Wave goodbye to the subdued nail colors of winter and say hello to the vibrant, lively spirit of summer with a fresh manicure to match.
Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling, and what better way to embody this than with nails that speak volumes?
From the tranquil hues of beachy mornings to the explosive colors of tropical fruits, summer nails are here to play, and the rules are simple: there are none.
Related: 40+ Hottest Summer Nail Designs You Must Try This Year
Trendspotting: This Summer’s Nail Art Essentials
This season, summer nails are all about bold colors, playful patterns, and a touch of playfulness. Think pastel rainbows, neon splashes, and metallic accents that catch the sunlight in every gesture.
But it’s not just about the hues; textures and techniques play a starring role too. Here’s a peek at what’s making waves:
- Electric Neon Nails: Unapologetically bold and eye-catching, neon nails are your go-to for making a statement.
- Soft Pastels: For a softer touch, pastel shades offer a dreamy nod to summer’s gentler side.
- Negative Space Nail Art: Minimalist yet striking, negative space designs paired with vibrant colors create a modern look.
- Tropical/Beachy Nails: From palm leaf prints to sunset gradients, tropical-inspired nails are a mini vacation at your fingertips.
- Metallic and Chrome Accents: Add a futuristic shimmer to your summer nails with metallic and chrome finishes.
- Fruity Nails: Embrace the season’s bounty with fruity designs—think cherries, watermelons, and citrus slices for a playful twist.
- Swirls/Abstract Nail Art: Dive into the world of abstract with swirls, waves, and freeform shapes in a kaleidoscope of summer colors.
Achieving the Look: DIY Tips for Summer Nails
Here are some tips to achieve these looks from the comfort of your home, if you’re a DIY type of gal:
- Start with a Solid Foundation: Ensure your nails are clean, filed, and buffed. A good base coat not only smooths the surface but also protects your nails from staining.
- Choose Quality Gel Polishes: Invest in quality gel nail polishes for vibrant colors and long-lasting wear. You can find super colorful summery nail polish sets on Amazon to get you started!
- Play with Stencils and Stickers: Not confident in your freehand skills? Nail stencils and stickers can help you achieve intricate designs with zero fuss.
- Experiment with Sponges: For an ombre effect or a soft color blend, a small makeup sponge can be your best friend. Dab lightly for a dreamy gradient.
- Seal the Deal: A high-quality top coat not only adds gloss but also extends the life of your manicure. You’ll need a UV lamp to cure each coat nicely.
For a more in-depth tutorial, check out our Guide to Perfect Manicure at Home!
Have you gathered your supplies or booked your visit at the nail salon? Then let’s get to the good part – summer nails 2024 inspiration!
Summer Nails 2024: Designs to Get Inspired From
Pink and Orange Summer Nails
Photo: adriannareluga_szkolenia
Highlight the warmth of the season with these striking pink and orange summer nails. The trendy long almond shape provides a perfect canvas for the vibrant pink and orange base, while the detailed botanical design adds a touch of nature-inspired elegance.
Half Moon Fruit Nails
Photo: denasnails
Featuring a refreshing and summery fruit theme, these half-moon fruity nails are absolutely perfect for hot summer days. The crescent shapes mimic the refreshing slices of watermelon and oranges – whimsical AND chic!
Pick n Mix Sprinkle Nails
Photo: gxbbydoesnails
Did somebody ask for super fun nails? Celebrate summer with these delightful pick n mix sprinkle nails. The confetti-like design features rainbows, flowers, hearts, frogs and even aliens!
Floral Summer Nail Art
Inspired by Kylie Jenner’s summer nails, this chic nail design idea showcases a bouquet of vibrant and colorful flowers, while keeping it delicate and understated. This design is both cheerful and stylish, making it an ideal choice for your summer nails 2024 collection.
Strawberry Nails
This summer, it’s all about fruit nails! You can’t go wrong with these adorable strawberry nails. The glittery red and green polish really pops against the neutral base. These nails are perfect for anyone looking to add a playful and summery touch to their manicure.
Blue Aura Cherry Nails
These blue aura cherry nails bring a splash of bright, summery color and are perfect if you’re looking for a very summery look. Aura nails are super in right now, and the combination of bright and dark blue colors make a perfect base for the sweet little cherry details.
Black and Beige Flower Nails
For a sophisticated yet playful look, try these black and beige flower nails. The contrast between the black and beige creates a striking backdrop for the intricate floral designs. This chic and stylish pattern will be great for those who want to make a statement without being too bold.
Vacation Mix n Match Nails
Photo: bykylinavery
Embrace the eclectic essence of summer with these vacation mix n match nails. The soft pastel shades and brighter colors set the stage for an array of designs, including flowers, checkers, and the trendy turtle shell pattern. These nails are sure to help create memories of summer adventures.
