If you were to take a scroll through my “saved” folder on Instagram, you’d be forgiven for thinking I work as a nail technician. Why? Because I’d say about 90% of my feed is made up of images of nail art ideas and ASMR-worthy manis in action. While I was once simply a barely-there nude kinda girl, if there’s one ‘shade of the moment’ taking over my Instagram feed right now – it’s blue. And trust me, it’s everywhere. 

From azure-tipped manis to full navy nails, blue is officially the shade of the season. While cobalt nails had a moment back in autumn, when it comes to spring/summer 2022, the more shades of blue, the better. 

So whether it’s cornflower, cyan, neon or navy – get ready to raid your nail polish box for all your favourite shades of blue. Need nail inspiration? Here are 17 of my favourite saved Insta-images…

These almond-shaped, periwinkle-blue nails are gorgeous for giving your mani a spring-ready update. 

Another seriously fresh update, these baby-blue nails are in the CND polish shade ‘Chance Taker’ – obsessed.

If you’re a fan of negative space nail art designs, you’ll love these cyan swirls. 

Part blue, part green – this minty-fresh mani gets me excited for warmer climes and sunnier skies ahead.

Can’t decide which shade of blue is for you? Try a different shade on every digit for a seriously on-trend look.

There’s something about this royal-blue mani that screams chic. Keep the nails short and squared off for a modern finish.

Another summer-ready mani, this trio of blue tones that finishes off with a cute pastel yellow is uplifting and fresh.

Cobalt may have had its moment in autumn but it looks like the shade’s sticking around for longer – and I’m not mad about that.

These cute daisy designs are actually stick-on nails – but if you’re feeling creative, you could recreate them with an ultra-fine nail dotter.

This blue manicure ticks two on-trend boxes: cobalt blue and negative space. Win-win. 

One for those cloudier days: this blue steel manicure is a great way to wear the trend if you’re used to more understated neutrals. 

On the other hand, if colour-popping shades are up your street, why not try an electric blue – like this dreamy neon hue.

This dusky Cambridge-blue shade is perfect for the transition of seasons ahead. Keep nails short and chic, and make sure to lock the colour in with a seriously shiny topcoat. 

Pretty periwinkle never goes out of style. This gorgeous hue is a custom blend of professional gel bottle shades called ‘Michelle’ and ‘Marilyn’.

Another update to the trend: showcase your blue hues within an ultra-chic french manicure. Obsessed. 

There are thousands of shades of blue out there – and if, like me, you can’t decide which is your favourite – why not wear them all at once? 

The epitome of summer-ready, this bright blue colour is full of energy and vitality.

A combination of a skinny French manicure with a corresponding thin semi-circle below, switching the classic white for blue makes it feel refreshed and revived.

Main image: instagram via @overglowedit