Juicy Watermelon Nails to Try in 2025: Fresh Ideas with Hot Pink, Almond Shapes & Summer Vibes

In 2025, summer will bring playful shades, soft textures and nail art that makes everyone smile. Watermelon nails are especially popular this year. Whether you’re drawn to bright neons, soft almond silhouettes, or minimalist french tip styles with a fruity twist, there’s a look here that will fit your vibe. I’m gathering the coolest watermelon nail looks for you to try, with sweet slices, bold colors and artistic designs that will make your nails feel as fresh as a watermelon on a warm July day. Ready to upgrade your nails with some juicy inspo? Let’s dive in.

Bold Contrast with a Graphic Twist

The watermelon nails design is meant for anyone who loves to stand out and isn’t afraid of color. The square tips help balance the fun of the red and green bases which are painted with black seeds in a bold style. The style makes the rind and fruit look like they are drawn in a comic book. It’s giving cool-girl picnic, and I’m here for it.

To achieve this look, I’d go with the OPI “Big Apple Red” and “I’m Sooo Swamped!” as your base, plus a fine-liner nail brush for that delicate black drop work (try Orly’s striper brush). For the black polish, Essie’s “Licorice” is perfect. A glossy gel topcoat will make the colors shine and give your nails a juicier look.

The combination of green and hot pink is what makes this pop, since they work together like sweet and sour. I’ve noticed that nail techs in New York have posted similar designs on Pinterest, but this one appears more suitable for every day, even if it’s still fun.

Honestly? I wore this at a cookout and everyone wanted to know who did it for me. Nails that stand out on your outfit means you’ve made a good choice.

Soft Strawberry and Melon Mix

Here’s a gentler version for anyone who likes art design with a hint of playfulness. The almond shape helps the nails look longer and elegant and the use of pink and red at the base makes the design appealing and less intense. And the rind tips? They’re chef’s kiss. The combination of strawberry, coral and blush creates a flirty look that links all the colors together.

For this look, you’ll need at least three pinks (I love the Sally Hansen “Rosy Quartz” for a soft base), a crisp green like Cirque Colors “Avocado” for the tip, and a fine dotting tool for those signature black seeds. The trick is to layer your paint and always keep your brush strokes neat and light.

Shaping into an almond and applying the base colors is the first step to DIY. If you are using gel, cure the color under a lamp and then draw the rind line by hand and fill it in. The last step is planting the seeds and they don’t have to be perfect, as imperfection brings life to the garden. Julie Kandalec, a famous nail artist, says that watermelon nails are ideal for people who prefer light and fun designs.

It looks like something you’d put on with a pink sundress or while visiting the farmers market. It’s feminine without being too polished—perfect for transitional summer days.

Glossy Jelly Glow with Neon Punch

If Barbiecore and Y2K were to have a summer baby, it would look like these watermelon nails with jelly finish. They’re long, fierce, and pointed with almond shape perfection, mixing hot pink, highlighter green, and glossy color gel finishes. Yet, the highlight is the middle nail which loudly says, “I’m a fruit snack and I’m proud of it.”

You should use a neon polish set to achieve this mani. You should try the Lights Lacquer “Totally Buggin’” collection; neon pink, lime and white are must-have colors. Cover the drink with a clear jelly layer to keep it fun and flavorful. The seeds? Adding a matte black dotting polish gives a new contrast without making the nails look dull.

Whenever I put on outfits like this, I feel like I should add bright lipstick and hoop earrings for a fun girls’ trip in Miami look. If you’re brave enough, this is the way to get your nails noticed. Nothing says bright like watermelon with attitude.

Classic Watermelon Acrylic Chic

This drink is more sophisticated, but it still has a summer fruit feel. The combination of watermelon acrylic nails, a darker red and a smooth almond shape makes the look both elegant and fun. The seed accent makes it familiar, yet the design is smooth and modern, just like your favorite red lipstick.

