This summer, a massive wave of creativity has swept through TikTok and Pinterest feeds, with DIY nail art challenges capturing hearts—and fingertips—across the globe. The hashtag #30DaysOfNailArt alone has racked up over 500 million views this month, making it one of the most engaged beauty trends for August 2025. Whether you’re a nail novice or a seasoned artist, now is the perfect time to dive into expressive, trending nail designs and take your fingertips to the next level.
Why Nail Art Challenges Are Soaring in 2025
According to Pinterest’s latest trend report, search interest in “summer nail art ideas” has surged by nearly 60% year-over-year, proving that heatwaves and holidays aren’t the only things heating up this season (Pinterest Trends, August 2025). Meanwhile, TikTok’s #NailInspo trend continues its meteoric rise, with more than 1.2 billion combined views as of last week (TikTok Trends, August 2025). Social media has become a gallery of color, shimmer, and self-expression, turning every hand into an inspiration board.
Most Viral Nail Art Styles This Month
This year’s summer nail scene celebrates experimentation—ranging from elegant simple nails to avant-garde DIY nail ideas. Top styles dominating feeds include:
- Daisy Dream: Floral patterns (especially daisies and wildflowers) on pastel or nude bases. Often paired with jelly tips for a soft, translucent look.
- Swirl & Squiggle: Abstract, freehand swirls in electric colors—no two nails look the same
- Chic Minimalism: Micro-French tips in unexpected hues, negative space, and one-finger accents for a “less is more” vibe
- Anime & Kawaii: Playful designs with anime-inspired art, pastel characters, and glitter details—a nod to the broader art and drawing inspiration movement
- Sunset Ombré: Bold gradients blending coral, pink, lemon, and lavender for a statement nail every time
Step-by-Step: Start Your Own 30-Day Nail Art Challenge
Ready to make your mark? Here’s a go-to tutorial to get you started—perfect for both nail rookies and seasoned pros:
- Pick Your Palette: Choose 4-7 base colors that suit your mood or match your summer outfits. Neon pastels, earthy tones, and glitters are ruling the Pinterest trend boards right now.
- Gather Your Tools: All you need is a basic DIY kit: striping brushes, dotting tools, toothpicks, tape for straight lines, and a steady top coat for shine and durability.
- Design Your Themes: Map out your own challenge calendar. Day 1 could be elegant simple nails with a single dot accent, Day 2 a funky swirl, Day 3 anime-inspired art, and so on. Use social boards for fresh drawing ideas or remix viral styles.
- Share & Inspire: Snap photos each day under strong natural light and upload them with the trending hashtags (#30DaysOfNailArt, #DIYNails, #AestheticNails). Challenge friends or followers to join for extra community fun.
Pro Tips for Glossy, Flawless Nails
- Prep is Key: Always start with a clean nail bed—use a gentle buffer and nourishing oil. Hydration ensures a smooth base and longer-lasting designs.
- Layer in Thin Coats: Patience pays off for even color, crisp lines, and fast drying. Apply 2-3 thin coats rather than one thick layer.
- Add Statement Details: Try placing a small rhinestone, metallic sticker, or gold foil accent on one or two nails for instant glamour. Minimalist or maximalist, there’s an aesthetic for everyone.
Art Inspiration From the Pros
This month’s trending artists on Pinterest and TikTok have brought their own twist to DIY nail art:
- @AestheticNailsStudio – Known for watercolor ombrés and delicate flower detail tutorials
- @AnimeNailQueen – Fuses popular anime character artwork with chrome gradients for a look that wows
- @MinimalistManis – Specializes in negative space, geometric prints, and elegant simple nails
Outfit and Accessory Matching—The New Power Duo
This season, creative expression doesn’t stop at your nails. The viral trend is to match your fingertip art with summer outfit ideas for an ultra-aesthetic look. Think coordinating pastel nails with airy linen sets, or bold graphic art paired with retro-inspired accessories. Social feeds are full of style inspiration, and more creators are sharing full “outfits and nails” collaborations—perfect for those wanting seamless style stories from head to toe.
Join the Challenge – Your Canvas, Your Story
Whether you love wallpapers, are searching for drawing ideas, or crave art inspiration, the beauty of the 30-day nail art trend is that it’s for everyone. Each pattern, color, or playful squiggle is a chance to express your mood, creativity, and vision—just like painting or drawing. If you’re new, start with tutorials, explore aesthetic ideas, and celebrate every small detail. And if you’re a nail veteran, use your canvas to spotlight bold, fresh trends and inspire your community.
This summer, let your hands become your gallery. Explore daring designs, experiment with art, and—most importantly—share your story. Dive into the challenge, spark ideas, and join a growing creative movement that’s as stylish as it is empowering. The next viral trend could be right at your fingertips—literally.