9 K-Pop-Inspired Summer Nail Trends for 2025, According to Lisa and Jisoo’s Manicurists
If there’s one thing K-pop idols like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jisoo do just as flawlessly as hitting the stage—it’s perfecting their beauty looks, especially when it comes to nail art. In 2025, summer nail trends are heavily influenced by Korea’s creative, ultra-polished approach to manicures. From jelly textures to chrome finishes, K-beauty is setting the global tone for seasonal nail aesthetics.
Korean nail trends are no longer niche—they’re mainstream must-haves, embraced by everyone from top beauty influencers to everyday salon-goers. Thanks to the visionary work of celebrity manicurists like Jin Soon Choi and Juan Alvear, who regularly craft stunning sets for Lisa, Jisoo, and Aespa’s Karina, we now have a clear view of the styles set to dominate this summer.
In this expert-backed guide, we unveil the top 9 K-pop-inspired summer nail trends for 2025, complete with insider tips, product recommendations, and the hottest looks straight from the K-pop scene. Whether you’re into minimalist elegance or dazzling 3D art, these trends are your ticket to a showstopping summer manicure.
What Makes K-Pop Summer Nails So Unique?
Before diving into the biggest K-pop-inspired summer nail trends for 2025, it’s important to understand what sets K-beauty manicures apart from Western nail styles.
According to Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon and celebrity manicurist to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and Juan Alvear, the creative force behind Lisa’s bold nail looks, Korean-inspired manicures are more than just visually stunning—they’re a blend of artistry, precision, and nail health.
Here’s what defines the K-pop summer nail aesthetic:
- Healthy Nail Beds & Meticulous Cuticle Care
Every manicure begins with perfectly prepped nails. K-beauty pros focus on gentle cuticle trimming and nail conditioning to ensure long-term nail health. - Ultra-Thin Gel Layers for a Glass-Like Finish
Instead of thick, heavy gel, Korean nail artists use ultra-fine layers that feel weightless while delivering a naturally glossy, seamless look. - Detail-Driven Designs with Tiny Embellishments
Whether it’s subtle rhinestones or miniature droplets, the magic lies in the intentionality—every element is thoughtfully placed for maximum impact. - Effortless Elegance Meets Playful Creativity
K-manicures strike a rare balance between refined minimalism and artistic expression, making them perfect for both everyday wear and high-fashion editorials.
These signature techniques are the foundation of the summer 2025 nail trends making waves in both Seoul and across the globe.
1. Soft Maximalism: Where Kawaii Meets Chic
Blending the delicate elegance of minimalist nails with playful, high-shine embellishments, Soft Maximalism is set to be one of the most sought-after summer nail trends of 2025.
Why It’s Trending:
K-pop idols like Lisa and Jisoo are ushering in a new nail aesthetic—one that’s refined yet expressive. Rather than bold, bulky gems or loud colors, this trend leans into sheer jelly nail bases, subtle sparkles, and dainty 3D accents like micro-crystals, pearls, or kawaii charms.
It’s all about achieving a “clean-girl meets glam” look that feels fresh, wearable, and editorial.
Essie
Essie Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Arctic Jelly
Sheer, buildable color for that signature K-pop glow
Belleboost
Belleboost 3D Nail Charms
Tiny, charming embellishments to level up your mani. Pro Tip: Apply a milky pink or nude jelly base, then delicately place small gems or decals near the cuticle or in a scattered pattern for an airy, ethereal look.
Best For:
Fans of subtle glam with a twist
Brides-to-be or special events
Those looking to add dimension without going over-the-top
Omakase Nails: Freestyle Nail Art Explosion
Rooted in the Japanese phrase “Omakase”, meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” this bold summer nail trend embraces artistic spontaneity, making each fingertip a tiny canvas of self-expression.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
In contrast to matchy-matchy manicures, Omakase nails celebrate individuality. No two nails look the same, allowing for a curated mix of textures, colors, patterns—even finishes. Think animal prints next to swirls, abstract blobs beside geometric lines—all coexisting in beautiful chaos.
It’s a trend tailor-made for the bold, indecisive, or ultra-creative.
Beetles
Beetles Liner Gel Polish Set
Precision liner brushes for creating detailed patterns and freestyle strokes.
Red Carpet Manicure
Red Carpet Nail Art Tool Kit
Includes fine brushes and dotting tools—perfect for DIY nail art. Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it—embrace asymmetry and use negative space to make each nail pop. Add playful touches like smiley faces, clouds, or neon outlines.
