Summer 2025 looks like it will be full of bold, bright and playful styles and what’s wrong with a little extra fun? As the days heat up and our wardrobes get lighter, nail art is following suit with one of the most cheerful (and surprisingly chic) trends of the season: juicy watermelon nails to try in 2025. However, the biggest issue is how to pull off this style without looking like you’re at a kids’ birthday party. That’s where I come in. I’ve gathered a few watermelon-inspired manicures that look trendy, mature and are what everyone will be wearing in 2025. Let’s dive into the sweet details.
Glossy Rind & Seeded Charm
The first design just screams vacation mode — it’s giving me backyard BBQ, fresh fruit platters, and chilled sangria on the deck vibes. The base is a bright, juicy pink — the perfect “flesh” of the watermelon — while the nail tips feature a deep green rind with subtle striping for texture. The black seeds which are shaped like teardrops and very small, finish off the pink area without making the design too busy. It strikes that perfect balance between playful and polished.
To recreate this set, I would start with a high-pigment pink like OPI’s “Suzi Nails New Orleans” for the base. For the rind, you’ll want two greens: Essie’s “Mojito Madness” for the solid background, and a deep forest shade like “Off Tropic” for the stripes. The seeds? You’ll want to use a precision nail art pen in black and Orly’s Instant Artist in Jet Black is the perfect choice.
I discovered that the best way to have perfect edges is to use striping tape instead of trying to draw them by hand. Even if you’re not very skilled, the seeds are still easy to work with. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik (whose clients include Jennifer Lopez) has actually mentioned how “precision detailing with simple tools is what elevates playful designs to editorial-worthy looks.” Fully agree.
Soft Ombre Summer Blush
With this second version, the music becomes more gentle and refined which I love for summer weddings or garden brunches. The nails have an almond shape and are covered in a blush-to-pink ombre that slowly turns into a bright pink at the tip. The green rind is not very noticeable — a pastel green crescent sits around the cuticle area, just like a hint of watermelon peel. Only a few small seeds stuck to certain nails are enough to keep the look simple and in line with the theme.
Ombre work is all about the sponge. I find that the Makartt Nail Art Sponge Set is both affordable, simple to use and creates great airbrushed fades. For polishes, I’d blend OPI’s “Bubble Bath” with “Strawberry Margarita” for the pink gradient. The rind? Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple” is that perfect pastel green that looks sweet but not overly loud. For the seeds, again: tiny black nail art pen.
A tip from celebrity manicurist Sarah Bland (known for her work on editorial campaigns): “Blend your ombre shades while they’re still wet, and don’t overwork the sponge. Less is more for a natural fade.” That advice changed my ombre game forever.
Minimalist Watermelon Pop
For the minimalist ladies who want to try out this trend, here you go. The nail design looks neat and shiny, with bright red nails as the main highlight. Yet, two accent nails are decorated with watermelon slices, carefully outlined in white and green and placed at the side of a natural nude base. It’s playful but surprisingly sophisticated. Even with a bright color, the negative space stops the art from appearing too heavy.
Personally, I love using Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” for that vibrant, almost neon red. It’s glossy, rich, and has amazing staying power. The best way to do the watermelon accents is with a thin brush and gel polish, so you can make the small curved lines and seeds easily.
On my beach trip last year, I got stopped by people who wanted to compliment my nails and that always makes me happy. And honestly? Maintaining these while traveling is simple since the accent nails don’t chip as often as full-color ones.
Full Slice Watermelon Realism
If you’re feeling brave, this next look is full-on fruit fantasy. Each nail showcases a full slice of watermelon with the green rind, white inner border, bright red flesh, and scattered seeds — it’s basically a fruit salad for your fingertips. The design is fun, highly detailed, and totally maximalist. If you want your nails to be the conversation starter at every BBQ, pool party, or summer rooftop event, this one’s your winner.
If you don’t have a lot of experience with freehand art, it’s better to let a professional handle this design. However, if you want to try something at home, begin with a clear or nude gel base. Use a bright coral-red polish like ILNP’s “Tropics” for the flesh, and pair it with green and white gel liners to outline the slices. Add the seeds by using a tiny dotting tool or a brush with black gel.
Nail artist Mei Kawajiri (who’s done nails for Bella Hadid) has said, “The key to wearable maximalism is precise color blocking — keep your lines sharp, and your palette simple.” That’s exactly what makes this look work.
