20 Cancer Season Nail Ideas That Are So Dreamy

Close up of a swirly pearlescent manicure in light, dainty shades — @disseynails / Instagram

Quick! What are your sun, moon, and rising signs? If you immediately knew the answer, chances are you're also the type who swoons over dressing and accessorizing with your zodiac sign in mind. While we're all for fashion inspired by the stars, we're even more smitten with zodiac manicures.

This month, we're focusing on Cancer-inspired nail art. (Of course.) Cancerians are associated with calming colors like blue, white, silver, and pastels—shades that reflect their imaginative, emotional, and dreamy energy. Need a little inspo? Ahead, find some of our favorite nail art ideas for Cancer season.

01 of 20

3D Mismatched Beach Mani

3D Mismatch Beach Mani - Byrdie Cancer Nail Ideas — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

Lean into the magic of your sign with a shimmering 3D mismatched beach mani. Since Cancer season runs smack dab in the middle of summer, a serene ocean vibe makes for stellar nail inspo.

02 of 20

Aqua Disco Nails

Love a calm Cancer palette but prefer to lean into bold, fun vibes? Consider an aqua disco mani. You can create the look with a blue glitter base topped off with iridescent blue and silver foil, locked in with a top coat.

03 of 20

Bedazzled Gray Aura Nails

While gray might seem too drab for summer, this bedazzled aura mani proves it can still be magical. Create the aura design using the sponge technique.

04 of 20

Cool Pastel Jelly Nails

Pastel Cool Tone Jelly Nails - Byrdie Cancer Nail Ideas — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Jelly nails are trending, and a pastel blue, purple, and mint green mani is a great way to get in on the trend with Cancer-season vibes.

05 of 20

Blue Ombré Nails

Blue Ombre Nails - Byrdie Cancer Nail Ideas — @overglowedit / Instagram

How pretty is this pale blue ombré mani? Again, the sponge technique is the best way to create this seamless color shift. Clean up the edges with an angled brush, then use a top coat to adhere to your gems.

06 of 20

Iridescent Blue Seashell Nails

Meanwhile, if you really resonate with the pale blue tones of your sign, this iridescent seashell mani will make your day. Nail artist Aistė Haas created the look using chrome powders, builder gel, and pearl nail stickers.

07 of 20

Abstract Aqua Nails

Aqua nails just work for Cancer season. They're bright for summer but calm overall in terms of tone.

08 of 20

Earthy Velvet Nails

If you lean more toward the earthier shades of your sign, consider this mauve, sand, and silvery velvet manicure your muse. The trick to creating the 3D stripes is to dip a nail art brush in builder gel and apply it to the nails. Then, use chrome powder to make the raised details pop.

09 of 20

Iridescent Chrome Dewdrop Nails

Here's another iridescent Cancer mani for your perusal. Again, you'll notice 3D chrome builder gel accents. (This time including dewdrops.) Are we sensing a summer nail art trend?

10 of 20

Matte Mint Floral Nails

Add an unexpected touch to your Cancer mani by opting for a matte finish. Get the look with a matte formula or by topping your favorite polish with a matte top coat.

11 of 20

Pastel Shimmer Chrome Skittle Nails

Here's another Skittle mani that works well for Cancer season (and summer in general). The chrome finish ups the trend factor even further.

12 of 20

Micro Cornflower French

For a classic, serene summer mani, opt for off-white nails with cornflower blue French tips. It's giving Cancer season and coastal granddaughter.

13 of 20

Cool Ombré Pastel Shimmer Nails

Ombre Cool Tone Pastel Shimmer Nails - Byrdie Cancer Nail Ideas — @pop_polished / Instagram

If you prefer a bit more color on your nails, consider a lilac, baby blue, and light green ombré shimmer shift.

14 of 20

Square Mint Velvet Nails

Feeling a bit moody? Opt for a mint velvet polish that shifts toward gunmetal.

15 of 20

Pastel Halfsies Skittle Nails

Pastel Half and Half Skittle Nails - Byrdie Cancer Nail Ideas — @amyle.nails / Instagram

Can't decide between your go-to neutral nail look and a fun Cancer season mani? Go halfsies with pastel shades and a silver split.

16 of 20

Pearl Ombré Swirl Nails

Pearl Ombre Swirl Nails - Byrdie Cancer Nail Ideas — @disseynails / Instagram

This manicure is soft, romantic, and shimmery as can be—so extremely Cancer-coded.

17 of 20

Powder Blue 3D French Tips

A powder blue French manicure with clear 3D swirls creates a calming, ocean-like effect perfectly suited to the summer.

18 of 20

Silver Glitter Cuticles

Seeking a simple Cancer mani? Try silver glitter cuticle accents for a reverse French. You can create them with a nail art brush or by inverting nail art stickers and painting around the edge.

19 of 20

Simple Bedazzled French Mani

A classic white French manicure works well for Cancer season since white is one of the primary colors on the sign's palette. Rhinestone cuticle accents add a sophisticated touch.

20 of 20

Subtle White Shimmer Mani

Meanwhile, if you're looking for a simple manicure that works well for Cancer season but can easily extend into the rest of summer, a shimmery white will do the trick.