Ah, summer. The time of year when you spend twice as long in front of the nail polish wall at the salon to decide on two shades for a manicure and a pedicure.
When considering your pedicure color options, bright shades like red, pink, and coral will always have a moment during the summer. But this year, neon yellow, icy blue, and earth tones are also big trends.
Choosing the right color is the first step but proper cuticle care will make any at-home pedicure look like you've walked fresh out of the nail salon. If you're painting your toes at home, use a treatment to hydrate the skin around the nails to elevate your DIY pedicure.
Take a look at the 15 best pedicure colors for summer 2022 according to manicurists and nail experts.
VIDEO: Here's Why Getting a Gel Pedicure Is Actually Worth It
Coral: Pear Nova Classic Lacquer in It's Summer Somewhere
Available at Pearnova
Looking for a pedicure color that's not too bright but still vibrant? Coral is your answer. This Pear Nova shade offers creamy opaque coverage and a long-wear finish.
Neutral: FOR TMRW Nail Polish in For Later
Available at Fortmrw, Verishop
Need a neutral toe color option? Opt for a matching neutral pedicure with this FOR TMRW shade.
Hot Pink: China Glaze Nail Lacquer With Hardeners in Rose Among Thorns
Available at Chinaglaze, Sallybearty, Amazon
"It's a vivid pink that instantly makes me think of summer. It's the perfect pink for all skin tones," Mimi D, celebrity manicurist and nail artist, says of China Glaze's hot pink nail polish.
Lovely Lilac: JINSoon Nail Polish in Ube
Available at Jinsoon, Amazon, Revolve
One of Jin Soon Choi's top pedicure color picks for spring is Ube, a lilac shade from her namesake nail polish line. "It's a pastel purple that feels subtle yet fresh, and it's a shade that compliments every skin tone," the editorial manicurist says.
Highlighter Yellow: Nails Inc. Naked In Neon Nail Polish in Knightriders Street
Available at Nailsinc, Target, Sallybeauty
If you want to make your toes pop, Mimi D is a fan of this neon yellow Nails Inc. shade. "It's a super bright neon yellow that's perfect for summer toes," the manicurist shares. "It screams 'I'm ready for the beach or the pool.'"
Off White: Essie Nail Polish in Get Oasis
Available at Essie, Walmart
"This color perfectly captures the milky white nail trend, but adds a little je ne sais quoi with a pearly gold effect," Rita Remark, Essie global lead educator and nail artist. "It's a white that will never look like Wite-Out."
Icy Blue: OPI Nail Lacquer Mexico City Move-mint
Available at Ulta, Amazon, Walmart
"While we typically think soft pinks and purples when it comes to pastel shades, this is an icy-cool pale blue that pairs perfectly against any sunny backdrop," says Sigourney Nuñez, LA-based nail artist.
A Hit of Lime: Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color in We Don't Mesh
Available at Ulta, Walmart, Amazon
"Lime green polish is the bold trend color for the season," Remark shares. "I love this particular shade because it's a perfect lemon-lime with a hint of shimmer."
Juicy Orange: JINsoon Nail polish in Hope
Available at Jinsoon, Amazon, Macys
"This creamsicle orange is the perfect joyful accent for spring," says Choi. We'd have to agree.
Bubblegum Pink: Jessie Monroe Nail Polish in It's Barbie
Looking for the perfect transitional shade to take you through to summer? Try bubblegum pink.
Minty Fresh: OPI Nail Lacquer in How Does Your Zen Garden Grow?
Available at Opi, Amazon, Sallybeauty
"This pastel minty green shade offers a sense of calm while still dipping your toes into the softly muted color trend," Nuñez explains.
Earthy Brown: Orly Lacquer in Parcs & Parasols
Available at Orlybeauty, Walmart
Earth tones are another major 2022 nail polish trend. This warm brown Orly shade is a versatile shade when painted on your toes, and will complement both bright and pastel colors on your fingertips.
Very Peri: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in The Woman In The Moon
Available at Deborahlippmann, Amazon, Macys
The 2022 Pantone color of the year is what pedicure dreams are made of. This cool-toned periwinkle shade by Deborah Lippmann is a solid option for anyone looking to embrace the color because it offers the shame chip-free finish as an in-salon gel manicure—no UV lamp required.
Sun-Kissed Beige: Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure Lasting Color in Powder Room
Available at Sallyhansen, Amazon, Target
Picture this: You're lounging on the beach on a summer afternoon, and the sunlight makes this shimmery beige polish on your toes look extra sparkly. Sounds dreamy, right? This Sally Hansen polish adds a little shimmer to your warm-weather outfits and boasts a plant-based formula that strengthens your nails.
Cherry Red: Emilie Heathe Nail Artist Polish in The Perfect Red
Available at Emilieheathe, Verishop, Amazon
While pedicure trends come and go, bright red nail polish on your toes is always a good idea. Emilie Heathe's take on the timeless color is the perfect cherry red shade with a super glossy finish.