Neon Glow Melon Tips
Finally, let’s talk about my personal favorite: the neon-glow hybrid. It brings together bright neon colors with soft watermelon shades in a way that looks very modern for 2025. The foundation is a soft pink, but the bold neon green at the tips and watermelon slices give the nails a lively look. Some nails feature a blurred ombre red center, giving a soft “glow-from-within” effect that feels both dreamy and high-fashion.
For the base, I always reach for OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” — it’s sheer but buildable. The neon green is best achieved with ORLY’s “Glowstick,” which pops under sunlight like nothing else. The soft blur at the center? It’s for this reason that an airbrush or sponge ombre technique is so effective.
Celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein (who’s worked with Margot Robbie) swears by minimal but bold design elements: “Neon isn’t just for full coverage. Tiny accents make the biggest statement.” And this set proves it.
Elegant Ombre Drop Seeds
As soon as I saw this design, I imagined those warm summer evenings where the sun is setting and the air is still pleasant. The nails have a gradient that starts with a light blush color at the cuticle and ends with a strong watermelon pink at the tips. The ombré effect is finished with little black seeds that are perfectly spaced and add a touch of elegance. A special nail with a watermelon-like detail at the top edge makes this style unmistakable.
While it takes some time to do the soft ombre, the end result is really satisfying. I recommend starting with a base like Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” blending into OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” for that vibrant pink tip. A tiny makeup sponge gives the perfect airbrushed transition. A bright green gel liner is used for the rind and a micro-dotting tool can make the tiny black seeds.
What makes this design really wearable is its versatility. You could wear it in a formal summer wedding or at a relaxed picnic. And honestly? Even if my watermelon nails are done at home, people always want to know how I got them.
Matte Watermelon Party
With its bright, matte finish, this set makes the playful aspect even more noticeable. The nails have a solid pink layer one day and a fun watermelon print the next, giving off a strong summer festival feel. The way the mini slices are decorated, they almost seem like hand-painted works of art, giving everything a crafty, Pinterest-perfect look for 2025.
If you want a matte finish, begin with a matte top coat and Olive & June’s Super Matte Top Coat is my top recommendation. For the vibrant pink base, Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” gives that saturated watermelon tone. To make the small watermelon slices, you need to use very thin detailing brushes and white, green and coral-red gel liners.
What I love most? It’s charming that no two nails are the same and that’s what makes them playful. This kind of design feels very “selfie-ready” and brings instant energy to any outfit. Total dopamine nails.
Peachy Watermelon Accent
This version is a lovely change from the usual pink and green combination. Rather, the nails are painted in a soft peach color and one nail sports little watermelon slices going diagonally down the nail. The combination of gentle peach and lively fruit looks new, different and perfectly suits the citrus trend of 2025.
For that perfect peach, I’m obsessed with Essie’s “Tart Deco” — it’s creamy, bright, and totally wearable. The watermelon slices are best done with stickers or decals if you’re not confident with freehand painting. Etsy has some wonderful sets that help you achieve this look without making it simple.
I wore something similar in Palm Springs and I can say that this design looks fantastic near the pool. It’s not only chic, but also incredibly Instagram-friendly.
Blushed Melon French Fade
For those who like a modest look, this design uses negative space and a gentle watercolor effect. The nails are colored with a soft blush that fades into a red and the tips are finished with a green French manicure that resembles the watermelon rind. A few seeds are clustered above the border, giving the painting a playful touch.
This look is all about controlled blending. I typically use a sponge ombre technique with polishes like OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” and ILNP’s “Flamingo Pink.” The lime green tip comes to life with ORLY’s “Limeade,” while a dotting tool easily applies the black seeds.
Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec recommends: “Use a latex cuticle guard when sponging ombre to keep cleanup minimal and lines crisp.” Trust me, having this one product will make your life a lot easier.
Minimal French Melon Tip
Sometimes, less really is more. This design is inspired by French tips, but it adds a summer touch. The nails are done in a sheer bubblegum pink with thin green lines that look like the rind of a watermelon — no seeds and no mess. It’s simple, sleek, and incredibly wearable for everyday life while still winking to the season’s trend.
If I want a drink that’s suitable for work and still makes me happy, I choose this. I reach for Essie’s “Mademoiselle” as a base — it’s the perfect pink sheer — and then add a thin tip with Essie’s “Mojito Madness” for that green accent. Having clean-up brushes and striping tape in your kit helps you create a nice even line.
I love that it gives a watermelon look without being too obvious and I’m all for it.
