No season is better for bold self-expression and playful creativity than summer. Whether you love experimenting with bold colors, intricate designs, or sparkling finishes, summer brings out the best and boldest nail trends, so you can express yourself uninhibited as you soak in the warm weather.

At Newport Nails, we’ve been seeing tons of fun looks pop up throughout the season as clients hop on the latest TikTok trends or dream up whimsical designs they love. If you’re looking to switch up your spa manicure during your next visit to a nail salon in Newport Beach, here are some of the season’s most popular nail trends to try.

Aura Nails

One of the best ways to capture the vibrant fun of the summer season is through aura nails. This trend channels the mystical, ethereal energy of aura photography, blending two or more colors with a seamless, airbrushed effect. The result is dreamy gradients that look like glowing halos or auras. 

You can make your aura out of any of your favorite colors and finishes, but some of the most popular combos for summer 2025 include pink and purple, sunset oranges, and ocean tones. You can ask your nail salon technician to create a custom blend that matches your style or to surprise you entirely! Let them read your aura.

Fruit Stand Nails

This summer, clients are bringing the playful, charming vibe of local farmers’ markets to their fingertips with fruit stand nails. Nail techs are adding vibrant cherries, zesty oranges, cute strawberries, and juicy watermelons with adorable nail art that captures the carefree fun of summer.

You can make your fruit stand nails as simple or as intricate as you’d like. You can opt for a minimal, neutral base with fruit on one accent nail for something more understated, or paint every finger a different fruit-toned hue with intricate designs on top. Whatever your preferences, your fruit stand nails are guaranteed to be sweet!

Pearlescent Finishes

If you want a modern twist on a classic manicure, ask your nail salon in Newport Beach for a pearlescent finish. This trend takes soft shades like ivory, blush, and baby blue and infuses them with a lustrous, pearly sheen.

The effect of this finish is subtle yet chic, catching the summer sunlight and making your nails glimmer with your movement. You can also control your level of shine, with subtle, sheer top coats for a minimalist effect or bold, iridescent hues for a multidimensional glow.

Mermaid Vibes

Nothing screams summer like beachy mermaid vibes. Mermaid nails take inspiration from shimmering ocean water, mother-of-pearl shells, and iridescent scales to create something truly magical.

These nail designs typically feature gradients of teal, blue, and lilac, plus toppers like glitter, foils, and gems to add a magical underwater effect. You can do something minimal with a shimmery accent nail, or get a full set of holographic, shell-inspired nail art.

Turquoise-Inspired Nails

Turquoise nails are having a major moment this summer. With their cool, vivid blue-green tones and distinctive veining, these nails evoke everything from western gemstones to tropical waters.

Your nail salon can bring your turquoise manicure dreams to life with hand-painted marble patterns, metallic accents, and even gold foil details. Whether you’re thinking desert chic or tropical vibes, turquoise is perfect for any summer getaway.

Whether you prefer whimsical, fruit-inspired nails or high-glam mermaidcore, Newport Nails is the premier nail salon in Newport Beach for all things mani-pedi. We also offer a full range of nail and spa services that span everything from eyelash extensions to dip powder nails, so you can be fully pampered and ready to take on the summer with confidence. Contact us online or visit us at Bayside or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can help bring your spa manicure dreams to life.