You’ll want to go for a solid acrylic base (Mia Secret’s cover pink or rose) with an overlay in red and green. The main idea is to use polish lines that are clean and neat and this can be done with nail vinyls or a fine art brush.

I generally choose more elaborate designs, but this one reminds me of the classic little black dress of summer watermelon nails. It’s classy, but a little cheeky. Like sipping sangria in a rooftop bar. Totally unexpected elegance with a fruity twist.

Color Pop French with Watermelon Slices

Let’s discuss how well the art french style fits with July’s style. White backgrounds and bright orange accents form the base for diagonal watermelon nails with french tip slices. It’s as if art class and brunch mimosas got together to create this event. The way each fruit is described is like a painting and the combination of warm and cool colors is simply perfect.

If you’re trying this at home, go with a clean white gel base like Gelish “Arctic Freeze,” plus a warm tangerine (Olive & June “Sweet & Gracious”) and a true leaf green. Paint the slice curve with a fine tip brush and add the seeds using a black dotting tool.

To be honest, this is exactly the french update I didn’t realize I wanted. It’s summery without being literal, modern without being cold. And with that orange polish twist? You’re basically walking around with sunshine on your hands.

Minimalist Slice on Almond Tips

This design feels clean, modern, and unmistakably summer. Its almond shape and shiny surface mix white polish with color gel red to shape the watermelon slices perfectly. The way the seeds are placed is precise, looking almost like a print which gives the manicure a small graphic touch without being too much. It gives a hint of fruit-inspired makeup without losing its sophisticated look.

Make sure to have OPI’s Alpine Snow as your base and then choose Essie’s Watermelon for the cherry part of your design. Trace the green and white lines on the pumpkin using a micro-liner brush and use nail art gel for neat and clean lines. It’s a simple art but requires a steady hand.

The way this one is held back adds to its feeling of luxury. It reminds me of Japanese minimalist nail trends—clean, confident, and totally wearable whether you’re brunching in L.A. or heading to work in Chicago. Understated but still such a statement.

Classic Square Cut Coral with Seeds

Just like in the early 2010s, these nails have a sweet watermelon look, but with a new touch of seeds. The look highlights a few eye-catching fingers and the others remain stylish and simple. Because there is only a little green, the coral really stands out, so this design is perfect for those who want watermelon nails that are both playful and stylish.

Use the “Peach Side Babe” from Essie as a base and add watermelon patterns with a dotting tool and striping brush to get a salon-style look at home. If you’re new to doing french tips, a peel-off latex tape can help you make the tip curves.

This outfit goes well with almost anything you want to wear. You can wear it with denim, a sundress or a professional office blazer. Once I put on something similar on a Monday and wore it until my next trip—these colors are perfect for all the seasons.

Juicy Rainbow Explosion

This one’s for the bold babes. Think tropical punch meets nail art design! These nails have a combination of hot pink, citrus yellow, green and watermelon pink, all finished with a very glossy top coat. The nails switch between being full slices and having seeds studded on them. There are many layers to the visuals, yet the overall look is still clean.

You can try this look with Lights Lacquer’s summer set or go for the bright neon colors from ILNP. The trick is to place your dots of seeds where each color block is and to always have even and smooth french edges. I’d recommend a hard gel overlay to make sure the design stays in place for several weeks.

I love how unapologetically fun this is. It reminds me of vacations, summer festivals, beach towels and juicy fruit salad. If you’re afraid of color, this might look like a lot—but once it’s on, you’ll feel like you’re wearing joy itself. These are watermelon nails acrylic that are saying, “look at me, but in a sweet way.”

Neon Smoothie Simplicity

The combination of hot pink and soft green makes your smoothie taste extra fresh. The two solids are nicely balanced and a curved watermelon nails design is placed right in the middle, resembling a mural. The shape makes it stand out, while the bold colors make it a perfect fit for someone who wants to wear it casually but still likes a little bit of “fun.”

For this technique, use a pink like “Watermelon Slushie” from Holo Taco and add the white and green rind with a striping brush. Trying out a jelly-style finish is an option and Nail Thoughts has fun jelly shades to choose from.

