9 Nail Trends That Are Officially Blacklisted and 9 That Aren't

We'll start by saying this: There is no right or wrong way to approach your summer nail aesthetic. For some, long nails will just never be in the cards—be it due to personal preference or your day job. For others, lime-green polish will just never meld with your favorite arsenal of nudes and pinks. And hey, that is A-okay. As with every aspect of beauty, we encourage you to do what you like and to have confidence in your unique beauty choices. Cool?

That said, we do live in a world overrun with fleeting and exciting fashion and beauty trends, many of which bombard us via our phone and computer screens. Regardless of how eager you are to switch up your current nail game, trends can be a fun source of inspiration to influence a completely new you or perhaps a slight deviation from what you're already doing. Either way, trends are fun—not gospel. And our nails, quite honestly, are a perfect place to start. 

We've been seeing all sorts of cool trends thus far in 2019, and for summer, cool color choices, nail shapes, and artistic nail designs have only intensified. So to get the official scoop on what's "out" and "in" this season within the nail circuit, we asked three top nail salons (L.A.-based Olive & June, NY-based Paintbox, and bicoastal Tenoverten) for their thoughts on summer nails. Ahead, we're sharing the nine trends that are in and nine that are out. Keep scrolling!

SKIPPING: Acrylics, Extensions, & Dipping

WEARING INSTEAD: Au Naturel Nails

Not only are acrylics, extensions, and dipping powders not the best for our nails' health (or their growth trajectory), but according to Paintbox founder and CCO Eleanor Langston, they're also out for summer 2019. Instead, she recommends resisting the temptation to go faux nail and work your natural nail instead. "Our clients much prefer working with the natural nail via soft gel," she shares. "You can still get length, and your nails will look sophisticated and stunning." 

To aid health and growth, we suggest investing in a high-quality cuticle oil (see below), snapping up a nail growth supplement on Amazon, and read how to grow out your nails here!

SKIPPING: Press-Ons

WEARING INSTEAD: Chic Nail Stickers

Yes, nail art is in, and even though press-ons were having a moment and can be an easy way to take care of horrifying nails fast, both Langston and Olive & June CEO and founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle agree that a more minimalist strategy is the ultimate trend this summer.

If you don't want to test your own artistic skills and go by hand (Langston's personal preference), we recommend taking Tuttle's advice and trying these celeb- and editor-loved stickers instead.

"Nail art continues to be a major trend, especially telling a story across a few nails," explains Tuttle. "We love combining our sticker packs to lean into a special moment. The white outlined stars and open circles in our Pattern Party ($8) sticker pack are really dynamic when paired with the diamonds in our Desert Mood ($8) pack."

SKIPPING: White Nails

WEARING INSTEAD: Breezy Blues

Although all of our expert sources agreed that really any shade of pastel is perfect for summer, variations of light blue take the top spot over a previous summer favorite: stark white. 

"The most modern blues are ones that are softer, such as sky blue, cornflower blue, or even cerulean," says Langston. "The gentler blues give your fingertips a seaside vibe that's really nice for warmer months." We're obsessed with the below from Paintbox's epic line of polish.

SKIPPING: Solid Nudes

WEARING INSTEAD: Nudes With Neon Detail

To try this expert-approved summer nail trend, you have two options: a nude or caramel paired with any kind of bright or a barely there, see-through base with a shot of hot neon.

"See-through or nude-toned nails with geometric, linear pops of neons (vibrant fuchsias, limes, oranges, highlighter yellows) feel fresh and lively for warmer months," confirms Langston. Now all you have to do is choose your pop! Right now, we're particularly keen on shades of hot pink or fiery orange. (Psst! A few cute dots are the easiest DIY nail art hack.)

SKIPPING: Long Oval Nails

WEARING INSTEAD: Short Nails

Shorter nails are having a moment, and we are 1000% here for it. (Just check out this story for ultimate color inspiration!) 

"I absolutely love a short square nail with slightly rounded edges," explains Nadine Abramcyk, co-founder of Tenoverten. "It is very elegant and appropriate for summer when you need to be able to do anything with your hands. A short nail can seem boring to some, so the way to make it feel more fun and summery is to add a touch of simple nail art." 

To keep your mani in tip-top shape this summer, we recommend investing in the below at-home mani kit from Olive & June. It quite literally has everything you need, from files and clippers to polish.

SKIPPING: Stiletto Nails

Wearing Instead: Almond-Shaped Nails

We get it. Just as some people can't stand long nails, some can't stand short. A pretty almond-shaped manicure is the perfect middle ground between the intense (and jaded) stiletto trend and ultra-short cut. 

"Anything that is not fully functional for your daily life has faded trend-wise," says Tuttle. "Our clients have been liking shorter length coupled with an oval or almond shape." 

In terms of polish, instead of opting for classic pink or red, try opting for the seasonal favorite, pastel, but a tone with a brighter finish. "I love Tenoverten's polish in Poolside Mama from our new collaboration with Hatch," says Abramcyk. 

SKIPPING: Classic French Manicure

WEARING INSTEAD: Thin French Manicure

In addition to pops of neon, a more modern take on the classic French manicure is one of the best nail trends to try this summer.

"Both neons and thin French manis are hot this season," Tuttle tells us. "What's better than a hot-pink French with your favorite white summer dress?"

SKIPPING: Packed Glitter

WEARING INSTEAD: Ombré Glitter

"We haven't seen as many packed glitter manis as we've seen in the past," adds Tuttle. "While glitter is always in, the focus this summer is glitter as an ombré."

For a super-chunky look like the above, try adding actual glitter to a demi-wet basecoat, let it dry, and then seal with a topcoat. Et voilà! 

SKIPPING: Full-On Metallics

WEARING INSTEAD: Angular Bright-Gold Looks

"Gold foil and angular bright-gold looks are unexpectedly flattering when paired with peachy-pinks," says Langston. "The Paintbox Golden Girls design is by far the most popular look of our S/S 19 collection."

She recommends elevating accents of gold foils with beautiful pastels—soft lilac (Like Dreams, $22) and pallid yellow (Like Spring, $22) are both pretty options.