Bold Contrast Melon Vibes
With this look, watermelon nails go from pretty to bold, making them stand out, be unashamed and add a lot of fun. Every nail alternates between a juicy red color with black seeds and a green striped look that resembles the rind of a watermelon. The black tear-shaped seeds contrast well with the bright red and the green stripes create movement all over the hand.
For this dramatic effect, I’d recommend ILNP’s “Paradise” for the red — it’s rich and glossy. The rind design can be achieved with a two-tone green combo: OPI’s “Green-wich Village” as the base and “Stay Off the Lawn!” for the stripes. You should always have a super fine nail art brush to create clean green lines.
The last time I wore this set, it was so noticeable because it reflected the sunlight beautifully. Watermelon nails like these don’t whisper; they shout summer. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we want.
Delicate Watermelon French Arcs
This is a modern French manicure with a tasty twist and I can’t stop thinking about it. The base of every nail is transparent pink and each one has a row of watermelon slices along the free edge. The slices have soft shades of red inside, with a white border and a green tip and are topped with tiny black seeds. It’s fresh, feminine, and surprisingly sophisticated.
For the clear base, OPI’s “Bubble Bath” is ideal. Then layer in the watermelon tips with ILNP’s “Summer Crush” for the red, and ORLY’s “Green Apple” for the rind effect. They allow you to make the seed placements look very delicate.
Celebrity nail tech Zola Ganzorigt, known for Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails, often says: “Details are what elevate playful designs into grown-woman territory.” This design? Perfect example.
Classic Pink Watermelon Dots
This design is simple, but in the best and most effective way. The nails are short and round and they are painted a solid pink with green tips at the free edge. A few black seed shapes are enough to identify the watermelon, but they do not look too much like real seeds. Simple, vibrant, and very easy to wear daily.
For this glossy pink, Essie’s “Mod Square” is my top pick. The green tips pop beautifully with Essie’s “Mojito Madness.” A black nail art pen is perfect for drawing the small seeds neatly and without a mess.
This design brings to mind the laid-back style you want for your backyard and those fun last-minute trips. No overthinking, just pure summer mood on your fingertips.
Short Gradient Seed Play
This look gives us a chic short manicure that mixes gradient colors with a watermelon theme. The base color of the nails is pink ombre which fades into a neutral color at the cuticle and each nail has black teardrop seeds scattered on it. A few nails have a fully green stripe which gives them a distinctive watermelon rind look.
For the pink-to-neutral gradient, I recommend blending Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” with “Watermelon” (yes, perfect name, right?). Use striping brushes for the vertical green lines, pairing OPI’s “Stay Off The Lawn!” with “I’m Sooo Swamped.”
I’ve taken this outfit on trips before and it’s easy to pack while also getting me noticed by the pool. To be honest, these designs are so lovely that they make you want to snap a bunch of boomerangs in front of palm trees.
Neon French Melon Glow
To complete the batch, we have a true neon summer look. The base is a see-through pink, the middle is a bright watermelon red and the tips are finished with a fluorescent lime green color. Each nail is decorated with black seeds which makes them resemble tiny slices of bright neon fruit.
For this energetic vibe, I like pairing OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” with ORLY’s “Glowstick” for the brightest green tip. A dotting tool makes it simple to place seeds and keeps the look neat.
This is the perfect sound for music festivals, beach clubs and all kinds of fun. Honestly? If we were on a girls’ trip now, I’d love for us all to wear this style. The photos are stunning and it seems perfect for enjoying drinks on the roof during summer.
Rind-Focused Watermelon Art
This design is for anyone who wants to try something new: it puts the rind in the spotlight, not the red flesh. Most nails are painted in bright green stripes, but one nail has a red background and scattered seeds which is a fun and fashionable reference to the fruit. It’s giving modern art, with a summer-fresh edge.
To nail this look (pun fully intended), I’d start with a vibrant green base using OPI’s “I’m Sooo Swamped.” For the stripes, use a fine brush dipped in a deeper green like Essie’s “Off Tropic.” The accent nail pops with ILNP’s “Tropics” for the red, and black seeds can easily be dotted on with a micro detail tool.
After I wore something like this, I was amazed by how many people thought it was “different” — and that’s why I enjoy it. It’s similar to displaying the other side of watermelon nails that many people wouldn’t imagine.
Classic Glossy Summer Melon
This design takes watermelon fantasies to the next level. Long nails are painted with glossy bright red at the base, neon green on the sides and have full half-slice accent nails, all polished to look like glass. The bright and vibrant colors give off a strong summer feeling — if these nails were a drink, they’d be a frozen watermelon daiquiri.
