The year is flying by! Winter is long gone, and summer is nearly here, which means we’re collectively daydreaming about all the seasonal fun to come. As we anticipate the endless possibilities and the official start of summer 2025, we’re thinking of ways to prepare for the season. In addition to stocking our wardrobes with the hottest summer sneaker and sandal trends, we’re also rethinking our beauty looks, from our hairstyles down to our nails. Speaking of, we chatted with a few industry pros to determine the must-wear nail polish colors for June 2025. Below, find the 12 shades they predict will be popular all month long.
Meet the Experts
Rita Remark is a NYC-based celebrity and editorial nail artist. She is also essie’s Global Lead Educator.
Chimgee Bold is a DC-based nail artist and Lead Nail Technician at nailsaloon Capitol Hill.
Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, an agency that represents the top talent in the nail industry.
Bright Red
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The popularity of bright red nails surpasses any single season. That said, there’s nothing quite like a bold red manicure or pedicure for a classic summer aesthetic. “A true red lives up to its name—powerful, timeless, and instantly eye-catching,” says Nailsaloon lead nail technician, Chimgee Bold. “It’s the ultimate confidence boost in a bottle, perfect for making a statement during sunny days and balmy nights. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop dinner or a summer wedding, wearing a true red adds sophistication with ease.”
Cherry Cola
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If you prefer deeper color palettes, Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna suggests a cherry cola mani moment. “Deep red might not be the first thing you think of for June, but cherry cola tones add a glossy, moody twist that still works with the season,” she explains.
Soft Pink
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Meanwhile, for all the neutral, coquette girlies and guys out there, Bold recommends a soft pink nail moment. “It’s soft, chic, and endlessly wearable,” she says. “The perfect nude pink with a clean, elegant finish acts as a polished everyday look or a modern twist on the classic French manicure. Its versatility makes it a must-have for June, pairing beautifully with glowing skin and light, effortless fashion.”
Sheer Pink
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Multiple pink nail shades will be having their moment this June. For a more effortless effect, opt for a sheer wash of rosy color. “A sheer, soft pink is French manicure perfection,” Bold reveals. “Delicate and elegant, a sheer pink offers a translucent blush tone that enhances the natural nail with a clean, polished finish. Ideal for French tips or a minimalist nude look, it’s the go-to shade for understated beauty and timeless style.”
Hanna agrees. “Sheer rose gives a polished, barely-there finish that looks clean and intentional,” she says. “It’s great for when you want your nails to feel refreshed but low-maintenance.”
Essie Global Lead Educator and artist, Rita Remark, is also a fan. “Think of the clearest, bubblegum pink glow on your nails,” she suggests. “It’s cheerful, youthful, and super versatile.”
Princess Pink
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Princess pink or Barbie pink—whatever you want to call it, this bright bubblegum shade is popping off ahead of summer 2025. “This true royal pink is a vibrant, luxurious shade that brings bold elegance to spring nails,” Bold says. “Perfect for making a confident statement, this regal hue blends the freshness of spring with a touch of sophistication, ideal for anyone looking to add a pop of color that’s both polished and powerful.”
Fuchsia Pink
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Craving something even brighter? Fuchsia is the way to go, whether in a cream, matte, or metallic finish. “A fuchsia pink nail color is a bold yet playful shade, perfect for spring,” Bold says. “Its vibrant pink base captures the energy and renewal of the season, while the infusion of deep purple undertones adds sophistication and depth. The result is a rich, saturated hue that is ideal for expressing freshness, confidence, and a touch of glamour as the weather warms and nature comes alive.”
Peachy Coral
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Pretty peach manicures and pedicures are a summer classic, and Bold says they’re getting a head start in June. “With a subtle sun-kissed glow, it is flattering on all skin tones and easy to pair with [summer] wardrobes from florals to neutrals,” she says. “It’s the kind of color that feels effortlessly chic, like the first warm breeze or a sunny afternoon brunch.”
Hanna seconds the colors’ overwhelming appeal. “Soft coral is playful but not too loud—it gives off a warm, energetic feel that’s perfect for the start of summer,” she shares. “It flatters all skin tones and works great on both fingers and toes.”
Butter Yellow
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Another month, another four weeks to capitalize on the butter yellow nail trend. “Butter yellow is softer than neon but still brings a cheerful hit of color,” Hanna says. “It’s a happy, sunny shade that feels playful and modern, especially when worn on short, square nails.”
Pool Blue
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Pool season is here! As much as we wish we could post up at our favorite pool all summer long, work and life call us in other directions. Thankfully, pool blue manicures are trending. “Pool blue feels crisp and refreshing, like the color of clean, clear water,” Hanna says. “It’s vibrant without leaning neon and gives you that summer energy in a cooler tone.”
You can achieve a pool—or ocean—inspired nail look with many shades of blue, though. Remark lists bold blues, sky, cobalt, or indigo as viable shades, noting that they’re all in for June 2025.
Lavender Gray
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Not ready to embrace all of the bright summer shades? “Lavender gray is a great transitional shade. It has the softness of spring pastels with a slightly moodier edge that still feels light enough for summer,” Hanna says. “It’s especially nice in cooler lighting or overcast beach days.”
Cloud White
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The milky white mani remains a popular look heading into summer. “Cloudy, soft white shades look clean and breezy for June,” Hanna says. “They’re less stark than winter whites and pair nicely with tan skin, metallic accents, or minimal nail art.”
Similarly, Remark crowns a milky white the best colorless hue of the season. “Like linen, soft semi-sheer whites add a squeaky-clean summer finish to the hand,” she explains.
Iridescent Veil
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Why not cap things off with a hint of shimmery fun? “A sheer reflective color is like a neutral with a little something extra,” Remark says. There’s no single-shade rule, either. You can pick an iridescent veil with an undertone that best suits your skin tone or mood. It’s up to you!
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