Best For:
Nail art lovers who want variety
Those bored with traditional designs
Anyone wanting to express mood, personality, or aesthetic—all on one hand
Cat-Eye Nails: Magnetic, Textured Glam
Want to upgrade your summer mani with a high-impact finish that’s still easy to maintain? Enter the Cat-Eye nail trend—a magnetic polish effect that reflects light like a feline gaze, creating a multi-dimensional, velvet-like shimmer.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
As summer nail trends evolve, more beauty lovers are craving texture without the bulk of heavy gems or 3D art. Cat-Eye nails offer an elevated look that plays with light and motion—perfect for both day and night.
The trend also works beautifully as a base for layering: pair it with delicate rhinestones or metallic accents for an extra pop.
Beetles
Beetles Cat Eye Gel Polish Set
Magnetic shimmer polish with rich pigmentation and easy application
Olive & June
Olive & June Press-On Velvet Nails
Quick-apply press-ons that mimic the velvet cat-eye effect. Pro Tip: Use a dual-ended magnetic stick to pull the polish for a sweeping, glowing effect. For added drama, apply over a dark base color like black or deep plum.
Best For:
Glam lovers seeking low-maintenance luxury
Beginners who want a pro-looking effect at home
Anyone looking to spice up single-color nails with bold shine
Jelly Nails: Sweet, Sheer Summer Color
Say hello to the ultimate K-pop summer nail trend—Jelly Nails. Inspired by Korea’s iconic “glass skin” aesthetic, this look is all about sheer, glossy color that feels fresh, dewy, and oh-so-youthful.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
Jelly nails are the manicure equivalent of fruity popsicles and tinted lip gloss—light, translucent, and effortlessly cool. With a buildable, squishy texture and candy-like finish, they’re perfect for summer 2025.
This trend has become a go-to for idols like BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, who often wears soft pink or lavender jellies that catch the light beautifully on stage and in photoshoots.
Cirque Colors
Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Kelly Jelly
A juicy, translucent green polish that mimics the look of stained glass
Manucurist
Manucurist Active Glow Polish in Grape
Sheer purple tone with nourishing ingredients and a gel-like shine. Hack: Want to DIY your own jelly polish? Mix a drop of colorful nail polish with a clear top coat to create your custom sheer shade. It’s budget-friendly and beginner approved!
Best For:
Summer-ready nail lovers who want a fun, light-reflective finish
Minimalists craving color without full opacity
K-beauty fans aiming to replicate the “glass nails” effect
Iridescent Optics: Futuristic, Glazed Perfection
Dreamy, reflective, and ultra-modern—Iridescent Optics nails are the futuristic summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who love a sleek, editorial finish without loud designs.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
This trend delivers a glazed, opalescent glow that looks as magical under the sun as it does in a spotlight. Inspired by chrome makeup and glassy skin, it features pastel undertones, chrome powders, and sheer washes of color layered with a pearlescent shimmer.
Seen on K-pop idols both on stage and during off-duty appearances, this look is the go-to for achieving effortless, fashion-forward nails that still feel soft and feminine.
Essie
Essie Special Effects Nail Polish in Ethereal Escape
A high-shine shimmer polish that gives off an ethereal, holographic glow.
Red Carpet Manicure
Red Carpet Insta-Chrome Pen in Purple Glaze
Easy-to-use chrome powder pen for creating mirror-like shine. Apply a pastel base coat (butter yellow, baby blue, or lilac), then layer with a chrome or shimmer topcoat to get that “glazed donut” nail effect, made famous by both idols and runway models.
✅ Best For:
Minimalists who want to stay on-trend
Anyone obsessed with clean, glowing aesthetics
Nail lovers looking for a low-effort, high-style upgrade
Gradient Wash (a.k.a. Aura Nails): The Chicest Summer Fade
Looking for a soft, dimensional manicure that feels both trendy and timeless? Meet the Gradient Wash, also known as Aura Nails—a K-pop-inspired summer nail trend that delivers dreamy, blended hues with a barely-there finish.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
This sheer, ombré effect is making a major comeback in 2025, thanks to its versatility and ethereal vibe. Gradient nails flatter every shape and length, from almond tips to short squares, and they’re easy to customize with soft pastels, milky nudes, or jelly tones.
🌟 Nail Artist Insight:
Juan Alvear, known for designing show-stopping manicures for BLACKPINK’s Lisa, often layers sheer gradients over nude or pinky bases to create a dimensional yet minimalist look. It’s subtle, elegant, and surprisingly easy to DIY.
OPI
OPI Intelli-Gel in Funny Bunny
A cult-favorite milky white that acts as the perfect soft base
Gelcare
Gelcare Rose Water Gel Polish
A sheer pink with buildable coverage, ideal for ombré blending. DIY Tip: Apply your base color, then dab your gradient shade using a makeup sponge or detail brush. Blend in layers for a professional, airbrushed look.
