8 Nail Trends To Follow in Summer 2021

This summer, look out for changing nail shapes, detailed nail art, and Y2K trends re-emerging.

Now that it’s getting warmer and summer is on the horizon, more and more people are looking for fresh nail art to wear on vacation or at outdoor events. In the next couple months, there will simultaneously be a return to old aesthetics like Y2K fashion while minimalist and detailed styles also hold strong. Here are some of the nail designs and styles you can expect to see as you venture out this season.

1) Pearl Nail Applications

While gem, jewel, and metal applications have continued to be popular in various nail trends, pearl details will see a resurgence this coming summer. Pearl applications are a fantastic way to elevate any nail color or shape. Simply add a few pearls or create accent nails that are entirely studded.

2) Y2K Aesthetic Nails

For some of us, Y2K probably feels like it wasn’t that long ago. Regardless, the cycle of trends always brings past fashion into the spotlight again. The “Y2K aesthetic” refers to the fashion and style choices at the turn of the millennium, notably the late ’90s and early 2000s. Picture this—butterfly clips, glitter, Lisa Frank notebooks, and pop music boy bands. Now take that imagery and apply it to your nails—that is the Y2K aesthetic nail style. To pull off this aesthetic, you can simply wear nails that were popular at the time—glitter or butterfly nails, soft baby blues and pinks, and opalescent polishes. Those committed to nail art and Y2K fashion often make high-end designs related to ’90s brands or pop icons.

3) Minimalist and Graphic Line Art Nail Designs 

The mesh of minimalist lines and graphic shapes is certainly not a new concept for nail art. This is a trend you will continue to see evolve throughout 2021. Oftentimes, you can see these shapes reflect the works of famous modern artists. At the same time, other nail technicians will come up with their own sleek designs. Ultimately, the magic of this trend is how it can match any style or outfit while elevating the sophistication factor. Accenting only one or two nails and using clear shapes brings this look even more into the modern era.

4) Coffin-Shaped Nails 

As any nail technician or crafty nail artist knows, the shape of your nail can completely change the look of a design, polish, or style. Almond, stiletto, and round nail shapes have been the dominate nail forms as of late. As the year continues, you will start to see coffin-shaped nails come back in a big way. Coffin-shaped nails are squared but taper towards the point, creating a mix of the square and stiletto shape. Visually, it looks like a stiletto nail with a squared edge. This nail shape looks refined and chic in both short and long styles.

5) Long Nails With Bold Designs 

As minimalist designs and patterns will maintain their popularity, you will also be sure to see nails that represent the other side of the spectrum. Long, look-at-me nails with bold colors, patterns, and applications will continue to thrive this year. These nails are all about celebrating everything nail art has to offer. Thick line art and gem and pearl applications are common in these nail styles, along with extending the nail with long acrylics. The aesthetic visually centers on creating luxury and opulence.

6) Nail Art Good Enough to Eat

Nail art continues to grow creatively every year. One of the cute and innovative designs that people are creating this spring and summer are patterns inspired by their favorite foods. Bright colors of “fruit nail art” are probably the most common, but people are even decorating their nails with cheeseburgers and fries! These types of designs have no limit to how far they can go—get as creative as you can with this style.

7) Earth Tones and Gold Accent Nails

Bold colors and quirky designs will always have their moments, but more sophisticated and classic styles remain trending and popular. Earth tones and nudes are some of the best designs to have when you want low-maintenance nails that can match anything you wear—for any event. You can amp up this style with either a marbling effect or gold leaf accents.

8) Earth Inspired Nail Designs 

As flowers are blooming and bees are humming again, every type of artist finds themselves inspired by nature. Likewise, nail technicians are having the same visions of green. Nail patterns and designs featuring climbing vines, leaf outlines, and flower petals will all be popularized in the next few months. With all the regional flowers and trees blossoming, there are endless sources for creative inspiration. For more detailed nail art, you can create a full landscape or picture directly on the nails, or you can keep it simple with a leaf or vine accent on one nail.

Nail art trends and styles are constantly changing and evolving. If you love to design nails and create high-end styles, a nail technician training program can help you make a career out of your passion. Schools like PJ’s College of Cosmetology are currently accepting new students for a nail technician program. Connect online to speak to an enrollment advisor or call directly at 800-62-SALON (72566).