French Tips for Summer 2025: Trendy Nail Ideas That Feel Fresh, Fun & Totally Wearable

French Tips are back for the summer, but this year, they’re more fun, personal, and perfect for Pinterest. French nails are now more than just neat and classic; they capture the whole summer vibe with prints and bright colors. Looking for something cute? Minimal? Maybe even a little dramatic? These nail ideas cover it all.

Rainbow Hearts and French Whimsy

This look feels like bottled-up happiness. Every tip is painted with a pastel shade, and each one has a little heart in a different color. It’s a sweet way to do short square nails that looks grown-up enough for work. I think the design is perfect because it mixes sweetness and simplicity. And let’s be honest, anything with tiny hearts is instantly more fun.

I used Essie’s Mint Candy Apple, Play Date, Bikini So Teeny, and Tart Deco for the tips on my nails. You can use a fine nail art brush for the hearts, or just apply pre-cut decals if you need to save time. Add a top coat to make your nails look extra shiny.

A pro tip: always let each color dry before adding another layer. According to Elle Gerstein, each layer should dry before adding another to get a sharp finish, and this tip really works. I made that mistake when I smudged the hearts more than once.

I wore this at a baby shower in July, and the compliments I got were more than the diaper cake got. These nails are happy nails.

Edgy Noir Meets Safari Cool

French tips gone bold? I’m in. The black tips are very sharp and precise, while the leopard print on two nails gives the whole look a new feel. This look says black stilettos, espresso martinis, and being confident. Square nails bring structure to the chaos, and it’s just… a look.

I painted my tips with Essie’s Licorice and the rest of my nails with OPI’s Bubble Bath. I used a dotting tool and my best hand control to do the leopard print, but you could also use a stamping kit instead.

If you want your tips to look like this, use French tip guides or striping tape. Just don’t rush the drying time. Tom Bachik, a celebrity nail tech, thinks leopard nails are a confidence booster, and I completely agree.

I wore these nails out on a rooftop in New York, and someone asked me if I got them done in Paris. I didn’t, but I acted like I did and thanked them for the compliment.

Lemon Sorbet Energy

This set feels like sunshine on your fingertips. Almond nails painted in bright yellow and neon green are fresh, juicy, and different enough to be on-trend. French tips for summer 2025 are clearly here to glow—and this combo is the ultimate proof.

The main colors used are Lemonade in the Shade from Gelish Neon and OPI’s Funny Bunny, which was used as the base. I used a cosmetic sponge to blend the neon color upwards for the ombré look.

It’s very important to let each layer dry before you blend them, especially when you’re using neons. According to nail pro Julie Kandalec, you can use a tiny angled brush with acetone to make the cuticle line look perfect.

I wore these nails to the farmer’s market over the weekend. Someone literally matched my lemons to my nails. You can’t plan moments like that.

Jade Mirage

There’s something so quietly powerful about a rich green French tip. It’s not loud, but it’s definitely not boring either. These nails give off a sense of luxury and calm, much like having a drink by the pool in Tulum or wearing a long silk dress. The finish is simple, but the color choice makes it everything.

I applied DND’s Amazon Green on top of a neutral base, OPI Bare My Soul. Getting the sharp, curved edge is all about using a flat nail art brush or tape.

This design is surprisingly easy to recreate. For a classy look with a pop of color, this green is great at any time, but really stands out in the summer.

I like to wear this when I want to feel peaceful and sure of myself. With gold rings and a linen set? It just makes sense.

Double Dip in Sorbet

Soft pink and baby blue meet in a curved French tip swirl that’s sweet, summery, and just a little different. This design looks trendy and playful, much like cotton candy on a rooftop. The curved two-tone design gives the nails a little extra movement that makes people want to look again. It’s one of my favorite cute nail ideas for summer 2025.

I chose Lights Lacquer Mila for the hot pink and Olive & June OMG for the soft blue. My tip? Wait until the first color is completely dry before you add the second one, so you don’t get any bleeding or smudging.

