Celebrity nail tech and educator Julie Kandalec takes us along on her trip to Japan, as she dives into summer nail trends around the globe.
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Celebrity nail tech and educator Julie Kandalec takes us along on her trip to Japan, as she dives into summer nail trends around the globe.
Tokyo has always been one of my favorite places for nail inspiration, so I knew this trip – during the iconic cherry blossom season – would spark something new. It had been a while since I’d been to Japan, and I couldn’t wait to shop, trend-spot and feel the city’s creative energy again. One of the first things I did? Get my own nails done by Yuka (@yukamizz), an artist I’ve followed for a long time. Her work was everything I’d hoped for – totally on brand with tiny flowers, 3D chrome and Moroccan-style details. Sitting in her chair in Shibuya reminded me how much thought and precision goes into nail art here. Everything was hand painted, save the angel face.
"Sitting in her chair in Shibuya reminded me how much thought and precision goes into nail art here. Everything was hand painted, save the angel face."Detailed nail art for Julie Kandalec by Yuka (@yukamizz) in Japan.
I also spent a day in Osaka and spotted a group of girls who caught my eye — and not just for their street style. Every one of them had sheer nude nails with bold, chunky 3D gems, and it felt like a trend I couldn’t ignore. This kind of statement nail, with a soft base and over-the-top embellishments, was everywhere I looked.
"I also spent a day in Osaka and spotted a group of girls who caught my eye — and not just for their street style. Every one of them had sheer nude nails with bold, chunky 3D gems."Courtesy of Julie Kandalec
Press-ons were also everywhere, and I noticed the same thing: the entire collection at the famous Don Quijote (aka Donki) was all neutrals and black — not a single green, blue or bold design anywhere.
"Press-ons were also everywhere, and I noticed the same thing: the entire collection at the famous Don Quijote (aka Donki) was all neutrals and black."Courtesy of Julie Kandalec
Of course, no trip would be complete without a stop at TAT to check out new products. Cat eye finishes (aka magnetic or velvet nails) are still going strong, but now I’m seeing them in every color – and some were duo or even tri-tone. Another big trend? Stone textures — full nail designs that mimic real stone textures — like rose quartz, terracotta, marble and more. This mix of natural textures with high-shine effects like glitter waves or irregularly shaped freshwater pearls is a big trend to watch for.
"Cat eye finishes (aka magnetic or velvet nails) are still going strong, but now I’m seeing them in every color – and some were duo or even tri-tone. Another big trend? Stone textures."Courtesy of Julie Kandalec
Summer 2025 Nail Trends Spotted in Tokyo & Osaka
Chunky 3D Gems
- On sheer nude and pink pearl bases.
- Bold gem, glitter and bow accents on long, sleek nail shapes.
Chunky 3D gems on sheer nude and pink pearl basesCourtesy of Julie Kandalec
Cat Eye/Velvet Finishes
- Still trending, now in a wider range of colors, and no longer have to mix or layer with jelly shades.
- Duo-tone and tri-tone cat eye shades are on the rise — I picked up two of these for myself!
- Some now with medium size glitters for extra drama and texture.
Stone-Inspired Nails
- Designs that mimic real stones and minerals found in nature — especially ones in neutral tones.
- These can be worn as the nail color itself with no additional design or as a base for nail art.
- Common Examples: rose quartz (pale pink) and amethyst (purple)
- Less Common Examples:
Greens like malachite (deep green with ribbons of light green and white) and jade (light green tones, classic and a nod perhaps to Chinese heritage)
Whites like moonstone (milky white with a subtle blue glow) and opal nails (milky white with a pink, purple and blue glow)
Earthy tones (terracotta, marble and natural stone textures)
Courtesy of Julie Kandalec
Tiny Floral & Moroccan-Inspired Details
- Delicate hand-painted flowers combined with textured chrome, like my set by Yuka.
- Geometric patterns with 3D elements like shells.
3D Chrome Accents
- Raised chrome designs in soft metallic shades.
- 3D elements paired with minimal or detailed base art for dimension.