Funky Gravity Falls Inspired Nail Art
Photo: sugar_rush_studios__
Embrace the quirky side of summer with these nails inspired by the iconic style of “Gravity Falls.” The blend of bold colors and dynamic patterns is a fun tribute to the beloved series and sure to be a conversation starter at any summer gathering.
Fruity French Tips
Photo: swaknails
This manicure pairs the classic French tip elegance with a juicy twist, making it a perfect pick for those who love a dash of playfulness in their style, while keeping it classy.
Summer French Nails
Photo: bylillybell
Updating the classic French manicure, these summer nails add a pop of color to the tips, accented with tiny, playful motifs. It’s a subtle yet chic way to infuse a traditional style with modern summer flair.
Bright Nails with Abstract Patterns
Photo: gluhova_nails
Make a bold statement with these bright summery nails that showcase abstract patterns. The swirls and strokes of vivid colors are reminiscent of summer’s unpredictable and spirited adventures.
Sunflower Nails
Photo: maggie_elshaddianails
Bring the joy of sunlit fields to your fingertips with these sunflower nails. The bright yellow blooms set against a clear base are like a sunny day, encapsulated in nail art.
Blue Ocean Ombre Nails
Dive into the depths of summer with these blue ocean ombre nails. The gradient from a deep sea blue to a lighter turquoise evokes the mesmerizing hues of the ocean, perfect for days spent by the water or just dreaming of the next tropical destination.
Funky Pick n Mix Summer Nails
Celebrate summer’s playful side with these eclectic nails, featuring an array of vibrant colors and patterns. From a smiling sun to colorful hippie patterns, each nail boasts a unique design that together creates a funky pick n mix effect.
Watermelon Nails
Photo: n.badjuk
Nothing screams summer like watermelon, and these nails capture the essence beautifully. The glossy red and green with black seed details are a playful homage to the quintessential summer snack.
Lemon Nails
Photo: malowanki.nails
Summertime zest takes shape in these lemon nails, featuring sun-kissed yellows with a hint of glitter. They’re a refreshing slice of citrus charm, perfect for adding a spritz of fun to any outfit.
Bright Coffin Summer Nails
These bright coffin nails are a true celebration of summer’s exuberance. The combination of sunny yellow, bold blue, and vibrant red captures the season’s spirit, ideal for those who love to make a statement with their nail art.
Also check out: 22 Must-Try Galaxy Nails Designs for a Stunningly Cosmic Look
Pink and Yellow Mix n Match Nails
Photo: beautybysheilaa
A playful twist on summer vibes, these pink and yellow mix and match nails are a sweet treat for the eyes. The combination of sunny yellow and bubblegum pink hues in various patterns exemplifies the joyous spirit of summer.
Delicate Strawberry Nails
Photo: megsmanis
Sweet and subtly chic, these delicate strawberry nails are a nod to summer’s favorite fruit. The dainty berry designs on a pink base make for a charmingly fresh manicure that’s ripe for the season.
Floral Red Frenchies
Photo: nailsbymamic
Elevate the French manicure with these floral red Frenchies, where traditional tips are transformed with vibrant floral designs. They’re a celebration of summer’s blooming beauty on your fingertips.
Pink Banana Nails
Photo: nailsbylauren.o
For a tropical twist, these pink banana nails mix whimsy with a pop of yellow. They’re a playful take on the fruit trend, with a bold color combination that’s sure to stand out in the sunniest of seasons.
Matte Orange and Yellow Combo
Sport a fresh, citrus-inspired look with these matte square nails that beautifully combine a different shades of orange with a vibrant yellow. This color pairing is reminiscent of summer’s favorite flavors, making it a perfect pick for a sunny day out or a casual beach getaway.
Pink and Green Nails with Leafy Accents
Delicate and playful, these almond nails feature a soft pink and muted green color combination with cute leafy accents, embodying the lushness of summer gardens. It’s a stylish and chic design for anyone who appreciates a touch of nature in their style.
Funky Summer Mashup
Photo: nailsbyswayz
This vibrant ensemble of nail art is a true representation of summer’s playful side. The melange of bright colors and different whimsical nail art patterns capture the carefree essence of sunny days and fun-filled adventures.
Chrome Cherry Nails
Photo: nailsbyyagal
Cherish the sweet side of summer with these luscious chrome cherry nails. The glossy red cherries against the nude base are a modern twist on fruit-inspired nail art and chrome nail trend, adding a dash of retro charm with a contemporary sheen.
Blue Skittle Nails
Dive into the cool end of the spectrum with these bright blue skittle nails. Each nail is a different shade of blue, creating a playful and cohesive look that’s reminiscent of clear summer skies and serene ocean depths.
Pink and Orange Ombre Nails
Embrace the warmth of summer sunsets with these pink and orange ombre nails. The seamless blend of colors creates a soft, romantic vibe that’s both stylish and reminiscent of those long, lazy evenings under the summer sky.
