5 Nail Trends That Will Dominate Summer 2024, According to Experts

Summer is just around the corner (finally!) and now is the time to start looking for some summer manicure inspiration. Summer is probably my favourite time to experiment with nail trends. For the rest of the year, I usually keep things low-key with a neutral pink or a timeless red. Summertime however, is where I like to experiment. The brighter days and warmer weather always encourages me to step out of my comfort zone when I head to the salon. Although we can’t guarantee sunny weather in the UK, we can at least try and manifest it without manicures. And if you’re going away on holiday, now is the time to try something new, such as a colourful French manicure.

Curious to know nail trends we’ll all be wanting to try for summer 2024, I spoke to celebrity manicurist and Sally Hansen ambassador, Michelle Class, whose client roster reads like a red carpet guest list. Class tends to the hands of celebrities like Margot Robbie, J.Lo, Bella Hadid and Naomi Campbell, preparing their nails before they step out at premieres and front campaigns, so what she doesn’t know about nails isn’t worth knowing.

It’s a trend we see coming around every summer, and the colourful French manicure still big news for 2024, says Class. “When it comes to summer expect vibrant colours like purples, like Sally Hansen’s Knowledge Is Flower (£8), as well as lime greens, and sunny yellows to dominate summer nail designs,” she says. “These will look super cute replacing your classic white French mani with a pop of colour.” If you’re DIY’ing at home, be sure to use a fine-tipped nail art brush to get a precise French manicure every time.

Can’t decide on a colour? Go for mismatched brights on every finger.

I’m in the mood for this matcha green French mani.

Shop the trend:

2. Jelly Nails

Are you ready for the return of jelly? It’s a fun way to wear your favourite shades with a twist. “Jelly nails are going to be really popular this year,” says Class. “Characterised by translucent, jelly-like finishes in various colours, the jelly effect will add a playful and modern twist to summer manicures. Think of a syrupy-sheer texture with a hint of colour.

There are some jelly nail polishes around, but you can easily turn your favourite shade into a jelly finish with Class’ tip. “You can do this by mixing your chosen shade into Sally Hansen’s Shiny Miracle Gel top coat (£8),” she says, which will ensure a glossy, long-wearing finish too.