
May is the unofficial start of summer, and with it comes a whole range of fun and vibrant nail art ideas. From bright rainbow colours to quirky patterns and floral designs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're heading to the salon or doing your nails at home, you can try out different styles such as the classic French manicure, pearly nails, or even add a pop of glitter. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different colours and use guides to outline your tips for a micro French mani. For those who want something more detailed, a Matisse-inspired mani in royal blue is a unique option. With the weather warming up, it's a great time to embrace the season with a colourful and playful manicure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Summer |
| Colours | Royal blue, peach, papaya, tangerine, pink, gold, white pearl, aqua blue, lavender, iridescent, silver, pastel, chrome, almond, beige taupe, soft fuchsia |
| Patterns | Floral, Matisse-inspired, French manicure, mismatched, cow print, clouds, pearly, glitter, negative-space hearts, confetti, abstract |
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What You'll Learn

Summer-themed gel nails
May is the unofficial start of summer, so it's the perfect time to get creative with your gel nails and embrace the season's vibrant colours and themes. Here are some fun and trendy summer-themed gel nail ideas to try:
Floral Nails: Bring the beauty of the blooming season to your fingertips with floral-focused nail art. Create delicate petals and leaves using gel polishes in soft pastel shades, or go bold with vibrant summery hues like yellow, orange, and pink. You can also add some sparkle with glitter accents for a sunny day feel.
Sunset Ombré: Capture the stunning hues of a summer sunset with an ombré manicure. Choose shades of yellow, orange, pink, and purple, and blend them seamlessly to create a gradient effect on your nails. You can even add a touch of glitter to make your manicure shine like the setting sun on a warm evening.
Nautical Manicure: If you love the beach, bring the sea with you everywhere you go! Opt for cool blues, greens, and teals to embrace those beachy vibes. For a whimsical touch, try baby blues with a shimmery or pearlescent finish. You can also add 3D art, like small pearls or crystals, to create the appearance of precious finds within a clamshell.
Mountain Peak Nails: For a unique and on-trend look, try the mountain peak shape. This style keeps nails at a medium length, tapering them to a small, fine point. It's similar to stiletto nails but more achievable with natural nails, especially if they're healthy and not prone to breakage. The mountain peak shape provides a great canvas for creative summer nail art, and its extra length lets you showcase those sunny shades in style.
Vibrant Colours: Summer is the time to embrace bold and bright colours. Vivid orange, royal blue, and neon shades are all popular choices for May. You can also experiment with different finishes, like glitter or matte, to add some extra fun to your manicure. Don't be afraid to mix and match shades and designs to create a unique look that showcases your personality and love for the season.
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Royal blue gel nails
There are several gel nail polish sets available that include royal blue shades, such as the Modelones Blue Gel Nail Polish Set, which features six different shades of blue, from baby blue to navy. These kits often include an easy-glide brush for quick and precise application, and some even offer long-lasting results, with gel polish that can remain chip-free and bubble-free for up to 28 days.
Before applying gel nail polish, it is important to prepare your nails properly to ensure the best adhesion and prolong the life of your manicure. Start by washing your hands with an oil-free soap, such as dish soap, to remove any oils from your skin and nails. Then, shape your nails and push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or orange stick. You can also trim or gently buff away any dead skin from your cuticles. Finally, wipe your nails with a prep pad or isopropyl alcohol to ensure they are completely clear of any remaining oil or residue.
Once your nails are prepared, you can apply your chosen royal blue gel nail polish by following the kit's instructions. Don't forget to press down on the cuticle area and smooth the entire nail surface to ensure a seamless finish. With the right techniques and products, you can achieve long-lasting and vibrant royal blue gel nails that are sure to make a statement.
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Floral-focused gel nails
May is the perfect time to embrace the start of summer and the end of April showers with a floral-focused gel nail look. This season, there are plenty of pretty manicure options to choose from, whether you're looking for something simple or more detailed.
One idea is to go for a micro French mani, which is a great option if you want to wear colour but prefer a more simple nail look. You can choose any colour palette you desire and use Orly Half Moon Guides to outline your tips.
If you're feeling more creative, you could try a floral-focused nail art design. May is the time when everything comes into bloom, so why not celebrate that with your manicure? You could try a delicate floral print or go for something more bold and vibrant.
Another option is to embrace the royal family with a royal blue manicure, especially fitting if you're in the UK with the coronation happening in May. You could even take it up a notch and go for a Matisse-inspired mani in this shade.
For those who want something a little more subtle, a sun-kissed ombré design in peach, papaya, or tangerine shades is a perfect choice. This allows you to balance muted neutrals with a heated pop of colour, reflecting the warm, sunny days ahead.
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Pearly gel nails
May is the perfect time to experiment with vibrant summery nail art ideas. While some months are synonymous with specific nail polish colours and designs, May offers more room for interpretation.
If you're looking for a summery mani, pearly gel nails are a great option. Pearly gel nail polishes are available in a variety of colours, including pink, purple, blue, green, and beige. You can also opt for a white pearl polish, which adds a subtle yet chic touch to your mani. Light colours like pink, yellow, and purple make great base colours for pearlescent nail polish, but it also works well with darker shades. For instance, applying a pearlescent topper over brown gel polish will give you a chocolate glazed donut mani.
If you want something a little more magical, try the Unicorn Dreams Gel Polish. This polish combines silver glitter and pearlescent shimmers to create an ethereal look. All pearl nail gel polishes are curable under a UV or LED lamp and can last up to 3 weeks without chipping.
To apply, simply prep your nails and apply the polish over a cured base coat. For the best results, use a minimum of 60 seconds with an LED light and 2 minutes with a UV lamp for each layer. Finish with a top coat and you're good to go!
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Pastel gel nails
May is the perfect time to experiment with summery nail art ideas, with vibrant colours and floral designs taking centre stage. While there are no set rules for May manicures, pastel gel nails can be an excellent option for those who prefer a more delicate and understated look. Pastel nail polishes offer a soft whisper of colour, ideal for creating charming and elegant nail designs.
Applying pastel gel nail polish is simple and can be done in the same way as applying any other gel polish colour. The key to achieving a flawless finish is to use the right base and top coat. With highly pigmented pastel gel polishes, you can easily achieve full coverage and create long-lasting manicures that your clients will love.
Whether you're a professional nail technician or a DIY enthusiast, pastel gel nails offer endless possibilities for creativity. From simple solid-colour manicures to intricate nail art designs, pastel shades provide a chic and elegant canvas. So, if you're looking for a timeless and versatile nail look, pastel gel nails are definitely worth considering, not just for May but all year round.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails are longer-lasting, more durable, and dry faster than regular nail polish. They are also odourless, unlike acrylic nails, and act as a shield to strengthen your natural nails.
Gel nails are sculpted directly from your natural nails with the help of foil forms to create extensions. Thin layers of gel products are applied and cured with UV or LED light.
Experts have raised concerns about the chemicals in gel nail kits, especially those ordered online. Improper application and high concentrations of hazardous adhesive resins can cause irritation, swelling, redness, or even open lesions.
It is recommended to book an appointment to have your gel nails safely removed. Picking at your nails or peeling them off will weaken them and damage the nail plate.











































