Who says your nails can’t be a whole mood? As Summer 2025 rolls in with its humid nights and fresh fruit cravings, there’s one manicure trend that’s as refreshing as it is irresistible: watermelon nails. Whether you prefer gel, acrylic, or a simple neutral, this watermelon nail trend is viral on million hashtags and on real nails across the country. But here’s the catch — not all watermelon nail looks are the same. Some scream beach vibes, others whisper weekend brunch. And the best part? You don’t need to be a skilled artist to achieve these unique manicures at home.
Feeling like trying something new for your nails and welcome the season with style? Have a look at these super sweet watermelon nails ideas 2025, grab some inspiration – and step-by-step guides – to make them happen with that playful, summery vibe.
Bold Watermelon Vibes with a Glossy Almond Finish
What makes this rendition of watermelon nails really interesting is its glossy surface, bright colors, and ideal almond shape. The foundation has a bright coral pink which resembles the core of a ripe melon, with bright green accents along the edges and small black seed embellishments. This design is not only all about Summer it captures its essence perfectly. It’s the type of nail art that makes hands an attractive accessory and completely fits the bright, fruity trend of 2025. The ideal statement seek for fashion-forward hands that are ready to tell a story.
For the base, I usually go for Gelish So Sweet and So Coral and for that bright rind-green I use OPI’s I’m Sooo Swamped!. Using a dotting tool allows you to get clear seed shapes with Essie’s Licorice polish. For shine, a high-gloss gel topcoat seals the deal. For extra longevity, particularly when going to the beach or having a BBQ, acrylic overlays can do wonders to keep your nails in good shape.
I tried this at home myself and discovered that this technique made all the difference: First buff and shape nails into an almond shape and then apply a base coat of gel polish under the UV light, layer your watermelon hue and top off with a detail brush. The idea of clean edges and minimalist details adding a touch of sophistication to bold designs—not kitsch—came to Byrdie courtesy of celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein, who gave her a tip. Couldn’t agree more.
With such an appearance, I’m taking myself from a casual picnic to the red carpet. For a summer girls’ getaway to Miami, I put it on—everyone wanted to know about it. The design made me perfect centerpiece at all group photos. You can re-create this look with ease but it still stands out and leaves an impression.
Juicy Summer French Tips with Watermelon Flair
These nails are everything I want from Summer: playful, flirty, and still super wearable. With glossy pink around the edges, which gently shade into vibrant green and bold black accents, this French tip watermelon nail design provides a modern and fresh appearance. Each nail has a refreshing fade that alludes to the neon trends without being too dramatic making it appropriate for any occasion. Whether you are on a beach bonfire or lounging through brunch, this manicure is for any mood.
For a smooth soft ombré effect, I suggest using Bio Seaweed Gel’s Blooming Gel, starting with a pale pink and slowly increasing to the bright green. To achieve the watermelon seed effect, I use a micro brush with gel liner paint — my favorite choice is Makartt’s Black Art Gel Liner.
If you wish to bake this at home, use the sponge method to apply soft colors to each nail and then dry under UV light. Follow by sketching the tip with green and end with several dots of watermelon seeds. Expert nail artist Sarah Bland, who has gained a name for herself with her TikTok artistry, emphasizes the need to first coat your nails with a matte base, before placing watermelon tips to ensure those outlines are bold. Game-changer.
Seeing this nails has me imagining a colorful fruit bowl floating in the summer sun. It felt just right to wear this design at a midsummer baby shower – it’s sweet enough to go with sundresses, and it has that unexpected charm. Watermelon nails this year are both soft and strong, conveying the feeling of sweetness and sass.
Sweet and Subtle Watermelon Tips on Short Nails
Now this one is pure cute energy. A short rounded gel manicure with each tip enhanced with a faint watermelon arc, soft pinks into a light green, and embellished with tiny black seed dots. Ideal for the average wearer, this style provides charm, but not overwhelming, depending on whether you prefer a quieter or more understated appearance. If you’re team short nails, this one’s for you. Minimalism meets fruity freshness.
