5 August Nail Polish Trends, From Blues to Browns

August is, unquestionably a summer month (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Every single one of its 31 days falls squarely within the season, and many are among the hottest of the year. And yet something about it always feels vaguely… fall-adjacent. Pre-fall, if you will. Students are headed back to school, folks are squeezing in their last few pre-Labor Day vacations, and just about every retailer is offering a sneak peek of what you’ll be wearing once the thermometer hits below 65 degrees.

Thus begs the question: What should you do with your nails during the eighth month of the year? Should you stick with your summer colors? Start working toward your fall enamel wardrobe? Or maybe go for a little bit of both? To find out what will be on-trend for August manis, we went to the pros: Nail experts Julie Kandalec, Steph Stone, and Gina Edwards. Read on to find out which nail polish colors and finishes will carry you and your fingers through the end of the season.

Now You Sea It

As Edwards notes, “Blues always seem to trend year over year in different ways,” and 2024 is no different. This August will be all about adding a shimmery, mermaid-friendly finish or utilizing the color in intricate, sea-inspired designs. “The beach is in, and I’m seeing lots of 3D ocean designs and looks that replicate the opalescence of seashells,” Kandalec tells us. Edwards predicts “Opal blue, specifically,” will trend this month. “The shade is majestic and gives a summery glow to the hands,” she says.

Sweet n’ Sour Apple 

Looks like the apple fell right off the tree and rolled onto our fingertips. (I’ll keep workshopping that one.) As Kandalec tells us, “Thanks to Charli XCX, the ‘Apple’ dance, and the ‘Brat’ trend,” the much-memed shade of arresting neon green will remain a popular mani color in summer’s final month.

Double Shifts 

Not to sound like a broken record, but chrome nails have become popular—like, very, very popular. And according to our experts, that dominance will continue right through August. “Pearl and chrome finishes are still holding very strong,” Kandalec exclaims. “It’s a fun way to show a little reflection in the summer sun, can be a neutral nail with a bit of shine, and it’s just easier to wear now since a lot of DTC [direct to consumer] brands are making top coats that mimic the chrome finish” that was previously only available via gel.

Kandalec and Stone each recommended essie polishes for getting this look: Kandalec suggests Cosmic Chrome, a silvery satin, while Stone and Kandalec are both fans of Gilded Galaxy. Stone says the latter “gives your nails a vibrant, healthy glow perfect to wear into the fall.” 

Spring Redeux 

If you’re ready to pack away bold neons but not quite as eager to dip into opaque darker shades, consider opting for some of the colors and finishes that dominated the spring. Stone likes essie’s Bikini So Teeny for pre-fall, calling the cornflower blue shade “the perfect color for August if you’re not quite ready to put your brights away yet.” Edwards recommends going jelly, but with a subtle twist: “Adding a slight shimmer changes the look of a see-through nail,” she says, creating “the perfect effect for any day-to-evening look” 

Smooth Transitions

Deny as I might (and will), August means summer is winding down. So it is a month of transitional mani shades, especially in the last few weeks. This year, Edwards thinks it’ll be “soft, pale gray… taking us into the fall,” moving into a darker gray as we move further into the cooler months. “The color is light enough to be an anchor color, [making it] a great canvas for nail art or classic enough to wear alone,” she says. She recommends Impress’ Press-On Manicure in Come Through. Stone suggests the trendy “rich chocolate brown” of essie’s Odd Squad: “I can already tell it’ll be a client favorite through August and the fall,” she says.