Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a season of bold contrasts in beauty, and nowhere is this more apparent than on our fingertips. This year’s nail trends swing between two poles: sleek, minimalist styles that evoke a “clean girl” aesthetic, and wildly imaginative, over-the-top designs that are equal parts art and allure. And if you think that sounds contradictory, you’re not alone — it’s exactly what makes this summer’s nail scene so electric.
One of the most buzzworthy trends making waves right now? Nails inspired by fishing lures. Yes, you read that right. Dallas-based nail artist Cameron Short, who goes by Really Niche Nails on social media, has sparked a viral sensation with her unique take on press-on nails, transforming them into miniature tributes to fishing gear. But this wasn’t just a whim — it was a deeply personal artistic journey that began with a Reddit post.
“I didn’t want to simply replicate the original work,” Short explains. “As a traditional artist, I felt the need to dive deeper.” That deep dive led her on a frenzied hunt across the internet for photographs of real fishing lures, collecting over 100 references. But the real inspiration came from her own childhood memories. “I recalled the vivid colors of bait—bright pinks, purples, yellows—that used to capture my attention as a kid,” she adds.
The result is a collection of press-on nails that capture not just the visual appeal of lures but also the nostalgia and whimsy of those youthful fishing days. Short’s creativity goes beyond the nail art itself — she packages each set in real tackle boxes, complete with actual bait, delivering an immersive experience for her customers. It’s a playful nod to fishing culture that’s hooking nail art fans worldwide.
But Cameron Short isn’t the only artist bringing aquatic life to nails. Hang Nguyen, known in the beauty world as the Hang Edit, has embraced the fish-inspired trend with a more photorealistic flair. Her standout creation features the cardinal tetra, a popular aquarium fish distinguished by its sleek body and striking red racing stripe. Nguyen explains why this particular fish makes perfect sense on nails: “The shape of the cardinal tetra fits beautifully on a natural nail canvas.”
What sets Nguyen’s work apart is her use of cutting-edge nail art tools like magnetic polish and chrome finishes. These innovations help recreate the iridescent, shimmering scales of fish, giving her designs a glossy, lifelike quality that’s impossible to ignore. Thanks to these tools, photorealistic fish nails have become not just a fun novelty but a bona fide trend.
Since Short’s fishing lure nails went viral, her Etsy shop has been overwhelmed with orders, proving just how eager consumers are to embrace this quirky, nostalgic style. The clever packaging only adds to the appeal, allowing buyers to feel as if they’re opening a treasure trove straight from the tackle box.
So, what does this mean for summer nail trends as a whole? It highlights how diverse and playful beauty is becoming. You can go for understated elegance one day—think buttery yellow or crisp blue shades and ultra-clean manicures—and then switch gears to something dramatically imaginative the next. Whether your vibe is pared-down sophistication or maximalist fantasy, summer 2025 is giving everyone permission to express themselves boldly and unapologetically.
If you’re feeling inspired to take a plunge into this trend, whether with fishing lure nails or photorealistic aquatic motifs, now’s the perfect moment to experiment. And if DIY isn’t your thing, artists like Cameron Short and Hang Nguyen are ready to bring your underwater nail fantasies to life—packaged with that extra splash of personality.
So maybe this summer, it’s time to cast your line into the world of nail art and see what you reel in. Who knew fishing lures and aquatic creatures would become the next big thing to adorn our fingertips? In 2025, beauty truly is a playground, and the ocean is just one of many imaginative places to explore.
