There’s something about a fresh pedicure that makes summer feel official. Maybe it’s the first time your toes see daylight after months of being trapped in boots. Or maybe it’s just knowing that your feet look good enough to show off in sandals, at the pool, or walking barefoot on the beach.
Whatever it is, choosing the right color can make or break your summer pedicure game. Your toes get way less attention than your hands, which means you can be braver with color choices. Go ahead and try that neon you’ve been eyeing but felt too nervous to wear on your fingers.
Celebrity manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna knows a thing or two about summer pedicures. She’s worked with A-listers who need their feet to look camera-ready at a moment’s notice. According to her, this summer is all about embracing color—the brighter and bolder, the better.
The Power of a Cherry Red Pedicure
Let’s start with a shade that never goes out of style. Red nails have been turning heads for decades, and there’s a good reason why. They’re confident without trying too hard. They work with literally everything in your closet. And honestly? They just make you feel like that girl.
“Bright reds are classic, bold, and they look amazing with a tan,” Hanna explains. For summer specifically, she recommends leaning toward warmer undertones that coordinate with the season’s heat. Think tomato red or cherry instead of burgundy or wine.
The red nail theory has been making rounds online, too. It suggests that potential romantic interests find red nails particularly attractive. Whether you’re looking to turn heads or just feel powerful, a fiery red pedicure delivers. Try shades like Dazzle Dry’s Pep Rally for a vibrant tomato red, or OPI’s Cajun Shrimp for something with more orange undertones.
You can dress up red for a night out or dress it down for casual beach days. It pairs beautifully with denim, looks stunning against white linen, and adds just the right pop to an all-black outfit.
Spritz and Coral: Summer in a Bottle
If you’ve ever sipped an Aperol Spritz on a warm evening, you know exactly what color we’re talking about. That juicy, slightly neon orange-pink hybrid has become one of summer’s most sought-after pedicure shades. It’s vibrant without being overwhelming, and it captures that carefree vacation energy perfectly.
Coral sits right between pink and orange on the color wheel, which makes it universally flattering. “Coral is a vibrant and cheerful shade that perfectly captures the vibes of summer,” Hanna says. “It adds a pop of color that is both trendy and fun.”
The beauty of coral is its versatility. ORLY’s Happy And Healthy offers a soft, subtle take if you’re easing into the trend. Gelcare’s Grapefruit delivers a vibrant, neon version for those ready to make a statement. And Essie’s Check In to Check Out leans more orange-toned for warmth lovers.
Coral looks especially gorgeous against sun-kissed skin. As your tan develops throughout summer, your coral pedicure will only look better. It’s one of those colors that gets more compliments than you’d expect, probably because it’s cheerful without being in-your-face bright.
Tangerine Dreams and Sunset Shades
Moving further into orange territory, tangerine nails are bold and energetic. This shade doesn’t whisper—it speaks up. “Tangerine is bold and energetic, making it a standout color for summer beach days and vacations,” Hanna notes.
Your toes are the perfect place to experiment with tangerine because they’re not front and center like your hands. You can rock this punchy shade without feeling like it dominates your entire look. Plus, it photographs beautifully, which matters if you’re planning to document your summer adventures on social media.
Dazzle Dry’s Poppy Poison adds an iridescent finish to the tangerine family, giving you extra dimension that catches the light. Their Rebel shade offers a straight-up vibrant tangerine orange. For something a bit softer, ORLY’s Are You Sherbert? delivers a paler, creamier take on the tangy color.
Tangerine works surprisingly well with a variety of sandal colors. It pops against nude or tan shoes, creates an interesting contrast with metallics, and even plays nicely with other bright colors if you’re feeling adventurous with your footwear.
Butter Yellow: Soft Yet Striking
Pastel yellow took everyone by surprise when it started trending, but once you see butter yellow on toes, you get it. This soft, warm, creamy shade isn’t your typical bold summer color, but that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s unexpected, sophisticated, and still manages to feel perfectly seasonal.
