The Best Summer Nail Colours for 2026

The UK has recently been blessed with continuous sunshine and temperatures above 20 degrees, and it looks like it's here to stay (say what?!). By our definition, that means summer has officially landed.

We've bulk-ordered the cute sundresses, resurrected the sunnies and now it’s time to turn our hands into presentable cocktail-holding talons and make our toes sandal-worthy.

Stay tuned, as we're about to put you on to all of the best summer nail colours and chic shades that will rule this season.

1. BUTTER YELLOW

Known as the colour of sunshine and happiness, yellow couldn't be any more summer-worthy if it tried. Kick-start your wave of seasonal manicures with butter and lemon hues (which pair perfectly with a tan, by the way).

2. LIGHT LILAC

Lilac is the pastel shade that makes transitioning from spring to summer all the easier. If you don't want to jump head first into the bright summer nail colours then give this pretty purple a go.

3. BABY BLUE

Take the clear blue skies of summer and stick it on the end of your fingers for a super cool look. Pastels aren't going anywhere this season so a baby blue manicure will definitely be a winner.

4. COOL CORAL

Coral is the colour set to storm summer beauty looks and we're obsessed. The unmissable orange looks fab on all skin tones, but especially tanned sun-kissed skin.

5. MATCHA GREEN

Probably one of the freshest manicures one could rock in the heights of summer. Matcha green is a clean, cute colour that wraps perfectly around your iced drinks, making it one of the best summer nail colours for 2026.

6. SEASHELL CORE

Introducing the ultimate holiday manicure. Seashell nail designs utilise milky bases, pops of chrome and 3D textures for a fancy manicure that's oozing summer vibes.

7. TOTALLY TORTOISE

Tortoise nails are the animal-print trend set to dominate 2026. Carrying over from winter, the look is being refreshed for summer with lighter, sheer finishes, vibrant French tips and colourful accents — offering a chic, earthy alternative to classic bright summer nails.

8. MILKY WHITE

On the flip side, milky white is the go-to for beauties who want to keep things natural this summer.

9. TRANSPARENT FRENCH

French manicures are timeless. Crisp, clean and matching with every outfit, it's the cheapest accessory you'll find. This summer, we're adding a transparent touch for an even more chic look.

10. OMBRE AURA

This ombre manicure that means we'll never have to worry about picking the perfect pink again. Great for the indecisive beauties out there, this manicure allows us to flaunt our favourite pinks all at once.

11. CHROME 2.0

Gear up for another round of chrome, as this summer we'll see soft chrome dominate. Think glazed, barely-there finishes and diffused gradients. Glazed donut nails and chrome french manicures are here to stay, but pearl chrome and strawberry-glazed chrome also summer nail styles worth adding to your wishlist!

Whether you're heading to the nail bar or giving yourself an at-home treatment, these shades are sure to have to your hands and feet summer-ready. Take your nail game one step further and discover Easy Nail Art You Can Master in Five Minutes.