I lean toward Olive & June’s SE Pink for a soft base and then layer on top Essie’s Mojito Madness for the rind. The accumulation of the topcoat provides the nails with their 3D and that desired juicy appearance. It is easy to place the seeds perfectly by using a basic dotting tool.
Sometimes I try it myself as it is not difficult to do. You can manage it with no problem if your hand movements are steady, or speed things up if you use press-on tips already decorated with a matching design. I’ve found a sheer pink base to be warmer, which is very flattering on olive and tan skin tones.
The best for me is how it can be easily adapted to various occasions. In July, one of my friends styled these nails for work, modern, on-trend but with a touch of summer fun. You don’t need to go all out; it’s still smart and well thought-out.
Elegant Watermelon-Inspired French with a Twist
For those who like minimalism, here’s a minimalist version of the 2025 watermelon trend: sleek almond nail tips, subtle green ends, and a whisper of bright coral. The simplicity of this design is its best feature with no seed details required. It is able to be modern and fresh, yet clearly evoke the spirit of watermelon nails. If you want understated artistry, but a hint of the season, this style works perfectly.
To finish this look, try combining the tips with Le Mini Macaron’s Mint Chocolate and Côte Nail Polish No. 25 for the coral base arc. The sharp liner brush and patience are what is required for plotting the inner curves.
I learned something valuable from an interview with Allure by Elle Gerstein, who’s known as J.Lo’s nail guru. In minimalist nail art, what really counts is symmetry and perfect line control above all. It’s not about more, it’s about intention.” That view changed my way of getting looks like these fundamentally.
This became my staple choice last spring when I was in search of something both fun and mature – and it’s one of the few designs that my mom and teenage niece actually agreed upon. A small miracle, honestly.
Classic Coral Meets Watermelon Accent
One of those old-timey nail art patterns, bright coral for the base and sly watermelon half slice on one nail, is a staple for any occasion. It’s like you’ve entered a vacation paradise, regardless of whether your drink is a can of LaCroix. This simple yet endearing concept allows you to take on strong color without being quite so daring as to use fruit designs throughout. It’s balance. It’s fun. It’s very 2025.
If you want to go with this look, go ahead and pick up OPI’s Coral-ing Your Spirit Animal for a great base layer. Whether you choose to hand-draw the slice with nail art tools or rapidly apply a 3D decal, you have options that work with your schedule.
Using merely a tube of coral gel polish, a skinny brush, and some practice, you can create this look. This is the best way to start if you’re new to easy nail art. Remember to prime your nail with a sticky base as the patterns will stay so long as the top coat is on.
This nail look is my favorite when I have those days when I want an easy look that can’t go wrong in making a style statement. You’ll be done in 30 minutes, and every time you look down you’ll feel refreshed.
High Gloss and Ultra Sweet: Watermelon Chic
Okay, let’s dive into this perfect, ultra-glamorous finish – this is every gel manicure stalker’s dream. The nails are filed into a nice square-rounded form with bright red polish, neat minty touches, and a touch of black dots to replicate the appearance of sliced watermelon. The look is saturated and juicy, but refined. This style honors classic summer design but makes it contemporary to the current year’s trendbook with a refined, contemporary feel.
With the use of Gel-X extensions, you will have the perfect full and smooth nail form for this trend. Apply Beetles Gel Polish in Watermelon Pop to create your base, use Kiara Sky in Mint Chocolate for a clean mint tip and finish with the seeds by dabbing with a jet-black detail brush. Put on a shine polish for the final coat and your nail look will be shining.
