way.
Sweetheart Pink for the Hopeless Romantic
Nails that proudly display their feelings are simply hard to ignore. The nails are painted with milky pink and decorated with colorful hot pink hearts on each nail. It’s playful, nostalgic, and flirty without trying too hard. Because it’s a medium square, the wallet looks modern and mature, much like a letter you’d keep folded in your pocket.
I usually begin this design by applying Essie’s “Fiji” as the base. You can draw the hearts on the nails with a dotting tool dipped in Essie’s “Watermelon” or Sally Hansen’s “Pink Blink” using a fine brush. You can use nail art stickers, but painting your nails is more personal and somehow relaxing.
The trick to getting those hearts perfect? Let each coat dry completely before layering. If you want your nails to look the same, Julie Kandalec recommends using a silicone stamper. But me? I’m all about embracing the imperfect charm. This one’s a whole vibe for spring weddings, brunches, or when you’re just feeling a little extra sweet.
Pressed Florals and French Tips
I would say this style has a botanical twist on a bridal look and I love it. You’ve got the gentle light pink base paired with micro French tips in soft, translucent rose—and one stand-out nail with pressed florals that feels like a mini glass garden. The almond shape lengthens the fingers without making the design too noticeable. It’s equal parts delicate and dreamy, like a bouquet you never want to throw away.
For a base, go with OPI’s “Bubble Bath” and use Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” as your French accent. The florals? If you want, you can embed dried flowers into your gel polish as it’s still sticky or opt for decals for a smoother finish. Treat all your pieces under a UV lamp and top them with a glassy finish.
Sarah Bland is a celebrity nail artist and recommends this combination for brides or bridesmaids, though it works just as well for a day at a winery or by the beach. It’s simple, feminine, and whisper-level romantic.
Garden Party Meets Glitter Bomb
Now this one is for the maximalists. A combination of floral art, strong fuchsia, sparkling texture and glossy pinks. The square shape leaves space for each mini scene such as floral detailing with shadowed petals on a candy pink background and a glitter-covered nail that reflects all the summer light. This design is full of energy, perfect for celebrations, bachelorette parties or whenever you need to feel more cheerful.
You should use “Big Apple Red” gel from Gelish and a detail brush to paint the flowers. Use a fine glitter polish (think: “Disco Ball” by Sally Hansen) on the accent nail. Use white and pink flowers and paint them with small details for the petals and leaves. Applying a gel top coat will help preserve the shine on your nails.
I wore the same sort of nails at a rooftop concert last year and people actually asked to snap pictures of them. If you’re brave enough, this is the perfect style for you.
Pink Lines That Dance
If you appreciate minimalist art and also want some bright colors, this linework design could become your favorite. Hot pink lines are curved across the light nude foundation, much like vines in full bloom. The almond shape makes it feel fluid and elegant, while the abstract nature of the design gives off this cool, creative energy—like you’re the kind of person who paints on Sundays and wears rings on every finger.
This one’s all about the right tools. You should use a precision liner brush and apply “Mod About You” by OPI, a bright pink polish. Make sure the eyeshadow is light and soft so the pink eye shadow stands out. The lines don’t need to match nail to nail. The magic comes from the way they are all unique.
Manicurist Hang Nguyen usually says that having an irregular shape makes it easier to fix your own nails. I’m happy about it, since we all know that sometimes our hands shake. But that’s part of the charm.
Glossy Duo-Tone Pink Drip
It raises the volume on the traditional French design. With its long, almond shape, the lips become the right background for two pinks: a soft blush and a bright neon fuchsia that shines brilliantly in the sun. I think the mix of colors is very modern and reminds me of what you’d see in a beauty campaign or during a runway event.
The look is best achieved with gel to give your hair a shiny finish. I would select Apres “Baby Pink” and Kiara Sky “Flamingo.” If you have experience, you can either use nail tape or draw the curves yourself. What matters most is making sure the two colors are very distinct, much like color blocking, but with a softer effect.
