From mermaid glam to the renaissance of jelly sandals, this year is all about reclaiming what we loved as children. So it’s no surprise that ice cream nails are well on their way to becoming one of summer 2026’s biggest nail trends.

According to Juli Russell, Sally Beauty DIY nail expert, the sudden popularity of ice cream nails is to be expected. “One of the hottest trends this year has been 3D nail decor and charms,” she points out, which play a major part in most ice cream nail designs. “The drippy, delectable ice cream dream manicure features chunky, 3D glitter over velvety smooth creme polish for a summer manicure that looks good enough to eat.”

As for why this style is trending, aside from the obvious association with childlike wonder in summertime? Ice cream nails aren’t just cute but are completely customisable, super versatile, and most exciting of all, actually easy to recreate at home.

“They’re so easy to DIY and fully customisable,” says Juli. And they really are. Whether you prefer minimalist manis, French tips, pops of pigment, or mismatched nails, there is no shortage of ways to wear the trend.

One of the most popular – and sweetest – ways to wear ice cream nails? Paint “dripping” ice cream on your nail tips in place of the classic French tip, resulting in what we like to call the ice cream French mani. If you’re feeling more adventurous – or have more of a sweet tooth – other ice cream nail designs incorporate fudge, doughnuts, sprinkles, and more. It’s really all about the aesthetic you prefer.

“The ‘secret sauce’ to creating the look is in the ice cream, which – in this case – is a chunky glitter polish like the sprinkles you’d get at your favourite scoop shop,” says Juli. “You can opt for an opaque coloured base polish that has chunky glitter or a clear glitter polish and paint it over a white or nude base.” It really is that simple.