Yuka Shares What's Trending in Japan
- Magnetic nails are popular in Japan! This is because they are easy to incorporate, and even manicurists without skills can quickly earn a high rate. Customer satisfaction is also high, and many different color variations are available from various manufacturers. Flash magnets are also popular (in the States we call them flash or reflective).
- Also, the Korean boom is strong in Japan, so nails like those worn by K-pop idols are also popular. For example, Hello Kitty 3D parts, ribbons, hearts, etc!
- Longer nails have also become popular recently. (But not the same length as in America!) This is also due to the influence of K-pop idols, and square shapes are popular. Long square nails are popular among people in their teens and twenties!
"The Korean boom is strong in Japan, so nails like those worn by K-pop idols are also popular. For example, Hello Kitty 3D parts, ribbons, hearts, etc!"Courtesy of Julie Kandalec
Summer 2025 Nail Trends in the U.S.
Pastel French Manicures
- Opaque pastel tips over a sheer pink or nude base.
- Popular shades: baby blue, buttercup yellow, pale pink, lilac, mint green
- Some clients choose one color for all tips, while others love the full pastel mix for a more playful vibe.
Solid Chrome Finishes
- Chrome layered over sheer or light base colors (think pale pinks, soft beige, milky white).
- Gives a clean, high-shine look that’s simple but eye-catching.
- Works well on all nail lengths and shapes and is a favorite for clients who want something sleek with a twist.
Aurora Borealis Crystals
- Iridescent crystals used to give a subtle flash on the nails
- Reflects light like candy or ice, with hints of pink, blue, green and purple, depending on the angle.
- Often paired with sheer bases or light jellies to keep the focus on the sparkle.
3D Flowers
- Something slightly different on each nail — maybe a full flower on one nail and a zoomed in petal on another
Airbrush
- Using an airbrush machine to create aura nails, sometimes covered with silver or a neutral color cat eye for added dimension.
Fruit Nails
- These were really popular last summer, and they’re still going strong for this summer, it seems! I love seeing these look “juicy” with the addition of 3D gel.
Julie K Nail Academy Alumni Share What's Trending
I wanted to ask my alumni what was trending in their salons, and here’s what they had to say:
“Trending right now at my salon is sheer milky nails, chrome finishes, soft pastels, jelly tints, micro-French tips, airbrushed aura nails, and minimal line art with gold accents. Also seeing a lot of velvet cat-eye magnet gels and neon watercolor effects!” — Mish Lee (@mishlee.nail), Seattle
Courtesy of Julie Kandalec
“In our studio for spring/summer, we’re loving luminous magnet gels with jelly art and florals and fun jelly bases with different colored Frenchies. We’re also mixing designs with pastels and neons. This week, we also did tons of magnetic gels, with chrome nail art stamped designs.” — Vanessa Vaca (@fabness), Roseville, CA
“Lots of blooming gel designs, isolated chrome, insect-inspired (ladybugs, butterflies), butter yellows and flowers.” — Erica De Los Santos (@thatsme_erica), Kenvil, NJ
“I have demands on natural nails: pastel colors and milky nails and tiny French manicures. French people are very into a natural aspect." — Elena Susareva (@dune_of_nude), Clermont-Ferrand, France
“Bold colors, abstract designs, 3D textures” — Tracy Wilson (@wheelynailson), Olympia, WA
“I’ve been doing lots of 3D textures, the 3D flowers with the molding gel and isolated chrome. Most of my clients are now transitioning from spring pastel colors to vibrant summer colors like hot pinks, yellows, oranges, blues, giving beachy vibes.” — Nashalye Nazario Méndez (@gracefulmasterpieces_xnashalye) Bradenton/Sarasota, FL
“Lots of chrome, French tips and pastel colors.” — Elena Cara (@bostonmanicure), Boston, MA
Overall, cat eye, texture and 3D nails seem to be the overarching trend for nails around the world, with lots of cute and colorful micro-trends tossed in. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be trying out all these looks this summer!
About the Author:
Julie Kandalec is a celebrity nail technician in New York City, an educator and founder of Julie K Nail Academy. Visit @julieknailsnyc, @julieknailacademy or julieknailacademy.com to learn more.
