04-08-2025
Baby Blue Nails Are the Soft-Girl Trend That's Taking Over This Summer
Next to butter yellow and pretty pinks, baby‑blue nail designs are poised to be a major hue this season and beyond. The popularity of pastels often spikes in the warmer months, as we shed moody, dark winter manicures for fresher, spring‑ready nail colors. Baby blues—whether in a chrome finish or as French tips—deliver a joyful pop that feels cooler than the saccharine sweetness of rose tones and a little more unexpected than pale mints or stark white.
'Blue naturally evokes feelings of calm and serenity, and we often see it emerge as a key color for summer manicures,' says The Gel Bottle founder Daisy Kalnina. 'Its lighter tonality retains the subtlety of pastels with a fresh, airy feel that resonates with the shift toward warmer weather and even longer days.'
Not all baby‑blue hues are created alike. If you're looking for something understated and elegant, reach for a Bridgerton‑esque, powdery, gray‑blue such as Chanel Le Vernis in Muse.
To capture a sunny, beach‑y vibe, try a turquoise‑tinged baby blue—which leans into the vacation mood when teamed with shades of white, tangerine, or lemon. Consider OPI Gelato On My Mind.
A gentle periwinkle blue, such as Gucci Glossy Nail Polish in Lucy, is a calming choice for those who tend to feel overstimulated by brighter colors. Baby blues are surprisingly versatile across all skin tones, enhancing the warm undertones in deeper complexions and brightening paler ones.
Impeccably manicured nails in a solid block of color are always chic and clean, but if you're drawn to nail art, a sprinkle of baby blue can elevate simple designs. You can also lean into the soap‑nail trend by asking for a sheer wash of color (try Essie Sky Jelly for a quick DIY) or experiment with glistening cat‑eye effects. Kalnina loves pairing baby blue with a broader spectrum of blues—think periwinkle, sky, or cobalt.
Zola Ganzorigt's studded soft blue French tips for Kylie Jenner are dressy, delicate and arguably perfect for those attending Cowboy Carter this year.
These tile-like, mini floral patterns enliven the dusty blue base. Who knew orange, blue and lime green could work so harmoniously.
Thin baby blue French tips are a fresher, modern take on classic white.
Organic lines are an easy way to lean into nail art. Alternate with color-blocked nails for a more impactful finish.
A slightly deeper, denim tone with ombre effects are a great way to experiment with blues. Throw in some tiny florals, hearts, stars and bows for extra fun.
Yellow and blue make excellent bedfellows, creating a sunny effect.
Solid baby blue tips are instantly head-turning, especially on impeccably manicured cuticles.
This two-tone periwinkle blue nails are perfect for those with an eye for detail.
Bows will always be in style. Try a baby blue ribbon on a clean, neutral base.
Move over strawberries, little blueberries are the fruit of the summer. Add it to your turquoise French tips for a playful accent.
This uneven baby blue tips bring a graphic touch to the classic French design.
Embrace the mood of spring and summer with this unapologetically floral design.
Not just for the winter, star or snowflake motifs are perennially pretty.
To achieve this translucent soft powder blue, nail artist Amber Hancock uses The Gel Bottle Blanc cocktailed with Glass Blue and a layer of Diana. You can ask your manicurist for a similar finish.
When in doubt, a chrome finish is always a showstopper.