According to nail artist Betina Goldstein, applying layers of polish and using cleanup brushes is what gives you a smooth finish. That trick has saved so many of my manicures.

This was my go-to for a weekend girls’ trip. I wore a pink sundress and sneakers, and my nails were the real stars of the look.

Hop Into White Chic

Clean white French tips with a bunny accent? Yes, please. This square set balances charm with simplicity. The look is minimal enough for everyday wear but still brings that touch of fun we’re all craving in summer 2025.

I painted the tips and the bunny with OPI’s Alpine Snow. I used a small brush to shape the ears and lashes, and then added a dot of neon pink polish for the nose.

It looks harder than it is. First, paint the tips, wait for them to dry, and then use a fine brush to draw the bunny outline. Mazz Hanna recommends adding only one design accent per hand to keep the look classy.

I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw my nails. And people notice—kids especially. Sometimes your nails can just make someone’s day brighter.

Ocean Mist with a Crystal Crown

These nails bring the serenity of the sea right to your hands. The white base gradually changes to a minty green on the tips, making the ombré French look peaceful and fresh. The design is special because it has a hint of sparkle and a crystal on one nail, which keeps it interesting but still elegant. This is one of those cute nail ideas that feels effortless and refined, perfect for 2025.

I started with OPI’s This Cost Me a Mint and finished with a sheer shimmer topcoat called Zoya Leia. I like to use Swarovski flatbacks in opal colors for the rhinestones, and a little glue or builder gel keeps them in place for over a week.

If you’re trying this at home, start with the lightest layer first and sponge on the green near the tips to blend softly upward. Finish with a glossy top coat. Once the rest of the design is dry, you can add the sparkle beads.

It feels like you’ve just stepped off a yacht when you wear this design. It’s quiet luxury, but for nails. I’d choose this for a garden party, or whenever I need a little extra peace during the week.

Black Mirror French

Sometimes, a classic black French is all you need to feel pulled together. They have a strong look and are still very clean. The difference between the pink and black is very noticeable, but the look is really brought to life by its sharp and modern feel. This is a black French tip that doesn’t feel dated—it feels intentional, powerful, and quietly polished.

I use Essie Licorice and either Ballet Slippers or OPI Bubble Bath to get this look. You can use a fine liner brush to paint the tips, or stickers for perfect symmetry.

If you’ve practiced, this French tip is easy to do in just a few minutes. I like to use a long flat brush with acetone to make the curve look smooth and shiny. It’s a design you can wear all the time without getting bored.

Wearing this makes me feel like I’m more in charge of my life. Black tips just hit different.

Hot Pink Edge Twist

French tips get a flirty twist here with a vibrant hot pink slashed across the corner of each nail. It’s a bold, graphic look that I love for short nails this summer. You can wear these square nails with any outfit because they’re both trendy and simple. And yes—this pink steals the show.

I chose Orly Beach Cruiser for the brightest hot pink finish this summer. You can create the angled tip by using a fine brush or some diagonal nail tape. Use a light nude or pink for the base to keep it soft.

If you’re after a salon-like look that’s easy to do yourself, this is the one for you. Just one swipe at the tip and you’ve got a bold and chic look without much work.

I wore these tips to a beach concert, and three people asked me where I got them done. It’s that kind of vibe.

Blue Bolt Double Line

These layered blue tips are the definition of cool. A short, square nail base is topped with two shades of blue for a double French look that’s both fresh and sporty. The layering effect makes it look dimensional, and the choice of blues brings in that chilled-out summer feeling that pairs so well with beachy denim and breezy linen.

I applied Sally Hansen Pacific Blue and Essie Butler Please together for this design. A striping brush is useful for creating those clean and neat lines one on top of the other. A clean, neutral base will make the blue colors stand out.

Getting both stripes even takes some patience. I first put on the lower curve, let it dry, and then add the top layer just above it. A good hand and a top coat finish off the design.

It has a bit of a Y2K vibe, but also feels futuristic, and it’s perfect for 2025.

