25 Fresh French Tips for Summer 2025 You’ll Want to Screenshot Immediately

With summer swiftly approaching, many are looking to undergo a change such as, wearing lighter clothes, consuming iced drinks, and refreshing their nails. The pressing question, though, is what is trending for summer gel nail design ideas 2025 and how can you customize them My goal is for you to feel optimistic and confident, whether you’re headed to the beach or planning a girl’s night out. I want you feeling bright and fabulous. From Bold styles to fierce cuts, this list idea is not just for inspiration; it is your summer nail board. As for inspiration, what about pink, blue, or even 2025 red? Perhaps all of them.

Nail designs, especially during summer, are more than just applying polish, rather they communicate one’s vibe or personality. As such, the common French tips require a refreshing take for 2025; how do we maintain a sense of cuteness while also being a bit out of the ordinary? This season, be it almond nails or squared shapes, short styles, or full on scrunched acrylics, there is no limit to expression. While the standards are more flexible, feminine and bold hues take center stage as the reinventions of timeless styles blossom.

From classic red to striking crimson-the power of color is ineffable and for this reason I have carefully curated 25 fresh and uniquely assertive French tip designs. For now, let me start with 5 and you will understand what I mean.

Playful Punch of Neon

Girls look amazing and feel confident when they wear these French-tipped nails on summer holidays. Each nail is its own celebration of fun with a glassy nude base and edges kissed by hot pink, neon green, electric blue, and sunshine yellow French tips. While pop-art adds a playful punch to the design, the clean oval shape of the nails look polished and refined. The design is a bold statement, saying “I have plans and I intend to look beautiful.”

To recreate this look, use OPI Hot Tropics and Glowstick, and No Room for the Blues for a bold blue. Avoid skipping the high gloss top coat after finishing with a gel base. Those dip into the background aren’t memorable. Don’t forget neon hues or a rubbery capsules finish since those are essential to this design.

Starting off with a square or coffin shape, fill the long and sculpted nails. Using Essie’s “Sheer Silhouette,” apply a base coat nude and conceal with a translucent polish. The design curves to require ultra-fine brushes where color is applied in curves. While edges should be tailored, loose edges offer a touch of flair.

To me, I remember wearing something like this at summer music festivals and while on holiday at the beach. The type of manicure that grabs attention and starts a discussion is this one. There’s always someone wondering, “Where’s the place you got your nails done?”

Red Reboot: Classic, But Make It Chic

So, this is how you reinvent red. The sharp and shiny red with French tips is rich in pigment, but the red itself is not too bold and overwhelming. The way the deep-set and curved smile lines draw in the color softens the rest gives the look vintage glam, balanced with the clean minimalist feel of modernity. Rounded, but not an outright circle is how I’d describe that shape, and it’s timeless as well as universally flattering no matter the age.

A solid red like Chanel’s “Gitane” or Olive & June’s “Cherry crush” does the job. Chanel and Olive & June both offer french tipped solid red which works wonders as described. The arcs have to be sculpted precisely to look even and red polish makes it tricky, so having a fine brush helps. A tip I can share: paint the tips first and then contour them using a clean brush dipped in acetone to reshape. You will thank me later.

The look is effortless, but when paired with red tips over natural nails, it gives just the right amount of cool polish to appear put together. This is how I’ve styled my nails for last-minute date nights.

Sunset Bee Lines

The high-contrast graphic style gets a nod with this black and yellow composition. These glossy acrylic nails feature a cheeky pairing of bright yellow crescent moons and edgy black French tips adorned with micro black dots. The overall look is fun yet sleek, structured yet fluid.

For the at-home stylist, a long-lasting yellow like Lights Lacquer’s “Slice of Life” matched with Essie’s “Licorice” for the black makes the perfect duo. As for the dots, I’m a firm believer in dotting tools (or the end of a bobby pin if you’re scrappier like me).

This is not the lazy-girl manicure: precision is key. After applying the black tip and dots, yellows must be painted, cured, or dried. It’s layered and luxe like the best summer outfits.

Galaxy Noir

For the edgy stargazers, and almond nails donned by anyone wishing to exude some mystery. Blush pink base finished with black French tips embellished with glitter, rhinestones, and playful star designs? Dreamy, gothy, and high-fashion all at once—this one’s for you.

For the black glitter base I use “Cityscape” by ILNP and for the stars I use gel art pens. To complete the look, a couple of Swarovski crystals are placed at the base which capture the light beautifully.

