Your Sandals and These Pink Polishes Are a Match Made in Summer Pedicure Heaven

Your toes are thinking pink.

By
Jessica Fields
Jessica Fields
Jessica Fields

Jessica Fields is a beauty writer specializing in industry topics like skincare, makeup, hair, and nail trends. She got her start in media at Coveteur, where she worked as an editorial assistant, building, producing, and writing beauty and fashion stories.

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Published on July 19, 2026 06:15AM
A model with a pink pedicure.

@shopnou_/instagram

Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to swap out tennis shoes for sandals and dive deep into the pedicure trends of the season.

“The warmer months are all about embracing colors that can be fun, bold, and easygoing,” says manicurist Mazz Hanna. Pink happens to check all those boxes. Whether soft and subdued or punchy, worn solo or incorporated into chrome looks or French pedis, you just can’t go wrong when you think pink. Plus, the hue can complement just about any summer manicure.

We asked four manicurists to share their top pink picks for varnishing toes this season. Below, see the best pink pedicure polishes to wear all summer 2026.

Meet the Experts

01 of 06

Dusty Rose

Gel nail polish bottle labeled GelCare S-010 Manoir Pink

Neutral pedicure colors are having a moment. But instead of nude and crisp white, soft rose hues are taking center stage, and at the forefront of it all is dusty rose. This desaturated shade offers just a hint of color while maintaining that fresh and clean look. “This is a natural-looking shade that suits any skin tone,” and is perfect for anyone seeking “a low-key pedicure,” says Hanna.

02 of 06

Guava Pink

OPI Nail Lacquer Cotton Candied Clawz

A punchy coral-adjacent polish can enhance your summer glow like no other. Like a warm bronzer or dewy foundation, it gives your skin a sun-kissed and refreshed look. It’s also surprisingly subtle: Despite the orange undertones, the very trendy guava pink is not too bright. “It adds a soft pop of color without going too deep into neon territory and has a low-key feel,” says Hanna.

03 of 06

Ballet Pink

A bottle of Sundays nail polish with a light pink shade, displayed alongside a swatch

Sundays

Delicate pastel shades are a given for spring. But Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of Sundays Salon, notes that light pink polished toes will also be popular this summer. Not only is ballet pink universally flattering, but it also pairs well with almost any manicure design. It adds a soft, romantic touch to your toes, and is “a go-to for daily wear, weddings, or whenever you want to feel polished and graceful,” she says.

04 of 06

Hibiscus

Bottle of Dazzle Dry nail lacquer with number 3 on the label

If red is your go-to shade come summer, a soft pink polish might not be your cup of tea. But you can embrace the color in warmer, more saturated ways. Try swapping out your crimson for a pinky-red-like hibiscus. According to Hana, it offers just as much vibrancy as a classic red and has the same commanding power. Plus, it always looks polished and chic.

05 of 06

Bubblegum Pink

Nails Inc. Miley

What goes around tends to come back around, and like clockwork, Y2K nail trends are back and bigger than ever. If you’re not ready to don a French pedicure, you could lean into the nostalgic look with bubblegum pink nail polish. The key is to opt for a color with soft undertones to give your toes a sophisticated finish. As Thea Green, founder of Nails.INC. notes, a subdued version of the classic hue will feel clean and pair well with warm, rosy undertones.

06 of 06

Nearly Neon

Olive & June's Hot Strawberry

Olive & June

“Let’s be honest, pink is forever a classic, but summer is when the shade really gets to have fun. From barely-there sheer blush to nearly neon hot pinks, this color is looks good on everyone,” explained Olive & June’s nail art expert Olivia Van Iderstine while chatting with Byrdie about this summer’s nail trends. “Pink is truly one of the most versatile colors! When bright and sweet it captures the fun of summer, but it can also be the perfect neutral. Depending on the finish (sheer vs. opaque) and the tone, you can go from understated to statement.”

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