This mani makes me think of doing yoga on a rooftop and then enjoying a cold latte. It’s got wellness-girl energy, in the most aesthetic way. If the “juicy nails” TikToks have caught your eye, this would be perfect for you.

Full Slice Repeat with Glossy Green

Finally, we have the ultimate tribute to fruit. The three nails with identical watermelon designs and a leafy green accent make this look a bit reminiscent of the Y2K era, Lisa Frank and also the future. The glossy finish on the top coat makes it look like jelly candy and the vivid seeds add a lot of color.

You’ll want vibrant pastel pinks and opaque leafy greens—go for H&M Beauty’s nail polishes (surprisingly pigmented for their price point). Outline the melon curves with a long-liner brush and then add a lot of glitter to the top coat. If you’re into 3D nails, you could even layer on clear gel drops for a seeded texture.

It feels like strolling through the drinks at a juice bar—vibrant, a bit adventurous and always cool. I wore a lime-green halter top and was stopped twice for people to compliment my nails. That’s your sign, right?

Glossy Gradient with Watermelon Vibes

The gradient between bright pink and green on this manicure is just right, thanks to the almond shape. What I enjoy most is the whimsical way—every nail describes a different aspect of watermelon: some are just pink, some have rind patterns and two are the star nails, looking like slices of watermelon with seeds. It’s smooth and always interesting, much like a piece of fruit you didn’t even know you wanted.

To create this look, reach for a neon-pink color gel (I recommend Gelish “Passion”), and a fresh green polish for the rind—think Zoya “Josie.” Draw the wavy stripes on the watermelon with a fine-liner brush and use dotting tools to make the black seeds. A smooth, high-gloss top coat made without chrome helps the finish stay juicy.

It’s sweet, graphic, and just extra enough. I’ve noticed girls at music festivals wearing bikini sets and crop tops with this mani and it’s clear that it doesn’t need any extra accessories.

Minimal Watermelon Accent on Short Nails

Sometimes less is everything. In this design, the one accent nail is the main star. The coral-red color is the main attraction and the ring finger includes a small, white and green fruit slice, making the design simple, pretty and easy to wear if your nails are short.

You should use Essie “Color Binge” for a solid color and Olive & June’s “White Tips” for the white part. You should use a fine nail brush for the rind line and if you want to dot the seeds yourself, a bobby pin does the job.

I find this one very convenient—you can use it for work, typing and texting and still feel a summer vibe. If you’re the kind who’s not into too much art, this version is your sweet spot. Still fun, but totally chill.

Red French Swirl with Juicy Edge

This is almost like a couture design—the fancy swirl on clear nails with watermelon color is so elegant. There are bright red curves, soft green rinds and black dots, all put on the canvas in a smooth and flowing manner. When the natural nail shows a bit, it adds security and makes it seem like a summer breeze.

I recommend applying a jelly red nail polish to get the semi-sheer effect of watermelon skin. When you want a professional finish, use hand-painted gel from The Gel Bottle Inc.

In my opinion, this is a top version of watermelon nails. It’s not childish, not overdone—just sophisticated playfulness. Like a resort look in nail form.

Pink Pop with Melon Texture Art

How do you say “fun” without saying it? This design does it all. The nails are painted bright pink, have a smooth color gel finish and the central ones have both rind texture and watermelon seeds outlined in simple lines. The texture reads beautifully from a distance but up close, it’s a whole art piece.

If you have space at home, paint your nails with the “Peony Pink” for the base and add strips of green by dragging the nail with a nail stamper or striping brush. Apply the seeds by dotting them on with a dotting tool or liner that is very thin.

It makes me think of early summer mornings, drinking a smoothie, enjoying the sun and noticing my nails glitter. It’s fun, unfussy, and packed with charm.

Graphic Color Block Fruit Mash-Up

Here’s where things get playful and totally Gen Z-approved. The set is made up of pinks, soft greens, yellow and many layered designs that are very art french remix. Some nails are sliced, some are split vertically and one has chunky 3D seeds—it all combines and the look still fits.