I was once advised by a nail tech to select nail colors that stand out in all types of lighting. This set? Nailed it. Pun very much intended.
Glitter-Dipped Elegance
If your nails should look elegant, not flashy, then this is the polish for you. A tiny amount of blush leads to glitter tips that are shaped like an almond. It’s similar to putting on jewelry for your nails and I find it feels more like an accessory than a manicure. For a wedding, engagement party or an upscale summer event, these nails should be invited.
I applied Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” as my base and added a bit of Daily Charme’s “Champagne Sparkle” to create the shimmer effect that tapers at the end. Use it diagonally to create the illusion that light is reflected by every brushstroke.
I learned from my bridal nail trial that for a perfect blend, put glitter just at the tips and use a sponge to fade it down the nail. The style is easy, but it looks like you had a long session at the salon.
Glossed Pink with Sculpted Texture
There’s something deeply satisfying about monochromatic polish with just a twist of texture—and this long, square-shaped look does it so right. Soft, light pink on the fingernails, with two nails decorated with a 3D swirling pattern. It’s modern, sculptural, and unexpectedly wearable. If you prefer a bit of edginess with your nails, this design will suit you perfectly.
I use “Pink Sands” from Gelish as the base color and I use Apres’ “Sculpting Gel” to draw the swirls. A dotting tool or a fine tip brush will allow you to create a 3D effect without making a mess. It may be tricky, but the result is really satisfying.
I wore this for my friend’s art gallery event and someone thought they were press-ons done by a famous manicurist. Nope—just me and some patience!
Pastel Fade with Star Dust
If you prefer something cute, fun and a bit fairy-tale-like, this pastel-to-pink ombré with silver flecks is perfect for you. The transition from natural to soft rosy blush includes a few tiny highlights of foil. Thanks to its almond shape, the earrings are appropriate for any day and look very elegant. I decided to call this “sunset spritz” because it always reminds me of a warm sunset.
Begin with “Sheer Fantasy” by Kiss and go on to “Tickled Pink” by OPI. Apply the gradient with a sponge and then tap some silver foil or glitter flakes onto the tips. Seal with a jelly gloss coat.
According to Elle Gerstein, a celebrity nail expert, using foil instead of glitter gives your nails a sophisticated look. I enjoy making this for spring garden parties or to brighten my mood during the week.
Glam Statement in All Caps
This set is giving confidence in a bottle. With a bright neon pink on nearly every finger and just one milky nail with the word “GLAM” printed on it, this manicure won’t be ignored. The square shape is squoval which makes it powerful and practical, but also perfect for Instagram.
I did this by using the Flamingo printer and a vinyl stencil to stamp the letters. If you’re skilled at painting with a brush, you can draw the lines by hand. Make the other nails very shiny to highlight the lettering.
Whenever I have this type of manicure, I feel more confident. Wear it with an all-black or all-white ensemble or try gold jewelry: this nail look goes with an attitude.
Retro Waves with Modern Shine
Wavy pink line art in a striking high-gloss finish? Yes, please. Against the see-through nude base, these designs look fashionable and trendy, yet are still comfortable to wear. This shape is an almond which relaxes the lines and gives a feminine touch. I love the Palm Springs vibe and am all for it.
I applied “Juicy” by Cirque Colors in jelly pink and used a fine brush to paint the squiggles. If you’re not confident with freehand, stickers or nail wraps work too. The result is simple, but the style is totally chic and sophisticated.
I once heard from a nail tech that each manicure should reflect your mood. This one is telling you that you are cool, trendy and prepared to flirt with the summer season.
Soft Pink with a Shimmered Twist
I find it truly elegant how a long, squared nail looks with a soft pink base and a shimmery diagonal line on the tips. This style seems elegant, but it’s best to make it fun. The shape of the square is simple, but the diagonal sheen gives the dress a little character for summertime. I’d choose this for a weekend brunch in Palm Springs or if I had a last-minute invite to a rooftop party. Totally versatile, totally pretty.