“While summer typically calls for bright and neon colors, this year, pale, pastel shades that look vibrant against sun tans are making the rounds,” notes the team at NewBeauty. Butter yellow sits at the top of that list. It’s pale without being boring, and warm without being aggressive.
Olive & June’s Bright & Focused lives up to its name with a beaming yellow that feels creative. Manucurist Paris’ Mimosa channels brunch vibes with its pastel perfection. And Londontown’s Buttercup is the softest and most subtle of the bunch, perfect if you typically lean neutral but want to try something different.
The best part about butter yellow? It looks good on everyone. Seriously. Whether your skin is fair, medium, or deep, this shade complements rather than competes. It’s like sunshine in a bottle, and who doesn’t want that on their toes all summer long?
Pretty in Pink: From Neon to Nude
Pink pedicures are having multiple moments this summer, and honestly, that’s not surprising. Pink is versatile enough to satisfy minimalists and maximalists alike. The key is figuring out which pink speaks to your summer aesthetic.
Neon pink is for the bold. “Neon pink is juicy and fun, which perfectly embodies the playful vibes of summer,” Hanna says. This shade demands attention in the best possible way. It’s perfect if your summer includes festivals, pool parties, or anywhere you want to make a statement. Essie’s Blushin’ & Crushin’ delivers a vibrant hot pink with blue undertones that really pops.
Jelly pink offers a more subtle approach to the neon trend. Think of it as the lip gloss version of nail polish—sheer, glossy, and utterly summery. Gelcare’s Jelly Pink gives you that neon vibe without full opacity, while Essie’s Blush Jelly provides a creamy pink tint with a translucent finish. Jelly nails have been all over TikTok, and they translate beautifully to pedicures.
Soft pink is for those who prefer romance over rebellion. “Soft pinks are a great choice for those looking for a subtle, romantic vibe for their summer pedicure,” says Lily Nguyen, founder of Labo Beauté Salon in Los Angeles. Peacci’s Petal offers a cool mauve hue, while Gelcare’s Rose Georgette is a sheer baby pink you can build up to your preferred opacity.
Cool Blues: Ocean and Sky Vibes
Blue might seem like an unconventional choice for summer pedicures, but manicurist Aja Walton sees it differently. “Your toes are kind of your secret flex in the summer,” she explains. “You’re showing them off in sandals and poolside ‘fits, so you can be more adventurous.”
Saturated blues bring refreshing energy to your pedicure. Think electric cobalt, turquoise, and cerulean. “Saturated blue is refreshing and airy with an extra pop of color compared to pastels, which is ideal for summer,” Hanna says. “It’s calming and pairs well with many summer outfits.” The Gel Bottle’s Blue Steel delivers electric cobalt energy, while Manucurist’s Riviera captures that Mediterranean turquoise.
Navy blue works if you prefer deeper shades but still want to lean into summer’s affinity for blue tones. “Navy is a great summer pedicure color that gives off nautical vibes,” Hanna notes. “It’s great for special occasions, beach days, and everyday wear.” Navy feels more sophisticated than bright blue but still seasonal. It’s perfect for yacht parties (real or imagined) or anywhere you want polished elegance.
Sky blue and mint are having moments too. These lighter blues feel breezy and fresh, like a cloudless summer day. They look particularly stunning against a tan and pair beautifully with white or neutral clothing.
Warm Neutrals Still Have a Place
Don’t count out neutrals just because it’s summer. Sometimes you want your toes to look clean, polished, and pulled-together without making a color statement. That’s where warm neutrals come in clutch.
“Neutrals are always timeless and versatile,” Hanna says. “Adding a touch of warmth to a neutral makes it work beautifully with summer palettes.” The key word here is warm. Cool-toned grays and taupes can look dreary in summer, but warm creams, beiges, and off-whites feel perfectly seasonal.