If you are not good at freehand nail art, consider using stencils or decals. Also, the top coat can’t be rushed—make sure it’s perfectly applied so the shine is locked in.

It’s mindblowing how this type of look gets compliments at rooftop parties. I remember wearing this combo to a night market in LA and not joking, three random people asked me for nail technician recommendations.

Lemon Glacé Minimalism

Soft pastel yellow tips are so refreshing during summer. Clean and muted, these short French tips are like a lemon sorbet in nails form. A straightforward option for the season, these nails have personality and will never be boring. Really, they work with everything; a comfy linen outfit or that daring hot pink bikini you’ve been itching to show off.

For french tips, I recommend using Zoya’s “Bee” with a sheer pink base coat. It’s simple to achieve this look at home. I prefer a square shape with soft corners for the nails, creating a timeless yet modern aesthetic.

With a drink and a binge of Sex and the City, I often do my own nails. The overall vibe is effortless, elegant, and pleasant. It strikes a wonderful balance between looking great and not requiring too much effort.

Rainbow Remix on White

This multicolor remix breathes fresh air into classic white tips with a colored twist. Each nail displays a separate color—red, lilac, peach, blue, butter yellow, and olive green—and retains the iconic French nail design. The twist? Each color sits within a bright white square tip. It’s like a mood board on your fingertips.

Where the polish comes from makes all the difference for this style. You’ll want saturated cremes which can be found in the Lights Lacquer rainbow set or in the GelBottle Inc’s “Colour Me Happy” collection. As for the base coat, a sheer and clean looking ‘brisk’ in whites would be “Ballet Slippers” by Essie or builder gels in nude.

Bordering the rounded color overlay requires precision and steady hands. For sharp lines, I use a detailed half-oval guide sticker. Fill the corresponding shapes, let the entire thing dry, and lastly apply a glossy top coat. Each white tip unifies every single nail which gives the design a cohesive look while allowing it to stand independently from the rest.

It’s a manicure that makes hands look like accessories. A lovely iced coffee, hands draped confidently over a shiny steering wheel, and paired boldly with sunglasses. Totally that energy.

Festival Energy: Dot Me Up

Summer 2025 might as well be an ‘I’m Ready’ party with this french tip inspired festival design. It features green, yellow, and blue with an almond-shape and finished off with a neon dotted arch. Remarkable, expressive, yet shockingly trendy for both festival goers and those chilling poolside, spicy margarita in hand.

What brings this to life is the punchy triad of colors. “Electric Blue” and “Neon Green” by Bio Seaweed Gel brands scream summer alongside a gel neon yellow from Kiara Sky. Dot work is best achieved with a small dotting tool or a clean toothpick.

Start with soft almond shapes, then taper them into your desired length by sketching asymmetrical, rounded curves. Fill the gaps with dashes—dotting even sized small circles with a variety of scale adds a unique twist. Finish by curing and sealing with gel top coat to create a protective layer that prevents chipping while sporting unparalleled shine.

This design is how I want my nails to communicate on long weekends: “Yes, I made a choice.” What’s more, they are absolutely stunning under LED lights and during the golden hour. It really is a vibe.

Midnight Lemon French

The classic lines of this design have been given a bold twist with a punchy chartreuse edge and black trim making it editorial. Achieving just the right balance between edgy and striking, this French tip design is unapologetically fresh. The soft coffin structure of the acrylic nails complemented with the sharp black and yellow slices creates an almost airbrushed look.

You will need to stock up on high-pigment colors to achieve this design, so try The GelBottle Inc’s “Cyber Lime” and “Jet Black.” For me, gel polish works best as it provides a neater finish as well as simplifies the cleaning process. To achieve the defined angled contrast, a liner brush is essential.

There is no need to go ham on accessories for this. Do not drown the design with too many pieces, and let the nails do the talking. This is a was a hybrid edgy and neon design that I wore when I was trying to figure out which of the two styles to go with.

Retro Bubblegum & Blue

The swirl nail design is a nod to ‘90s surf culture with specks of blue, peachy pink and periwinkle. They are short and square in shape, playful but soft and subtle yet stand out at the same time. Each colored tip boasts curved smile lines which give the nails a modern yet effortless editorial feel.

Shades “Blue Bell”, “Cotton Candy” and “Tropical Peach” from DND gel creations are perfect for pastel summer. As discussed earlier, the color should be pastele but vibrant, never muted.

