Micro-fruit nails are this summer's sweetest manicure — here's how to get the look

One of the most delightful warm-weather pairings is basking in the sun with a bowl of refreshing fruit salad. But an even sweeter combo for nail art lovers might be micro-fruit motifs and manicures, a look that's currently trending online and IRL.

Over the past few years, we've witnessed the rise of food-driven fashion and beauty trends, like glazed-doughnut nails, butter-yellow fashion and this season's Guava Girl Summer. Micro-fruit manis follow suit, but experts have seen this nail art look coming for a while.

Nargis Khan, a nail artist at Toronto's Tips Nail Bar, has noticed an uptick in fruit-inspired manis over the last three years or so, with requests ranging from bold prints to 3D styles. "There's always a spike in fruity manis during spring and summer," she told CBC Life.

Content creator Alison Nguyen, known for her DIY manicures and nail art, also noticed these designs picking up in 2023 and 2024. She even created a bold, 3D-fruit mani tutorial for CBC Life last June.

But this summer, we're seeing the trend reach new heights, with Pinterest searches in Canada for "fruit nails" more than doubling from this time last year. And on social media, some of the most popular designs feature itty-bitty produce, like strawberries, cherries and peaches. 

Khan credits this to trendsetting queen Hailey Bieber, who debuted a farmers' market–inspired mani by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt last summer. "Since then, people can't get enough!" she said.

Nguyen — who recreated Bieber's look last August using decals — believes practicality is another factor behind the trend. "I think the dainty, minimal elements make it easier to wear versus larger nail art," she said. A scroll through social media shows most of these patterns painted on a basic nude base or a simple French tip. "It's a subtle, chic way of taking part in a trend without being super bold or out there," Khan agreed.

Micro-fruit nails have a way of sparking joy, too. "People gravitate towards this style because of its fun '90s nostalgia," said Khan. She added that all things micro — not just fruit — are currently everywhere in the nail-art world, and that she thinks this trend will be sticking around for a while. 

Nguyen also believes in the manicure's longevity. "There will always be someone keeping the trend alive, and it's such a fun little element to spice up your nails," she said.

Ready to try it out yourself? Scroll on for some fun ways to incorporate micro-fruits into your manicure, whether you're DIY-ing your own tips or looking for inspo to take to the salon. 

To achieve this look at home, opt for nail stickers or decals, which both pros said will help you achieve a flawless result. 

If you're feeling creative, Khan said you can use a dotting tool to make the fruit and a short liner brush to add fine details. Then, to make the fruit look juicy and realistic, you can add highlights using a bit of white polish or another lighter shade. 

Nguyen said you can also use a toothpick to recreate the look.

Fruits that have rounder shapes — like blueberries, strawberries and cherries — tend to be easier to paint, said Khan. 

A charming addition to micro-fruit nails? Gemstones!

For a picnic-themed look, try incorporating gingham, like Khan did in this summery set.

Switch things up with French tips in different colours. 

For a set that really shines, ask for 3D shapes topped with cat eye polish. 

Not sure this look is right for you? Test it out with an accent nail.