To get this glow, I’d reach for OPI’s “Bubble Bath” as a base—it’s that milky, sheer pink we all love—and layer on a shimmer like Essie’s “A Cut Above” at an angle for that soft-glam accent. You can use a striping brush or tape, like I do, if you have shaky hands when you’ve had two coffees.
Start with a clean base and push back those cuticles (yes, gently). First, paint on the base coat, then apply two thin layers of the pink polish. Give your nails enough time to dry and then add your shimmer diagonals and a gloss coat to protect your manicure.
This style is perfect for the clean girl look, giving it a little extra sparkle. I have worn something similar to a June wedding and I think it made my dress seem more expensive. This summer, we’ll see outfits that are both soft and structured, as well as light and luxurious.
Bubblegum Glam with Glitter Pop
Having one glitter nail and the rest in a light pink is a perfect way to say, “I knew I’d look great, but I didn’t have to try hard.” This is that manicure you wear when you’re somewhere between cozy girl summer and full glam season. Its shape is unique, but the soft pink and glitter turn it into a modern Y2K-inspired design. I think it’s a gorgeous pink nail color for next Summer since it mixes elegance with a bit of playfulness.
I prefer “Mod About You” by OPI for the pink and “Set in Stones” by Essie for the glitter. You should use a neutral color so the glitter doesn’t become mixed with other colors. Top coat? Seche Vite. It dries in seconds and makes everything look glassy.
If you are doing it yourself, begin with the accent nail. Dab the glitter onto the nails with a sponge to make the color stand out. After that, use two layers of the pink polish on your other nails and wrap the tips to protect them. It’s a great look for a quick trip with your friends, whether you’re going on a road trip or spending a weekend by the beach.
Each time I add glitter to only one nail, others think I went to a salon to have it done. And let’s be real—it looks expensive without being high-maintenance. Just keep your hand cream close; glitter can dry the skin out a little if you’re not careful.
Glossy Berry Burst with Foil Flakes
If you want a strong color but not one that glows, try this berry-pink almond manicure mixed with red foil flakes. The almond shape makes your fingers look longer (a total cheat code), while the red foil catches the light in a way that feels straight from a summer art exhibit. The high-gloss finish? Delicious. There is something about this set that mixes the romance of dark rose with the energy of something rebellious.
This one’s a little more advanced, but not impossible. I like using Beetles Gel in “Rosewood Romance” and gold or red foil from Amazon (seriously, a $10 foil set will last you forever). Use a silicone tool to press the flakes into slightly tacky polish—don’t wait too long, or they won’t stick!
Patience and timing are everything. Celeb nail tech Britney Tokyo once suggested that we should always treat nail art as a work of art, not simply as a list of steps. As a result, I stopped focusing on perfect foil and just enjoy making sure my pieces are in the right place.
Wearing this gave me main character energy. I was dressed much like I would be at a summer dinner party and everyone kept asking if I had changed my manicurist. It’s just that good. This is a hot girl summer look with soul.
Strawberry Sorbet Gradient
These ombré pink colors are so soft and juicy that they remind me of a popsicle melting in the heat. The nails start with blush and end with berry, making it a simple way to wear pink without looking like Barbie. This type of gradient is a trend that slowly becomes popular on Pinterest in spring, but then takes over everyone’s hands by summer. It’s cute, it’s wearable, and it transitions seamlessly from day to night.
You can use Zoya’s “Dot,” “Jordan,” and “Maggie” to build the perfect fade. Apply the nail colors using a sponge after applying a thin layer of “Milky White” from Aprés. You should let the dab dry a little in between blending each one.
Since the DIY version is not perfect, you might have to try a few times. My first attempt was… not cute. But the second time? Pure sorbet magic. On TikTok, I found a video by nail artist Naomi Yasuda who says applying top-coat twice with gradients will give your nails a beautiful, smooth and flawless finish.
This look feels like vacation. Just like dancing on the grass in your bare feet or enjoying iced matcha while wearing a flowy dress. If you’re craving light, bright, and totally simple beauty, this one’s your move.
