Festival season: you’re either fully into it or not at all. But for those who are, it’s commonly acknowledged as a time to embrace any and all desired styles or trends under the sun. Quite literally, anything goes.
While you may already have your festival outfits sorted for this year (early bird catches the worm), your beauty looks are just as important. Granted, you’ll likely be doing the best you can with wipes, limited mirror access, and zero heated tools on standby, but there is one way you can express yourself that will last solidly all weekend long: your mani.
That’s right, whether you have all-out extensions or just fancy a little shellac (which I’d fully recommend over normal polish for its staying power), there are countless festival nail art designs you can have fun with, whether you’re off to Glasto, All Points East or Wireless.
As mentioned, you can get away with anything at a fest; the brighter and bolder, the better. You know all those weird and wonderful (and often NSFW) nail art designs you’ve been saving on the ‘gram for a ‘special occasion’? Now’s the time.
That said, if you still need inspiration, scroll away for 22 of my favourite looks I will be turning to this summer.
Metallic-ah
It doesn’t look like our obsession with chrome is going anywhere this summer, and with this manicure you don’t have to choose between your love of silver or gold.
Pastel perfection
Pastel colours aren’t just for spring, as shown by this individual decal design.
Got the blues
Blue nails are having a moment this summer – just look at Hailey Bieber’s glazed pool nails. Add a twist on the normal French manicure by incorporating hues of cool cyan and azure and baby blue.
Mermaidcore
Set to be one of the hottest trends of the summer, add a touch of Mermaidcore to your manicure with this icy velvet design.
Glitter burst
Messy, untamable and just here for a good time: these nails perfectly embody the festival vibe.
Colourful gems
Get real arty and opt for something super hi-tech for festival season.
Mix’n’match brights
Don’t feel as though you have to keep both hands the same; anything goes!
All that glitters
During festival season, the more glitter, the better!
Gold tips
Don’t fancy gold or glitter all over? These are a great alternative.
Weather report nails
Cloud, rainbows and even fires; all weather types go.
Starry eyed
These are a little more achievable to do yourself at home!
Confetti nails
Confetti isn’t just for weddings, ya know…
Purple swirls
These look just as cool on short nails as they do on longer extensions.
Croc print
Wildlife nails are perfect for music events!
Neon tips
For something a little more subtle but still fun, a neon tip will serve you well.
Monochrome
Have fun with prints and shapes, but in monochrome.
Trippy spirals
When you look up ‘festival nails’ in the dictionary, these appear by way of magic.
Fire & lightning
A dash of lightning on your nails? Let’s hope it’s the only time you’ll see it during festival season.
Comme des garçons tips
These are utterly timeless; good for any event!
Cow print nails
These quirky cow print nails are giving major Doja Cat vibes. Rock them with some metallic cowboy boots and you’re festival ready.
Smiley face mani
What says carefree summer vibes more than melted chrome smiley faces?
Sacred heart nails
These sacred heart nails are super edgy and will fit right in at an indie festival.
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