Honestly? If you’re patient with clean lines, this design is easy to replicate. Start with a red base, set it with a quick cure, add mint tips, and leave the seed arrangement to fall where it may—it’s all about a relaxed look. They’re meant to feel natural — not perfectly spaced. That’s part of the charm. Tom Bachik, who had worked with J.Lo, observes, “Little flaws make the overall look more interesting and lively”.
This design is my go-to whenever I want my watermelon nails to feel really special. It manages to be sophisticated and fun – ideal for dinner out or professional gathering, without being too summery.
Barbiecore Meets Fruit Salad
Here’s where pink makes a power move. This concept combines hot pink, pale blush tones and a happy lime green detail, completed with an cheeky watermelon slice on one nail. Imagine a style in which you are both a polished Barbie and a developing produce shopper – fancy but with a dash of seasonal fun. A combination of colors creates a dramatic visual equilibrium, and the splash of half-moon design ties everything together beautifully.
You’ll want a mix of colors here. Choose Select Lights Lacquer’s Strawberry Macaron, OPI’s Pink Flamenco and ILNP’s Limelight as your go-to colors for the refreshing green taste. You can make the process easier with a nail art decal, but otherwise, use a dotting tool and micro brush to paint the seeds and arc by hand.
If precision color blocking isn’t your thing, it’s wise to consult a pro for a gel or acrylic manicure like this. With the right tools in your collection, layering the look at home is as simple as using striping tape and working under good light. Work systematically and a proper 3D gloss topcoat should be used to highlight the watermelon details fully.
I tried this manicure last year in the spring and flaunted it at a bottomless brunch. The design required a whirlwind of questions: strangers were flashing me that “is that a watermelon nail?” reaction. It’s the easiest conversation starter ever. Usually, don’t we just want nails that add a touch of happiness to our day?
Glossy Red Statement with Watermelon Detail
If you’re someone who swears by a red polish, this is your sweet spot. The twist is in the combination of a bright glossy red almond shape with two watermelon nails, ideal for a little of the season. Ideal for ladies who want to emphasize strength in their nails but want to add a little bit of sunny Summer to their look. It has a lustrous base and green tips and seed details, and it’s like the nails just shine on their own.
Start with Essie’s Russian Roulette for the foundation red and end with Zoya’s Josie on the tips. If you are in search of accurate watermelon accents, then Modelones Gel Art Pens are the way to go. These pens are a lifesaver for anyone who is just beginning to dabble in nail art for creating fun, basic looks.
First, paint all your nails with the red base and use the middle and ring finger as your canvas for the watermelon pattern. First, put on the green French tips, and end by adding your seeds on top. Cure between each step for that salon-slick finish.
There’s a boldness here that I love. I tested this look for a 4th of July picnic — it really worked. It is bright and summery but still refreshingly fun and a little irreverent. It’s also incredibly simple to choose a fantastic pink for the lips that complements the nail art.
Crisp Watermelon Fade with Bold Square Tips
We can really concentrate on how clean and neat the lines of this design are. Design summer at its freshest. A bright gradient from peachy natural to watermelon pink accents, with green square French tips and sharp white specks and black seeds. It’s as if it is a little painting on each nail with a perfect fruity sweetness. The square shape adds a modern, editorial edge.
This is definitely a salon piece. Aerograph tools are perfect for achieving this look for creating the ombré effect. You can also get this look using Madam Glam gel polishes in Soft Petal, Flamingo Pink, and Lime Mint. If you want the white fringe around the green tip to come out perfectly, you’ll either need a steady hand or the skills of a pro.
This look is definitely not easy, but it’s totally worth it. One glance caught my eye as it was unique but also practical – it remained at the top of my favorites until I made up my mind to visit a salon to recreate it. It gives summer luxury without trying too hard.
You will frequently hear compliments on where you had these nails done. Expect DMs.
Reverse Watermelon on Green Base
Let’s flip the script. This 3D art idea reverses the watermelon concept: The majority of your nails should have a striking green base, with two slicing into a perfect pink center with the signature green and white ring and a sprinkle of seeds. It has a touch of whimsy, but in the right way that elevates it. This concept is a modern and bold touch if you’re looking for something with attitude.
