Tennis Ball Green Nails Are Trending—Here Are Our Favorite Neon Polishes for an Instant Mood Boost

Clean manicure colors have been ruling the nail scene, but the minimalist manicure era is nearing its end. While clear, soft pinks and nudes will always be a timeless choice, as summer arrives, the trends are all about embracing the vibrant and punchy colors of the season.

At the forefront are neon shades, especially the very sporty “tennis ball green.” Electric, lively, bold and fun, these shades are taking over for good reason. “I’m just so happy this color is having a moment,” says Katie Masters, celebrity nail artist and founder of Nail Thoughts, speaking about tennis ball green specifically. “The shade is just such a unique tone that isn’t seen or done as often as yellow is in the salon. It’s very exciting to me when color trends start to move into a more unique and creative zone. It’s definitely one of those colors that can be a little hard to find in the salon, so I recommend finding the perfect gel or polish and bringing it with you to make sure you can get the perfect tone.”

Ahead, we’ve compiled seven of the best neon nail polishes to try for summer 2026, whether you’re embracing the tennis ball green color like us, or something different like a bright pink or electric coral.

Best neon nail polishes to try this summer

1 / 6

Think of this shade as the tenniscore color for your nails. Bright and lively like a freshly opened can of tennis balls, it has a freshness that’s hard not to love. Use it as a decorative color in a design or as an all-over shade for a short manicure.

2 / 6

If you’re new to sporting bright colors, this is a great shade to add to your rotation. The cobalt color is vibrant and punchy without feeling too electric or over the top. It’s the perfect polish for a summer pedicure or chic French tips.

3 / 6

Best described as a creamy pastel, Masters likes this “washed out tennis-ball shade” that’s also comparable to a “lime ice cream” color.

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4 / 6

Essie’s quick dry line is filled with fun and poppy colors, like this orange shade. It’s juicy and bright but feels subtle enough to wear to the office. Plus, it dries down fast, so you can have a fresh manicure with almost no downtime.

5 / 6

With cool undertones and a citrus vibe, it’s the best way to bring in the season. It’s the perfect gel to bring with you to the nail salon to embrace the tennis ball green nails trend.

6 / 6

With hints of blue shimmer and holographic glitter, this pink polish delivers a stardust effect that pairs perfectly with its jelly finish.