For that glassy red, Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly” is my ultimate go-to. The green pops with ORLY’s “Glowstick.” A detailing brush will help you make the white and black slices look neat and sharp.
Tom Bachik, a famous nail artist, has said: “High gloss can make even fun nail designs look more luxurious.” And this set? Total glossy perfection for every pool party selfie.
Playful Green & Glitter Seed Mix
With this mix, every finger gets to experience bold green solids, juicy red solids, shiny seed accents and whole watermelon slices. The sparkly texture on the nails makes them look extra festive right away. It’s got a spontaneous, slightly eclectic energy — the kind of look you wear for beach days, music fests, and those long late-night bonfires.
For this combo, I’d use Essie’s “Watermelon” for the pink, “Mojito Madness” for the green, and ILNP’s “Pink Mimosa” for that sparkling glitter touch. If you choose to do this at home, you can use nail decals or stickers to help put the seeds in place.
I enjoy the lighthearted feel of this design and I think that’s what we need for summer 2025.
Neon Coral French with Watermelon Slices
It uses the French tip trend and bright summer shades. The nails are painted a soft, nude-pink color and the tips are bright coral. Some of the nails have tiny watermelon slices which help to make the design more interesting and summery.
For that neon tip, try OPI’s “Hotter Than You Pink.” The watermelon slices can be created with a micro liner brush, pairing ILNP’s “Tropics” for the red and ORLY’s “Green Apple” for the rind. If you’re not confident with hand-painting, nail decals will make this design feel totally salon-level even at home.
When I wore this type of look to a weekend brunch, my friends couldn’t stop calling it “Pinterest IRL” — and honestly? That’s the best compliment.
Minimal Nude with Micro Slices
Lastly, this soft and minimalistic version of juicy watermelon nails is perfect for 2025 and I love it. A light, creamy nude base shows miniature watermelon slices placed in equal spaces on every nail. The design is small, the details are fine and the mood is both classy and fun.
Essie’s “Mademoiselle” makes the perfect nude backdrop here. I suggest getting pre-cut watermelon decals from shops on Etsy, as they are detailed and look very much like professional paintings. Finish the paint job with a topcoat that gives a long-lasting shine.
This is what I usually wear, since I don’t always want to wear bright colors, but a hint of summer is fine. Yes, always.
Juicy Red Melon Perfection
This outfit is a perfect example of watermelon drama and that’s a good thing. The nails are painted a deep red and some of them are decorated with watermelon slices that have neat white edges and bright green rinds. The almond shape gives the cookie a classy look that goes well with the playful taste of the fruit.
For that intense red, I always reach for Lights Lacquer’s “Cherry Jelly.” The rind details are best done with a precision nail art brush, using ORLY’s “Green Apple” and a thin stripe of OPI’s “Alpine Snow” for the white band. With a little dotting tool, the glossy black seeds are easy to handle.
I dressed up in something similar for a summer dinner on a rooftop and my nails attracted all the attention. It has a strong look but remains elegant — the perfect way to make a statement this summer.
Minimal Square Melon Accent
If you’re someone who prefers the “less is more” approach but still wants a slice of the fun, this design is perfect. Most of the nails are clear and natural, but every hand has one decorated watermelon accent nail. The slice’s bright red flesh, thin white rind and lime green skin add a nice touch without being too much for your nails.
To achieve this natural base, OPI’s “Put It In Neutral” is my go-to. For the accent slice, you’ll want a detail brush and steady hand (or decals for a shortcut), using ILNP’s “Summer Crush,” ORLY’s “Green Apple,” and OPI’s “Alpine Snow.”
What I love here is how versatile it is. You could wear it on a workday, for a first date or just to show a hint of summer without being too much.
Watermelon Seed Scatter
This playful design leans heavily into the seed motif. The almond-shaped nails are usually bright red and each nail is dotted with black seeds. Each hand includes a nail with a bold green rind to make the design more unique. It’s giving full summer party mode — almost like little slices of watermelon confetti on your fingertips.
For this punchy red, Essie’s “Watermelon” works perfectly. For the green rind nail, pair Essie’s “Mojito Madness” with thin black striping for texture. It is simple to use a micro-brush dipped in black gel polish to spot the seeds on your nails.
Honestly? This is sure to impress at any summer party or bonfire since it’s both fun and bursting with flavor.
