From Paris to Japan: See 6 In-Demand Nail Trends Across the Globe This Summer

By wazup on August 12, 2026 No Comments / 3 views

As someone who is constantly scrolling through Pintrest and Instagram to find inspo for my next manicure, it’s usually only a matter of time before I start to pick up on key styles that define the season. In spring, we saw everything from polka dots and micro-art to soap nails and mixed berry nails.

Now that we’re far enough into summer, the standout trends happening on a global level couldn’t be clearer. “I think nail trends are influenced by a mix of fashion, beauty, social media, celebrities and what’s happening culturally around the world,” says celebrity manicurist for Color Street Jacqeuline Pham. “Runway colors and fashion trends help dictate trending shades while [social media] can turn a specific nail shape, color, or design into something that goes viral with global reach quickly.”

To give you the full rundown, I created a list of the top six looks to put on your radar with the help of a few industry experts. Read on for the full list.

6 Summer Nail Trends Dominating the This Summer

Seashell Nails

Seashells have take over the request lists of nail artists worldwide. Whether they’re done using 3D art or painted on paired with a chrome or cat-eye finish, the nail techs are constantly finding new ways to incorporate this design into hundreds of manicures.

Essie

Nail Polish – Peach Side Babe

Beetles Gel Polish

Builder Gel for Nails

Essie

Nail Polish – Gilded Galaxy

3D Texture

3D nails have been around all summer, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it carried into fall. I’ve seen everything from ocean-themed looks to molten-metal manicures that carried over from spring paired with more vibrant colors. When it comes to executing this trend, the world is your oyster.

modelones

Chrome Liner Gel Nail Polish

BELLEBOOST

Silver and Gold Nail Charms Beads

Sally Hansen

Insta-Dri Nail Polish Chrome Top Coat

Goth Nails

Celeb nail artists have been taking on goth nails for A-listers like Dua Lipa and Lily Collins, so it’s no surprise to see this trend on our global list. In fact, celebrity manicurist Imarni Ashman previously told Who What Wear that black and other deep shades like black cherry can make any summer tan pop.

Essie

Nail Polish – Wicked

OPI

Reykjavik Has All the Hot Spots Nail Lacquer

Chanel

Rouge Noir

Mismatched Nails

I’ve been eyeing mismatched nails all summer and even noticed people getting creative with the help of different press-on nails when they don’t want to spend hours at the salon. You can make each nail a different color, or focus more on different designs like these blue ones.

Shop all essie

Nail Polish – to Me From Me –

Artdone

Nail Striping Tape Lines Kit With Nail Art Pens Liner Brushes

Shop all essie

Nail Polish – Put It on Ice

Red Nails

When you think of red nails, your first thought might not be summer, but as celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen previously told Who What Wear, this bold shade can be worn year-round. “Red always makes a statement, but in summer, it feels even more vibrant against sun-kissed skin,” she said.

OPI

Nail Lacquer – Cajun Shrimp

Essie

Nail Polish – Forever Yummy

Beetles

Gel Nail Polish – Cinematic Red

Nude Nails

In case you missed it, bare nail are one the biggest nail trends happening right now. But for those who can’t go without polish, nude nails are a popular alternative. “Clean, sheer neutrals and barely-there shades continue to be huge globally,” says Pham. “People are gravitating toward manicures that look polished and expensive without feeling overdone.”