It’s like what Elle Woods said: summer gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill the vibe — they just don’t. (Or something like that.)
The same thing applies to the color of your nails. When you look down at your hands, the shade you’re wearing can have a profound, physiological effect on your mood — just like sunlight, sex, or exercise. That makes painting on a fun chrome finish or bright-pink polish the perfect way to get ready for the season. It’s science. (But, like, please don’t put us on trial.)
“Summer nail polish colors are super bold, bright, and happy,” nail artist Rita Remark says. “It’s all about choosing colors that give a dopamine rush, so it’s trendy but also personal and expressive.”
If you’re curious to know the mood-boosting nail-polish hues that everyone will be wearing for summer 2025 — or are looking for a reason to finally whip out your sandals in the coming weeks — we’ve asked a few nail experts to dish on their predictions for the season. From bold oranges to metallics, the best summer nail colors have a little something for everyone and every beauty style.
And, of course, when in doubt, you can bet your money that classic, crisp, white nails won’t be going anywhere anytime soon (we think we’re all finally done boycotting the shade due to the Scandoval drama), so feel free to bust out that bottle along with the white pants you put away after Labor Day last year.
Experts Featured in This Article
Rita Remark is a nail artist and Essie global lead educator.
Deborah Lippmann is a manicurist and founder of nail-care brand Deborah Lippmann.
Leanne Woodley is a celebrity manicurist.
Hemi Park is a Lechat Nails brand educator.