Almond Drama in Purple and Lime

These long almond nails make a major statement, mixing bright lime yellow with a cool violet purple in a split-tip effect. If you’re looking for a bold summer manicure that’s both edgy and artistic, this design is perfect for you. This is what French tips for summer 2025 look like when they go all in.

I chose Electric Daisy and Sweet Morning from Gelish Brights as my base colors. The sharpness of the split tip stands out best on almond nails, so it’s important to shape them well. You should use a detail brush to get that neat inner line.

It’s not the easiest to do yourself, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the result. Paint your base, then add the yellow tip, and finish with the purple curve on the other side.

I think this design is perfect for events or photo shoots. It adds edge to even the simplest outfit.

Starry Glaze with Cobalt Tips

Glittery shimmer meets cobalt blue in this festive French design. The glittery base is almost like pieces of glass, and the blue tips make the look pop. It’s a design that looks fun in the sun and a bit mysterious after dark. A fun, textured spin on classic blue French tips.

I put on a nude pink base and topped it with Cirque Colors Holographic Topper, then added the blue tips using Sally Hansen Pacific Blue. Because glitter polish can be thick, it’s better to apply it in several thin layers.

I like to use a gel-effect top coat to keep the shine and stop my nails from chipping. Steph Stone, a nail artist, suggests dabbing glitter with a sponge to ensure it’s placed correctly, and this works well for this design.

I’d choose this look for a dinner on a rooftop or for a night out. It feels glam without going over the top.

Glossy Bubblegum Fade

This design blends soft pink with a high-shine hot pink French tip that fades with just enough edge to catch your eye. The squoval shape is both comfortable and stylish, and the glossy finish makes the design look modern and fresh. It’s cute, playful, and a little sweet—a perfect choice for summer when you want your nails to feel like part of your outfit.

I applied CND Shellac in Cake Pop as the base and Beetles Gel in Neon Flamingo for the hot pink tip. A fan brush helps blend the fade cleanly if you’re doing it at home.

It’s best to apply the bright pink lightly at first, and then build it up as you get to the edge. Make sure the base is completely dry before you start blending the color to prevent any patches.

It gives me the same happy and crave-worthy feeling as strawberry sorbet on a sunny day. I’d put these on for a rooftop brunch or simply because I want my nails to match my mood.

Electric Popsicle Tips

Vibrant neon French tips in green, yellow, orange, and pink bring serious 2025 energy to a neutral base. It’s a fun and modern look that adds color to any plain outfit. The short square shape makes the bold palette feel balanced, keeping the design fresh instead of overwhelming.

I chose the Neon Brights collection by Kiara Sky for this look. I used OPI Samoan Sand to create a soft and nude base. Tip guides ensure that each color has a clean and straight line.

I recommend applying one color at a time and letting it dry before you add the next. It keeps the design clean and allows you to decide how bright you want each tip to look. Many nail artists believe that the secret to great multi-color French tips is taking your time and being careful with spacing.

These nails are pure serotonin. I wore them on my vacation last year, and they went with every fruity drink I had. No regrets.

Minimalist in Hot Pink

This design is all about letting hot pink do the heavy lifting. The bright tips stand out against the clear base, and the short shape makes it look current and easy to wear. It’s simple, but there’s power in its sharp contrast and perfect arcs.

I used Orly Passion Fruit for this high-impact shade. I applied Nailtiques Formula 2 as the only base coat to keep the nails clear. You should use a thin liner brush to create a neat smile line on every nail.

I always add a gel top coat to make the manicure extra shiny and prevent any chipping. It’s easy for anyone to do and still looks fun without any extra decorations.

It’s so easy to do, yet it always makes me feel put-together. It’s my go-to when I need a confidence boost in under an hour.

Pink Diamond French

This elegant take on French tips mixes soft pink, bright white, and silver glitter into one polished look. The curved line makes the look more interesting, and the glitter adds a touch of sparkle to the manicure. It’s graceful, classy, and a little festive—like summer party season bottled into a manicure.

