11 Neon Nail Looks That Are Less Day-Glo, More Loud Luxury — See Photos

In the very Caribbean New York City neighborhood where I grew up, three colors made up the summer manicures of the early 2000s: white, cotton candy pink, and neon yellow. All the cool girls, moms, and aunties requested these hues, but I had an affinity for the last one. Highlighter yellow—in all its fluorescent glory—was my go-to vacation nail color. It complemented my skin tone and looked even better as I spent more time at the beach.

Jin Soon Choi, manicurist and founder of JINSoon, also recalls the neon explosion of the late ’90s and early aughts. “Neon yellow was everywhere and it felt bold, playful, and a little punk,” she says. “I remember creating looks with glow-in-the-dark accents, airbrushed neon art, and graphic decals like stars and hearts.”

Ami Vega, a nail artist in Washington Heights in Manhattan, recalls a similar experience to mine, where she had seen people in her predominantly Latin community veer toward neons, especially during the summer months. “I’d see my tia and mom with neon reds and purples, especially on their toes,” Vega recalls. “I remember finally being allowed to go into the beauty supply store, and I was drawn to the neon pink and yellow Bruccia nail polishes.”

Neon nails are nostalgic, and perhaps that’s why the internet is obsessed with them right now. But today’s take on these vibrant hues is more luxurious than Day-Glo. “They’re more refined and deliberate,” Choi says. “On the runway, I’ve used neon tones in subtle, graphic ways, like a single stripe, dot, or abstract detail over a sheer base.”

In Choi’s salon, French tips and jelly finishes in highlighter hues are in high demand, having seen a surge in requests as we move deeper into the warmer months. “Has there ever been a time when neon and summer didn’t go together?” asks Miss Pop, a New York City-based manicurist. However, I now see neon nails as more than just a summer manicure. They take me back to salon days with my mom. They’re so serotonin-boosting, I’d wear them all year long.

How to choose the perfect neon for your skin tone

You can wear whatever color or combination of polishes your heart desires. If you want to be intentional about how your mani looks against your skin, our pros have a few tips. Shop their product suggestions here.

• For cool skin tones, Choi suggests electric pinks, mint greens, or icy blues. “These shades pop beautifully without overpowering the skin,” she says.
• For medium or olive tones, Choi recommends considering warmer colors, such as corals, bright oranges, or highlighter yellows.
• On deep skin tones, Choi encourages lime greens, vivid fuchsias, or purples. “These shades don’t just pop on deep skin, they glow and bring out the richness of the complexion in a striking way,” she says.