Looking for gorgeous July nail color trends to try this summer? Find inspiration with my list of chic July nail colors that will turn heads all month long!
Trending July Nail Colors To Try This Month
There’s something to be said about the start of a new month. Like Mondays and New Year’s Day, it feels like a fresh start, and there’s this sudden urge to shake things up. And one of the best ways to do that (in my opinion) is with a gorgeous new manicure!
In July, we’re kicking off the month with chic new nail colors that scream summer. From seasonal-inspired neutrals to bright, zesty warm-weather hues, the July nail color trends below are sure to elevate your look for beach days, summer festivals, and beyond!
1. Shimmering Pearl
(@disseynails, @simlynail, @matejanova)
Shimmering pearl polish brings together classic white nails and a playful summery finish! With a subtle ocean-inspired touch that’s bold yet elevated, you can’t really go wrong with this pick.
So, if you want to take a break from all those bright summer hues but still want something that fits the season, I highly recommend a soft, charming pearl nail design. For a classic pearly mani, copy the design by Mateja (featured on the right). It’s simple, sleek, and classy. If you prefer something more visually interesting, opt for a design like Simu’s, featuring swirling textures and an ethereal finish. For a modern take, copy Dayanna’s design and pair a shimmering pearl polish with solid white tips.
2. Classic Red
(@disseynails, @thecolornook, @nailscatchyideas)
Classic crimson red nails are back again for summer! Spotted on the hands of none other than Hailey Bieber as she graced the red carpet at the Oscars, this timeless red tone is next on my list of July nail color trends.
As the experts at Vogue say, “Red is perhaps the most iconic manicure shade of all time.“ This color is a staple in the world of nails and beauty, and it’s perfect for making a statement. Eman, whose design is featured in the middle, has a crisp, classic red manicure that’s stunning just as it is.
However, if you want to add a contemporary touch, recreate Dayanna’s look by adding a sleek cat-eye finish. For those who want to add just a splash of this hue to their nails, opt for simple red tips or dainty summer nail art (like sweet cherry accents) in this tone.
3. Aperol Spritz
(@amberjhnails, @muysophornrith, @glossytipped)
If you’ve never had an Aperol Spritz, July of 2026 might be the time to try it. On your nails, of course!
According to Glamour magazine, “Aperol spritz nails are going to be everywhere this spring and summer.“ This playful nail design is reminiscent of the vibrant and effervescent Italian cocktail, and it couldn’t be a better choice for a summer mani! I absolutely love this for anyone who’s planning to go abroad for their July vacation, but you can still channel European-summer vibes at home with this gorgeous nail design.
To recreate the look, opt for a bright, summery orange tone, topped with a velvet or cat-eye finish to mimic the fizz of this cocktail. If you don’t want a magnetic topcoat, use ultra-fine glitter instead. I love the Aperol-inspired French tips above, while the layered waves of shimmering orange are perfect for a bold summer mani!
4. Tinted Nails
(@glossytipped, @gelcare.official, @amanada.sudolll)
If bright and bold nails aren’t your thing, the next July nail color trend might be more your speed! Tinted nails, or soft, ultra-sheer pastels, are a must-try for summer.
Glamnetic calls this trend “your nails but better,“ as it adds a light, translucent finish that gives your nails a hint of color and shine while maintaining a minimal appeal. For a true minimalist mani, recreate a look similar to the one by @gelcare.official; soft, transparent, and simple. But if you want to add a little oomph to your nails, pair an ultra-sheer base with opaque tips for a playful monochromatic look or add dainty nail art as Amanda did.
Regardless of which way you go, this trend is ideal for an understated and elegant nail design, making it a great choice for summer weddings, anniversary dinners, or other important gatherings this July.
5. Ocean Blue
(@nailsinpng, @amberjhnails, @heygreatnails)
For a manicure that’s deep yet cool and refreshing, look no further than this gorgeous ocean blue. Manicurist Adelayda Ramirez spoke with the editors at Byrdie, saying she “recommends choosing a soft-shimmer finish […] to look more elevated.“
I love the look of fine glitter over this hue; it really emulates how the ocean glistens under summer sun and adds an alluring yet elegant finish. Prima and Aiste have both nailed this aesthetic, with a holographic magnetic shimmer and layered cat-eye look, respectively. However, you can use this color for French tips or with a simple, clear topcoat for a classic summer look that goes with everything!
6. Summer Watercolors
(@nailartist.zahramp, @kuypernailart, @sweetienailsupply)
The next nail color trend on my list is for the maximalist girlies. And it’s not so much focused on one color as it is on the technique used.
Watercolor nails have been making waves in the nail world, with LA-based nail artist Natalie Minerva noting that she’s “seen a lot of watercolour in the nail art zeitgeist as of late,” and expects this aesthetic to be big in 2026. For this trend, you can really play around with it and make the look your own. Sheer, watered-down layers and translucent nail art mimic the look of watercolor paints, and can be mixed and matched to create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind summer designs. Use multiple colors and glittery topcoats for a playful watercolor gradient like the design on the right. Or, for more intricate, detailed looks, create floral or fruity watercolor nail art.
No matter how you choose to showcase your summer watercolors, this is definitely one of those designs that will have people begging to know where you got your nails done!
7. Lemon Yellow
(@heygreatnails, @manucurist, @m.o.n.a.j)
Lemon yellow is another color we’ll see plenty of this July, and as the experts at Glamour say, “if this zesty manicure colour doesn’t get you in the summer mood, we don’t know what else will.“
While butter yellow has been the reigning shade of yellow for the last couple of years, this sharp and energetic alternative is taking over. Perfect for an Italian summer vibe or a classic sun-inspired look, this color really fits the season!
I love how Aiste used lemon yellow for her lemon nail art, while Andréa chose a simple summer art mani. For a minimalist nail design, try a double French tip, dainty lemon accents, or use lemon yellow for a polka-dot mani. This color would work well for a vacation look, or you can use it to simply brighten up your everyday summer outfits!
8. Cola Nails
(@brittany_nailart, @nailartbyqueenie, @bluesky.nail.artist)
My final July nail color trend is deep, rich, and bubbly Cola nails!
Similar to the Aperol Spritz nails, this design mimics the look of the crisp, bubbly, refreshing beverage we all know and love. Glamour has the details on the best way to create this look, stating, “Dark brown and black cat-eye nail polish are the perfect way to imitate the signature cola shade.”
For this one, keeping it simple works best. A velvety or cat-eye brown is gorgeous and so versatile. Meanwhile, the Frenchies by Queenie add the perfect pop of this pop-inspired color. If you prefer more complex designs, I recommend adding a solid French tip on a velvet base, creating an aura effect for added depth, or using dainty nail gems for extra shine.
Whether you choose gorgeous sheer-tinted nails, shimmering pearl polish, or a vibrant Aperol Spritz-inspired mani, you’re sure to have a stunning nail design this July. Which of these July nail color trends do you plan to try?
If you loved this article, don’t miss 8+ Hottest Nail Trends Set to Take Over Summer 2026!
