117 Summer Nails Designs For Your Perfect Look

What is so special about summer nails? As they usually include vibrant hues and bright colors, they will cheer you up and infuse with positive vibes! Sounds promising? Below, I have collected the hottest summer nail trends, from a Barbie inspired manicure to watermelon and strawberry nails. There is an option for everyone! Wait no longer to get yourself the best manicure this summer!

Minimalist Patterns on Nude Base

Summer 2024 calls for a gentle and somewhat discreet manicure that highlights your femininity and adds incredible lightness to your look. The beautiful mini accents on the nails like small cherry berries or delicate flowers with white petals will give your summer nails a special charm. See for yourself!

Ask an Expert: What are some trendy and easy DIY summer nail art ideas for beginners?

Anna Kan

Expertise: Nail Artist

This season, nude colors in the Old Money style are on trend. You can decorate your nails with thin lines and small flowers. These can be flowers of different types, as well as small details of fruits. You can draw by hand or use stickers. This manicure is light and simple and also special and will highlight your style.

Barbiecore Nails

Of course, the sensational Barbie movie could not pass by summer nail trends. It has integrated successfully into almost every beauty industry and manicure is no exception. Obviously, Barbie inspired summer nail designs feature all shades of pink you can only imagine. See how skillfully the nail artist and content creator from Germany, Jasmin,  plays with the lighter and darker shades of pink...

Ask an Expert: What are the best nail care tips to keep my nails healthy and strong during the summer months?

Mia Rubie

Expertise: Nail Artist

During the summer, if you are active outdoors in the hot sun, dry weather, salty ocean water or chlorinated pools, it is important to stay hydrated internally and externally. Exposure to these elements can make nails brittle and more prone to break, and/or develop hangnails from dry, cracked skin. It can also cause manicures to chip, peel or lift easier. Make an effort to drink lots of water and moisturize your skin and nails. Pack your bag with a refillable water bottle, a travel sized hand lotion, cuticle oil and nail file to fix any annoying chips/snags on the go. Another tip would be to apply sunscreen to your hands daily to prevent sun damage, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. I build it into my morning skincare routine by taking extra facial sunscreen and applying it to the tops of my hands.

Jelly Nails

One of the dizzying new trends for summer 2024 are glossy marine highlights over jelly nudes, in hues of rose gold, blue and lilac. Fortunately, there are many ways to recreate the style. The popular blues and purples have a mesmerizing shine thanks to these transparent, frequently multicolored shifting colors.

Wriggling French Tips

Although French tips have always been in trend, nail artists always find a fresh way to update the classic and make it feel up-to-date. What about 2024? These colorful tips seem to spread across the nail plate, just like a summer rainbow mixing with the clouds... You can do these wriggling French tips yourself with a set of matte polishes. The more wriggling, the better!

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Aqua Nails

Ocean blues and greens, such as seafoam, aqua and blue azure, are also becoming more and more popular this year, particularly when used in semi/monochromatic schemes. That's why this summer I'll be wearing this gorgeous aqua nail color from China Glaze, which has such a joyful beach vibe...

Styling Tip: If you really want to dip your fingers into the trend, feel free to try it with some French tips.

Mermaid Nails

Mermaids are mythical creatures that bewitch people with their out of this world beauty. So, when you think of mermaid summer nail ideas, they usually have an enchanting feel that makes you instantly fall in love with your mani. Pair it with beach summer toe nails and you are sure to have all eyes on you!

Aura Nails

One of the hottest summer nails trends is aura nails. It is not hard to guess from its name that the nail design draws inspiration from the way people imagine the spiritual fields of energy surrounding us. It is usually a colorful circle that fades out around the edges. To get the nail style, you can use any technique that works for you. The color choice is also up to your preference.

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Sunset Ombre Nails

Summer sunsets have this magical feel that no other sunsets can brag about. Maybe, that is because they are associated with a summer getaway filled with positive memories and unforgettable experiences. No matter the reasons, you may want to replicate their pattern on your summer ombre nails. To do this, you will need pink and orange nail polishes, a sponge and a pinch of patience.

Mismatch Nails

Summer is all about feeling carefree and relaxed. That is why instead of your regular classic and moderate mani, go for mismatch fun summer nails. There are plenty of ways to do them. However, you may not want overly elaborate nail designs for summer. Let the pattern be simple yet different on each nail. And to pull everything together, use the same base color, like a dusty rose.

