Runway Trends: The Spring/Summer Nail Trends to Have Fun With

Feeling uninspired when it comes to new nail looks for the next season? We draw inspiration from the Spring/Summer runways and share the must-have shades and tools to get them Insta-worthy and on-trend. 

Clean cuticles

While you might expect runways to flaunt over-the-top looks, this season has seen clean, manicured nails make a comeback as seen at the Michael Kars and Jin Soon Choi shows. This season, we’re shining a light on healthy nails and clean cuticles, so if you haven’t invested in a good-quality manicure set, now’s the time. 

Make sure to file and buff your nails regularly, and to apply cuticle oil daily to maintain the health of your nails. If your nails are dry and brittle following the cold, harsh winter months, invest in a nail strengthener and remember, always prepare the nails for polish with a base coat. A key part of this look is hydrated hands so add a moisturising hand cream to your shopping list.

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•    Clicks Beauty Essentials Manicure Set
•    Sorbet Cuticle Remover 
•    The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil
•    Sally Hansen Strength Miracle Cure
•    Sorbet Nail Strengthening Treatment
•    Sorbet Salon Body Hand & Nail Cream 

Shape, sorted

If the short-nail trend doesn’t quite hit the spot but you’re not ready to go full-on glam, focus on your nail shape instead. Those in the know have their eyes on the Russian almond tips, a modern take on the classic shape that is longer and more dramatic, similar to stiletto nails. 

How do you get the shape right? File the sides of the nail into a pointed tip, maintaining a slightly rounded edge. Maintenance is key in the success of this shape so keep your nails healthy and strong. Or, if you’re looking for a fuss-free method, apply false tips – there are options for the almond shape and the stiletto shape. 

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•    Sorbet Diamond Nail File
•    Ardell Nail Addict Premium Artificial Nail Set Natural Stiletto

Metallic jelly nails

Fresh on the scene is the metallic jelly nail trend. The look was sported on the Brandon Maxwell runway, among others, and has taken to streets across the globe since then. Nail the trend by applying one coat of jelly (translucent) colour to a base coat, and follow it up with one coat of a polish with chrome or metallic effect. Finish off the look with one more coat of the jelly polish. 

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•    Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color Sparked

Shimmer and shine

When in doubt, go big on the sparkles – it’s almost the festive season, after all! This year, we’re taking a step back from the traditional gold and bronze tones and spreading shimmer to everyday shades, too. The experts predict even softer, more pastel colours – like baby pink and milky blues – will have their time to shine. 

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•    Essence Holo Bomb Effect Nail Lacquer 05 Holo Me Tight
•    Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color Kaleidoscope

3D nails

Florals? For spring? On your nails? Yes, please! But instead of going for florals that fall flat, make them pop with the 3D trend. And anything goes here – daisies, hearts, lemons – scroll your Instagram feed for cute and quirky ideas. 

When booking your appointment, make sure you visit a nail artist who specialises in 3D art. They will create the shapes using soft gel, followed by some time under a UV nail lamp so the look lasts. 

Pastels, please

We’re not saying no to neons but we are welcoming more delicate hues that were, in the past, reserved for the cooler months. Play around with a pinch of peach, dreamy purples and pistachios and soft, buttery yellows. Ballet pinks are still having a moment… and if you like the look, lean into the balletcore trend with pearly whites. 

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•    Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish 232 Tutu The Ballet
•    Essence Gel Nail Colour 63 MY Butter HALF
•    Essence Gel Nail Colour 68 Peach Club
•    Smudge Gel Nail Polish Lowkey

Creating nail art

It’s cherry season – and this year, we go beyond the delicious shade of festive cheer and include cherry nail art. If you’re looking to make a statement, support a cause, celebrate something special or just express your personality, this look is for you. 

DIY nail art decal sets will be big on the beauty shelves so you can simply peel and stick on the look of the week. It’s worth applying dry drops to speed up the drying time, if you’re in a rush or worried about smudging. If you feel intimidated, book an appointment at a nail salon and let the pros treat your talons. 

You could even play around with words, as was seen on the Peter Do runway where new creative director Helmut Lang spelled out his name on models’ nails. We say yes to Scrabble-inspired nails!

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•    Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure Nail Polish Cherry Amore
•    Essence Nail Art Express Dry Drops
•    Essence Happiness Looks Good On You Nail Stickers

Futuristic French

French manicures are a classic for a reason. They bring a take-me-serious appeal to the workplace and add a subtle, classy look to special occasions like weddings. There’s no doubt that they’re timeless but this season, push the boundaries a little. Swap the white for red-hot tips, go super-skinny by cutting the white line in half, or bring chrome into the conversation. 

Want the French look from fingertips to toes? There are easy-to-apply artificial nails for your feet, too. 

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•    Essence French Manicure Nail Tip Painter 01 You're So Fine
•    Smudge French Toe Nails 
•    Smudge Nail Polish No Place Like Home

IMAGE: 123rf.com