All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
From seashell nails to melting ice cream manis, 2024 summer nail trends are embracing what we love most about the season—and delightfully dreamy cloud nails are no exception.
Inspired by the bright blue skies we’ve come to know and love during sunny summertime, beauty pros cite cloud nails as this year’s beach day–inspired take on the blueberry milk mani trend Sofia Richie started last summer.
“It’s no surprise cloud nails are trending after the hugely viral blueberry milk nails from last year,” Juli Russell, a manicurist and DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty, tells Glamour. “Blueberry milk nails featured a super pale blue with a creamy, milky formula reminiscent of frozen blueberries in a glass of cold milk. Similarly, cloud nails are worn with a fresh, blue base that’s the perfect complementary color for frozen summer treats.”
Miami-based nail artist John Avery says the same. “Cloud nails are building off what is already trending, taking the blueberry milk manicure to another level,” he says. “The soft curves and puffy shapes of clouds evoke a sense of joy and lightness that everyone can enjoy.”
Plus, much like other current beauty trends that include seashell manis and sugar plum fairy glam, cloud nails have an ethereal element to them. “Cloud nails are eye catching, playful, artistic, and a uniquely soothing design that brings an ethereal and dreamy aesthetic,” Avery says.
That’s a big part of why they’re so big right now in particular, adds Russell. “Cloud nails are all the rage because they effortlessly blend dreamy aesthetics with versatility plus the trendiest polish shade of the season—baby blue—making every manicure feel like a piece of art and on trend,” she says.
They’re also super customizable and DIY-friendly, Avery points out. “They can be customized with different colors and styles, can be paired well with any outfits or occasions, and are super DIY friendly,” he says.
Yes, really! Here’s how easy it is to create the look at home with gel polish, according to Avery. “I recommend starting with your favorite sky blue base color,” he says. “I love the color Waikiki Sky from Kokoist.” Next, you’ll want to take a bright white color—his go-to is Kokoist's Maxi White— and “use a dotting tool to create your soft, puffy, dreamy clouds.”
Prefer traditional, nongel nail polish? You’re in luck! Russell doesn’t just think this is totally doable with your favorite baby blue polish—she knows it is. Because she did it herself. (See below.)
To get the look, which Russell defines as “accent clouds created with a dotting tool and white polish over solid blue color,” she suggests starting with Fingerpaints’ Solid Base Coat. Once that’s dry, apply your baby blue base coat. Her favorite for the job is FingerPaints’ Sky’s the Limit.
“Begin with a layer of base coat to create a smooth surface to work, protect your natural nails, and help your manicure last as long as possible,” she says. “Next, apply two thin layers of your blue polish, allowing five minutes of dry time between layers.”
To create the cloud design, use a dotting tool and white nail polish. Russell recommends Cina Nail Creations’ Dotting Tool for the placement and FingerPaints Paper Mache polish.
“Create small horizontal dashes with the white polish on each nail in a staggering position. This uses your dotting tool to add fluffiness to the cloud by creating different size dots along the horizontal dash. I like to make the center of the cloud have the largest dot and taper the ends for ‘toy story’ like clouds,” Russell says.
Don’t go too hard yourself when it comes to the cloud art, though. “Imperfections” are built into the inspo, after all. “The best part about cloud designs is that they don’t have to be perfect,” Avery points out. “Look at the sky! No two clouds are the same.” Keep that in mind when you're painting.
“The beauty of this design is that no two clouds are ever the same, so it’s okay if your design isn’t perfect,” Russell concurs.“It makes your manicure unique and more realistic!”
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Once you’re feeling good about your design, top with FingerPaints’ Fast Dry Top Coat. “Allow 10 minutes of dry time and seal in your clouds with a layer of top coat so they don’t ‘float away,’” Russell says. For further instruction, see Russell’s DIY cloud nail tutorial above.
Not really into baby blue nails? That’s cool too. You can DIY cloud nails with any colors you’d like.
Some of our favorite takes on the trends embrace pinks, purples, and chrome, while others feature a nude base adorned with illustrations. Think of them as sunset cloud nails.
But really, you can top any of your favorite polishes with a cloud design. If you’re undecided on colors, consider a manifestation manicure: Simply pick your aspirations and opt for the corresponding shade. Let the vibes guide you!
Another option? Simple polka dots. “Designs from the 2010s are also making a resurgence, so we’re seeing manicures with polka dots and plaid making a comeback. Instead of clouds, you could achieve a more everyday look with a dainty dot-icure,” says Russell.
“You can use the same sky blue for your base or inverse the palette and use a milky white for a more wearable look,” she says. “Experiment with dot colors or keep them a uniform color,” Russell adds. “Or try out a color ombré manicure with shades of a blue for a cloudy day aesthetic.”
No matter how you chose to paint them, you can’t go wrong with cloud nails. Shop the essentials for the sweet style below.
Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.