As soon as June rolls around, summer attitude spills into everything-including the nails on your hands. After weeks of soft pastels and tiny details, this months gel nail looks have flipped the script: theyre louder, glossier, and way more flexible. French tips, Y2K nods, and shining cat-eye effects fill the chairs, while a surprising pickle-green hue sneaks up the popularity ladder.
Maximalism swept nail art the last few years, but its starting to lean back toward the classic, says Hanina, a nail pro in Jersey City. Im getting fewer requests for a new idea on every finger, especially since Kylies short French tips and Leah Katebs posts went viral.
Cat-eye gels, which shift in the light, plus Y2K hits like thick French lines and quick-airbrush clouds are flying out the door. And for the actual color? Butter yellow owns the crown. I swear one client asks for it every single day-and summer has barely begun.
And with summer still warming up, these gel styles are just the first wave ready to hit nail salons for the season.
Pride Nails
June arrives with Pride Month, and rainbow French tips let anyone flash their colors in style. This shiny gel look mixes clean diagonal stripes with a clear base, giving the nails a festive feel that still feels high-fashion.
Back-to-Basics
Sometimes keeping it simple says the most. Short French tips are roared back this summer, offering a tidy, low-care style that slides easily from wedding guest outfit to weekday jeans.
Cat Eye
Cat-eye nails are everywhere now, and this slick gold version proves why. Hanina notes that even with a single polish, the result feels more than basic yet remains easy to wear, meaning low effort and big wow all season long.
Y2K-inspired
Think nostalgic nail salons, then turn the dial to 2025. Chunky French tips, airbrushed fades, and fearless hand-painted art drop full Y2K attitude into every finger.
Jelly Nails
Clear, super-shiny jelly nails are definitely trending right now, and this eye-popping pink set looks almost edible. Nail artist Miss Pop describes the vibe as early-2000s Lip Gloss or Juicy Tubes, but for your fingertips. The sheer, candy-like finish gives that dreamy, wet-gloss look you cant resist.
Dill Green
Pinterest already called it: green nails are the move. Dill green, in fact, is the shade everybody is talking about for 2025-it even landed in the platform’s latest Trending Colors Report and is lighting up salons coast to coast. This glossy look honestly vibes pickle core, and in the best way possible.
Cowboy Carter
Beyoncés Cowboy Carter era is serving more than playlists-it’s swaggering straight to nail stations. With Queen B back on tour, expect western-glam nail art to pop up all over. This blinged-out set nails the feeling, featuring gold studs, rhinestones, and star-spangled red tips that were made for spotlights.
Butter Yellow Tips
Butter yellow is everywhere this summer, but this design proves the trend can still surprise. Hand-painted flowers dance along the tips, adding a fun, tropical twist to the soft yellow base and making the look perfect for vacations or wedding season.
Chic Neutrals
Versatile sets are a must this summer-nails that slide from the office to a wedding to a quick getaway. This pearlescent neutral with tiny gold accents fits the bill: simple, classy, and ready for whatever event pops up on your calendar.
Sport-Inspired
Sport-inspired nails are everywhere right now. Even with the NBA Finals heating up and the Knicks heartbreakingly out of the race, Fans keep finding ways to rep their teams. This set mixes bold team colors, tiny stars, and a cheerful I Love New York because Knicks pride runs deep, win or lose.
French Chrome
Think of a classic French nail, then give it a slick chrome finish. I love a chrome French so much, I sent two styles-classic and one with a little bouquet of colorful florals-down the runway for Alice + Olivia Spring/Summer 2025, says Miss Pop. This pearly, mirror-like finish nails the trend in its most timeless form.
Starfish Nails
Consider this your sign to lean into full summer mode. Tiny starfish on an otherwise neutral mani add instant beach energy and prove vacation nails don t have to scream to make a splash.
Bold 3D Art
Gel nail art has literally jumped off the screen, and this set is living proof. 3D giant flowers, wiggly squiggles, plump, juicy fruits, plus mermaid, beach, and shell motifs will fill salons all summer, says Miss Pop. The takeaway? When it comes to 3D, bigger is definitely better.
Animal Style
Animal prints are always on-trend, but this summer they get a bright twist. Bold tiger stripes outline in electric cobalt and sealed with a glassy coat prove sharp contrast really works. Call it animal style, leveled up.
Mixed Metals
Why settle for one shiny tone when you can have all of them? This opulent kit weaves warm gold, earthy bronze, and deep gem spots into nail art that feels like a mini treasure chest. The finish? Layered color that dances in every beam of light.
Picnic Inspired
Imagine fruit nail art, only cuter. This picnic set drapes mini cherries and berries under checkered gingham tips, summoning the cheer of a lazy summer outing. Grab it for patio hangs, an afternoon in the park, or your next trip to the farmers market.
