From mermaid glam to the renaissance of jelly sandals, this yr is all about reclaiming what we liked as youngsters. So it’s no shock that ice cream nails are effectively on their option to changing into certainly one of summer time 2026’s greatest nail tendencies.
In keeping with Juli Russell, Sally Magnificence DIY nail skilled, the sudden recognition of ice cream nails is to be anticipated. “One of many hottest tendencies this yr has been 3D nail decor and charms,” she factors out, which play a serious half in most ice cream nail designs. “The drippy, delectable ice cream dream manicure options chunky, 3D glitter over velvety clean creme polish for a summer time manicure that appears adequate to eat.”
As for why this fashion is trending, apart from the plain affiliation with childlike surprise in summertime? Ice cream nails aren’t simply cute however are fully customisable, tremendous versatile, and most fun of all, truly straightforward to recreate at dwelling.
“They’re really easy to DIY and absolutely customisable,” says Juli. And so they actually are. Whether or not you favor minimalist manis, French ideas, pops of pigment, or mismatched nails, there isn’t a scarcity of the way to put on the development.
One of the in style – and sweetest – methods to put on ice cream nails? Paint “dripping” ice cream in your nail ideas instead of the basic French tip, leading to what we prefer to name the ice cream French mani. Should you’re feeling extra adventurous – or have extra of a candy tooth – different ice cream nail designs incorporate fudge, doughnuts, sprinkles, and extra. It’s actually all in regards to the aesthetic you favor.
“The ‘secret sauce’ to creating the look is within the ice cream, which – on this case – is a chunky glitter polish just like the sprinkles you’d get at your favorite scoop store,” says Juli. “You’ll be able to go for an opaque colored base polish that has chunky glitter or a transparent glitter polish and paint it over a white or nude base.” It truly is that easy.