Chrome Pop Art with Hot Accents
These nails are so cute that people at the smoothie bar might compliment you on them. The cool-toned pink and white are given a futuristic look with chrome and the pink heart adds just enough flirtiness. The thing I like best is that these colorful elements mix together in a way that doesn’t feel too much. It’s equal parts soft girl and space-age goddess.
No need to be a pro; you can use Sally Hansen’s “Moonlit Silver” on your nails and add a heart and vines using a nail art brush and hot pink gel. Add a chrome top coat to maintain the shine on your car. You can also paint a layer of white under the heart to make it stand out.
This is definitely a mani where I’d recommend pressing on some stickers if freehand design scares you. Etsy has many decals that can create the same look in just a moment. Always remember: these nails are best shown off when you raise your camera a bit higher. Trust me.
Would I wear this for a beach vacay? Absolutely. It’s a showstopper for festivals or date nights too. Summer comes with a hint of drama and this design captures it perfectly.
Wild Pink Safari Vibes
Pink, but make it fierce. With this style, square nails are transformed into a bold runway statement thanks to the pink-and-black leopard print. Alternating two different styles, neon pink and printed, this manicure is just like the summer: lively, unique and a bit messy in the best sense. It’s providing a beach bar in Miami, as well as a rooftop party in LA. This is a great choice, it’s hot and it’s one of the most beautiful pink nails for the upcoming Summer.
For the look, I’d recommend using Lights Lacquer’s “Skip It” for the pink and then stamping on black spots. The milky-nude color of the base can be found in OPI’s “Funny Bunny.” If you want to make the leopard print stand out, try applying a matte top coat on the nails.
To create uneven blobs for the spots at home, use dotting tools and some boldness. Outline with a thin brush dipped in black polish. Mistakes and flaws are what make a photo seem more genuine. According to Julie Kandalec, the best way to do animal prints is to move the designs around rather than focusing on symmetry.
As soon as you put this set on, you feel more confident. I wore something similar to a poolside BBQ, and even the bartender noticed (and complimented). Fashions may change, but animal print never fades away.
Matte Bunnycore Meets Neon Pop
For this design, we paired matte gray with hot pink and added some doodle-style art to give your summer a hint of spring. The shape of the nails is almond, but the bright pink color catches your eye. They’re not whispering—they’re shouting. This style follows the trend of Y2K and K-pop that is everywhere at the moment. You might want to wear them at a music festival or on a regular Monday.
To achieve this look, use Beetles Gel Polish in “Gray Matters” and “Electric Flamingo.” You can paint the designs by hand using a nail art pen or you can try press-on stickers from Deco Miami which is what I do. Finish the look by applying a matte seal to get a velvety finish.
Applying matte polish is trickier than it looks. Buff your nails and use a dehydrator to ensure they do not chip. Apply a thin layer of polish and let it dry before adding another one. Vanity Projects NYC states that matte is best for shorter or almond shapes because applying less pressure to the tip makes them last longer.
Every time I have matte done, people ask me where I had it done. It’s a conversation starter. Plus, that little bunny detail? I don’t usually like overly cute things, but it still grabbed my attention.
Holographic Butterfly Kisses
The set is so soft and light, it feels like a gentle touch on your skin. The highlight of this design is the 3D holographic butterfly, making the single pink color look even more special. Because of its almond shape and shiny finish, it looks feminine and like the kind of girl who loves simplicity. If you’ve been looking for something beautiful and perfect for Instagram, this is your chance.
This is a time when we must put on our press-on attitude. The bases on Kiss are lovely pink and you can find butterfly charms on Shein or Etsy for less than $10. After applying nail glue gel, cure the butterfly under a UV lamp to prevent it from falling off by the second day.
The key to this look is balance. Apply only a few coats of base color and let the butterfly stand out. A little trick from celeb nail tech Betina Goldstein? Apply another layer of clear coat on top of the charm to make it stronger and shinier.