If you are constructing this look, Orly’s Green With Envy is a great foundation to begin with. To make the watermelon sections, you can mix Pink Bikini CND Shellac and White Shellac, with the help of detailing tools or nail art stickers for those who would like to avoid the detailed painting.
A great finish is possible with either acrylics or gels – the key is to have clean, polished nails. Start with the base, make sure it’s dry before proceeding, and use a extremely thin detailing brush to outline the watermelon shapes. Add a topcoat for that juicy shine.
I get that comic book vibe with this nail art — bold, cheerful, and unabashedly playful. That itself describes what 2025 is all about:<< being expressive without explanation.
Juicy Pink and Bold 3D Watermelon Slice
This look is all about contrast and pop. A bright palette of pink gel nails includes an outstanding 3D watermelon slice on one of the nails. The texture on that slice? Impeccable. The exterior is layered green rind, the center is lively red-pink for brightness and the raised seeds look like as if they’re popping off the nail. It’s cheeky, eye-catching, and gathers serious compliments.
Because this effect is compatible with oval-shaped Aprés Gel-X extensions, they’re the perfect place to start. As for your color, Lights Lacquer’s Taffy Pink is a very good option and for sculpted details, use 3D sculpting gel. The most popular nail professionals swear by Born Pretty’s 3D Gel for such designs because of its ability to hold form and add dimension.
Creating this at home? It’s doable technically, but not everyone will find it easy. Prepare by using a flat silicone tool and giving yourself additional time to apply the rind and seeds. Finish your nails with a shiny top to add depth to the red and greens. Trust me, the results are worth the effort.
This look was a highlight last August on vacation; I was constantly admiring my nails while I sipped iced matcha. It is fun and fashionable, mixing the best of nail art with artful 3D shaping. And yes, it absolutely counts as design summer inspo.
Glossy Red Watermelon Halves with Graphic Precision
Let’s talk graphic impact. A base of rich, deep red polish is what gives this design its glossy finish, and each nail forms the shape of a classic watermelon slice. The key? There are white and green rings around each nail, and perfectly spaced black seeds complete the look. This nails art is elegant and not complicated, bringing some visual sparkle without making your schedule complex.
As the design itself is graphic, the use of a full acrylic or gel base will make a difference in its longevity. Begin with a Red Carpet from DND for the bright, juicy color, then use white striping tape and a fine brush with Essie Mojito Madness to fill in your slices. The addition of a matte topcoat is a wonderful idea because it makes the nails look realistic and naturally fresh.
This one’s for the girl who loves symmetry. The proportions are dead on, and they are wrapped in an environment that is light and informal. These designs are in line with 2025 nail trends as bright color blocking and graphic elements are trending on TikTok and on the catwalks.
To me, this design is the more sophisticated cousin of the classic watermelon nail art. Still sweet, but just a little bit sharper.
Comfy-Chic Short Watermelon Tips
This look is peak cute and cozy. Slightly curved, short nails with a watermelon design that sits at the tip; not too much, not too little. It’s effortless to wear and has a warm appeal, but delivers a playful, summery punch.
To get this perfect watermelon manicure, paint the center in Olive & June’s Wild Watermelon and select Zoya’s Josie or a light lime green for the rind. To drop the seeds in the right place, use a fine dotting tool and apply black stamping gel.
One of the reasons why I like this design is that it can look amazing even without long nails. It is perfect for natural nails and is ridiculously easy to recreate at home. This worked perfectly for my work-from-home lifestyle – easily updatable, but always adding a burst of color whenever I logged into my computer.
This design is ideal for beginners – simple, inexpensive, and super cute.