Gelcare’s Blonded is a soft off-white that looks like sun-bleached linen. Their Oat shade is brighter and creamier, giving you that warm white vibe. Dazzle Dry’s Pawn offers a sheer milky off-white that’s elegant without trying too hard.
OPI’s Bubble Bath deserves special mention here. It’s achieved cult status as the most famous neutral pedicure color for good reason. Celebrities from Hailey Bieber to Jennifer Lopez have worn this milky pale pink. It’s neutral enough to go with everything but has enough color to look intentional rather than bare.
Warm neutrals work especially well if you’re attending events with specific color schemes, traveling with a curated wardrobe, or simply prefer a more understated aesthetic. They let your sandals and outfit do the talking while keeping your feet looking impeccably groomed.
Unexpected Favorites: Lavender and Green
Some colors surprise you with how well they work for summer. Lavender and green fall into this category—they’re not the first shades you’d think of for warm weather, but they’re absolutely worth considering.
Soft purple and lavender have been trending hard. “Lavender has been a popular pedicure color through the spring, and I believe that both lavender and more saturated purples will continue to trend into the summer,” Hanna says. There’s something ethereal about lavender toes peeking out from sandals.
Essie’s In Pursuit of Craftiness offers a dusty, grayish lavender that feels sophisticated. Peacci’s Californian takes it brighter with a neon pastel lavender. Dazzle Dry’s Periwinkle Passion leans more grape than purple, giving you a muted, deeper option.
Green seems bold at first, but it’s surprisingly wearable. From mint to lime to emerald, green pedicures are making waves. Fresh mint green creates a “refreshing and modern” look that’s “perfect for beach days and summer brunches,” Nguyen explains. JINsoon’s Palma brings tropical vibes with its fresh green hue that reminds you of palm trees and island getaways.
If you’re feeling adventurous, neon green makes a serious statement. When Hailey Bieber showed up at Coachella with Day-Glo green nails, the trend exploded. That same energy works on toes, especially if you love poolside parties and want your pedicure to match that vibrant atmosphere.
Crisp White: The Ultimate Clean Look
White pedicures are having a major moment, and they’re not going anywhere. There’s something about bright white toenails that screams summer—maybe it’s nostalgia for Y2K beauty trends, or maybe it’s just that white looks incredibly fresh and modern.
The trick with white is choosing the right undertone. Cool-toned white gives you that crisp, paper-white effect that looks incredibly clean. Olive & June’s HD and OPI’s Alpine Snow fall into this category. Lights Lacquer’s Paper Snow is another true white with a crème finish that delivers.
If you prefer a softer approach, look for creamy vanilla or ivory whites. These have just a touch of warmth that can be more flattering depending on your skin tone. Le Mini Macaron’s Vanilla Milk nails this perfectly.
White pedicures are incredibly versatile. They work with literally any outfit, any sandal color, any occasion. They photograph beautifully. They make your feet look instantly polished and fresh. And unlike some trendy colors, white will never feel dated or “so last season.”
French Tips for Your Toes
The French pedicure is making a comeback, whether you’re ready or not. “It’s classic!” says nail artist Sarah Chue. “Those bright white tips are just fitting for the season and pair perfectly with literally anything.”
The traditional French pedi uses a sheer pink base with white tips, creating that natural-but-better effect. It’s polished without being flashy, elegant without trying too hard. If you’re into it, use a sheer pink like Ten Over Ten’s Eldridge as your base and layer Pacifica’s Sugar Sugar on the tips.
French stencils like the ORLY Half Moon Guides make the look easier to achieve at home. The key is waiting until your tips are completely dry before removing the stencils. Finish with a glossy top coat to seal everything in and add that salon shine.
You can also twist the French by using different colors for the tips. Pastel blues, lavenders, or even neons create a more playful version of the classic. It keeps the structured look of a French pedi while adding personality.