Rainbows and Daisies

Rainbow and daisies are a match made in heaven. Isn't just looking at these cute summer nails done by the UK-based nail master and content creator Katie Alice makes you feel happy? Imagine wearing this beauty on your mani every day? If you are not sure that you can replicate the design yourself, it is better to entrust the task to a professional. Also, do not forget to show this summer nail art image to your nail tech as a reference.

Chrome Nails

Chrome nails have not been losing their relevance for several seasons so far and they do not seem to go anywhere anytime soon. Having a metallic finish, they look absolutely out of this world. What is more, you can choose different color solutions other than simply silver chrome, especially if these are summer acrylic nails.

Sunny Nails

Sunny summer manicure ideas give your manicure a very upbeat vibe. And do not worry if the sun is not quite realistic. You can play around not only with its image but the color as well. Keep in mind that it is up to you to decide what to paint on your nails and how to do it. Yet, if you need some summer nail inspo, we got it for you.

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Pool Nails Inspiration

Are you planning to spend your summer near the pool? Good for you. In that case, you may need some pool summer nails ideas. Well, they should not necessarily be too different from your typical beach nails – bright colors and simple patterns are all that you need. And do not be afraid of unusual combos. When to experiment if not now?

Snake Print

Animalistic print is timeless regardless if it is on your clothes or on your nails. You can also choose any pattern depending on your preferences and style. For trendy summer nails, I recommend choosing snake print. Apart from looking very spicy and attractive, a cool thing about it is that it is absolutely cruelty free.

Sea Wave French Manicure

If it is summer outside and you have a vacation, first, may I just say how lucky you are? And second, it does not mean that you have to ditch your favorite French manicure. Take example from a Korean manicure and pedicure guru Kan Anna and adjust it a little so that it would give off a summer holiday feel. How about switching a white tip for sea blue and applying it so that it swirls like a wave?

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Night Sky

The beauty of the summer night sky often leaves us speechless. It is so deep that it even seems endless... That is why you can never go wrong with a night sky manicure. To create it, you may get away with applying a scattering of stars over the black base. If you do not feel like painting the stars, just use a white glitter top instead.

Glazed-Donut Nails

Once introduced to the world of beauty by the real trend setter Hailey Bieber, glazed donut nails have won over everyone’s hearts. This manicure style has been one of the most requested lately and not for nothing. It looks like your nails have actually been covered in donut glazing, which turns out very captivating.

Butterfly Nails

What not to love about summer butterfly nails? This graceful and delicate manicure style by a nail enthusiast from Poland who creates amazing nail art tutorials and nail polish swatches, Marta Galanea, encapsulates the beauty of nature at its best. Featuring pastel shades and elaborate paintings, it brings an elegant feel to your whole look. The best colors for butterfly summer acrylic nail ideas are mint green, powder pink, lilac and baby blue.

Full Hand Gradient

Summer is one of the best seasons when it comes to gradient nail designs. They are fun, playful and do not require much effort. You just need to decide on the color palette and pick out the shades from lighter to darker. During the hot summer months, we are leaning toward refreshing and energetic summer nail ideas, so consider a green manicure as your go to.

Dandelions Nail Design

Dandelions are not often noticed in nail design ideas. So, I can tell you that this nail art is practically one of a kind. Pink hues and glitter make this design stand out.

Cactus Nail Design

Do you love cacti and succulents? There is some kind of special boom in them now, and designs with cute cacti or crassulas look extremely fashionable! So, manufacturers of stamping plates have not passed by, and you will definitely find your favorite cactus nail design with succulents among the huge variety of floral nail patterns.

Sunflower Manicure

Nude nail polish base is a classy option. But if you wish your manicure to appear more exciting, spice it up with bright yellow and green floral accents. This floral nail design made by Californian nail artist Nicoya look is so summery...

Tropic Sunset Nail Art

Combining tropical nails with dark shades is not only possible but also exquisite-looking. One look at this tropical sunset combined with black manicure will prove the point!

Pastel Floral Nails

Choose your favorite pastel shade as a base and then paint pretty flowers in various colors on each nail. Or even just on your ring finger for a fun and dainty summer look!

Sunny Summer Nail Art

There's really nothing that says summertime like a vibrant manicure... Whether you choose bold nail art on extensions or simple patterns on short, natural nails, a flash of color on your nails will quickly transform your entire appearance from dreary to summer-kissed. These gorgeous nails made by Nicoya in bold yellow and green colors and delicate floral designs just scream summer fun!