Glitter Meets Fruit in a Bold Almond Look
Ready to turn heads? This almond-shaped nail art combines everything: a vibrant watermelon vibe, a pop of neon green, a striking red fade, and a glittery burst on the middle finger which makes the entire look. It’s statement-worthy, multi-layered, and sums up everything watermelon nails are expected to be big on next year.
Use The GelBottle’s Jungle to achieve that neon green tone, then Madam Glam’s Perfect Red, and finish the glitter nail with Orly FX’s Sparkling Garbage. You’ll want to blend pink into red for the fruit center, then finish with white and green detailing using a fine striping brush.
This design is ideal for those summer nights at concerts, on rooftops with cocktails, and to catch every sparkly moment. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it’s a little extra. Summer 2025 is the season when going overboard is the perfect thing to do.
I’ve saved this look for a festival. Add this manicure to a denim jacket, a crop top, and way too many bangles for a bright and bold look. Live a little.
Drippy Watermelon Melt for the Bold at Heart
And finally — let’s get messy. Reach out your nails to catch this gel art inspired drip design that is able to reflect the texture of melted watermelon cascading down. Raised with structured green French tips, this look has a graphic design, three-dimensionality, and contemporary trends. The vibe? Something that’s edgy for personal reasons, impressive and inviting.
To get this look, you’ll need to resort to the use of builder gel or acrylic nails to cover the extended nail bed and multiple layers. Make the drips by using thick nail art gel and protect them by coating with glossy topcoat. Allow the thick layers to cure properly; building up structure like this takes patience.
The instant I saw something similar to this on NailPro’s Instagram during Fashion Week, I took a photo and added it to my collection. It’s wild but wearable, especially if you’re looking for something unforgettable.
It’s fine to admit that not all nail trends need to be delicate and understated. You don’t always have to have plain, understated nails — sometimes, personality-soaked ones are just the thing. Literally.
Pointy Green Perfection with Watermelon Accents
This almond manicure punches with its bold summery vibe detailed with a lively and fun twist. The style incorporates sections of bold glossy green gel polish with watermelon inspired statement nails in between. With a delicate hue of pink and green and detailed black seed details, each nail is a little bit of a design in itself. It’s a statement look that automatically catches eyes in pool parties and complements perfectly with a tangy lime cocktail.
For the base I’d choose OPI ‘I’m Sooo Swamped!’ in bright green with a free hand swipe of ‘Strawberry Margarita’ for the melon slices. To make the seed details, I would suggest using a nail art brush with Essie’s “Licorice” black polish and a dotting tool for a real look. Enclose the color with a surface of high gloss gel top coat, such as Seche Vive.
This look is not as scary as it seems – begin by painting on a smooth base with gel polish, layer your colors gradually and end it off with freehand painting or stencils for the watermelon design. In order to make my manicure last I always cure each coat under a UV lamp before applying the next. According to nail artist Mei Kawajiri, in an Elle interview, “A manicure is your smallest but most visible accessory”. I couldn’t agree more.
Within the first few weeks of June, when warm weather is finally upon us, and I’m so keen to experience summer vibes without needing to rely on too much neon, this design is my pick. It’s festive, endearing, and it makes me feel as though I am drinking that rosé on the terrace already. You will immediately feel like you are accessorising your outfits even on the most basic days.
French Fade Watermelon Tips
It’s a modern French tip, but with a watermelon vibe for a new, stylish appearance. The artwork moves from soft tones of pink and nude to rich and juicy green at the ends and adorned with tiny seed embellishments that provide a stylish contrast. This design, which has a graceful yet playful zing, can be worn for backyard BBQs or for festive rooftop evenings, and can be easily shaped into a feminine finish.
For this design, use soft blush shades of gel ombré brush paint (use Gelish “Light Elegant”) with new green (use Beetles Gel Polish “Neon Green”). The seeds? A precision dotting tool is your BFF here. Use removable latex to cover the sides of your nails in order to keep your art clean.