✅ Best For:
Anyone seeking a soft glam look
Nail enthusiasts who love K-beauty elegance
People wanting a subtle upgrade from basic nudes or pinks
Invisible Art: Minimalism with a Twist
Sometimes, the most powerful statement is the one whispered softly—and that’s exactly the charm of Invisible Art, one of the most elegant and forward-thinking summer nail trends for 2025.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
This minimalist Korean nail trend features clear sculpted bubbles, subtle patterns, and glossy textures that only reveal themselves under certain lighting. It’s a barely-there look that whispers sophistication while allowing natural nail beauty to shine through.
Unlike bold, colorful designs, Invisible Art is perfect for professionals, minimalists, or anyone seeking a modern, understated vibe that still turns heads in the right light.
🌟 Celebrity Inspiration:
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has been spotted sporting this style—complete with micro-bubbles, soft shine, and sheer layers—for editorial shoots and red carpet moments alike.
Orly
Orly Builder in a Bottle Soak-Off Sculpting Gel
Ideal for creating subtle 3D textures and clear bubble art.
Makartt
Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue
Precision glue for invisible placements of micro-crystals and texture. Nail Health Bonus: Unlike heavily layered designs, this style uses fewer products and minimal pigment, making it gentle on the nail plate and ideal for long-term wear.
✅ Best For:
Lovers of clean girl aesthetics
Minimalists who appreciate artistry
Anyone wanting a sophisticated, nail-baring look that still stands out
Clean and Natural Nails: Effortless Summer Style
For summer 2025, less is officially more. The Clean and Natural Nails trend embraces minimalism with soft shapes, sheer washes of color, and a polished, healthy finish. It’s fresh, breathable, and a go-to for those embracing the “clean girl” aesthetic.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
K-pop icons like Karina (Aespa) and Jisoo (BLACKPINK) are frequently spotted with short-to-medium length nails in soft almond or rounded square shapes. Their go-to look? A nearly naked nail enhanced with a sheer pink or nude tint that screams low-effort luxury.
This “your nails but better” approach highlights nail health, hydration, and subtle elegance—making it one of the most wearable summer nail trends for everyday life.
🌟 Nail Artist Tip:
Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi recommends:
- Keeping nails in natural, rounded shapes like almonds or soft squares
- Opting for breathable, nourishing formulas that strengthen as they shine
JinSoon
JINsoon Nail Polish in Pixie
A delicate, glowy sheer pink designed for an effortless finish. Pro Tip: Use a cuticle oil daily and buff the nail plate weekly to maintain a smooth, luminous surface even without polish.
✅ Perfect For:
Professionals seeking a neat, clean aesthetic
Students who want something stylish yet low-maintenance
Fans of the natural, healthy nail movement
Sheer Syrup Nails: Milky Elegance
Soft, sweet, and subtly luxurious—Sheer Syrup Nails are the milky manicure moment every K-beauty fan is raving about. This trend uses layers of translucent pinks, lilacs, beiges, and nudes to create a glossy, jelly-like finish with just a whisper of color.
💡 Why It’s Trending:
These nails are the perfect intersection of Korean minimalism and summer elegance. Their dewy, glassy finish gives off a youthful glow while remaining versatile enough for both casual days and upscale events. Whether you’re heading to brunch or walking the red carpet, this look fits right in.
🌟 Celebrity Example:
Celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi frequently uses this style on BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, layering sheer pink tones to mimic natural nail tones with a polished twist. The result? A manicure that looks timeless, clean, and couture.
Chanel
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Ballerina
Iconic sheer pink with a luxurious, buildable milky finish.
JinSoon
JINsoon Nail Polish in Whimsy
Soft lilac-pink with a sheer payoff and ultra-glossy shine. Salon Ask: Request “milky syrup nails” and mention layering sheer pinks, beiges, or lilacs with minimal opacity for a translucent, glass-like effect.
✅ Perfect For:
Brides and wedding guests
Office-friendly yet stylish everyday nails
Anyone chasing the “your natural nails, but prettier” aesthetic
K-Pop-Inspired Summer Nails Are the Future
From dewy jelly finishes to chrome overlays and mismatched freestyle art, these 9 K-pop-inspired summer nail trends for 2025 prove that Korean nail culture is not just a trend—it’s a movement.
Whether you’re recreating Lisa’s bold omakase sets or Jisoo’s soft-glam minimalist nails, these styles combine creativity, precision, and personality. Better yet, many can be done at home with affordable tools and press-ons that deliver salon-worthy results.