Summer pedicure trends don’t get the attention they deserve — but with sandals on daily rotation, your toes are on display more than any other season. This year’s pedicure trends range from punchy brights to clean minimalism, with plenty of fun in between. Here are the nine looks salons are doing on repeat right now.
Table of Contents
Cherry Red: The Forever Classic
Some summer pedicure trends come and go, but cherry red is eternal. A glossy true red on toes looks polished with everything from flip-flops to heels, and it makes feet look instantly groomed even when the rest of you is in full vacation mode. The modern take is a slightly blue-based red (think classic Hollywood) rather than orange-red. Two coats plus top coat, and you’re set for weeks — red hides tip wear better than any other color.
White Pedicures Done Right
White toes are a summer staple, but the shade matters enormously. Stark white can look harsh; instead choose a soft, creamy white or a white with the faintest pink undertone. The result reads fresh and clean rather than correction-fluid. White shows chips more than darker colors, so a gel or long-wear formula is worth it here. Against tanned summer skin, white polish creates gorgeous contrast — which is exactly why it photographs so well.
Neon Brights for Bold Feet
Hot pink, electric coral, highlighter yellow — neon toes are pure summer joy. These shades practically glow in sunlight and look amazing with neutral sandals that let the color be the star. Neons tend to be sheer, so layer three thin coats (or a white base underneath) for full opacity. Fair warning: neon pigments can stain the nail, so don’t skip the base coat. Among summer pedicure trends, this is the one that gets the most compliments from strangers.
Pastel Shades That Flatter
If neons feel like too much, pastels deliver color with a softer touch. Lavender, mint, baby blue, and peach are the season’s favorites — they flatter every skin tone and transition easily from beach days to office-appropriate sandals. Pastels look best with a squarish nail shape and a high-shine top coat; matte pastels can read chalky. A fun twist: paint each toe a different pastel for a sorbet-inspired set that still feels cohesive.
Glitter and Shimmer Toes
Glitter pedicures are practically indestructible — the texture hides chips and tip wear for weeks, making them the lowest-maintenance statement look. A full glitter toe in gold or holographic silver catches the light beautifully. For something subtler, try a glitter gradient: solid color at the base fading to glitter at the tip. Removal takes patience (soak in acetone with foil wraps), but the longevity is unmatched among summer pedicure trends.
French Pedicure Revival
The French pedicure is back, refined for the modern era. Today’s version uses a sheer pink or nude base with a crisp white tip — thinner and more precise than the chunky French of decades past. Colored French tips (a coral or turquoise tip line) add summer personality while keeping the elegant structure. This look elongates the toes visually and suits every occasion, which explains its comeback. Pair your pedicure with matching summer manicure trends for a fully coordinated look.
Nail Art on Toes
Toe nail art has gone from tacky to trendy. The key is restraint: one design element per foot, usually on the big toe. Tiny daisies, minimalist dots, delicate gold foil accents, or a single stripe — small-scale art that reads as chic, not busy. Big toes have the most surface area, so they carry the design while the other toes stay solid. This is the most creative of the summer pedicure trends, and the small canvas means even beginners can manage simple designs at home. For technique guidance, the Allure summer pedicure guide breaks down application tips by trend.
Pedicure Aftercare for Lasting Results
A great pedicure deserves proper aftercare. Moisturize feet daily, focusing on heels and cuticles — dry skin dulls even the prettiest polish. Reapply top coat weekly to extend wear, especially on the big toes which take the most abuse. Exfoliate feet twice a week with a foot file or scrub to prevent rough buildup. And rotate your shoes; wearing the same pair daily compresses toes and chips polish faster. With minimal maintenance, these summer pedicure trends will look fresh for three weeks or more.