The process involves covering the pale pink tones to a soft nude; each coat to be fully cured before the next. After shaping the green tip using a French curve brush, then add the
This one feels especially wearable for work or travel. I managed to pull off a manicure inspired by this one at a July wedding, which became the talk of the wedding. It succeeds in being relaxed, but perfectly describes the exuberant spirit of a summer day.
Playful Pink Pop with a Neon Twist
Now this — this is not your shy-girl manicure. Imagine this: bright, neon-pink nails with attention-grabbing watermelon shapes on them – omelet for anyone? The bright gel polish has striking contrast and the artwork provides enough watermelon slices in most of the nails. If your summer mantra is “more is more,” this set is your spirit animal.
To paint the pink base use Orly’s “Beach Cruiser” and accentuate with “Lime Basil” from Kiara Sky to provide the green rind. A perfect striping brush is the key to creating the watermelon shape, and a sprinkling of a few tiny black dots for seeds gives a sharp, fun finishing touch. If you’re going for a magazine ready finish, matte top coat is a must.
Planning the slices does need some steadiness — and I have one best piece of advice to offer to you: before applying the nail color sketch your nails gently using nail friendly watercolor pencils and use light strokes for a template. Using a detail brush and acetone, run it over the finish to make the lines neat. That’s a trick I picked up watching Sarah Bland’s fast tik tok tutorials – it does save time.
Honestly, this nail design is perfect for vacation season. It’s youthful, cute, and loud in the best way. I’d dress it with simple white linen, sleek hair pulled back, and a chilled, minty cool-aid. It may look scary but then again, that’s what summer is supposed to be.
Leafy Garden Watermelon Realness
This design gives a refreshing, almost refreshing, feel. Leafy green touches with half-moon slices of watermelon add a distinctive, botanical and artistic slant to this manicure, unlike other fruity designs. The acrylic shape is gentle and organic in curve, so that the design seems as though it was made by a local winemaker in Sonoma.
To alternate the leafy accents, I recommend switching Essie’s “Watermelon” with milder greens such as Olive & June’s “WKF”. A narrow, very precise liner brush is necessary and finishing with a shiny top coat makes the nails look polished.
Just begin with a clear or soft base and make the melon slices with curved half-moons. Add the leaf strokes last for a clean look. Born from meticulous nail art, Betina Goldstein commends layering see-through colors to add depth to designs like these — she’s a pro with delicate details.
What is making me particularly attracted to this design is the seamless flow between art and outdoor inspiration. This design works perfectly for a day at a vineyard, a picnic by the flowers, or any other moment you’re interested in getting that breezy, sunny romance. It has this poetic vibe without feeling too precious.
Matte Bold and Graphic Slices
A pure simplicity with a graphic impact makes this nail design completely confident. With this matte finish, this look has a modern, editorial feel to it and the classic red, pink and green colors reflect the classic watermelon scheme. The seed pattern is uniform, clean, and highly Insta-friendly. It pays tribute to pop art but recontextualizes for the 2025 style.
A matte top coat is necessary – try Zoya’s Velvet or OPI Matte Top Coat. In order to obtain the base colors use “Big Apple Red” by OPI and “Tutti Frutti” by Nailtopia. That bright green stripe? “Wasabi” from Lights Lacquer nails it. Use striping tape to keep your lines sharp.
This design is ideal for beginners – use nail tape to divide your colors, apply them on your nails and finish with a matte top coat. Pro nail technician Tom Bachik says that buffing your nails lightly before applying matte polish can improve adhesion and even significantly affect the outcome of the finish.
I’m obsessed with this look for everyday summer errands. It’s low-maintenance, easy, and playful without being over-the-top. If you like things simple with a touch of style, then this design is right for you.
Soft Ombre Slice Vibes
The design succeeds in capturing a soft and lively mood easily. The design smoothly moves from sharp white to vivacious pink, and bright green tips, which have a heavenly effect, as though you had dipped your nails into a frosty piece of watermelon. To complete the look add small black seeds beneath the slice for a summery vibe that is both tasty and on-trend. Ideal for those who need clean, easy lines that add to the seamless effect.