The base is OPI Mod About You, and the white is done with Alpine Snow. The glitter stripe was added using a thin brush and Essie Set in Stones.

Paint the base first and make sure it is completely dry before moving on. After that, apply the angled pink, and then the white. Do the glitter stripe last so it doesn’t mix with the other colors. You’ll need to be patient and careful when doing this look.

I’d choose this set for a wedding or a nice dinner. It feels delicate without being boring.

Pastel Glow on Nude

These short nails are coated in soft pastel tips—yellow, pink, and blue—that play so well against the natural base. Because the nails are square and simple, the colors really stand out, making this a great choice for summer 2025. It’s fresh, it’s simple, and definitely cute.

I applied Essie’s Bikini So Teeny, China Glaze Lemon Fizz, and Sally Hansen Back to the Fuchsia. I used Bare With Me by Essie as the sheer pink base.

If you’re doing this by yourself, apply tip guides and take them off while the polish is still a bit sticky to prevent pulling the paint.

I always feel cheerful when I have this look on. It’s giving sunshine and soft-serve. I mean, what’s not to love?

Turquoise Twist on Long Rounds

Turquoise blue tips on a long rounded almond nail are just the right mix of classy and bright. The turquoise blue gives off a tropical feeling, and the round shape keeps the nails looking soft. It’s not loud, but it’s definitely bold enough to feel fashion-forward—one of those coloured French tips you end up recreating all summer.

I used Gelish in Mali-Blu Me Away for this design. I gave the nails an almond shape with a fine-grit file, and then painted the tips on by hand with a narrow brush.

You should make sure that each tip matches the shape of the nail. You should lightly draw the curve with a detail brush before you fill it in.

It makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even if I’m only going to the coffee shop. It looks even better when you pair it with turquoise rings or summer knits.

Neon French Tips with a Twist

These nails are not here to play subtle. The base color is a natural pink, and the French Tips are done in hot pink and green, making this design look fun from all sides. The tips are painted at an angle, giving the French manicure a unique geometric look. Even though this design is bold, it’s still easy to wear, which is great for anyone who wants to experiment with color while keeping their base simple.

I suggest using Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” and Bio Seaweed Gel in “Limeade” to get this look. You should use a striping brush or fine detail tool to make the diagonal line look perfect. For this style, I like to use a rounded square shape because it softens the overall look.

When doing this yourself, make sure to use a dehydrator and a base coat first. When the base is cured, apply the pink and green tips in two steps, making sure to overlap them at an angle. Apply the polish with a thin brush and cure the nails after every layer. Take your time with the top coat, as it will help seal the look and make your nails look salon-perfect.

I wore this style at a rooftop party in July, and everyone wanted to know where I got it done. You’ll find that these tips are sure to start conversations, and they pair perfectly with gold jewelry in the summer.

Minimal Blue Chevron Tips

Blue French tips have a sleek look, especially when the chevron is done in a clean, sharp way. The French Tips for Summer 2025 are all about being simple and chic. The sharp V-tip gives short nails a modern and stylish look. This manicure is so effortless and cool, it’s like your nails are saying “cool girl.”

For a strong blue, you could try Olive & June’s “OMG” or Essie’s “Butler Please.” If you want your tips to look neat, use tape or a V-shaped French guide sticker.

I think a sheer base makes the chevron design look even more striking. A soft pink base, such as Deborah Lippmann’s “Naked,” gives a great result. Paint two layers, let them dry, and then add the blue tips. Finish off with a gel-like top coat to make your nails look super shiny.

I love this look for beach trips because it’s easy to do and still looks great. It looks amazing with denim, white linen outfits, and simple gold rings. Sometimes less really is more.

Pastel Rainbow Tips

Tips in soft pastel colors are a definite yes. These nails are a blend of fun nail designs and a polished finish. The nails are painted with different pastel colors, such as cotton-candy pink, minty green, dreamy blue, citrusy orange, and buttery yellow, all placed on a sheer nude base. It’s sweet without being too sugary, and chic without being too serious.