To achieve the design, start with square tips and a sheer pink base, then apply an arc line in a different color which can be capped with a mini-arc. It’s nearly eyeliner style layering. This gives it Duo modern-summer and Y2K vibes.

This design is perfect for brunch or a casual Friday look. Stunning with a denim and white tank top, it’s an effortless 10 out of 10.

Micro Jet Tips

So minimal, yet so impactful. These short nails are polished to perfection with a sheer nude base and micro-fine black edging on each tip—think eyeliner for your fingers. This look epitomizes “the clean girl aesthetic” with just the right amount of twirl to make it noticeable. Absolutely stunning on short squares like this.

Micro jet tips don’t require much, just a super thin nail art brush and glossy black nail polish. Butter London’s “Union Jack Black” works well. For the base, a sheer but bright look is best—builder gel works wonderfully if you want that healthy, strong appearance.

With these nails, you want to apply the black edge just at the very tip. Too much will throw off the contrast you’ve created. As described before, these nails are about balance—just strong enough to devoid of embellishment.

These nails are my go-to for the effortless elegant look. They are perfect for the boardroom, and can even snag compliments from your barista.

Opalescent Sparkle Meets Minimalist Pop

The combination of shimmer and white bubble art is simply captivating. These nails showcase a classic pink nude polish with floating iridescent flakes and perfectly spaced white dots. The creates an ethereal vibe that is both whimsical and out of this world. The shape is long and sharply square, which adds sleekness, and drama. This makes the set one of the most eye-catching and enjoyable summer nail ideas.

To obtain this glassy look, I would suggest using a builder gel (like The Gel Bottle’s “Clear BIAB”) for that smooth glass-like surface. For sparkle, I recommend using holographic foil flakes, such as the ones made by Daily Charme. And for the crisp dot detailing, a bright white gel polish (like Gelish Arctic Freeze), a thin dotting tool, and some urchin spines will do just fine. Finish with a high-gloss non-wipe top coat to seal it in.

If you’re doing this at home, apply the clear base first, and flash cure. Next, sprinkle your flakes in a delicate layering dance; remember, restraint is key here. Use a dotting tool to apply your white accents gently, varying the size for that bubbly look. Cap it all off with your preferred top coat and cure completely. That’s it—glass galaxy fingertips accomplished.

To me this look is reminiscent of the cotton candy skies at dusk—when you are not quite ready to part ways with the beach day and are just vibing with your cozy sweater and cold drink. It’s a vibe for sure. This season, I spotted similar styles on Hailey Bieber and other influencers, and honestly? They look stunning during golden hour.

Tangerine Fade For Bright Days

Summer 2025 is calling for rich and vibrant, juicy shades, and this orange melt is definitely stealing the show. The soft ombre transition from natural pink to sun-kissed orange adds a touch of fun without going over the top. While the square shape gives it some structure, the fade makes it dreamy soft, reminiscent of a popsicle melting in slow motion.

This gradient look uses a sheer nude base such as OPI’s “Bubble Bath” and a vibrant orange gel “Tangerine Dreamz” by Beetles. Use a sponge to tap blend the orange to avoid streaks. For a perfect finish, request this gradient effect with gel polish as regular lacquer not only dulls the look, but makes the polish fade less elegantly.

To recreate this look at home, prep your nails by applying a pink base, then blending orange with a sponge on top. Cure between layers and repeat until the gradient looks flawless. Finish with a glossy top coat to lock the gradient in place, and you are good to go.

I wore this look to pool parties and brunches and it’s a fantastic icebreaker. Orange is very underrepresented in summer nails, and this look shows why it needs to be more popular. It flatters every skin tone, and I mean every single one.

French Tips with a Glossy Pink Update

Have you thought about trying hot pink this season? We absolutely love this effortless yet chic hot pink square set. It’s glossy bare-pink tips are a snappy French look, effortless for Instagram and captures the essence of low maintenance beauty. The look is flirty, cute yet sultry for summer nights.

The look requires hot pink gel Orly’s “La La Land” along with a neutral nude base like OPI’s “Put It In Neutral.” Most critical is the precision on the tip arc – clean outlines are essential! We suggest using French guide stickers or fine liner brushes for the best results.

Personally, I like to rock this style with stacked bangles or solo minimalist rings to capture attention and further glamour without taking focus from the nails. This type of style works well during work and effortlessly transforms to friendly summer gatherings on the patio. Adaptable for any occasion! I came across a similar design on Pinterest and I cannot stop thinking about those gold foil accents beneath the pink polish. Can’t wait to add those!

