As stated by celebrity nail technicians and Hailey Bieber, "Soft Serve" nails are becoming the trend for the summer of 2025.

      For me, nothing embodies summer quite like enjoying a creamy ice cream cone on a sunny boardwalk. The hot season is fast approaching—so near that I can almost savor that vanilla-chocolate swirl!—and I can't shake the thought from my mind. Perhaps I'm projecting a little, but I've noticed an abundance of "soft serve" nails making waves on my Instagram lately, showcased by celebrity nail artists and beauty influencers (ahem,Hailey Bieber). Could this delightful creamy style become the top nail trend of the summer? Read on for all the delicious details.

      What Are Soft-Serve Nails? Picture the fluffy, smooth, and glossy texture of a soft-serve swirl (which combines two flavors). Notice how the colors blend seamlessly without a clear start or finish—now envision that look on your nails. Similar to the frozen dessert, the style features two creamy colors transitioned into a soft-ombré effect. Soft pink and milky white are often the favored shades, evoking strawberry-vanilla sherbet adorned with fresh whipped cream. Is it simply a French ombré (or frombé) manicure? Absolutely. But calling it “soft serve” adds a deliciously summery touch, don’t you think?

      It’s also a fantastic way to enhance a classic French manicure while maintaining a minimal and chic vibe. Just take it from celebrity nail technician Harriet Westmoreland, who has been rocking the soft-serve style for quite some time, continually making it look even more refined. Her latest post on Instagram is particularly stunning, complemented by an ultra-glossy topcoat. When I spotted a similar manicure on Hailey Bieber in a recent IG photo update, I knew the trend was gaining traction. Prepare yourself—soft-serve nails are set to be the highlight of the season. Check out our favorite styles below.

      More Soft-Serve Nail Inspiration Pro nail artist Julia Diogo opted for elegant almond tips for her soft-serve mani. Another gorgeous creation from Westmoreland. Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen showcases the ideal peach sorbet moment. Simply flip the ombré direction and select a warmer shade! Squoval tips will always exude elegance. Look how creamy this design is!

      How to Achieve the Look "Makeup sponges (wedges) are your best bet for creating ombré nails. Nail art brushes work well, but I find them trickier to use when blending," nail technician Zelda Valenza shared with Who What Wear about crafting a soft-ombré appearance. Just pick a creamy base color—powder pink, white, nude, etc.—apply two coats, allow them to dry, then add a dab of white polish to a makeup sponge. Gently dab the sponge on the tips of your nails until you achieve your preferred intensity (whether soft or fully opaque), then seal everything with a glossy topcoat. It’s really that simple.

      Of course, the polishes you choose can significantly impact the result. If you're looking to enhance your collection of sheer, sherbet shades, keep scrolling for our top summer picks:

      CHANEL Le Vernis in Ballerina

      OPI Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny

      Manucurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Pale Rose A gorgeous sheer, creamy pink.

      This color has a hint of peach undertones.

      Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow This cloudy white polish is practically designed for ombré finishes.

      Gucci Glossy Nail Polish - Ellen Blush This neutral blush shade delivers an impressive rich color payoff. But would we expect anything less from Gucci?