You can either go for a set of pastel gel polishes or get a ready-made rainbow kit (brands like Beetles Gel Polish do excellent seasonal collections). Choose soft matte pastels instead of neon colors to keep the look airy and easy.

When doing it yourself, use your favorite base coat, put on two layers of nude polish, and carefully paint each tip a different color using freehand or French guides. Cure between coats if using gel. The real trick? Making sure your lines are even and look neat, just like a salon manicure.

I think of this set as a celebration of summer. I wore these on a road trip in June, and everyone at the gas stations and cafés noticed them. A mix of pretty pastels is a surprise that feels like wearing sunshine.

Sunbeam Yellow French

These yellow French tips are like a bottle of sunshine if you’re feeling sunny. The bright yellow tips and soft nude base together give us everything we’re looking for in French Tips for Summer 2025. bold, wearable, and unapologetically happy. The white line between the tip and the base makes the look more polished and adds a bit of sharpness to the round almond nails.

You’ll need a warm pastel yellow polish (try OPI’s “Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants”) and a bright white striping polish. You really need a fine brush for this, as the line is essential to the look.

First, apply a smoothing base and then cover your nails with a sheer beige. When the nails are dry, use a fine brush to paint the yellow tips and then the white smile line underneath. Be patient while doing this, and remember to apply a gloss top coat to get that gel-like shine.

It makes me think of relaxing brunches in the sun and enjoying citrus drinks. It’s not overpowering, but it does say, “I took care of my nails for myself.”

Electric Glitter Blue Fade

This set is all about drama, with icy white and sparkly blue tips that shine like a summer pool lit up by neon lights. The square shape makes it look neat, and the matte ombré into blue glitter adds a surprising layer of depth. It has a lively, bold, and mysterious look, which is perfect for me when I want something that stands out.

You should start with a matte milky white base, such as OPI’s “Funny Bunny,” and then add a thick blue glitter gel like Born Pretty’s “Sapphire Galaxy.” A sponge gives you the blended effect, and a liner brush helps you shape the glitter tip.

Start with two coats of your base shade. After that, use a sponge to apply the glitter halfway up the nails, making sure the color is strongest at the tips. Let each layer cure before adding another. Make sure to use a top coat, and I suggest a glossy one to keep the shine and highlight the difference between the base and the glitter.

This manicure gives off a Miami summer night vibe, perfect for the club or a morning brunch. It looks great with linen suits or white bikinis.

Sun-Kissed Orange French Glow

If you could capture sunset in a bottle and put it on your nails, this would be it. The tips of these short, rounded square nails are a double-gradient of orange, with a neon hint at the edge and a warm peachy color in the middle. It looks like a golden hour filter is shining on your nails, and it can make any outfit look more put-together.

I prefer to use Modelones’ Neon Orange Set or Beetles’ Bright Summer Collection. For that soft and warm look, you should use two shades of orange, one bright and one soft, and blend them with a brush or sponge.

After you’ve put on the nude base, use the sponge to gently dab the lighter orange down the nail. Next, paint the neon orange on the tip and blend the two colors together. Finish by applying a high-gloss top coat to give it a glossy look and protect it.

This is my “grab-a-drink-by-the-beach” manicure. I wore it in August, and a person stopped me in line at a smoothie bar to tell me how much they liked it. That kind of vibe? Priceless.

Fresh Lime Ombre French

These nails with almond shapes and citrus gradients are the perfect summer glam. The base is kept see-through and shiny, so the curved, double-green and neon yellow tips stand out. The look is softer in the middle and brighter at the edges, much like how a lime popsicle looks on a hot sidewalk.

For this look, you’ll need two shades of green: “Matcha Latte” by Le Mini Macaron and “Glowstick” by Orly. Use a very fine nail art brush to blend them softly. A thin pink or jelly base gives the nails a fresh, simple look.

I apply a base coat and then add a thin layer of nude-pink polish. I blend the lighter neon from the top of the nail down, and then add the darker green in a curved shape just below it. Finish off with a glossy top coat to make the nails look extra shiny. A tip I’ve learned: A light sponge gives the blend a more natural and citrusy look.