When I apply this look to gel, I use a makeup sponge to soften OPI’s “Funny Bunny” with “Mod About You” and “Strawberry Margarita” to create the gradient. For the best pop, experiment with a bright green like Essence’s “Off Tropic” at the end of the nail. Mark the seeds with a micro dotting tool by putting matte black polish on each seed.
First, there is the neutral base coat on the nail, and I build the gradient by softly blending layers in using a sponge. I expose each layer to a UV lamp and decorate the green tip by hand with a thin brush. The seeds? As watermelon-look seeds are so fragile, put them on after everything else to avoid damage. Following a tutorial from Naio Nails on YouTube, I discovered that this blend technique is still the best way to get flawless ombré effects.
With this design, I feel very girl-glowing, as if I had strawberry milk on a sunny day or soft summer kisses. Last Independence Day, I did the same look but stylized it with a crisp white dress and braided hair. I swear, while standing in line at the farmer’s market, strangers couldn’t help but see my hands. It’s that kind of cute.
Glossy Neon with Watermelon Confetti
This look is loud in the best way. A bold hot neon pink acrylic colour is a bold statement in itself, but the secret highlight is from the middle fingers with sheer glossy nails etched with mini watermelon slices. The mixture of a bold solid color and transparent details is what makes this design so minimal, but effective. It’s practically begging to be shown off on a beach day or at a poolside party with watermelon mojitos.
Dip your nails in a bold pink with Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Electric Pink,” and add some fun watermelon details through decals from SHEIN and Daily Charme. You’ll need a good jelly base for the clear nails — I like using Aprés’ Gel-X in “Natural” with a nude tint.
This look is perfect when I want my nails to really do all the talking. Using this mani, I feel that minimal makeup is more elevated and allows your nails to shine.
Dripping Pink Watermelon Glam
This almond shape set is pure art. The design transforms the classic watermelon appearance with gel texture and shape. Picture a sleek shiny bubblegum pink polish with a hint of nude colours, while watermelon inspired details flow gracefully down the nail. The watermelon “drips” have minute seeds embedded in the design adding graphic appeal and a distinctiveness to the look. It’s simple, unexpected, and totally unforgettable.
The basic products for recreating this design are Beetles Gel Polish in “Bubble Pink” and “Bare It All”. The drips can be made using a dotting tool and fine brush, darker pink polish used to outline the watermelon shapes. To add extra dimension, place a little 3D gel or builder gel onto the drips.
Start by defining the shape, then use a dotting tool to drag the polish in an easy, smooth style. Cure it layer by layer. Seeds are convenient to apply using a fine brush or stamping them onto the nails. I tried this look after seeing a drip-effect lip art video and modified it for nails to get the same effect.
This is my go-to for something a little cheeky. My friends cannot fail to laugh or stop and ask what they are seeing. >>Although it doesn’t imitate reality, it fits perfectly into the theme – the perfect balance for a person who loves art, but hasn’t got to the point of cartoonish nails.
Short and Sweet Watermelon Tips
Proof that short nails can still pack a punch. A minimalist approach and responsible use of negative space is what makes this design appealing without being too complicated. For a clean look, each nail has a traditional half-moon watermelon shape with its own small seeds and a clean green French tip border. It’s cute, it’s easy, and it’s one of those ideas you can actually wear to the office without raising brows.
As a base I like the sheer nude from Essie called “Mademoiselle”, then cover it with a bold red called “Watermelon” for the watermelon accents. Green tips can be done with a striper brush, and for the black seeds, use a fine dotting pen or a nail stamping kit if you’re feeling fancy.
held together by a thin central plate. Using a dotting pencil, sketch the seed spots lightly and then paint them in with polish. Quick tip from Olive & June: The supporting of your elbow while doing intricate work goes a long way towards overall nail art precision.