Use pastel lacquers—try Cirque Colors “Socialite” (pink) and “Kaleidoscope” (lime)—with a high-pigment black for seed detailing. If you like a rougher look, go for matte or if you prefer something more glossy, pick an ultra-glossy finish. The color-blocking requires patience but trust me, it’s worth it.

When you want to look like a Pinterest board, this is the style you should tell your nail tech about. It can be a bit crazy, is always fun and always makes me feel better. It’s also the easiest conversation starter at brunch.

Playful Cartoon Slice on Almond Pink

This one’s flirty, shiny, and unapologetically fun. Bright pink almond nails become even more interesting when you add a watermelon nails 3d-effect slice that resembles a comic book illustration. The strong black stripes around the edge of the rind give this a stylish look that is both striking and easy to wear.

The best way to replicate this look is with Lights Lacquer “Cherry Jelly” as the base and a mix of white gel liner and neon green polish for the outline. Use a dotting tool to make the seeds and finish with a glossy surface to make the fruit look juicy.

The thing that makes it special is the contrast—it brings together pop-art and summer fruit and it works perfectly. If you like pool time or brunch with friends, this manicure brings a cheerful tone to everything you grab.

Balanced Two-Tone Gloss with Sliced Accents

Symmetry is very pleasing and this style definitely gets it right. The combination of green and red solid color gel nails makes this set look like fruit, but the ring fingers with sliced details are what makes it special. The rounded edges of almond tips and the smooth lines give a piece of furniture both style and character.

Apply “Lime After Lime” by China Glaze and “Watermelon” from Essie for your solid colors and then use a fine detail brush to add the white rind and black seed. Nail artists say it’s best to flash-cure each detail before adding more layers, particularly with bright colors like these.

You could wear this mani with bright summer clothes such as colorful sets or just denim and white. It’s confident, symmetrical, and oh-so-satisfying to look at.

Juicy Green & Pink Square Pop

How about these inventive trends? Try square nails or watermelon design nails this summer for a surprise touch. The artist uses a lime green and shocking pink color gel together, making one nail shiny and the other look like a fruit slice. It’s not complicated in design, but it stands out with its bold choices which fans of strong colors will love.

Consider using OPI’s “That’s Hula-rious” and Orly’s “Beach Cruiser” when picking your shade. You should use a square tip file to keep the shape of your nails and I suggest applying a few thin layers of polish to avoid messy edges.

This set brings major retro summer vibes. It is a reminder for me of lime popsicles and pink bikinis—simple happiness in the nails. And that glossy finish? It practically reflects sunshine.

Delicate French Slice with a Nude Base

This one is for the romantics. A plain almond base is topped with two soft watermelon slices, each having detailed seeds and gentle color accents of coral and mint green. The other nails are kept simple and one color to maintain the look as grown-up and stylish.

Add a sheer pink nail polish such as Zoya “Bela,” and use the nail art liner gel set to create the fruit slice. To enhance the style, coat the rind with a no-wipe chrome powder topcoat which will give it more depth without looking too flashy.

Whenever I see this kind of design, I imagine a Parisian summer with linen shirts, big sunglasses and a simple but elegant manicure. It’s effortless, but it took effort. The dream.

Hand-Painted Fantasy with Jelly Gradient

Ending on a high, this set is pure art. Gradient red jelly is merged with a milky base and each nail is decorated with hand-painted watermelon slices and rind designs. Some of them are shaped like half moons, others are full slices and every one is made with care and imagination. This set is perfect when you want your nails to be a real fashion accessory.

You’ll need sheer jelly gels like those from Presto Gel and a fine-point detail brush for the fruit art. It is recommended by nail artists to apply the 3D seeds at the end and then add clear builder gel drops to make them stand out and shine.

This is the one that I enjoy the most from the collection. It lets you be creative, express yourself and boosts your confidence in all your actions. These acrylic nails look like watermelons and make you feel special.