August is always a tricky month. It's that weird time at the end of summer when you're not really sure how you're meant to dress. On one hand, it can feel like it's time to give up shorts and T-shirts, but on the other, it's just a little too soon to be getting out the winter coats. One thing you don't have to be uncertain about this August though is your nail colour.
I spend a lot of my time in this job analysing the latest nail trends via social media, and I'm lucky to have constant access to experts about what they think the biggest nail colours are about to be. Thanks to this insider information, I've managed to round up all of the manicure colours that are set to be huge this August, and—excellent news—there are lots of really tempting shades to choose from.
It seems that classic colours are making a comeback alongside some fresh new hues that I'm desperate to try. Keep on scrolling for all of the inspo you could possibly need for your next salon appointment, and don't forget to check out my product recommendations so that you can be ready to re-create the looks at home.
The Best Nail Colours for August:
1. Olive Green
If you've read our AW24 trend report, then you'll know that olive green is set to be a trending shade this season. This green hue looks so chic, adding just a subtle dash of colour to any look, which is why I predict that olive green manicures will also be huge this August. There are lots of variations of olive green to choose from, and I've linked some of my favourites below.
Shop the Colour:
How gorgeous is this light green shade? It's the perfect olive colour, if you ask me.
For a darker olive, opt for this Nails Inc. polish in the shade Waiting in Westminster.
2. Naked Nails
Another chic nail trend that's set to be huge this August is "naked" nails. This essentially means enhancing your natural nails with sheer nude or pink polishes. "In the summer months, some prefer a more stripped-back look, including for their manis," says Tinu Bello, celebrity manicurist and senior brand ambassador for Mylee. "Opting for sheerer nude shades highlights healthy nails for a 'no-mani mani' look. If you’re brave you can simply use a glossy top coat to achieve the look, or mix a drop of your favourite nude shade with a top or base coat to sheer out the colour."
Shop the Colour:
This is the perfect milky pink colour to achieve that glossy, sheer finish.
Another amazing "naked" shade—You simply can't go wrong with Ballet Slippers by Essie.
3. Cool Red
"Reds never go out of style," says Bello. "They evoke confidence and a passion for life, but we’re not going to see bold reds this August. Instead, we're seeing shades with a cooler tone, giving a slightly pinker hue. Gorgeous on all skin tones and nail lengths, this is definitely a shade to add to your mani wardrobe."
Shop the Colour:
Price shown is member's price.
This cool red nail polish is breathable, chip-resistant, long-lasting and has a glossy finish. What more could you want?
If you like to do your own gel nails, then Mylee has you covered with this brick red shade.
4. Glossy Black
Another nail trend I've been seeing all over social media lately is glossy black manis. Although some people prefer to only wear black in winter, I happen to think it works well all year round. The shiny finish makes it look so luxe, and you don't have to worry about your mani not matching your outfit.
Shop the Colour:
This Gucci nail polish looks ultra glossy, and the bottle is so beautiful that I would definitely have it out on display.
This polish has a high-shine finish to give you that salon-worthy mani from the comfort of your own home.
5. Ocean Blue
"With sunnier weather coming to the UK in August, we want to bring the ocean to our manis with a gorgeous, pigmented blue," says Bello. "This shade works on all skin tones and nail lengths and can be customised for nail art, solid colour or tips."
Shop the Colour:
How beautiful is this ocean blue shade by Nails Inc.? It's making me want to book a holiday by the sea ASAP.
For something a little bolder, opt for this sky blue shade by Mylee.
6. French Tips
French tips have been in style for years, but they've definitely peaked in popularity again in recent months. With more and more people opting for that quiet-luxury look, French tips are the perfect way to give your mani that elevated feel, lending you an overall polished and put together look.
Shop the Colour:
A manicure pen is the easiest way to re-create French tips at home.
The slim white tip of this Nails Inc. pen makes for a precise finish.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
-
I'm Not Going to Mess Around—These Are the 3 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items I Can't Stop Thinking About (They Will Sell Out)Some of my favorites are already gone.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 5 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are Living Rent-Free in My HeadKitten heels, burgundy flats, and more.
-
Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian Just Cosigned Summer's Juiciest Nail TrendYellow nails are having a moment.
-
I've Been a Fan of "Princess Nails" for Years: The 15 Classiest Designs I'd Wear in a HeartbeatShow these to your nail artist ASAP.
-
First, Sabrina Carpenter, Now Dua Lipa: Celebs Love This "Outdated" Nail DesignThat's it—I'm booking a manicure.
-
A Good Sandal-Worthy Pedicure Is Everything to Me—7 Stylish Summer Nail Colors I Can't Stop WearingLimoncello! Periwinkle! Ultramarine!
-
It's Officially a Limoncello Summer: See How It Will Influence Your Hair, Nails, and ScentI'm sensing a complete takeover.
-
The "Italian Market" Manicure Is Summer's Peak Nail Trend—See the Best Designs to Send to Your ManicuristThis sparks joy.
-
Sabrina! Charli! Rihanna! These Celeb-Inspired Nail Colors Are Too Good to Pass Up for Prime DayCelebrity shades at sale-rack prices.
-
Gel Manis at Home Are Shockingly Easy—10 Expert-Approved UV Lamps That Save You Time and MoneyThey're a must-have.