These are the go-to look for when I want to go with the latest trends in a minimalist way. Imagine yourself eating a picnic in Central Park or lathering yourself up with cold brew on the rooftop. They’re not complicated, current, and not too playful.
Full Slice Fantasy
This design is a maximalist’s dream. Each nail is an individual watermelon slice; placed at different angles and overlaid to give the illusion of depth – but it’s all gel polish. Each nail stands as its own watermelon slice, positioned at varying angles and overlaid to The precision is outstanding, with the rind outlines and seed placement so precise that the nails look like they have been made up from a mosaic. For a dramatic, artful view of summer nails, this is it.
Choose nail art gel liners to make sure you have control — many nailers swear by the Leafgel Artist Series for such details. The slices are normally used in successive layers bearing shades of pink, white, green and black. Want more definition in your shapes? Use a white gel as the base and then paint with colored gel.
Start with a clear or nude base. Then, draw the shape of your slices on each nail, and paint incrementally. The details are added in layers, one by one, each layer cured to get a 3-dimensional effect. To make the design really pop, use a little sculpting gel only on the edges of the rind.
reply Such artistry makes you feel as if each piece is customised for you. I can’t even imagine someone who would not want to feel like walking nail candy.
Diagonal Slices with Glossy Pink Flair
This set is bursting with dimension. From the gel coating, a candy-sweet shine is released, and each finger alternates between a bold hot pink and unique diagonal watermelon slice designs. The almond shape gives it a bit of sophistication, but it is the diagonal green and white stripes with poppy seed dots that make it really stand out. This is the best time to get intense, bright shades.
The best base for this manicure is Gelish “Passion” pink with striped layers of leaf green and white using striping brushes. You’ll get the look by using a very saturated pink gel polish and adjusting diagonal angles with detail brushes. When it comes to the seed embellishments, the best way to achieve the perfect placement is with a strong black gel liner and a toothpick or tiny dotter.
Start by smearing your brightest pink on two fingers entirely. For the rest of the nails, draw the angle of the slices with a light pencil or liner and add swipes of green and white on top. Finish with the seeds and top the look with two solid coats of top coat for lasting shine. When I had these nails done prior to a weekend trip to Palm Springs, I got non-stop compliments – not one less impressive than those from the barista.
The aura of this summer design is runway-inspired but impossibly on-trend and functional. This design is as cute and as basic as fruit nails can be, and it looks even better when it’s combined with an iced matcha.
Sky Blue Meets Juicy Watermelon Point
Here’s where unexpected contrast meets peak trend. A very striking acrylic combination of soft blue and 3D watermelon patterns produces ring and middle fingers that resemble realistic watermelon slices with their outer layers. The 3D art looks so much like watermelon that dark green lines indicate the rind, and bright pink highlights pop against the relaxing blue polish. It’s fresh, spirited and surprisingly elegant, just right for the sophisticated yet laid-back July events, such as an art show opening.
For that light blue backdrop, I am fond of Lights Lacquer in “Blue Moon”. For the rind, you can apply deep color from OPI’s “Big Apple Red” and “I’m Sooo Swamped!” – they will provide you with the bright appearance you want. Layered rinds are better done with a striping brush, and mini seeds should be applied with a fine tip brush. In order to achieve 3D shading, use a sponge brush to create a quiet blend of darker green gels into the design.
At-home, I would begin with the watermelon shapes in pale pink gel followed by the rind in a series of shades. A flat gel art brush is ideal for those delicate natural lines. I learned this technique from @nail_swag on Instagram, her fruit designs are amazing and a wonderful inspiration.
Honestly? I’m obsessed. This set would work nicely for the Fourth of July, so it would be a subtle touch of American colors without being too patriotic. Moreover, it is fresh and unique, so it is completely worth the time to paint them.