Actually, I wore this outfit just once for a bridal shower and it made me feel like a Disney princess. This design is simple but appears to be more complicated than it really is. Soft glam is making a return and I think this is a great way to try it out.
Sparkling Square Pink French
Say hello to glitter’s grown-up sister. This French design combines a touch of elegance with a lively party atmosphere. The glitter is only applied to the tips and it gets less noticeable as it goes up the hair. It’s well-finished, has a touch of attitude and looks good at any wedding or just for daily use. This is what we call pretty in pink—literally.
Use a pale nude gel base (I love Apres’ “Heavenly”) and press loose glitter into a sticky layer of top coat using a flat brush. For a more comfortable look, choose pink and silver shades. Finish your manicure by applying a thick top coat of Gelish’s “Top It Off.”
Dab the glitter on your nails instead of brushing it. I discovered this from watching a YouTube video by Sarah Bland. She applies the makeup with a sponge to blend it perfectly.
They shout that I took time to look good and I truly enjoyed it. Whenever I put on glitter, people compliment me. It seems easy to understand, but can shine like a disco ball when you least expect it.
Glazed Heart Confetti
This one’s flirty, glossy, and sprinkled with love. The base is a blush color, the glitter is pink and scattered and the 3D hearts are ruby-red. If you love romantic trends, this is a way to display your emotions on your hands. It combines a special feeling with a unique Korean look and a hint of Euphoria shine. The almond shape gives the cake a simple yet stylish look.
The base should be a jelly such as DND’s “Pink Petal,” and the glitter polish can be Cirque Colors “Himalayan Pink.” You can decorate the hearts with nail gems or confetti from Born Pretty. Apply the polish with a toothpick and then coat it with clear gel twice.
This set isn’t just pretty—it’s personal. I wore something like this for Valentine’s last year (solo, no less), and it made me feel soft, romantic, and totally confident. You can wear your heart on your sleeve whenever the mood strikes you.
Hot Pink Waves on Nude Canvas
I believe this manicure is what modern minimalism looks like with a twist. The base is a creamy milky nude that gives your nails a freshly polished look. But then—bam!—fluid ribbons of hot pink curve and swirl across each nail in an abstract, perfectly imperfect way. Its structure comes from the square and the freeform lines make it enjoyable. It’s unique and eye-catching, yet it can be styled with ease and is sure to make you look trendy.
The best combo for this look? Apply OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” as your base and use Essie’s “Big Pink Energy” for the waves. If you are new to nail art, you can use a fine-tipped brush or a dotting tool to create curves. If your hand isn’t very steady, the French tip stencils can be used to help you place the pink ribbons.
First, use a base coat, then apply two layers of nude polish and wait until it’s dry before painting your curves. Pick one nail at a time so the pink doesn’t smudge and wait until the art is done to add a topcoat.
While in New York City for work, the mani I was wearing got me noticed by the barista and a shop owner. The lines are simple, but the unexpected ones add a touch that catches people’s attention. Low-key art girl energy.
Pink Speckled Stardust
The last look is almost too pretty to describe: translucent pink nails with a hint of darker pink foil. The result is light, airy and looks lovely for late spring and early summer. The tips of her eyebrows are almond-shaped and seem to glow from inside and the glitter looks as if it was added randomly—in a nice way. Like freckles after a day in the sun. It’s a trend that gradually grows on you and becomes your favorite.
To achieve the speckled effect, I recommend using Cirque Colors “Rose Jelly” and some pink foil flakes from Daily Charme. You may apply the flakes to semi-dry polish or place them between layers of sheer color to make the look richer. A coat of gloss is necessary to give everything a soft and smooth finish.
Application tip? Less is more. According to Brittney Boyce, you should sprinkle the foil around your nails, not in a regular pattern. That’s how you keep the “effortless” illusion alive.
I wore this style during a hot day and it somehow made me feel less hot. I find it refreshing when sheer, bright designs reflect the light just like water. Whenever I want a touch of glitter without being overly glamorous, I reach for this.
