Move over nude and basic reds—summer 2025’s hottest nail trend is all about a vibrant coral polish that strikes the perfect balance between warmth and sophistication. Think of lapping waves, sunset-hued cocktails, and the soft blush of sun-kissed skin. Influencers on TikTok and Instagram have been flaunting this shade, and it’s time you embraced the coral craze too.
The Signature Shade: Why Coral Rules Summer 2025
Coral merges the energy of bold orange with the softness of delicate pink, creating a universally flattering hue. Not too neon, yet far from muted, it captures the essence of seaside escapes and tropical fruits. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading to an alfresco dinner, coral nails add just the right pop of colour without clashing with your wardrobe.
Influencer Obsession and Celebrity Endorsements
Major style icons and celebrities have already adopted coral nails as their go-to summer accessory:
Zendaya showcased long, squared-off coral tips at a beachside premiere, pairing them with a white linen suit for a fresh, modern look.
Chiara Ferragni rocked a bright coral shade in Miami, matching her nails to palm-leaf prints in her outfit.
Hailey Bieber opted for a subtler, peachy-coral during a London garden party, showing coral’s versatility from bold to understated.
This widespread celebrity appeal has driven the shade’s viral status on TikTok, Pinterest, and beyond.
Top Coral Polishes from Leading Brands
Cruise through your local beauty counter or online shop for these standout coral hues:
OPI “Sunset Coral”: A creamy, mid-tone coral that dries to a gel-like shine, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Essie “Tropic Like It’s Hot”: A brighter, almost neon coral that screams summer festivals and tropical getaways.
Chanel “Corail Élégance”: A luxe, semi-sheer coral enriched with fine shimmer for a high-fashion finish.
Each formula offers long-lasting wear and chip resistance—ideal for beach days and back-to-back events.
How to Style Coral Nails with Your Summer Wardrobe
Coral nails shine against a range of textures and colours. Here’s how to integrate them seamlessly:
Monochrome White Outfits: A crisp white sundress or tailored trousers instantly become beach-chic when paired with coral tips.
Light-Wash Denim: From cutoff shorts to boyfriend jeans, denim in any shade sets off coral polish beautifully.
Lime Green Accents: For a bold, trend-forward look, combine coral nails with lime or chartreuse accessories.
Gold Details: Match coral nails to gold jewellery—cuff bracelets, delicate rings, or a metallic handbag—for a warm, cohesive palette.
Nail Art Ideas to Elevate Your Coral Manicure
If you’re craving extra flair, play with these coral nail art techniques:
Half-Moon Accent: Paint the moon shape at the base of your nail in coral and the rest in a contrasting nude or white.
Metallic Gold Lines: Use thin gold striping tape over coral for a minimalist geometric effect.
Glitter Gradient: Apply fine gold or rose-gold glitter at the tips of coral nails for subtle sparkle.
Matte vs. Glossy Finish: Choose a glossy top coat for a classic look or go matte for an unexpectedly modern twist.
Prep and Maintenance Tips for Flawless Coral Nails
For the best results, follow these steps before you polish:
Shape and Buff: File your nails into a clean silhouette—square, almond, or coffin—and gently buff the surface to help polish adhere.
Cuticle Care: Push back cuticles and moisturise with a nourishing oil to ensure a smooth application.
Base Coat Is a Must: Apply a strengthening base coat to prevent staining and promote longevity.
Two Thin Coats: Use two thin layers of coral polish rather than one thick coat for even coverage and faster drying.
Seal with Top Coat: Finish with a high-quality top coat, reapplying every 2–3 days to maintain shine and resist chipping.
Take the Coral Plunge This Summer
From casual weekends to elegant evenings, coral polish transforms any manicure into a sunlit statement. Book your next salon appointment or grab your favourite coral hue and give your nails a seasonal upgrade. Whether you opt for a classic creamy finish or an artful glitter gradient, this coral craze is set to dominate beauty trends throughout 2025.