Traditional French With Nautical Flair

Here’s look for my minimalist girlies who want to add a pop of colour. That subtle blue stripe is just enough of a rebellion against the timeless white french tips. The medium length almond shape makes it elegant but not too prim and proper and just soft enough to be breezy. Hamptons in July crisp and clean.

To achieve this look, use a sheer pink or soft nude base. Grab a detail brush and paint on your white french tip, then above the smile line paint a thin blue stripe. Essie’s “Butler Please” works perfectly. Seal with a shiny top coat for that crisp finish.

Last year I sported a similar style and paired it with a navy linen dress and white slides. Honestly, it felt like my nails were the accessories. For a yacht outing (or brunch with a view), this is your go-to.

Color Blocked French Tips With A Neon Flare

Take a walk on the wild side with tips designed for the 2025 summer season because you won’t have to follow any rules. Striking a balance between the Y2K aesthetic and Paris runways, this style screams rebellion. A neutral base accented by soft, pastel green, cotton candy blue, vibrant yellow, and pink create a delightful rainbow. Even with so much color, the style is short, versatile, and easy to wear. While stunning to look at, the rainbow tips are pure joy and guaranteed to lift your mood.

You can achieve the look with Modelones’ Neon collection and with the Lights Lacquer Pastel Dream set. Just as with all hairstyling, nails need detailing as well and you will need a small striping or detail brush to curve the tips. Oh, and it’s perfectly fine for each nail to be painted a different shade. In fact, that is the goal.

This style reminds me of sidewalk chalk and summer camp bracelets, capturing color and joy perfectly year round. Whether you need makeup to festivals, vacations, or when you’re dancing around your kitchen, this is bound to elevate any outfit. Tom Bachik, celebrity nail artist who does J Lo’s nails, said ‘the energy we’re all craving is bold brights,’ which is why it is triumphing so much lately. Couldn’t agree more.

Rhinestone Glam with a Minimal Touch

There is a distinct type of self-assuredness that arises from sporting pointed, almond-shaped nails with white tips and chrome studs. The impact of this design feels like a luxurious quiet moment. While the clean nude polish enhances the fingers, the sharply almond-shaped nails offer a hint of daring edge. Instead of shouting like most nails do, these cute nails whisper but still capture attention.


For those interested in nailing this look, every one of them starts off with a milky nude base such as “Baby Take a Vow” by OPI, a crisp white gel polish for the tips, and micro metallic studs or Swarovski crystals. In my experience, using a wax pencil to apply micro Swarovski crystals over a slightly tacky top coat works best because it allows for perfect control of the arch.

Be patient as you apply the white tips, it matters how the smile line is accented. Cure and place the rhinestones, then finish with thick clear coat that won’t dull the shine, but will lock them in securely. If you’re doing a summer glam set for an event, this one definitely exudes quiet star energy.

Monochrome Drama With A Graphic Point

For those who are more black sunglasses than SPF, this set screams summer. The two-tone stiletto shape juxtaposed in white and jet black is bold and makes an editorial statement. While sleek and moody, these summer staples feel surprisingly seasonably appropriate. French tips for summer 2025 prove that dark can be hot weather appropriate when balanced right.

For the sheer pink base apply “Sheer Luck” by Essie. Using a precision detail brush, fill in with black and white gel polish for the high contrast french tip. This look is best done on overlays or acrylics for added durability to the defined shape.

I admire how it captures a bit of ’90s Naomi Campbell, yet it still looks fresh. Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi once said, “black-and-white minimalism will always feel timeless and chic,” and honestly, she is right. This suggestion is perfect when you want a bold statement but on a skimming-the-surface-of-neon kind of day.

Pop Art Color Block With a Matte Base

Here is one for the bold babes—blue and pink tipped ovular nails with a matte black bed are straight from the pages of a graphic novel. This is not your average summer french tips for 2025—this is superhero-core, festival-ready, and 100% cannot be missed. The contrasting finishes between the matte and the gloss is what drives it over the edge.

To recreate this, you will need a strong matte black polish (try “Blackout” by CND Vinylux), and vibrant pink and blue gels—anything from the Neon Pop collection by Le Mini Macaron works great. With a French guide or a steady hand, apply your colors carefully at the tips. Gloss over the tip with shine but skip it on the matte base to create that striking contrast.

This one will start a convo. I got asked twice where I got surgey done after wearing them to a rooftop concert. Edgy as they may sound, these are surprisingly versatile and can go with denim or leather, day or night.

