The temperature is rising, which means it’s time to think about freshening up your look. The most fun way to do it? With an indulgent trip to the nail salon to try one of summer 2023’s hottest nail trends, cherry-picked by the experts, below.
From extra-terrestrial silver-dipped nails at the spring/summer 2023 Huishan Zhang show, to sculptural molten forms at Trussardi, the runways have ushered in a metallic mood this summer. They don’t have to be gold or silver, either. “I think the best way of keeping things fresh is expanding your colour palette,” says nail artist Ama Quashie. “Don’t be so traditional in your choices. My metallic references are either colours worn by African aunties or vintage cars, both of which are fab! You’ll find the best random metallic shades in bargain beauty bins at the chemist, or hair shops.”
To take things up a notch, nail artist Mo Qin recommends using chrome powder. “Use a non-wipe art gel or non-wipe topcoat before applying the chrome powder. Then work the powder into the nail in a single brushing motion. Brush off the excess powder off with a fluffy brush and paint a layer of gel top coat to seal it down.”
Pops of pastelFrom soft neoprene orange to Pepto Bismol pink, poppy pastels are having a moment. Case in point: Hailey Bieber’s recent buttercup-yellow mani. The key to this trend is nailing the colour: “It’s not as sleepy as your regular pastels, but it’s not as loud as neon, either.” says nail artist, Honey. “They fall right in the middle. I’ve been loving Titan Teal by Navya.”
It’s going to be a hot pink summer this season, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s hotly anticipated film, Barbie, starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. Cue pinkstastic talons, cutesy love-hearts and hyper-feminine sparkles. Note nail artist Sigourney Nuñez’s recent offering above.
Modern grunge
Is your inner Wednesday Addams preventing you from diving into the Barbiecore trend? Enter Grungecore, which can be summer-appropriate, as it turns out. “Vibrant, aura-inspired nail art topped with gunmetal outlines makes nails a little edgy,” says Nuñez. “To get the look, you can use a nude base shade and sponge on a bright eyeshadow to create the aura-effect. Then use a silver gel or black gel to create abstract lines that look like outlines of a flame. Add chrome powder to the outline, dust off excess and finish with a top coat.”
Iridescent effects
Over the glazed nail trend? Consider a sheer iridescent effect this season’s update. The colour of moonshine and mermaid scales, it’s a romantic take on an every everyday classic. “Use a sheer iridescent shade over a clear or milky neutral base,” says nail artist Holly Falcone. “I love Lights Lacquer in Clara or Orly Crystal Healing, which I used for Sandy Liang’s autumn/winter 2023 show.”
Square-tipped French manicures
Leave it to Kendall and Kylie Jenner to nail this season’s hottest nail trend: French tips. Their bestie Hailey Bieber might be making the case for maximalist neon digits, but the Jenner sisters are stripping things back with an understated alternative. They recently showcased their identical square-tipped takes on the classic French mani on Instagram.
Clear French tips“They remind me of sexy stilettos,” says celebrity favourite Soji Nails of another of this season’s freshest trends: clear French tips. To create the look, Soji suggests investing in a good quality top coat and builder gel products. “I recommend Apres Tips in the US and Yoho Korea products from Asia.”Sculptural nails
From bulbous Yayoi Kusama-inspired shapes to 3D cherries that look good enough to eat, this season, session manicurist Tyler Phoenix is all about sculptural forms. “More is more this summer!” For those brave enough to try the trend at home, Phoenix recommends finding a good moulding gel to play around with. “Research and practise different methods,” says Phoenix. “Look at nail artists and techniques from outside of your country! There’s so much to learn.” Failing that, book into a salon and leave it to an expert.
