My biggest debate when I get to the nail salon: Should I go for a maximalist summer nail design or something simple like a milky manicure? If you fall into the latter camp—and love a manicure that looks like your favorite beverage—allow me to introduce the next big summer nail trend: coconut latte nails.

Unlike a classic white manicure that mimics the opaque finish of bright Wite-Out, coconut latte nails are softer, sheerer, and reminiscent of a creamy tropical drink. The look combines milky-white tones with a translucent finish for a manicure that feels effortlessly chic, fresh, and perfect for summer.

Whether you’re a DIY nail enthusiast or a salon regular, there are countless ways to wear coconut latte nails, making them the ultimate clean-girl manicure for the season.

Coconut latte nails are the softer, more natural-looking version of a crisp white manicure. Inspired by the creamy swirl of coconut milk in an iced latte, the trend features a sheer milky-white hue with a translucent, glossy finish that gives nails a clean, expensive-looking effect. Think of them as a white version of soap nails.

How to Achieve Coconut Latte Nails

You can easily DIY coconut latte nails at home by applying one or two thin coats of a sheer or regular white polish, like OPI’s Funny Bunny or essie’s Marshmallow, and allowing them to fully dry for a few minutes before applying another. The key is building up the color gradually, allowing some of your natural nail to still show through for that signature milky, translucent finish, before veering into the territory of three or four layers. Complete the look with a high-shine top coat to mimic a creamy sheen. And if you want an even glossier finish, you can also use a jelly polish like Essie’s Arctic Jelly for an all-over glasslike effect.

If you’re heading to the salon, ask your nail artist for a sheer milky-white manicure with a glossy finish. Many salons can create the look by layering a coat or two of white gel polish, or using builder gel to achieve the perfect milky effect. The result should look frothy and more diffused than a traditional opaque white manicure, perfect for sitting beachside with a coconut drink in hand.

Coconut Latte Nails Inspo

Why Trust Cosmopolitan?

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo who covers all things nails—from the biggest design trends to new polish launches. She’s always keeping an eye on seasonal colors and keeping up with celebrity manicurists for their favorite trends, and for this story, she collected coconut latte nail inspiration from top nail artists and nail salons for inspo and recommendations.