From seashell nails to melting ice cream manis, 2024 summer nail trends are embracing what we love most about the season—and delightfully dreamy cloud nails are no exception.
Inspired by the bright blue skies we’ve come to know and love during sunny summertime, beauty pros cite cloud nails as this year’s beach day-inspired take on the blueberry milk mani trend Sofia Richie started last summer.
“It’s no surprise cloud nails are trending after the hugely viral-blueberry milk nails from last year,” Juli Russell, a manicurist and DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty, tells Glamour. “Blueberry milk nails featured a super pale blue with a creamy, milky formula reminiscent of frozen blueberries in a glass of cold milk. Similarly, cloud nails are worn with a fresh, blue base that’s the perfect complimentary color for frozen summer treats.”
Miami-based nail artist John Avery says the same. “Cloud nails are building off of what is already trending, taking the blueberry milk manicure to another level,” he says. “The soft curves and puffy shapes of clouds evoke a sense of joy and lightness that everyone can enjoy.”
Plus, much like other current beauty trends like seashell manis and sugar plum fairy glam, cloud nails have an ethereal element to them. “Cloud nails are eye catching, playful, artistic, and a uniquely soothing design that brings an ethereal and dreamy aesthetic,” Avery says.
That’s a big part of why they’re so big right now in particular, adds Russell. “Cloud nails are all the rage because they effortlessly blend dreamy aesthetics with versatility plus the trendiest polish shade of the season—baby blue—making every manicure feel like a piece of art and on trend,” she says.
They’re also super customizable and DIY-friendly, Avery points out. “They can be customized with different colors and styles, can be paired well with any outfits or occasions, and are super DIY friendly,” he says.
Yes, really! Here’s how easy it is to create the look at home with gel polish, according to Avery. “I recommend starting with your favorite sky blue base color,” he says. “I love the color Waikiki Sky from Kokoist.” Next, you’ll want to take a bright white color—his go-to is Kokoist’s Maxi White— and “use a dotting tool to create your soft, puffy, dreamy clouds.”
Prefer traditional, non-gel nail polish? You’re in luck! Russell doesn’t just think this is totally doable with your favorite baby blue polish—she knows it is. Because she did it herself. (See below.)
To get the look, which Russell defines as “accent clouds created with a dotting tool and white polish over solid blue color,” she suggests starting with Fingerpaints’ Solid Base Coat. Once that’s dry, apply your baby blue base coat. Her favorite for the job is FingerPaints’ Sky’s the Limit.
“Begin with a layer of base coat to create a smooth surface to work, protect your natural nails, and help your manicure last as long as possible,” she says. “Next, apply two thin layers of your blue polish, allowing five minutes of dry time between layers.”
