August is always a tricky month. It’s that weird time between summer and autumn when you’re not really sure how you’re meant to dress. On one hand it can feel like it’s time to give up shorts and T-shirts, but on the other hand, it feels just a little too soon to be getting out the winter coats. Although it can be confusing to navigate, one thing you don’t have to be uncertain about this August is your nail colour.
As the Junior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear UK, I spend a lot of my time analysing the latest nail trends via social media. Not only that, but I’m lucky enough to have constant access to experts about what they think the biggest nail colours are about to be. Thanks to this insider information, I’ve managed to round up all of the manicure colours that are set to be huge this August, and—excellent news—there are lots of really tempting shades to choose from.
It seems that classic colours are making a comeback, alongside some fresh new hues that I am desperate to try. Keep on scrolling for all of the inspo you could possibly need for your next salon appointment, and don’t forget to check out my product recommendations so that you can always recreate the looks at home.
I’ve been seeing olive green manicures all over my Instagram feed lately, and I’m not mad about it. This stylish green hue looks so chic, but still adds a subtle dash of colour to any look. There are lots of variations of olive green shades to choose from, and I’ve linked some of my favourite nail polishes below.
Another chic nail trend that I predict will be huge this August is ‘naked nails’. This trend essentially enhances your natural nails with sheer nude or pink polishes. “In the summer months, some prefer a more stripped back look, including for their manis,” says Tinu Bello, A-List Manicurist and Senior Brand Ambassador for Mylee. “Opting for sheerer nude shades highlights healthy nails for a no mani, mani look. If you’re brave you can simply use a glossy top coat to achieve the look or mix a drop of your favourite nude shade with a top/base coat to sheer the colour.”
“Red’s never go out of style,” says Bello. “They evoke confidence and a passion for life, but we’re not going to see bold reds this August. Instead, we’re seeing shades with a cooler tone giving it a slightly more pink hue. Gorgeous on all skin tones and nail lengths, this is definitely a shade to add to your mani wardrobe.”
Another nail trend I’ve been seeing all over social media at the moment is a glossy black mani. Although some people prefer to only wear this colour in winter, I happen to think that monochrome shades work well all year round. The shiny finish makes it look so luxe, and you don’t have to worry about your mani not matching your outfit.
“With a predicted heatwave coming to the UK in August, we want to bring the ocean to our mani with a gorgeous, pigmented blue,” says Bello. “This shade works on all skin tones and nail lengths and can be customised to be used for nail art, solid colour, or tips.”
French tips have been in style for years, but they seem to have grown in popularity in recent months. With more and more people opting for that ‘quiet luxury’ look, French tips are the perfect way to give your mani that elevated feel, as they leave your nails looking polished and put together.
Next Up: 12 Gel-Nail Designs That Are Big News In Salons Right Now