It's Official: "Pool Water" Nails Are Taking Over Milky Manicures This Summer.

      Another day, another fun mani aesthetic to take to your nail technician. I believed milky, watery styles had reached their peak (Fruit water nails! Almond milk nails! Syrup nails!), yet the intense summer heat seems to have inspired yet another playful variation: pool water nails, welcome to the scene. This simple yet striking mani is set to become the trendiest (or should I say coolest?) summer nail style. But don't just take my word for it—professional manicurists share everything you need to know below.

      What Are Pool Water Nails? Picture how sunlight sparkles on pool water—captivating, right? Now, picture that same effect on your nails. In essence, pool water nails consist of blue polish with a hazy, watery finish, blending two summer nail trends into one. The popularity of watery nails (diluted shades with an ultra-glossy finish) has surged this season, and various shades of blue are always a refreshing option for summer manicures. "Blue can mimic the sky, ocean, and swimming pools—all quintessential summer visuals," says nail artist Priscilla Nguyen. "It naturally gives off a fresh, cool, and breezy vibe that complements the summer heat." You can opt for any shade of blue for a pool water manicure—ranging from aquamarine to deep cobalt—as long as it maintains that watery, high-shine finish.

      While pool water nails are making a comeback for summer 2025, they've actually been around for over a decade. "Oh my gosh, I have been doing nails for so long that I remember this trend from as far back as 2014," recalls celebrity manicurist Stephanie Stone. Today's rendition is more glazed and watery than before, providing a modern and fresh feeling, but trends often recycle, especially in the nail world.

      How to Achieve the Look "To achieve pool water nails at home, the first step is to decide what type of 'blue water' effect you want," explains Nguyen. "Do you prefer a clear blue water or a strong, opaque blue?" Are you interested in a simple watery manicure or a more sophisticated ripple effect? The steps will vary depending on whether you're using regular polish or gel. For those using regular polish, you can follow Stone's tutorial below.

      After applying a base coat, paint your nails with your chosen watery blue polish. Allow them to dry, then layer a deeper blue on top of the first color. "While the polish is still wet, gently press or tap your nails with a small, crumpled piece of Saran Wrap. This will create a rippled-water effect," she shares. Let it dry, then seal the design with a glossy topcoat to smooth out any unwanted texture. If you're looking to add a little flair, "a shimmery topcoat could be fun, creating an even more reflective surface, like sunlight on a lake," suggests Stone.

      If you're aiming for a deeper "midnight ocean" vibe, that's also an option. If you prefer to leave it to the professionals (which is perfectly reasonable), both Stone and Nguyen recommend bookmarking some visual references like the photos provided. "You can inform your nail technician that you want a design resembling pool or ocean water. Some keywords to use are 'water ripple effect' and 'a wet look' when discussing this design," Nguyen shares. They also suggest achieving a salon-quality finish with blooming gel. "It allows the gel polish placed on top to blend like water," Nguyen explains. Just be sure to call ahead, as not all salons have blooming gel. If not, "apply a topcoat (without curing) and then add your gel polish on top," Nguyen advises. "The uncured topcoat will help the polish spread."

      Shop the Trend

      Essie

      Nail Polish in Riviera Rush

      A glossy turquoise feels incredibly fresh.

      Essie

      Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish in Bikini Snapped

      For that "sparkling lake" effect mentioned by Stone.

      MAYCHAO

      Jelly Gel Nail Polish in Sea Blue Jelly

      This blue jelly polish simplifies the process for you.

      Aprés

      Gel Couleur in Resting Beach Face

      Gel mani enthusiasts will find this cool blue shade irresistible.

      Chillhouse

      Chill Tips in Pool Day

      A pool water French mani? Count me in.

      Essie

      Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Sky Jelly

      This jelly polish delivers a gentle sky-blue finish.

      Cirque Colors

      Nail Polish in Midnight Jelly

      If your style leans more towards "deep ocean" than "pool," this jelly shade is a perfect choice.

      Aprés

      Gel Couleur in Yeah Buoy

      The cheeky name alone makes this sea-inspired hue a must-have.

      KISS

      Gel Fantasy Press-On Nails in Jelly Crushin'

      Keep the look contemporary by opting for these jelly square tips.

      Cirque Colors

      Nail Polish in Morningtide

      This milky