10 July Nail Colors That Are Perfect for Summer Vibes

We’re officially in the thick of summer, but no heat wave is going to get you down. Especially if you have a cute manicure to admire and a calendar full of fun summer plans. As we look to the most popular July nail colors, there’s a nice mix of bright and splashy shades that stand out, some low key minimalist hues that match with all your summer fits, and finishes with just enough oomph. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
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Hot Coral
Hot coral combines pink, orange, and red for an unapologetic, definitely-going-to-get-noticed summer manicure. “It pops against sun-kissed skin and channels tropical summer energy,” says manicurist Cyndi Van, nail service and education director at Tricoci Salon & Spa. “This hue has dominated celebrity vacation manis and red carpet moments for its fearless edge.”

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Nude Shimmer
Nude or milky tones with a touch of shimmer are in high demand this month. “The subtle sparkle looks amazing in the sunlight, which makes it perfect for summer,” says Karina Dubinina, owner of Backstage Beauty Salon in London. “It gives an extra glamorous feeling without stepping into bright or neon territory. Adding a little shimmer is always a good way to refresh your nail look.”

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Tomato Red Nails
A cousin to hot coral, tomato red leans into all the “tomato girl summer” vibes and we’re 100% here for it. “This is a sultry, true red that’s replacing burgundy, seen in flowy skirts at Bottega Veneta and structured dresses at Balmain,” notes Jacqueline Pham, celebrity manicurist at Color Street. “It’s a bold yet approachable hue, especially when used in patterns or as an accent in accessories.”

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Cotton Candy Pink
Is it even summer without enjoying a voluminous puff of cotton candy? This trending July nail color takes inspiration from our favorite fluffy candy, and it’s surprisingly versatile. Evelyn Lim, manicurist and chief educator at MiniLuxe’s Paintbox Studio, says cotton candy pink is the perfect summer pick.

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Tangerine
Another bright nail polish color trending in July is tangerine, says Lim, which is playful, juicy, and instantly energizing. Like sunshine for your fingertips, tangerine infuses a happy sort of vibe and definitely stands out in a crowd.

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Sky Blue
For some summer manicure inspiration, all you have to do is look straight up. “A creamy light blue that evokes summer skies, sky blue nail polish is refreshing, cooling, and versatile,” says Van. “It’s a favorite on editorial shoots and celeb manis, and perfectly complements beachwear and denim alike.”

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Aqua
For a splashier take on blue, lap up some aqua. Lim says this is a top July nail color trend, and it’s perfect for everything from a seaside escape to moseying about town. It’s bright, joyful, and looks great with everything from crisp whites to colorful patterns.

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Butter Yellow
The stronghold butter yellow has on the fashion and beauty industry right now is not to be underrated. If you’re not keen on spending a lot on a new dress or shirt, you can dabble in the trend with your nails. Pham says, “This creamy, pastel yellow ranges from soft, almost vanilla-like shades to slightly deeper golden tones. It’s been seen on Chanel, Chloé, and Toteme runways, and acts as a neutral.”

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Milky Pale Pink
Minimalists will love this top July nail color, which pairs with everything in your wardrobe but still feels more elevated than a basic beige. “This is a translucent nude-meets-pale pink,” Van tells us. “It’s ideal for weddings, events, and everyday polish. A staple in the clean girl aesthetic and luxury bridal looks.”

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Glazed Lilac
Another barely-there trending July nail color is glazed lilac, with glazed light blue a close runner up. “These are colours that remind us of the sea and lavender fields,” Dubinina says. “The glazed finish adds a modern, dreamy touch to these gentle pastels.”