Summer is (almost) here and with a few solid days of sun (more are on the way, our weather app assures us) it's time to turn up the heat on those manis with some new nail designs. If you're in the market for season-appropriate bright summer nails, why not switch out your go-to nude a more obviously pink manicure. There are myriad ways to do it. Opt for a modern take on the classic French mani that errs on the baby pink side. Try hues of rose, peach or pretty nudes for a spin on the look. Or, if you're partial to a bit more pizzaz, there's always hot pink and fuchsia.
If your heart is set on subtle nail art, an ombré look may be the perfect way to bring in a statement pink shade without committing to an all-over look. Ombré manicures have quickly become a regular request in salons and there are plenty of pink looks to take inspiration from on social media.
Barbie movie mania may have come and gone, but 'pink-core' will likely long reign supreme in the manicure department, not least because it makes for a mood-boosting nail look and is both summer and festival appropriate. And the A-listers are on board, too. One of our favourite set of pink nails this year came courtesy of Sydney Sweeney at last month's Met Gala, who went for soft pastel pink almond nails finished with cat-eye tips and 3D gold accents. A work of art.
Ready for a pink manicure makeover? We've done all the hard work for you and scoured Instagram to find the best pink nail inspiration to bookmark ahead of your next appointment. And of course these designs can be combined with different nail shapes to tailor your look. Happy scrolling...
The best pink nail polishes at a glance
Best for Barbie pink nails: Nails.Inc On Fridays We Wear Pink Nail Polish, £9
Best for soft pink nails: OPI Nail Lacquer Sheer Pink Nail Polish in Bubble Bath, £15.60
Best affordable pink nail polish: Essie Nail Polish in 13 Mademoiselle, £8.99
Best breathable pink nail polish: Nailberry Pink Tulip Oxygenated Nail Lacquer, £16.50
The Best Pink Nail Designs 2025
Subtle Ombré
Into minimalist nail art? We've found the perfect natural pink ombré for you. The set below is done with acrylic but if you want to keep things super natural opt for trendy BIAB nails.
Pink Aura
Yes, aura nails still count as ombré and better yet they are one of the trendiest nail designs this year has to offer.
Pink Marble
With this pink set the deeper hues are concentrated just at the end of the nail tips, to create a beautiful marble effect. Totally Instagram-worthy.
Nail Art Mania
Each nail pictured below bears a different shade of pink and has nicely been jazzed up with hearts. If you're feeling bold you can DIY your perfect set at home.
Coffin Nails
Just a friendly reminder that this set no longer needs to be a thing of the past. There was a point in 2012 where just about everyone was sporting this set alongside a coffin nail shape. And we still love it.
Mix 'n' Match
If you don't fancy a gradual blend of colour, alternate with different shades of pink on each finger. Same effect, different vibes.
Pink nail FAQs
What colour goes best with pink nails?
This is entirely dependant on mood, style and the time of year. When summer comes around, you can get more adventurous with pops of colour from sky blues to reds and yellows. Pink is super versatile so don't be afraid to have fun with it.
How to achieve strawberry milk nails
Strawberry milk nails are always a good idea. To create the look start off with a soft white or very light pink base coat, then apply one or two thin coats of a sheer pink polish. If you want a high-shine finish, finish with a glossy top coat.
Is pink nail polish out of style?
Absolutely not. Pink is a enduring nail colour that spans all seasons and occasions year round. It's also a celebrity go-to whether soft, bright or super shiny. Look to Sydney Sweeney who rocked a chic pink nail set at the Met Gala 2025.
What colour is an 'Opi bubble bath'?
OPI's Bubble Bath is a cult classic nail polish colour from an equally cult nail brand. The colour is a soft, almost transparent, pink that has become extremely popular. So much so, the brand has created different products that all offer the same colour, from classic polishes to press on nails.
Do pink nails go with everything?
Pink nails are considered highly versatile thanks to the breadth of shades available, from barely-there soft pinks to full frontal Barbie hues, which means you can always find a pink to suit any occasion.
Are light pink nails professional?
As far as professional is concerned, light pink is the safest colour to wear when rocking pink in professional settings thanks to its neutral and muted finish which doesn't draw too much attention.