11 Extremely Pretty Pastel Nail Ideas I’m Tempted to Try This Summer

If you're anything like me and constantly checking Instagram for the latest and greatest nail trends, you'll appreciate what I'm about to share with you. Whether I need inspiration ahead of my next salon appointment, a new nail colour to try out, or a fun way to embrace the latest trends or attempt a seasonally-inspired manicure, my trusty 'nail inspo' folder helps me to keep it all in one place.

I've always loved wearing pastel hues and lately I've noticed more and more pastel nail art designs popping up on my social media feeds—confirmed on my latest salon visit, where nail artist Ashleigh Bamber told me that pastels are amongst her top requests from clients this year. "Pastel shades are actually surprisingly versatile and suit all skin tones," she tells me. "I also think that people see pastels as a 'safe' way to experiment with colour when they don't want to wear anything too bold and bright."

From pastel French tips to floral designs, keep scrolling for the very best pastel nail ideas from my saved folder, plus product recommendations to help you achieve each look.

11 Chic Pastel Nail Ideas to Try This Year

1. Pastel French Tips

Everyone loves a classic French tip, but if you want to mix things up, a pastel tip is a great alternative to plain white. The subtle hint of colour is a fun way to brighten up your nails for spring or summer or to match an outfit, but still looks super chic.

Get the look:

2. Pastel Block Colour

It might seem obvious, but if you're into simple and minimal nail designs, or are simply after something that's easy to DIY at home, a block colour pastel design should not be overlooked. From baby pink and sky blue to peachy hues and mint greens, there are unlimited possibilities (quite literally) at your fingertips. However, I'll be going for this striking purple this season.

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3. Pastel Florals

Micro nail art designs are majorly on trend right now, and I'm obsessed with this mini floral nail art. Especially because it features a pastel blue background.

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4. Blank Space 

This design makes use of blank space and a natural-looking background to make the colourful shapes stand out. I'll fully admit this is not an easy design and might require a professional nail tech, so this is probably one to add to your own inspo folder ahead of your next manicure appointment.

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5. Pastel Multicolour

We love a good simple design that's still fun and eye-catching. Paint your nails the (pastel) colours of the rainbow on each hand.

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6. Pastel Doodles

With the right nail brush (a small, thin tip and short bristles) you'll find that a design like this is surprisingly easy to recreate. The pastels looks especially chic when set against a matte background.

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7. Pink Gradient

If you're after a subtle way to wear colour, choose your favourite shade and try a gradient design ranging from pretty pastels through to muted brights.

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8. Geometric Shapes

For a modern and on-trend design, experiment with geometric shapes, straight lines, and clashing colours.

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9. Pastel French Tips

If you want something more subtle, why not opt for this pastel French tip design? I love how it adds a pop of colour to your manicure while still looking chic.

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10. Mint Green Nails

Mint green nails have made a big comeback over the last couple of years, and this shade makes me feel so nostalgic.

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11. Reverse Pastel French Tips

A reverse French tip is perfect for any minimalists out there, and this pastel peach hue is simply stunning.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.