I knew what 2022’s summer nail trends would be when MGK wore $30,000 worth of diamonds on his nails to the BBMAs. Using only my beauty editor clairvoyance and the omens (aka memes) on Instagram, I foresaw this season’s biggest nail trends were going to be extra.
Spring nail trends, like coffin nails and neon pastels, have evolved. Summer nails are longer, louder, and, yes, we’re getting paramours' initials painted on our fingers. Ahead, three industry insiders offer their hot takes on summer 2022’s nail trends.
“Nail art is so extra this summer with all the embellishments,” says Brittany Boyce, the artist behind MGK’s $30K mani. Boyce recommends “simple milky white or milky pink bases or a solid but bold shade” paired with 3D embellishments.
“A great way to make epic 3D nails is by adding large charms, stones, and things you may not normally think about for nails specifically, like chain or real pearls,” says Natalie Minerva, the nail artist behind the amazing Euphoria manicures.
If jewelry on your fingertips isn’t your vibe, you can still go 3D with shapes built from gel polish, a technique celebrity nail artist Mei Kawajiri has been using for years. “3D designs and organic shapes have always been fun for me,” she says. “It’s very trendy now.”
Nail decals and nail stickers are an affordable way to create a mani moment. This set of textured stickers from Nails of LA creates a bit of texture and a trendy, metallic pattern for just $10.
Retro nail decals are also front and center. “Anything ‘90s and ‘00s will be trending this summer. Decals in particular with smiley faces and aliens are still going to be really big,” says Boyce. You can hop on this trend with Ciaté London x Smiley World decals.
The wildest summer nail trend is simply going all out. “Chunky, 3D psychedelic nails seem to be the major moment in nails right now,” says Minerva. “The crazier, the better! We want the full fantasy and we don’t want to hold back!”