Pastel colours have always gotten kind of a bad rep in terms of style. Tbh, these shades seemed to be reserved for either newborns or the Queen, with no in-between. Recently, though, pastel tones have become a summer staple. From pastel gingham dresses to sherbet-coloured sweater vests, soft-hued tones of dreamy pastels are e-ver-y-where. It’s no surprise then that one of the biggest nail trends is following suit.
Pastel nails popped up as a major trend last summer – *flashback to us dreaming of pastel manis whilst stuck in lockdown last year*. This summer though, pastels are back and better than ever, combining with some of our fave recent nail trends for the ultimate summer mani. Think: swirly patterns in hues of sage and mint; delicate floral designs in peach and lilac; and reverse french manis or modern french tips in lemon and powder blue. The ultimate tip for this trend though? Combining a couple (or a whole bunch) of pastel colours in one mani.
Basically, think of a pastel mani as an ice cream sundae for your hands – sweet, cool, and perfect for summer. If you need some inspo – look no further.
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FAQs
What are pastel nails and why are they popular for summer?
Pastel nails feature soft-hued shades like sage, mint, peach, lilac, lemon and powder blue. These colours are trending because they give a sweet, cool and fresh style that’s perfect for summer. Combining multiple pastel colours in one manicure creates a playful, ice cream sundae-inspired look for your hands.
How can you style pastel nails for a trendy summer look?
You can mix swirly patterns in shades like sage and mint, or try delicate floral designs in peach and lilac. Reverse French manicures and modern French tips in lemon and powder blue are also popular. Combining different pastel shades in one manicure creates an ultimate summer style.
Which nail art styles pair well with pastel colours?
Swirly designs, delicate floral patterns and both reverse and modern French tips work especially well with pastel shades. These styles showcase the dreamy, soft hues and make your nails stand out. Using multiple pastel colours together is highly recommended for a summer-ready look.
Why are pastel nails described as an ice cream sundae for your hands?
Pastel nails are compared to an ice cream sundae because they layer sweet, cool and colourful tones that look fresh and fun. This combination perfectly matches the playful, relaxed vibe of summer. Choosing several pastel shades for your manicure creates a treat for your hands, just like a sundae.
Do pastel nails suit everyone or specific groups of people?
Pastel nails are now a universal trend and suit all ages, styles and preferences. They used to be linked mainly with newborns or royalty, but now they have become a fashionable choice for anyone wanting a modern, playful summer manicure.