Traveling to oceanside getaways calls for tropical-themed vacation nails [1] no matter what time of the year it is. Besides your classic beach nail designs [2], palm tree nail art is the easiest way to get in vacation mode. Before you grab shades of green and brown, the palm tree manicure has evolved to adapt to some of the summer's biggest nail trends, from chrome patterns [3] to water-textured nails [4]. The only requirement is that the unique warm weather tree be incorporated in some aspect, whether it's an accent nail or a matching pattern for all fingers.
The style isn't anything new, either — celebrity nail artist Emi Kudo attributes the sudden demand for palm tree nail designs to the rise in popularity of the '90s aesthetic. "It was one of the first designs invented when nail art started to be so popular," Kudo tells PS. "I think people are either finding nostalgia or new discovery with those vintage styles."
Out of all of the palm tree manicures out there, though, Kudo's personal favorite incorporates the tole painting technique, which uses two colors on a single brush. While she claims it's a "simple" technique to use, it provides "more effect and gives dimension on the painting." Kudo also likes to draw inspiration from wallpaper including the Beverly Hills Hotel's famous "Banana Leaf" walls, which was her muse for a recent nail look.
To help you prepare for your next manicure appointment or DIY [5] nail session, we've included even more palm tree nails below to inspire you.
Experts Featured in This Article
Emi Kudo [6] is a celebrity nail artist with clients such as Bella Hadid, Anya Taylor-Joy, and more.
Gold Micro Palm Tree Nails
Minimalists will be drawn to this nail style, as its simplicity doesn't lack trendiness. Each nail is painted with a summer-inspired shape, including palm trees that shine, using chrome nail polish that'll especially glimmer under the sun.
'80s-Inspired Palm Tree Nails
This manicure has an '80s-inspired motif with pastel nail polish shades of baby blue, seafoam green, and peach. The black palm trees and silver linework accents create a fun throwback pattern.
Tropical Water Palm Tree Nails
It's impossible not to get underwater vibes from these nails as they show off a vibrant blue ocean color. Create a hypnotic look by topping your manicure with a glitter coat and vacation-inspired florals and trees.
Ombré Chrome Palm Tree Nails
Uses an ombré effect to make your nails the center of attention. The black palm trees pop against the soft pink and orange gradient, creating a set you'll admire all vacation.
Illustrated Palm Tree Nails
This pattern reminds us of the "The White Lotus [7]" resort wallpaper, combining palm trees and seashells with soothing blue and white shades. The simpler the design, the more clean-cut and graceful it will look.
Black Palm Tree Nails
Go the minimalist route that requires little color but photo-worthy results. All you need is a clear coat and some black drawn palm trees, and your fingers will be transformed into a vacation staple.
Pastel Palm Tree Nails
Everything looks better in pastel, including this vacation-inspired look that keeps things simple with black palm tree outlines. You can add glitter to a few fingers, as seen here, or keep the nails simple with a glossy top coat.
Palm Tree Leaf Nails
Add some greenery with a pattern that focuses on the unique palm tree leaves to create a nature-forward look. While it can be done on any background shade, using a nude base will help draw more attention to the shading and leaf designs.
Pearl Palm Tree Nails
Green is the first shade that most likely comes to mind when you think of palm trees, but you can also combine textures to create your desired effect. Pearly hues will present a more polished aesthetic — especially when you add in outlines of gold.
Gold Palm Tree Nails
You'll be dripping in opulence with these gold, sandy-patterned nails accented with white tie-dye details. Using negative space will ensure all the attention is on your shimmering accent nails.
Pool Palm Tree Nails
Palm trees don't always have to be on the beach; give the shape a hot-pink makeover and add it atop a pool texture base. The result is the perfect pool floatie paradise on your nails — and all without having to leave your home.
Beach Wave Palm Tree Nails
For the days you can't be lounging on the beach, this design will provide some solace. It uses pictures of waves and sandy ground shaded by palm trees. Instead of brown for the base shade, the manicure is tied together with black outlines of trees.
Tropical Palm Tree Nails
Touches of palm tree components combined with tropical flowers will add a resort-like quality to your fingers. If you're looking to add more detail, you can incorporate toucan birds for a rainforest aesthetic.
Beach Palm Tree Nails
Beachside vibes are at the center of these nails, featuring seashell shapes and leaf accent nails shrouded by a single palm tree. The final nail is topped with "meet me at the beach," teasing you to lounge by the ocean.
Retro Palm Tree Nails
Go for a more retro aesthetic with this cartoon-like design, which focuses on rounded waves with hints of palm tree landscapes. Instead of the typical ombré background, this one goes for a bold red look to complement the crashing blue waves.
Flamingo Palm Tree Nails
Your summer staple look has entered the chat with this colorful sunset look where the focal point isn't just the leafy palm trees but a bright pink flamingo to enhance the tropical vibes.
Palm Tree Patterned Nails
One palm tree is not enough — decorate your accent nails with varying shapes and sizes of the tree on a matte background. To really make the look pop, make your remaining nails a solid shade from elements of the palm trees.
Watermelon Sugar Palm Tree Nails
Rather than use a glossy coat, trade high shine for an ombré matte effect that'll make your palm trees and leaves stand out. While you can use any sunset shades, these nails are the embodiment of cotton candy skies.
Glittery Palm Tree Nails
Embrace the shimmer with a sparkly sunset palm tree design, incorporating negative space aspects. Along with palm trees, make sure to add some birds flying away to create a manicure that screams summer.
Neon Abstract Palm Tree Nails
Instead of the classic beach-themed background, these neon nails give a more retro take on the trend. When you use shades of orange and hot pink, it'll add a fruity touch.
Silver Palm Tree Nails
Bring a touch of glam to your vacation nails with silver tones, which create a more elevated manicure. The glittery texture will help present a more elegant manicure you can show off during dinner on the water.
Glow in the Dark Ombré Palm Tree Nails
Admire your nails day and night when you utilize glow-in-the-dark nail polish to craft your tropical nails. The style presents an ombré sunset background topped with simple black palm trees that'll be outlined once the sun goes down.
Rylee Johnston [8] is a New York City-based freelance writer who covers everything from beauty, fashion, and celebrity trends to home, pets, and more. With a degree in journalism and over three years of industry experience, she enjoys interviewing experts and testing out products to make the best recommendations for readers.