Lemonade Summer Nail Designs

Are you a bright personality who also likes wearing clothes with bright colors? Then you can express your personality even more with some fruit nail design. Add lemon or orange colors or whatever fruit you like to your nails to create a fun and easy-going mood! Just imagine how great your nails will look if you sit somewhere in a café sipping lemonade or mojito...

Wacky Melon Moons

Nothing better than an ice-cold slice of watermelon to cool you off on a humid summer day! These adorable designs with their sweet, wacky watermelon half-moons will definitely impress your friends!

Fun Watermelon

If you are more into a fun and creative mood, then this type of nail design would be perfect for you. This last design made by a nail art enthusiast and the "Nail Diva" brand founder Maria Dibs, looks so playful, funny, interesting and expressive... Looking at your nails, one would immediately want to try a piece of watermelon and enjoy the summertime!

Fun and Fruity Nails

Creating summer nail designs has never been so easy and enjoyable...Just choose your favorite summer fruits (kiwi, lemon, lime, banana etc.) and paint them on each nail tip. Apply over a glossy base to really let them shine!

Sweet Ice Cream Nail Art

Do you like ice cream? Today people who have a sweet tooth can show off their food preferences via nail art as well. Believe me, you won’t meet another person with such a tasty nail design like this one, performed by a passionate nailart hobbyist from Chester, UK, Hannah Brownlee.

Summer Citrus Nails

Summer and citrus go hand in hand, so why not try this sweet-and-sour lemon design crafted by a passionate glossy nails guru Taylor Lopez? You can adorn each of your nail tips with the same shade of your favorite fruit or mix it up.

Ice Cream Nail Art

It just isn't summered without ice cream! Choose pretty pastel shades mixed with white, and paint on some swirly ice cream designs to get nails that look good enough to eat! This delicious color combo is so hot for this summer. And sparkly accents will help you to rock this season!

Strawberry Nail Art

This summer, fruity nail designs are really trending and are all over the social media feeds. The #fruitnails tag has almost 25 million views on TikTok alone! Though cherry nails typically garner the most attention, I would like to remind you that juicy red strawberries can also serve as charming summer nail embellishments!

Romantic Negative Space

Charm your partner with this amazingly looking nail art design by Maria Dibs. It will look well with the cocktail dress, and you’ll definitely be the star of the evening. It looks simple yet extravagant. Feel free to use subtle pink or any other type of nail polish to create this amazing effect.

Geometrical Matte Nails Design

Geometrical patterns are more than popular at the moment. That is why if you want to decorate your nails with something bright and trendy but both fitting the formal environment – I have a look in store. The subtleness of these colors suits the office, while the choice of shades and patterns intertwined brings out the style.

Chic Chevron Nails

If you want to make your shorter nails appear longer, a classic chevron is a way to go. This Retro-70’s nail art with bold summer colors is absolutely perfect. Just choose 4 summer shades and alternate the chevron effect on each nail for a fun and chic design.

Easy Nail Designs With Triangle Tips

Try adding some geometrical shapes, like triangles or squares to the tips of your nails to create an interesting effect. Such type of manicure can be worn with everyday casual clothes as well as an evening dress. You can also experiment with a different color combination and choose the one that goes well with your clothes color scheme.

Basic Blocks

If you aren’t skilled at fine details like anchors or palm trees, this bright color-blocked mani will look classic for any occasion. Simply choose four bright shades and paint blocks of each color on every nail, alternating the pattern between nails if you wish. Or, choose 3 to 4 shades of the same color for a more subtle effect.

Simple Peach

If you don’t have time for creating some sophisticated patterns on your nails, go for pure summer colors. As an example, simple peach color will look amazing on your nails, and it can be combined with all types of clothes. Sometimes, simplicity is all you need!

Pink Matte Nails With Stripes

Incorporate some white stripes on some of your nails to create a chic goddess-like look. Such summer nail designs would look great combined with a golden bathing suit. And if you plan to go out a lot, find some pink pastel silk scarf or earrings that would go together with your manicure. Or you could add some nude lipstick or eyeshadows, and you are ready to have fun with your friends and meet new people!

Neon Pink Chevron Nails

Chevron nails are all the rage right now. With its white base and neon chevron stripes, these nails are totally trendy! And the ombre-styled pink color looks totally nice and girly!

Nifty Neon Nails

Bright neon colors are peculiar to the hot season. This fun look with its pretty ombre-styled soft pastel hues look so adorable. It will be sure to catch everyone’s eyes, and you can also alter the neon shades to match your attire or your mood! If you are bored with simple designs you can create funny art with these colors.

