Summer is the perfect time to add some fun and color to your nails!
Whether you’re hitting the beach, enjoying a summer night out, or just want to feel a bit more sunny, trying out new nail designs can really set the mood.
In this article we’ll discover the hottest trends and colors for summer nails, giving you plenty of ideas to try for yourself.
Let’s dive in!
1. Ocean Waves
Ocean wave nails capture the essence of the beach with their cool blue tones and white accents that mimic the sea’s foam.
To get this look, start with a light blue base, then add layers of darker blue using a thin brush to create wave effects.
Finish off with white polish to add the foam details. A glossy top coat will give it that wet look. Perfect for beach days!
2. Sunset Ombré
Sunset ombré nails feature a blend of warm colors that remind you of a beautiful summer sunset.
Begin with a yellow polish at the base of your nail, blending into orange, and then finishing with a deep red at the tip.
Use a sponge to dab the colors together for a smooth transition. This style is a great choice for evening gatherings.
3. Tropical Palm Leaves
This design is all about bringing tropical vibes to your fingertips with green palm leaf patterns over a pink or nude base.
Paint your base color first, then use a thin brush to draw palm leaves in various shades of green. This look is fun for a tropical-themed party or just to brighten your day.
4. Watermelon Slices
Watermelon nails are cute and playful, featuring green, pink, and black to mimic the look of a watermelon slice.
Paint the tip of your nail green to represent the rind, the rest of the nail pink for the fruit, and add small black dots for the seeds. They’re perfect for picnics and outdoor events.
5. Neon Brights
Neon nails make a bold statement with their vibrant colors. Choose your favorite neon polish and apply two coats for maximum brightness.
For an extra pop, use a white base coat underneath. Neon nails are great for parties and will make you stand out in the crowd.
6. Pastel Rainbow
Soft, pastel rainbow nails are dreamy and perfect for those who love a splash of color. Apply different pastel shades to each nail, creating a rainbow across your fingers. This design is subtle yet playful, ideal for everyday wear.
7. Floral Accents
Floral designs add a feminine touch to your nails, with small flowers painted on a light base. Use a thin brush to create the petals in various colors, and add a dot in the center for the flower’s heart. This design is versatile and works well for any summer occasion.
8. Glitter Tips
For a touch of glamour, try glitter tips. Apply a sheer or nude polish as the base, then dip the tips of your nails into glitter or use a glitter polish for precision. It’s a simple yet elegant look that’s perfect for nights out.
9. Nautical Stripes
Nautical stripes are classic and chic, featuring navy blue and white stripes. Use tape to get clean lines, alternating between blue and white polish.
Add a gold anchor or wheel design on one finger for an authentic maritime vibe. This style is great for sailing trips or coastal vacations.
10. Starfish Sparkle
Embrace the sea theme with starfish designs, using orange or coral polish as a base and adding gold or glittery starfish accents.
You can use a stencil or freehand the starfish shapes. This design is fun for beach days or summer parties.
11. Berry Stained
Get a juicy, berry-stained look by applying a sheer red or berry polish. The goal is to achieve a natural, bitten-lip effect on your nails. It’s a minimalist approach that’s fresh and effortless for daily wear.
12. Mermaid Scales
For a magical touch, try mermaid scale nails. Use a metallic or holographic base coat and stencil in scale patterns with a darker shade.
The light will catch the scales beautifully, creating an enchanting effect. This design is perfect for those who love a bit of fantasy.
13. Butterfly Wings
Butterfly wing nails are delicate and beautiful, featuring the intricate patterns of butterfly wings. Choose a base color and then use a thin brush to add the wing details in complementary colors. Add some glitter for a mystical touch. It’s a lovely choice for summer outings.
14. Chevron Chic
Chevron patterns are modern and stylish. Use tape to create sharp chevron shapes on each nail, combining bright summer colors like pink, yellow, and turquoise. This geometric look is trendy and perfect for fashion-forward individuals.
15. Pineapple Party
Pineapple nails are quirky and fun, with a yellow base and green crown accents to mimic a pineapple.
Add small black dots for the texture of the pineapple skin. This design is great for pool parties or tropical-themed events.
16. Sandy Beach
Mimic the look of a sandy beach by using a nude polish mixed with a bit of gold glitter. For an added effect, paint a tiny sea horizon line on one or two nails. It’s a subtle nod to summer beaches and works well for a more understated style.
17. Coral Reef
Inspired by the colors of a coral reef, mix vibrant oranges, pinks, and blues on your nails. Use a sponge for a blended look that resembles the underwater beauty of reefs. This colorful design is eye-catching and perfect for adventurous spirits.
18. Lavender Fields
Capture the tranquility of lavender fields with soft purple and lilac shades. Paint your nails in a light purple, and with a thin brush, add delicate lavender plant details on one or two accent nails. It’s a peaceful and pretty look for any summer day.
19. Picnic Plaid
For a cute and casual look, try a picnic plaid design. Use a white base and paint thin lines in red and black to create a plaid pattern. It’s a nostalgic design that’s perfect for a summer picnic or a casual day out.
20. Glistening Pool
Give your nails a refreshing look with a glistening pool design. Use a shimmery blue polish to mimic water, and add a few white lines to suggest light reflecting on water. It’s a cool and relaxing style for hot summer days.
21. Ice Cream Swirls
Sweeten your look with ice cream swirl nails. Choose pastel colors and use a thin brush to swirl them together on your nails, resembling delicious ice cream. It’s a playful and sweet design for those hot summer afternoons.
22. Lemon Zest
Brighten up your nails with a lemon zest design. Paint your nails a vivid yellow and add small white and green accents to create the appearance of lemon slices. It’s a zesty and vibrant look that’s perfect for energizing summer days.
23. Cacti Charm
For a touch of desert cool, go for cacti-themed nails. Paint your nails a soft green and use a darker green to add small cacti shapes.
Add tiny white flowers or spikes for detail. It’s a unique and charming design for those who love nature.
24. Sailing Sky
Embrace the calmness of sailing with a sky-inspired nail design. Use light blue polish as your base and add fluffy white clouds with a sponge or a thin brush. It’s a serene and beautiful look for days spent dreaming under the summer sky.
25. Garden Party
Floral patterns never go out of style, and a garden party design brings the beauty of summer flowers to your nails.
Choose a few different colors to paint small flowers and leaves, creating a bouquet on your nails. It’s a festive and pretty look for any summer gathering.
26. Fruity Punch
For a fun and fruity look, go for a fruity punch design. Paint each nail a different color to represent various fruits like strawberries, oranges, and kiwis. Use a thin brush for the details. It’s a colorful and playful style that’s perfect for summer festivals.
27. Sunshine Sparkle
Add a touch of sunshine to your nails with a golden glitter gradient. Start with a sunny yellow at the base and blend into a sparkling gold glitter toward the tips. It’s a radiant and cheerful look that captures the essence of summer.
28. Seashell Shimmer
For a subtle nod to the beach, try a seashell shimmer design. Use a pearly or metallic polish as your base and add small seashell designs or accents in a contrasting color. It’s a sophisticated and beachy look for any summer occasion.
29. Festival Vibes
Capture the energy of summer festivals with a vibrant and colorful design. Mix bright colors and add geometric shapes or dots for a bohemian look. It’s a bold and fun style that’s perfect for music festivals or outdoor adventures.
30. Starry Night
For summer nights, go for a starry night design. Paint your nails a deep blue and add tiny white dots or stars.
You can even add a small crescent moon for a magical touch. It’s a dreamy and romantic look for those beautiful summer evenings.
