Nudes don't have a monopoly on summer 2024 manis—the up-and-coming tomato nails trend proves it

The red of the season has arrived

Tomato nails
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As a manicure girly, I am never not without a fresh set. But while I like my nail art, I also firmly believe you can't beat a classic nude or red polish. And for the latter, an orangey-red is always my hue of choice; it complements my skin tone and just pops. Luckily, this season I'm bang on trend, with tomato nails securing a top spot in the list of cool summer nail shades to ask for at the salon (or to paint on yourself). 

Tomato red is bright, bold and beautiful, with orange undertones. It looks best with a hi-shine finish and in a super-glossy nail polish, gel polish or BIAB product. This is a colour that looks great on pretty much every nail length and shape, too. Be it chic short soft squares or almond-shaped extensions, tomato red is always a winner.

As mentioned, I love a nude, and am currently sporting a sheer milky pink. But when my next mani appt rolls around in a couple of weeks time? You can bet that tomato red has just shot straight to the top of my wish list.

Tomato nails inspiration

Ultra-glossy with a subtle fluoro hint, imagine how good this mani would look on the beach or at a festival this summer. 

Proving the look is just as impactful on shorter nails, this lovely manicure is so easy to achieve from home once you find your perfect red. 

Nail artist Harriet Westmoreland is known for her love of neutrals, but once in a while she shows off a gorgeous red look. 

Yes, you can absolutely incorporate your love for nail art into this trend! These negative space shapes are so cool. 

Short, rounded edges look seriously stylish in tomato red; as does silver jewellery. 

A simple nail art look in tomato red to give a go is this cute curved design. 

Half-heart tips are so adorable, and they look gorgeous in tomato red. 

If you don't fancy red all over your nails, why not try these playful squiggles? 

In my opinion, the sheerer, the chicer. Just look at these for proof!

A classic French manicure is always a winner in red, too. 

This fun art-deco inspired mani is another way to wear tomato nails uniquely. 

Shop tomato nail colours

Rebecca is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Grazia, Coveteur, Dazed, Stylist, and Glamour. She is also a brand consultant and has worked with the likes of The Inkey List on campaign messaging and branded copy. She’s obsessed with skincare, nail art and fragrance, and outside of beauty, Rebecca likes to travel, watch true crime docs, pet sausage dogs and drink coffee. Rebecca is also passionate about American politics and mental health awareness.