Shimmer and Metallic Finishes
Pedicures traditionally stick to crème finishes, but summer calls for something a bit more playful. “Shimmery finishes with golden tones are a glamorous pedicure option for the summer that is more playful than your standard solid color,” Hanna explains.
Gold and champagne shimmers catch the light beautifully. Gelcare’s Hourglass delivers an ultra-fine champagne shimmer that looks elegant and expensive. Dazzle Dry’s Stargazer goes more saturated with its gold shimmer. These finishes add just enough interest without feeling over-the-top.
Chrome and metallic effects are also trending for toes. “A chrome pedicure will always be sleek to me,” says manicurist Sigourney Nuñez. “I think it’s nice because it adds some flair, and it looks really good with a pair of heels or open-toed sandals.” The Gel Bottle’s Elixir Cat-Eye combines champagne nude with a lilac velvet shimmer for something truly special.
The beauty of shimmer on toes is that it feels special without requiring any nail art skills. You’re still working with a single color, but the finish elevates it. Plus, metallic and shimmer finishes are forgiving—they hide minor imperfections in application better than flat crème polishes.
How to Make Your Summer Pedicure Last
You’ve chosen the perfect color. You’ve either painted your toes yourself or treated yourself to a salon pedi. Now you want it to last as long as possible, especially with all the summer activities that threaten to chip your polish.
Prep work matters more than you think. Celebrity manicurist Lucy Tucker emphasizes that clean cuticles make all the difference. “Gently push back and remove any overgrowth. It makes even plain polish look professional.” Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a hurry.
Buff your nails smooth before applying polish. Tucker notes that “a quick buff gives polish a smoother base and makes bare toenails look healthier too.” This creates better adhesion and helps your polish last longer.
Hydration is non-negotiable. “Dry heels and toes ruin a pedicure,” Tucker warns. Use a rich foot cream or balm daily, focusing on heels, big toes, and the sides of your feet. Mazz Hanna agrees, adding that soaking your feet before an at-home pedicure helps hydrate and soften often-rough skin.
Here’s a tip that might surprise you: file your feet when they’re dry, not wet. “Dry filing allows for precise exfoliation and gives smoother, longer-lasting results, especially around heels and pressure points,” Tucker explains.
Base coat is your best friend. “Especially with dark colors, always use base to prevent staining and help polish adhere better,” Tucker advises. This extra layer might seem unnecessary, but it protects your nails and makes your color last longer.
Apply thin coats instead of thick ones. Thick layers take forever to dry and chip faster. Two thin coats beat one thick coat every time. Make sure each layer is completely dry before adding the next.
Seal the deal with top coat. Apply a glossy top coat to lock in your color and add shine. For even longer wear, reapply top coat every few days. Mary Lennon, co-founder of Côte, suggests applying top coat two to three days after your initial pedicure to maintain that just-done shine.
Avoid tight shoes that rub against your polish, especially in the first 24 hours. And try not to leave your pedicure on for longer than 2-3 weeks, as this could risk staining your nail bed.
Wrapping Up
Summer pedicures are about more than just pretty toes. They’re about feeling confident, expressing yourself, and treating yourself to something that makes you smile every time you look down. Whether you go bold with neon pink, keep it classic with cherry red, or experiment with unexpected shades like lavender or mint, the right color can elevate your entire summer aesthetic.
The beauty of pedicures is that they’re low-stakes. Your toes are smaller focal points than your hands, which means you can take risks you might not take with a manicure. Try that neon you’ve been eyeing. Test out the jelly finish everyone’s talking about. Go for metallics or shimmer if you’re feeling fancy.
Your feet carry you through every summer adventure, from beach walks to rooftop parties to lazy afternoons by the pool. They deserve to look good doing it. So pick a color that makes you happy, follow the prep and aftercare tips to make it last, and step into summer with confidence.
Because at the end of the day, the best pedicure color is the one that makes you feel like the main character in your own summer story.