Turquoise And Gold Stripe Nails

If you want to showcase your versatile personality, use the combination of different colors and patterns on your nails. You can use turquoise color on some of your nails and create golden stripes design on other nails, or you could use any other color combination. Get bold and creative with your nails and don’t be afraid of experimenting and finding out new color combinations and patterns!

Summer Pattern Nail Art Designs

Yellow shades on your nails remind of the sun or fields. In case you are the real pro and your hands are not shaky, you can turn your manicure in a masterpiece. You'll just need some patience and inspiration.

Simple Chevron

This popular nail art known as "chevron nails" has V-shaped patterns. "V-shaped nails" is another name for this nail design. One of the trendiest summer nail designs is the chevron design, which is quite simple to get at home. This festive and easy nail design looks so cute. Choose pastel and glitter shades and create simple patterns with chevron nail stencils.

Newest Geometric Summer Nail Designs

Actually, it doesn't matter what type of summer nail designs you choose for yourself. Just remember that summer is the greatest time for creativity and experiments, so experiment with your nails and simply enjoy it!

Cool Blocked Summer Nail Designs

Summer nail designs can boost your mood instantly. You don't believe me? Just check them out and you'll agree! These narrow black stripes are so feminine and cute... Try this mani for almost any occassion.

Colorful Oranges

Here is a tip: try using slightly different color on each nail to create the summertime colorful vibrations. You can go from bright colors to more subtle ones or even try ombre nails. If you add citrus design on your nails, it will create the nature-like stunning effect. It would look good no matter whether you are going out for the evening or just chill out on the beach.

Flamingo Nails

Looking for something more exotic? Then why not paint flamingo or some other birds on your nails? Such types of summer nail designs might require more efforts, but the result is definitely worth it, especially if you want to achieve an exclusive look, like this one, created by Paula Ramirez - nail artist with a viral obsession with polish and all-things-nails.

Bright Designs For Summer Nail Art

Feeling kinky today? So, share it with your friends by adding triangles to your nail design. Besides, it is so easy – even an amateur can do it. This design is preferred by women who are self-confident and know what they want.

Beautiful Butterfly Art

These gorgeous colorful butterflies with charms accents on a nude base with white french tips made by the experienced nail artist, educator, influencer and owner of one of the worlds first luxury, custom made press-on nail brands - Dippy Cow Nails, Jerri Cook, are beyond gorgeous!

Golden Waves

Look at this amazing beach-vibe manicure! This holographic golden glitter color is so warm and calm... Combine white, blue and gold shades to recreate the waves and the sand.

Unicorn Nail Design

There is nothing wrong with you if you want to escape the hectic reality at least for a while... What is more, Kim Oak - a certified nail artist from Oregon, has a perfect idea in mind how you can achieve the goal! Spice your nails up with holo unicorns, and every time you look at your nails, you enter the sweet world of a magical fairytale!

Blue Mermaid Mani

If you strive for a romantic look, go for this type of nail polish. Its subtle blue color would work well with any kind of dress. Such nail design will look charming, especially if you also wear some subtle makeup. Go for it if you want to impress your date or some of your friends.

Stunning Anchor Nails

Is your vacation soon? Let us celebrate this moment. Ask your manicurist for nail designs like these and all eyes will be on your nails! An anchor is what makes it fab.

Styling Tips:

• Choose your favorite summer shade as a base and then paint a sparkly silver or gold anchor on one finger.
• For a more striking effect, paint one finger the same shade as the anchor. Anchors away for a fun summer look!

Stunning Starfish

These summer nails are made by Lori Anastos - nail artist and coach who specializes in realistic marble nail art. Their soft blue and light brown base with golden starfish and specks looks like you've just walked out of the ocean!

Romantic Summer Nights

These gorgeous orange and yellow tones look just like a tropical summer sunset. I love this black palm tree on each hand's middle finger, painted by a passionate nail polish blogger from the Cleveland Ohio, Sassy Shelly.

Wild Waves

These glittery blue nails look flawless! Not only this design is perfect, but is it quite simple to do! It's a fantastic substitute for shellac that won't harm your nails. If you love the ocean, you’ll flip over these fun waves. These deep blue and swirly waves with silver sparks on a light blue or white base look absolutely breathtaking!

