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- As we begin the farewell to summer, celebrate August with a fun and vibrant manicure.
- Flame designs, saturated shades, and jelly finishes are perfect for this celebratory time of year.
Somehow, some way, the last full month of summer 2025 is nearly upon us. In addition to celebrating the memorable season with backyard barbecues, weekend getaways, and days by the water, consider decking out your nails for the occasion, too.
According to manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna, 3D accents, mix-and-match patterns, nail stickers, flame designs, fruit nail art, and Y2K-inspired tips are trending for August. No matter the design you choose, manicurist and OPI Global Ambassador Natalie Minerva says you can’t go wrong with bright colors and jelly finishes to close out summer. Consider saturated summery shades like coral, lime green, and pool blue.
As always, though, we’re not solely here to give you tips—we like to offer visual inspo, too. With that in mind, keep reading to explore over a dozen August nail ideas worth recreating in the days and weeks to come.
- Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of talent agency Nailing Hollywood.
- Natalie Minerva is a manicurist and OPI Global Ambassador.
Gold Decal Nails
For a simple August nail look, take a peek at this gold nail sticker creation by Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph. Start with a nude base, then add gold stickers on top. Encase them in a thick glossy top coat or builder gel to ensure the edges don’t lift.
Aurora
This stunning aurora manicure looks beamed from the future. It’s an air-brushed mix of pink, purple, and blue hues topped with gold chrome powder.
Peridot Tips
Peridot is the birthstone for anyone born in August, so it only makes sense to let the green gem inspire your mani for the month.
Pink, Black, and White Mix
“Mix-and-match manis are perfect for anyone who loves to play with different designs on their nails,” Hanna says. “It’s a fun and creative way to keep things interesting. Each nail features a different pattern, created using a nail art brush. To DIY this at home, consider using stickers to make things easier.”
Green Geometric
For an earthy August nail art idea, check out this geometric evergreen manicure. You can DIY the look with a nail art brush.
3D Pink Florals
How stunning are these 3D flower nails? Hanna says you can get the look at home with 3D sculpting gel and nail art brushes. “3D nail art looks may be difficult to recreate at home—I recommend bringing reference photos to a nail artist for hand-sculpted 3D nail art,” she adds.
Pastel Airbrush
We love how these pastel aura nails have an edgy flair with their silver chrome accents. “Cyber sigilism-inspired nails are a futuristic and edgy look that have emerged alongside Gen Z’s revival of Y2K fashion,” Hanna says. “The defining feature of cyber sigilism nails is the silver metallic accents. To achieve this look, choose a base color and add silver metallic accents using a chrome polish and a nail art brush.”
Vibrant Green Skittle
Hoping to spend as much time as possible with your feet in the grass and head in the clouds as summer comes to a close? Embrace that vibe with a vibrant green manicure.
Pink Swirls
Swirl nails are always stunning—even on short nails. “Colorful marbled swirls are a great option for August because they perfectly capture the relaxed vibes of late summer,” Hanna says. “It’s a look that you can get creative with since you can pick any color palette that you want for the marble designs. These looks can take a long time to achieve since the swirls are hand painted, but the beautiful outcome is well worth the time.”
Colorful Alien Mix-n-Match
Nailing Hollywood artist Hang Nguyen created this mismatched 3D manicure. It’s a creative abstract mashup fit for the end of summer, with its bright blue skies, grass-inspired greens, and heart accents.
Pastel Aura Halo Flame
“Flame nail art really radiates August’s fiery energy,” Hanna says. You don’t have to wear traditionally hot shades to perfect the look, though. Just look at this pastel Skittle aura rendition. So fun, right?
Animal Print Nails
This multicolor animal print manicure is giving nostalgic Lisa Frank vibes. Given that many schools start back in August, this nail art idea is especially fitting.
Pink and Orange Ombré Check
If you do want to wear summer’s typical hot shades, though, here’s proof of how well hot pink and orange can pair in a marbled, aura-inspired nail look. We love the high-contrast bright white checkers on top, too.
Pastel Skittle 3D Aura
In case you needed more proof that clear builder gel can be transformative, take a peek at this abstract Skittle aura mani. You can recreate it at home with a nail art brush or make it easy on yourself with a professional nail appointment.
Pink and White Flames
It might not be Barbie summer but we remain committed to bubbly pink nail looks. For an edgier take on the common color choice, opt for white flames on top.
Barbwire
Here’s another example of the Y2K cyber sigilism trend Hanna was talking about. Is it just us, or does it remind you of old-school barbwire tattoos, too?
Strawberry French
Fruit nail art continues to thrive in August 2024. We especially love the idea of pairing fruit accents, like strawberries, with classic nail designs like French tips, as it adds a playful aspect to a modern, grown-up trend.
Bejeweled Aura
One more Y2K cyber sigilism nail art idea for good measure. This one features thicker silver chrome accents plus the addition of gemstones for an instantly eye-catching end look.
