The nail trends you need to know about this Summer

Summer is synonymous with colour and pastels – a lighter, brighter wardrobe that extends all the way to your fingernails. Yep, time to pack away the burgundies and greige in favour of shades that are a little bit more fun. Natalie Papadopolous, owner of The Parlour Room Clovelly, plays manicurist to Sydney’s socialite and blogger types, and gave us her edit of the most in-demand digits in town. Take one of these shots to your next mani appointment…

BEAUTICATE LOVES…PHOTO BY THE HAUTE PURSUIT

OVAL NAILS

PIC VIA @THEPARLOURCLOVELLY

Forget square and its slightly rounded friend the ‘squoval’ shape, Natalie says a perfect oval is the nail of the moment. We’re not talking claw-like versions (à la Rihanna and The Kardashian Jenner clan), though, think subtlety all the way. Oval is feminine and high maintenance, you’ll have to put down the file and get a bit of length, and then make sure you have them professionally shaped to keep them looking neat.

GLITTER

PIC VIA @CHLOEMORELLO

This is the grown up version of the paint job you gave yourself at 13 years old. And isn’t it fun? A light wash of glitter polish over either a bare nail or nude tone is a favourite of Anna Bamford, Erin Holland and Chloe Morello. With Christmas New Years and an array of summer parties filling the calendar, a touch of sparkle is undoubtedly acceptable. Try Butter London’s ‘Lucy in the Sky’.

PASTELS

PIC VIA @THEPARLOURCLOVELLY

Pastels on tanned skin is a beauty match made in heaven. Soft pinks, beiges and lilacs are perfect for fingers. Try Essie ‘Not Just a Pretty Face’ for the perfect pastel dusty pink, or Lilacism if you prefer purple. We also love a beautiful turquoise or pale wash of blue like Sally Hansen Barracuda across toes.

THE REVERSE MANI

PIC VIA @THEPARLOURCLOVELLY

This look has been seen on the catwalk for the past few seasons in various incarnations, but we’re particularly loving the new season twist on the classic French manicure. It looks super fresh in a chalky pastel shade.

NEUTRALS

PIC VIA @NADIAFAIRFAX

Neutrals will probably always be on trend, but this season, nude is happening in a really big way. Beige, taupe, or pinky browns are high on the agenda. When you’re going nude, we like to keep them short and neat, like this look from the Parlour Room worn by Nadia Fairfax.

FEATURE NAILS

PIC VIA @AISHA_JADE

Feature nails have had a summer makeover. A look that’s really growing a following is standard manicure with a block colour feature nail from the same colour family. Aisha Jade, from BoyByHer, is a huge fan of this look.

BRIGHT CORAL

PIC VIA @NIKKIKPHILLIPS

If you love a pop of colour in the warmer months, we suggest a beautiful orange or coral. Not only is it fresh, it’s perfect for the festive season, and looks amazing offset against bronzed skin, like we see here on Nikki Phillips. For added impact- wear a matching bright lip!

NAIL ART

PIC VIA @THEPARLOURCLOVELLY

Yep, we called the demise of nail art months ago. And we stand by the fact that the glitzy, over zealous, diamanté encrusted nail variety should be left in the 2013 file, but we still love an understated splash of creativity across our digits. Natalie says that she is constantly asked for horizontal lines, dots and half moons from her clients. Again, this look works so well with neutral and pastel tones.

Story by Emily Algar.