Marble Effect

If you are a type of person who is fond of visiting museums and seeing marble ceiling and floors, who is fond of the grandeur of the material itself, then you should try the marble effect nail design. It looks pompous and effective. Summer is a perfect time for experiments, so, why not try to do marble nail art in different shades?

Blue and White Nail Art

This pretty blue and white summer nails design is artsy and chic. All you need is a soft shade of blue, creamy white, and a sparkly silver polish. Simply use a nail art tape to achieve the silver lines. This look is perfect for everywhere, as well as for a special occasion.

Stylish Tribal Summer Nails

Tribal patterns become more and more popular with every season. These nail art ideas brought to life by the above-mentioned Paula Ramirez will look cool and trendy this summer, with their subtle pink and violet base colors and more vivid tribal accents.

Sand Nude Manicure

Such types of easy nail designs are suitable for business ladies. So, if you go on a business trip and want to look professional yet beautiful, this type of nail design is perfect for you. Light pink color looks neutral and can go well with any kind of clothing, from a business suit to an evening dress for a night out.

Styling Tip: Just add sequins on some of the nais to get a more relaxed, summer look.

Chic Gold And White Mani

Very often, you may hear that summer is the season of bright nails. We have nothing against it, but we think that other designs have the right to exist as well. That is why, if bright is not your cup of tea, then this chic white and gold mani for mid-length nails is what you need.

Lovely And Trendy Glitter Nail Art Ideas

I propose a very simple but charming designs to try this summer. What is always in trend? Ombre, fruit designs, and, of course, glitter! Sometimes, simple ideas are the prettiest. These sand glitter swirls will make your mani original.

Summery French Tips

Another fun take on the French mani is these pretty designs with colorful tips faceted with thin gold stripes. These looks are both fun and elegant for the long summer nights!

Beautiful Ombre Summer Nail Designs

Speaking about nail designs, the combinations you can see here have been in fashion for several years already. And they will still look gorgeous this summer. Also, do not forget about the beauty of sequin nail polishes. You can use them in a variety of ways.

Simple Summer Nail Ideas

Try the designs that are typical to the summer, for example, bold ombre nails. Are you going to a party tonight? Then make your nails look like a sunset in one of the hot summer days. Orange and pink ombre will look miraculous. Do you like fruits and berries? Make your nails resemble them!

Pretty Summer Nail Art Designs

Every time you'll look at this bright and interesting manicure, you'll definitely smile. And if you are curious about the current trends, here you can look through the new nail art ideas.

Pastel Rainbows

When it comes to your nails, you can experiment as much as you wish! For example, opt for rainbow nails. Consider your mood and pick the colors and elements that will resonate with it. The variations are endless! Speaking of pastels, check out these gorgeous rainbow nails that seem to have been created specifically for the summer season! Paint each nail in a different shade of a delicate pastel to get this fun rainbow effect!

Ornate Moons

I love these bright orange nails with silver sparkly half moons on the accent nails. The best part is that this look works great on shorter nails, as well!

Neon Half Nails

Soft neon tones are perfect for summer! I personally adore these intricate nails with a bold neon green base alternating with a nude base with black matte tips on the other nail.

Soft Green Pastel Ombre

Did you know that not all ombres are created with a single color transitioning from dark to light? An ombre is also made when one color gently transitions into another. This subtle pastel rainbow ombre looks quite stunning. I especially love this soft green matte top coat to give it an extra look!

Metallic Reverse French Mani

This fun takes on a reverse French mani is totally cute and girly. With bright summer colors and pretty metallic crescents, these nails scream fun in the sun!

Rainbow Glitter Mix And Iridescent Flakies

Summer nail art does not need to be complex to fit in the season. All you need is a nice nude nail polish combined with different-shaded sparkles to achieve the goal. As simple as that!

Nautical Moons

For a fun 4th of July look, try this patriotic design where red, white and blue are combined with stripes and sparkles! If you’re skilled enough, leave one nail white and draw a blue or red anchor to really make this nail design pop! You can rock this patriotic style all summer long!

Bright Abstract

The personality-packed abstract nail art is quite appealing to me, especially since it brings back so many summer-related memories and associations...This fun nail art is eye-catching and easy. A bright abstract nail design paired with water decals NICE2 N039 will work with any color combination you want!

I hope you love our ideas for summer nails as much as we do! With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about summer fun! Don those sunglasses, dig out your flip-flops and put on your favorite sundress for some fun in the sun! Don’t forget the sunscreen!

FAQ: Summer Nail Designs