This season, nails are less prescriptive and more about embracing individuality! Colour returns in an optimistic and joyful way or if you prefer something softer, opt for an understated, off-white cream or classic bare, healthy-looking manicure.  Be guided by your mood and express yourself with a manicure that feels distinctly you. Shorter nails are more manageable and nail health underscores every trend, whatever the season. 

We called on the expertise of Mavala’s Global Trainer Lynn Mason to discover what to do with your nails as we head into warmer times. 

The return of colour

Be playful and experiment with shades you love, building a summer nail wardrobe, a curated edit of colours that suit your skin tone, lifestyle and personal style. The MAVALA minis in a 5ml size offer a versatile and cost-effective way to mix and match – each polish delivers 10 manicures. Try these trending hues for the season…

• Ocean blues – holiday aqua Mediterranean blues and coastal calm pastels
• Amethyst – regal and sophisticated purple shades
• Tropical delight –sunset tones of fun peach, vibrant corals and butter yellow shades
• Red – warm, earthy brick hues or bold tomato red shades
• Chocolate brown – gentle, cocooning and toasty shades

Milky-inspired neutrals

Pantone’s Cloud Dancer continues to trend, with creamy off-whites, yogurt pinks and soft milky shades preferred over stark, block whites. Neutrals are feeling warmer, fresher and more translucent.

Bare, healthy-looking nails

The naked, natural nail movement continues to reign supreme. Give your nails a glow up by focusing on the health of the nail with strengthening and nourishing manicure products. Prioritise cuticle care to elevate the health and vibrancy of the natural nail.  Go polish-free or apply a sheer gloss finish for a cost efficient, low maintenance option - a particularly sensible choice as the cost-of-living pressures rise.  Strong, flexible, well-conditioned nails and cared-for cuticles provide the foundation for every great manicure, whether you're wearing a statement purple or nothing more than a transparent shine.

Shorter, more wearable shapes

We’re seeing a move towards practical, wearable lengths. Short squoval, softly rounded and natural almond shapes feel modern and effortless. Shorter nails not only offer simplicity but elegance and look great in any colour. 

Glossy finish

Gloss is incredibly important for this season. Whatever colour you choose, a beautifully smooth, almost glass-like finish makes a manicure feel fresh and polished. Even a barely-there nude becomes much more luxurious when the nail looks healthy and brilliantly glossy.

Tonal mani and pedi combinations

A tonal and complimentary approach is on-trend this season, think milky-peach mani and bold coral pedi, delivering an effortlessly chic and modern result.

Micro nail-art

Leaning into the playful spirit of summer, express yourself with delicate dots, mini flowers, swirls or a tiny French manicure, applying a slim line on the free edge of the nail. A ‘dotticure’ can be perfected by anyone, using a fine dotting tool to add colourful dots to your nails around the cuticle.

Nail art and pic by: Ryanna