This style just makes me feel energized, as if I’ve ordered a cold matcha on a hot day or taken a last-minute drive in the summer. It’s a style that lifts your mood without having to speak.

Cobalt Classic Square Tips

These blue French square tips have a secret power — they’re stylish, direct, and very chic. The bright cobalt line over a clear nude base makes the look more striking. I think a short French tip in a bold color is like wearing red lipstick with jeans — it’s always a good idea.

I tend to use Essie’s “Bouncer, It’s Me” or OPI’s “Mi Casa Es Blue Casa” when I want this intense blue. The best way to apply these is with a brush that has a firm edge, although I now usually freehand them after practicing a lot.

I apply two coats of nude and then draw a steady line of blue on the tips. It’s important to let the color dry a bit between hands before you apply the top coat, so the colors don’t mix with the base. It’s a simple nail design that looks like it cost a lot without any effort.

I put this on a Monday when I knew I’d have a busy week, and it really made me feel energized. I swear this design makes typing feel cooler. You’ve got to try it.

Playful Pastel Borders

If you’re not ready to commit to one color, why not flirt with five? This summer’s French Tips have a nude base and pastel tips outlined with thin lines in violet, mint, bubblegum pink, icy blue, and lemony yellow. The result? A mix of nail art and fine design that looks like pop-art pastels.

I applied the Beetles Pastel Paradise Kit and used a detail brush from Makartt for the thin borders. These tips take some time and patience to do properly, but they’re well worth the effort.

Apply a base coat that neutralizes and follow with two thin layers of jelly nude. After that, paint your tips with different colors and carefully outline them with either a darker shade or white, depending on the color you choose. I seal the look with a medium-gloss top coat so the color can be seen clearly without too much shine.

This is the mani I imagine for poolside brunches or daytime weddings — it’s flirty and well-planned. It’s a sweet little detail that stands out, but doesn’t shout.

Minimal Midnight Outlines

This one’s for my graphic-design-loving girls. Short square nails with a fine navy blue outline around the edges look modern, clean, and crisp. It’s a simple look with a clear outline, much like an architect’s sketch on nails.

You should use a thick navy or ink polish, such as OPI’s “Russian Navy,” and a brush that’s firm and exact for this design. This design needs to be precise, not flexible.

I apply two coats of sheer white-pink base and then lightly draw the outer tip arc, then line the sides down to the base, leaving a little space before the cuticle. A top coat with a glossy finish completes the look and makes it look more polished.

I think this look is perfect for evenings and goes great with tailored linen or a silky maxi dress. It’s quiet luxury, but for your hands.

Lemon Sorbet Fade

These acrylic nails are coated in a gentle yellow fade, much like summer sunlight in the middle of melting. The fade starts with a soft milky pink and slowly turns into a bright lemon tip, giving a dreamy sherbet-like effect that looks perfect in the sun.

I apply Gelish “Lemonade In The Shade” for the yellow and Madam Glam’s “Ballerina Pink” as the base color. A sponge is needed to blend the colors, and I always put on a thin coat, letting each one dry before adding the next, so the nails don’t look too thick.

Lightly blend the pink and yellow using a makeup sponge, and finish with a jelly top coat. The ombré should be gentle and light, just like ice cream sliding off your cone.

I love using this nail idea when I’m planning a last-minute trip. It’s beachy, feminine, and looks good even as it grows out — and trust me, I’ve tested that theory after a last-minute weekend trip to Key West.

Conclusion

What makes French Tips for Summer 2025 unique? They’ve changed — now you can find them in colours, layers, graphics, or even neon shades. It’s about capturing a mood, whether you’re feeling bold in hot pink, polished in blue, or breezy in soft green gradients. French tips are still around, but now they’re even more eye-catching and true to your style.

And honestly? That’s the best part — because the right set of nails doesn’t just finish an outfit. It starts a vibe.