Pastel Soft Ombre Mix
This design is a fun pastel version of watermelon nails that you can try in 2025 by using blush-pink ombre nails and green nails for the rind. The gentle gradient makes the nails look light and the square shape gives them a modern touch. Thanks to the balance between pink and green, this is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a softer version of the trend.
For the pink ombre, Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” blended into “Strawberry Margarita” creates that perfect gentle fade. The green nails shine with ORLY’s “Mint Condition.” All you have to do is use a fine striping brush to create a neat and deliberate rind texture.
I chose this dress for a summer picnic and I felt it was just right: not too colorful but still pretty. It truly fits into any summer mood.
Matte Summer Fruit Fusion
Now, let’s look at a matte finish version of the watermelon trend. This design switches between pastel pink and pastel green square nails and a couple of the nails have tiny watermelon slices at the edge. The matte topcoat dims the shine, but it makes the colors stand out better when in sunlight.
For the color palette, Essie’s “Fiji” and “Mint Candy Apple” make the perfect base pair. The matte finish comes courtesy of Olive & June’s “Super Matte Top Coat.” You can make those mini slices much simpler by using a fine detailing brush or good-quality decals.
The first time I wore matte watermelon nails, I really enjoyed them because they look so different from what you’d expect for a fruit-themed design. Brunch, holidays and even summer weddings are the perfect times for this style.
Glossy Full-Fruit Melon Design
This makeup gives you the impression that you’re holding a summer picnic on your fingers. The nails are fully painted red and the green rind detail is placed right at the end of each nail. The black seeds are sprinkled in a natural way, bringing out the watermelon feeling, but the polish makes everything appear shiny and polished.
For this finish, I like starting with ILNP’s “Tropics” for that juicy red. The tips are created using a striping brush with Essie’s “Mojito Madness” and “Alpine Snow” to get that layered rind effect. The seeds? Classic micro-dotting with black gel.
The design of this shirt makes it feel like it won’t ever go out of style, so you can wear it from one holiday to the next. I keep coming back to this style every summer as if it’s a tradition.
Dark Green Contrast Melon Nails
The darker green background and the watermelon slices now alternate, making the design richer. The almond shape makes everything look elegant and the dark green adds a touch of luxury. There are thin white and green bands and clustered black seeds in each slice which makes it perfectly balanced.
For the rich green, I recommend OPI’s “Stay Off the Lawn!” The watermelon slices pop with ILNP’s “Summer Crush” for the flesh and ORLY’s “Green Apple” for the rind. You should use a detailing brush for clean slices and a tiny brush for seeds.
I would choose this look for a fancy rooftop cocktail party, as it’s both fun and polished at the same time.
Half-Moon Watermelon Party
If you’re craving playful maximalism, this design delivers. Accent nails that have small watermelon slices on a sheer nude base are paired with bright red nails. Everything about the manicure is lively, perfect for beach parties, floating in the pool and taking pictures at sunset.
Essie’s “Watermelon” is again perfect for the solid red. For the slice art, decals work great or you can hand paint with ORLY’s “Lemonade Stand” and “Green Apple.” The base nude is easily achieved with OPI’s “Bubble Bath.”
Whenever I wear a design like this, people always compliment me at checkouts, coffee shops and other places. It’s a design that invites smiles and instant conversations.
Coral Dreamy Watermelon Accent
The cotton candy and watermelon mix in this nail color is a perfect way to try the juicy watermelon trend in 2025. The base color of the square nails is a beautiful peachy-coral and the accent nails have small, well-spaced watermelon slices. The palette is gentle and warm which makes it ideal for the time between spring and summer.
OPI’s “Got Myself Into A Jam-balaya” gives that lovely coral. For the slices, ILNP’s “Summer Crush” remains a favorite, paired with ORLY’s “Green Apple” and “White Tips.”
I chose this look for my summer holiday because it’s just right for a vacation and it looked amazing in all the photos I took at the beach.
Elegant Minimal Melon Art
This design is perfect for girls who prefer their nails to be subtle rather than loud. Soft almond nails have watermelon slices arranged neatly at the free edge, so there is lots of nude space left. The simple design gives a Scandinavian touch to the usual playful watermelon look.
Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” or “Mademoiselle” provides that elegant pinky nude base. You can use very fine brushes to paint the watermelon slices or you can use ready-made decals if you want the best results at home. Finish with Olive & June’s “Super Glossy Top Coat” for that glassy shine.
This style is great for daily use; it looks good at brunch, at work or at weddings. Watermelon, but elevated.
