Summer Nails 2026: 15 Colors and Designs Taking Over This Season

One more summer, manicures become the protagonist beauty accessory. "Spring/Summer 2026 nails will be soft, with simple yet elegant designs, full of freshness and joy," explains manicurist Sofya Khasanova. The classic French manicure, for example, will continue to be the favorite of many women, especially when done with a fine, very discreet, almost imperceptible line, alongside 'milky nails'. We can't forget other colorful ideas that always sweep through the summer season. Red nails, although usually associated with autumn and winter, will keep being seen in the heat, consolidating themselves as the perfect complement to round off summer night looks and tanned skin. Pastel colors, for their part, are still on the rise one more year.

"The trend toward lightness and naturalness is reinforced even more, so some flashy and over-the-top options become anti-trends," adds Sofya. "Very long nails or complex shapes (stiletto or ballerina, for example) look too heavy and impractical, so they give way to short and medium lengths with a soft square shape," she tells us. "Chunky glitter and intense shimmer are a thing of the past because they overload the summer look, and instead pearly finishes and delicate shine stand out," she states.

"Opaque colors and very heavy-coverage bases also lose prominence, and lighter, translucent tones gain strength, like 'jelly nails'. These finishes let the nail show through naturally, with a glossy effect like 'glossy nails', giving a fresh, clean and very current appearance," she concludes.

Nail trends for this summer 2026

After a general overview of what we will see next summer, it's time to address today's topic. What colors will be on trend during the summer season?

The color palette for next summer, as María Gómez, marketing manager at Camaleon Cosmetics, defends, "will be vibrant but balanced," mixing classic shades with bolder options.

Pastel tones, for example, extend their reach and move from spring to summer with certain twists, but keeping their feminine essence. "Tones like lavender, butter yellow and a translucent pink will be the favorites," emphasizes Inma Novillo, marketing at You Are The Princess.

We will also see plenty of natural inspiration with greens and blues that evoke calm and freshness, but also a certain sophistication, like navy blue.

Meanwhile, for the bolder ones, chrome tones or the brightest red will have their place in the season, being "perfect for those who want a glamorous touch without losing that summery air," Novillo argues.

For her part, Sofya Khasanova highlights designs like flowers or polka dots.

Designs with the trending colors that are sweeping summer 2026

With the theory presented, do you still not know how to introduce these tones into your seasonal manicures? To help you be one of the first to wear these on-trend colors, from CLARA magazine we propose ten nail designs with fifteen of the colors that will star on the summer stage. Discover your favorite!

Red nails — While darker reds like burgundy give ground, the more luminous versions like bright red or 'cherry red' become the favorites of summer, bringing maximum sophistication to the red manicure.

'Milky' nails — This style of white nails is characterized by a soft, translucent finish in milky tones, giving a clean, natural and elegant look. "It is a minimalist and versatile option, ideal for those who prefer discreet but modern nails."

Pastel pink nails — Pastel pink nails position themselves as one of the great protagonists of summer 2026. "Softness, elegance and versatility define this tone that fits perfectly with the luminous looks of the warmer months," explains Sofya Khasanova. It is a timeless color that flatters all skin tones and works both in minimalist manicures and more elaborate designs. Moreover, its delicate finish makes it an ideal option for those who seek cared-for and sophisticated nails without being excessive.

Metallic or chrome-tone nails — "Nails with a chrome effect, in tones like rose gold and silver, will continue going strong," affirms Inma Novillo, marketing manager at You Are The Princess, which will give a luminous, elegant and above all original appearance to seasonal manicures.

Mocha mousse nails — It is the manicure of the year. It corresponds specifically to Pantone 17-1230, a soft and evocative brown. Mocha mousse is a mix between cocoa, chocolate and coffee tones, making it a neutral, warm and elegant color. This, in the words of the Camaleon Cosmetics manager, "brings style and sophistication. It also has the power to elevate any look, standing out on its own."

Caramel nails — As an evolution, more flattering and sweeter, of the 'Mocha Mousse' color, this materializes in "a neutral tone that brings warmth and elegance, ideal for any event," according to specialist Lara Royo.

'Soap' nails — This minimalist and shiny style, which imitates the look of old wet soap bars, will continue "being a favorite option for those seeking a delicate and well-cared-for manicure," the Mavala Brand Manager argues. We are talking about an alternative that, moreover, we can achieve with our own nail color and a hardening base, which "allows you to take a break from polishes and artistic designs, as well as promoting their strengthening and well-being," adds Aude Peyrefiche, National Director of Vitry Spain.

'Navy Blue' nails — Although less common, they will be on trend all year thanks to their elegant navy blue tone. "It is a very versatile color that combines with any clothing style and makeup. An elegant tone that works for both a formal and a more casual look," explains María Gómez.

'Tiffany' blue nails — Blue, in all its versions, will dominate the 2026 stage and, just as navy blue offers elegance and sobriety, this 'Tiffany' blue presents itself as "a vibrant tone that adds a touch of freshness and energy to summer," affirms Royo.

Pastel-colored nails — Pastel tones will be the perfect ally to move away from the neutrality of trends "without clashing and bringing a breath of fresh air to the nails," explains Aude Peyrefiche, who highlights within the same colors pastel blue (also known as 'baby blue'), lilac or peach.

'Peach' nails — Although pastel will dominate in all its ranges this summer, without a doubt, this unique tone of soft orange will be one of the most outstanding. A color that reminds us of peach skin, mixes different tones, highlights the tan and is the perfect definition of the summer season.

Colored French nails — The French manicure is one of those classics that never goes out of style, giving a clean, polished and elegant style. However, this spring-summer the French manicure will sweep through in its pastel version, as well as wearing the lower part of each nail in a different shade, which gives a fun and youthful air.

Butter nails — If there is a protagonist in color theory for this spring-summer, this is, without a doubt, the butter color. Seen on the great fashion runways, this tone is making a strong impact on the manicures of the most expert beauty enthusiasts.

Olive green nails — For the most sophisticated, this option is for you. Pastel green will stand out this season, but particularly this range will: olive green. A timeless and versatile color that gives a very 'expertise' touch to any look.

Lavender nails — Yes, the color that triumphed this spring still has a long way to go. This shade of purple, lavender, will continue starring in manicures of both hands and feet during the summer. A design that gives a romantic, feminine and minimalist style.

What is your favorite manicure for this summer?