Black & White Optical Illusion

For those who find a modern twist on timeless styles appealing, this will be your go to for the summer. The design’s alternating black and white curved tips evoke visions of retro televisions, which is both nostalgic… and a bit out there. The movement created by the alternating tips is flirty yet reserved at the same time, making this design perfect for short or square shaped nails.

Use a natural sheer pink as the base and paint black and white curved tips for the edges with a nail striping brush. For extreme impact, outline the black or white curve with an eye-catching color like silver chrome or even micro glitter.

This set is perfect for those looking for ‘that something’ without getting drowned in distractions. A simple design that works for any outfit makes it stylishly versatile.

Geometric Rainbow Layers

French tips for summer have exploded into Kaleidoscope beauty. This is what emerges when graphic liner meets cotton candy—a perfectly layered lilac, blue, orange, green tipped colored V’s. The square shape captures the design in crisp lines while the nude base allows the rainbow colors to pop and shine.

To achieve this at home, a mix of neon and pastel gel colors is a must. Modelones has a Pastel Vibes kit, and Makartt’s Neon Brights set should work well too. For the layered chevrons, use French nail guides cut into Vs or a liner brush to daub different shades. Most importantly, exercise precision and patience.

This set takes me back to the prism pens we all obsessed over back in school–bright, layered, and delightfully nostalgic. It’s a simple design but a wonderful twist that makes you want to flaunt your hands in every photograph. Consider yourself warned.

Joy Sparking Two Dimensional Hearts in Rainbow Colors

Nail art that serves as a booster shot of joy is a dream come true. Soft pastel 3D hearts (pink, blue, yellow, and lilac) are scattered over the base of crisp white tips. These square acrylics are flirty and bubble with a total mood boost. Each nail tells a mini story and the glossy nude bed keeps it calm and not overwhelming.

Bright 3D heart stickers or builder gel, sheer pink gel base (Madame Glam’s “Perfect Pink”), and pastel gel polishes like Lavender Ice, Lemonade Pop, and Bubblegum Sky will help achieve this cheerful design. You can also create mini hearts with gel using a dotting tool.

This style is surprisingly easy to wear with a faded denim jacket and iced matcha on a warm summer day. I wore a similar set last April and found myself admiring them in every reflection, even in the microwave door. Designs like this are just so much fun and full of bright energy.

Lily of the Valley Whisper

This one is for the garden girls, those gentle spirits who pair poetry with their almond nails. The design shows delicate tips that resemble leaves and are encircled with green stems and tiny lily of the valley buds. It is light and airy and romantic, such a vibe for someone whose nail art ideas match their mood. Vintage stationery comes to mind, but wearable.

You will begin with a soft nude gel base—I recommend “Bare My Soul” by DND. For detailing, you need an art brush and gel liner in white and green. This design will take time due to the detail, so do not rush while adding the buds and stems. Remember to cure at every step to keep everything sharp.

This design feels so countryside picnic. It’s the type of manicure you’d wear while carrying a woven bag and sandals to a brunch wedding or farmer’s market. Plus, the flower detailing makes even a sweats look intentional.

Retro Lavender Florals

Our heaven is short square nails with pastel purple and soft pink. They have a playful short square shape with curved French daisy tips. It is a modern take on ’60s mod style. The curve in the smile line softens the squareness, adorably sweet, but not overly feminine. These are the type of nails that brighten people’s day when they look at you.

A pastel lavender color at the tip and a soft with pink gel base create this look. For the curve, a striping brush can be used, guiding freehand or via curve guides. Completion includes 3D daisy decals or hand sculpted builder gel flowers for that touchable floral texture.

To be honest, these are my favorite nails for a girls’ night out, or even as a fun set before heading to the beach for vacation. They are simple, nostalgic, cheerful, but not overdone. Last summer, I wore a variation of this look and I remember getting a matching lavender crossbody bag. I ended up getting more compliments than I expected while waiting in line to pay at the grocery store. Was that a coincidence? I think not.

Thus far, the ways to inspire heat, sparkle and summer notice, boldness and attitude to your nails brings us to 25. For those who prefer minimalistic styles combined with extravagant loud twist, summer gel nail design ideas 2025 are all about spontaneity, joy and a hint of boldness. I will admit that I have tried some looks while others I have put straight into my wish list. What’s best is that these designs will fit everyone! Dark skin, light skin, tanned beauties and every vibe in between. The choices are endless.

Which one are you going for on your next mani?