Once Christmas has passed, I’m over winter. Keep your New Year’s celebrations and your Valentine’s Day dates; I’d sacrifice them all to be teleported directly to summer. After bottoming out on vitamin D during the sunshine-free months, replenishing the stores with outdoor walks, al fresco meals and garden naps feels borderline euphoric.
But then, as a beauty editor, it would be weird if I didn’t get excited about the fresh make-up, hairstyles and nail trends bubbling to the surface for the summer months. One I’ve already seen seen quietly cropping up on the hands of industry friends, nail technicians and GCP (Generally Chic People)? A kaleidoscope of blue manicures all evoking a dip in the Med.
I’ve spotted rich, deep shades of navy that look gloriously expensive, as well as lighter, sea-foam colours and eyecatching cobalts. Usually, they’re block colour manicures, worn on a square nail for a sharp, modern look. But I’ve also seen ocean-inspired French manicures, and sweet, evil-eye-reminiscent sea-blue designs.
What distinguishes the ocean nails trend from an ordinary blue manicure is the shades used – spanning paler hues that mimic foaming waves, all the way to the inkier blues of deep waters. Pastel blue nails wouldn’t fit into this canon, for example. Think of the colours that greet you when you throw open the doors of your sea view hotel balcony on holiday, and you’ll be right on the money. Here, I’ve rounded up my favourite ocean-inspired designs for summer 2026. Let’s dive in.
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This article was originally published on British Vogue.
