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29 Holiday Nail Ideas That Are Perfect For Summer Jet-Setting
The best manicure inspiration for short stays and long-haul flights alike.
Whether you're boarding a long-haul flight for an idyllic retreat or trading city humidity for a restorative weekend away, no holiday beauty preparation would be complete without a glossy set of holiday nails. After all, what better way to welcome summer than with a sculpted set of sunshine or seashell-inspired tips? Even better if you can make your polished tips last with a trendy BIAB manicure or a modern gel finish.
Here, we break down the very best holiday nail designs for every location, as well as the expert guide to extending the life of your getaway mani, come rain or shine.
What Colour Nails Are Best For A Holiday?
Similarly to your jet-setting wardrobe, the perfect holiday manicure will heavily depend on the whereabouts of your getaway. For example, a sunny weekend in Paris will be best matched to a timeless red hue or elegant French tips, meanwhile a tropical beach stay will call for bold neons, pops of ocean shades or an oh-so-trendy buttermilk yellow manicure. Nail art is a welcome addition, too; think sculpted shell designs and exotic floral accents.
If you're feeling adventurous but don't want to commit to an overly intricate nail style, try a dimensional and effortlessly sophisticated chrome or cat eye manicure instead. It will dress-up a traditional holiday colour without the need for lengthy salon sessions.
How Long Before Holiday Should You Get Your Nails Done?
According to experts at the Nails.INC manicurist team, it’s generally best to get your nails done no more than three days before your holiday to ensure they look fresh and flawless throughout your trip. The general rule of thumb is two to three days prior for a set of acrylics and pedicures, two days before for a gel manicure and the day before for traditional polish.
How To Protect Your Holiday Manicure
There's nothing worse than paying for a chic, tidy holiday manicure, only for it to be chipped and peeling a few days later. Luckily, there are few simple guidelines to follow to keep your tips looking polished:
- Opt for gel or acrylic colours which have a longer lifespan than classic nail paints.
- If you prefer traditional polish, choose a long-lasting formula, such as the Nails.INC 45 Seconds Speedy collection.
- Always apply a top coat; the Nails.INC Better on Top Top Coat will leave a high-shine and help your manicure last longer.
- Use cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate your nails.
- Bring a nail file and nail polish for touch-ups and fixes.
The Best Holiday Nail Inspiration For 2025
Pearly BIAB
If you're loyal to your strengthening BIAB routine, a simple shimmering chrome will add a shell-like finish to any nail shape.
Starfish Details
Take inspiration from beach treasures and complete your holiday manicure with a delicate set of chrome shells or starfish.
Delicious Accents
From tiny fish to citrus designs, a cuisine-based nail look can perfectly capture the essence of your holiday vibe.
Big Bouquets
Nothing says holiday quite like the addition of exotic blooms in bright summer tones.
Bright Swirls
Dress up the classic French tip manicure with the addition of some asymmetrical painterly swirls. Top tip: to keep the look elevated, stick to one or two cohesive shades.
Sorbet Nails
If you're a fan of bright shades, chrome finishes and airbrushed designs, you'll struggle to find a manicure more summer-ready than this delicious blend of fruity hues.
Sunshine Shades
Adding some graphic sunset hues to your nails is the perfect way to capture the feeling of basking in the summer warmth.
Grecian Details
These delicate white and blue accents were made for a Mediterranean getaway.
Seaside Treasures
Enhance your beach-inspired manicure with the help of 3D sculpted gel details.
Just Add Pearls
A few tiny pearls will add dimension and elegance to any pastel manicure shade.
Bridal Seashells
If you're looking for a wedding set for your special day in the sunshine, this sophisticate white design is perfection.
Bold Brights
From neon green to vibrant orange, a bright statement nail is a holiday failsafe.
Blanket Blues
If in doubt, a simple sky-toned manicure will always be holiday appropriate.
Feeling Koi
These koi fish adorned tips may be an investment but there's no denying how artistic they are.
Ocean Aura
Aura nails made waves in 2024, and we expect they'll maintain their appeal all the way into summer this year.
Mix-And-Match
When it comes to holiday nails, the ethos 'go big or go home' springs to mind. Allow your imagination to run free with this playful mix-and-match design.
Buttermilk Tones
From Hailey Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter, pastel yellow nails are the perfect contrast to a rich, post-holiday tan.
Floral Bunches
As spring approaches, we're welcoming floral designs with open arms.
Classic Red
Whether you're opting for a romantic city getaway or a week under tropical rays, a red manicure is a steadfast nail classic.
Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
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