Also check out: Chic and Unique: 30+ Spring Nails to Elevate Your Seasonal Style
Funky Short Festival Nails
Photo: blossomnails.uk
Get festival-ready with these funky short nails, featuring an array of summer-inspired designs. From vibrant rainbows to adorable ladybugs, each nail is a splash of fun, perfect for any summer event.
Textured Fruit Nails
Photo: nailsbycindyxo
Get a taste of summer with these textured fruit nails. The raised details give a lifelike appearance to kiwis, strawberries, and oranges, creating a mouthwatering effect that’s as fun as it is unique.
Yellow and Green Ombre Nails
These nails take the ombre effect to a zesty new level, blending a bright lemon yellow with a bold lime green. The result is a fresh and energetic look that’s reminiscent of a lime slice, perfect for sipping summer drinks or enjoying sunny outdoor adventures.
Greek Tile Print Frenchies
Photo: grippedbykali_llc
A nod to the Mediterranean’s azure seas and white architecture, these Greek tile print Frenchies are a summer nail trend that speaks of distant shores and exotic getaways.
Minimalist Summer Nails
Embrace simplicity with a modern twist with these minimalist summer nails. The soft neutral base decorated with polka dots of vibrant colors provides a subtle yet playful nod to the fun essence of the season.
Purple Nails with Neon Dots
These cute bright nails feature a purple base, decorated with small but striking neon yellow dots. This design combines the soothing qualities of lavender with the energetic vibe of neon for a unique summer look.
Sky Blue with Colorful Accents
Capture the whimsical spirit of summer with these sky blue nails highlighted by multicolored accents. It’s a design that’s as fresh as a summer breeze, with just the right amount of color to brighten up any day.
Bright Glittery Summer Nails
Photo: saemas.nail.obsession
Make your summer sparkle with these bright glittery nails. The neon yellows and cool mint greens are reminiscent of beach balls and ice cream stands, while the glitter adds that quintessential summer festival vibe.
Beach Nails
Photo: suziemoon626
Capture the essence of the ocean’s rhythm with these beach-inspired nails. The gradient of blue to sandy glitter mimics the shoreline touched by waves, perfect for days spent lounging by the sea or dreaming of your next tropical getaway.
Pastel Swirl Nails
Photo: thegirlhouse.co
Soft, dreamy, and undeniably stylish, these pastel swirl nails are a modern take on summer whimsy. The delicate swirls of pastel hues create a candy-like effect that’s both playful and polished, a sweet addition to any summer look.
Abstract Neon Summery Nails
Photo: thenailsvera
These abstract neon nails are a bold statement of summer fun. The vibrant neon splashes against a royal purple shade are reminiscent of the electric excitement of summer nights, ideal for those who love to stand out from the crowd.
Minimalist Pink Tropical Nails
These cute pink tropical nails are for those who love a bit of color and a minimalist aesthetic at the same time. Palm leaf nails and tropical nail art are super on trend now! Try it out for your next vacation, or even just to bring tropical vibes to your daily life.
Pink and Green Abstract Swirls
These nails artfully combine playful swirls of green on a baby pink base, creating an abstract look that’s as breezy and carefree as a summer day. It’s a modern take on summer nails, blending whimsy with sophistication.
Bright Skittle Nails
Taste the rainbow with these skittle nails, where each nail dons a different bright hue. This vibrant array of colors is sure to brighten up any summer outfit and add a pop of fun to your nail game.
Pink Chrome Nails
These sleek pink chrome nails are the epitome of chic. Perfect for those who want a touch of glamour or a touch or Barbiecore with their summer style, these nails are sure to catch the light and everyone’s attention.
Pink and Neon Green Flower Nails
Floral meets fluorescent with these striking nails, where soft pink flowers pop against a bold green background. It’s a fun, eye-catching design that’s perfect for summer festivals or just adding a splash of color to your everyday style.
Neon Pink and Yellow Swirls
Turn up the volume on your nail game with these electric neon swirls. The dynamic duo of hot neon pink and fluorescent yellow creates an eye-catching spiral effect, perfect for standing out during summer’s brightest days.
Blue with Pink and Orange Accents
With a captivating sky blue as the base, the addition of hot pink with abstract animal pattern and vivid orange accents on these nails brings a summer vibe to your fingertips. It’s a creative twist that adds a pop of color and personality to the traditional summer palette.
Bright Summery Swirls
Unleash a torrent of color with these nails featuring bright summery swirls. The intertwining of cheerful hues creates a vivid display that’s both artistic and on-trend, embodying the joy and playfulness of summer.
Enjoyed this? Also read:
40+ Hottest Summer Nail Designs You Must Try This Year
22 Must-Try Galaxy Nails Designs for a Stunningly Cosmic Look
30+ Pink Nails Ideas for Your Next Manicure
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