Summer Nail-Polish Colors to Try in 2022
5 Cool Nail-Color Trends That Are Basically Like Summer in a Bottle
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It's like what Elle Woods said: Summer gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands — they just don't. (Or something like that.)
The same thing applies to the color of your nails. When you look down at your hands, the shade you're wearing can have a profound, physiological effect on your mood — just like sunlight, sex, or exercise. That makes painting on a fun chrome or cool blue polish the perfect way to get ready for the season. It's science. (But, like, please don't put us on trial.)
"Summer color trends are super bold, bright, and happy," Rita Remark, nail artist and Essie global lead educator, tells POPSUGAR. "It's all about choosing colors that give a dopamine rush, so it's trendy but also personal and expressive."
If you're curious to know the mood-boosting nail-polish hues that everyone will be wearing for summer 2022 — or looking for a reason to finally whip out your sandals in the coming weeks — we've asked a few professional manicurists to dish on their predictions for the season. From bold neons to more muted pastels, there's something for everyone and every beauty style. And of course, when in doubt, you can bet your money that classic, crisp, white nails won't be going anywhere anytime soon, so feel free to bust out that bottle along with the white pants you put away after Labor Day last year.
— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Green
As we said above, Remark says summer nail-polish colors should be "super bold, bright, and happy." One bold shade that's getting a lot of attention right now is green. Not only will the nature-inspired hue make you feel one with your surroundings as you spend more time outside this season, but it's also super trendy right now.
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Green
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Green
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Green
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Chrome
If you've been paying attention to the red carpet, you know that chrome nails are having a moment, and celebrity manicurist Leanne Woodley sees the shade as one of summer's hottest trends. Chrome is kind of a cross behind a nail-polish color and a nail-art trend.
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Chrome
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Chrome
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Chrome
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: White
Stumped on what shade to get at the nail salon next? When in doubt, go with a classic: white nail polish. This crisp shade really makes your fingers pop and is a staple in every nail kit.
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: White
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: White
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Blue
After a brief hiatus this last year, wedding season is making its comeback this season. Why not prepare with your nail polish color? "We love how our pale, powdery blue Paintbox Nail Lacquer in Like Wonder ($22) works as your something blue and also as the perfect shade for a fresh spring or summer manicure," says Mabelyn Martin, Paintbox's creative director.
Want in on the trend? Look for softer takes on the hue like sky blue, cornflower blue, or dusty denims.
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Blue
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Blue
Summer Nail-Polish Colors: Red
Paintbox partnered with diamond cleaning system brand Juli for its nail-art lineup this season, and there was one common color in a handful of designs: fiery red. Martin quoted the founder for why this particular shade of the hue will be particularly perfect this summer: "A perfect red with a violet undertone like this one always complements the whites and blues in a diamond, making it look brighter and cleaner."
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