Fresh and fun summer nail design ideas to inspire your next manicure. Tips on choosing the perfect style, maintaining your nails, and making your summer look unforgettable.
It’s summer and there’s never been a better time to update your nails with colors and designs that scream bright and sunny.
Think bright neons, tropical florals and whimsical prints in soft pastel hues that reflect a carefree summer spirit.
Whether you’re going on a beach vacation, getting dolled up for backyard parties or simply want to add a touch of sun to your everyday style, the perfect summer manicure can instantly boost your spirits and polish your look.
Minimalist styles with a glint of shimmer, show-stealing statement nails, summer nail trends are all about having fun and showcasing your style.
Ready, set, sail into the prettiest nail ideas for the season.
These summer nail designs will have you longing for those warm breezes, golden sunsets and days filled with endless “good vibes”.
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How to Select Your Summer Nail Design
Consider your summer plans before you choose a design. Will you be swimming a lot? Traveling? Attending special events?
A high-maintenance, daring design might look fabulous but would be less practical if you’re on-the-go or outdoors much of the time.
If you’re in the market for something breezy, opt for straightforward styles that maintain a sense of whimsy and polish.
How to Pick the Best Colors for Your Skin Tone
Sure, summer is the time to play with color, but a shade that compliments your skin is always going to look the most effortless.
If your skin tone is deeper, bright neons and strong corals look gorgeous.
Pair with soft peaches, aqua blues and tropical greens for medium skin tones.
Medium skin tone looks fabulous with soft peaches, aqua blues, and tropical greens.
If your skin is fairer, opt for cool pastels, bright pinks, and beachy whites that help create a glowy look.
Trust your gut! — If a color makes you happy, there you go!
Should You Go Short or Long?
Long nails will look amazing but also require more maintenance, especially if you’re out and about all summer.
Shorter nails or rounder shapes are generally easier to care for while still looking refined.
Consider what will be best for your lifestyle so that you’re not cursing a few days after having them done.
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Summer Nail Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Manicure
Floral 3D Sculpted Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @aashleysnails
This high profile sculpted nail set is all about innovation and precise detail creation.
Incorporating a blend of muted pinks, deep burgundy shades, dainty florals, and bubble patterns, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were in fact museum-worthy art on her nails.
Some nails come with glossy smooth finishes, some of them are designed with raised 3D glitter or patterns for maximum visual drama and luxury.
Ways to Make This Nail Design Yours:
Opt for a soft pink or nude base to make the look subtly flattering. Then you get 3D flower embellishments and the chance to mix gloss and texture.
Color the molded designs however you please—try going richer with deep reds or lighter with pastel pinks!
Colorful Smiley Face Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @gsbeautybase
This happy nail set is happiness at your fingertips. The bright vertical stripes add a play, retro touch while the black smiley faces make it playful and young.
The glossy finish adds another pop to the color, giving the overall effect an upbeat, feel-good vibe that’s perfect for summer, or really, for any time that you just want to feel a little more cheery.
How to Get This Nail Design:
Alternatively, you could stick with a pastel or neon palette and switch out the smiley faces for other adorable doodles—i.e., hearts or stars!
A glossy topcoat will maintain your party vibe throughout the day.
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Fireworks Glitter Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @learnahstarbuck_nailartist
This sparkly nail set has all the fun of a fireworks display at your fingertips.
The glittering explosions of blue, green, yellow, red and purple really pop against the inky black base, lending everything a whimsical, starry-night quality.
Great for Fourth of July, or any occasion you want to celebrate something special in style.
How to Get This Nail Design:
Try a base of black with a sprinkle of fine glitter (or a splash of holographic polish) to get the effects of the firework bursts.
Combine colors or use a single color or two to achieve a shimmering effect!
Bright Citrus Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @learnahstarbuck_nailartist
This juicy, citrus-chic nail set bursts with the warmth and energy of the sun.
Vibrant bursts of orange and red emanate from the middle of each nail, contrasted by cool white lines from the corners that make an amazing 3D orange effect.
The results are an overall fresh, artsy look filled with vibrant personality which can bring a bit of sunshine to your holidays, festivals or, let’s be honest, daily meh moments.
DIY This Nail Design:
Begin with a clear or neutral base to allow the orange slices to take center stage.
Pull out your thin nail art brush to craft some burst juice that scream with oranges and fiery reds, with a dozing slice of crisp white to make them stand out even more.
For a softer take, swap in pastel peaches or corals instead!
Holographic Rainbow Burst Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @learnahstarbuck_nailartist
These amazing nails are surely a show stopper bringing flashes of every color in the rainbow with holographic shine.
Every nail becomes completely enveloped with multicolor beaming burst of sparkles that sparkle constantly when reflecting light, creating a constantly changing magical, prism-like effect.
How to Get The Look:
Begin with a chrome or holographic base to give your shine maximum intensity.
With brilliant rainbow gels, design spiky bursts, from the center to out. You can wear it ultra-bright like this set – or opt for pastel or neon shades to fit your personal vibe!
Pink Fruit-Themed Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @nailsbykatiedutra
This juicy and vibrant nail design just screams summer fun! It’s such a fun and playful lived and youthful fruit painting with a candy-pink background and bright and cheerful fruits all around the nails.
People who go wild for princessy nails If you’re obsessed with girly looks and are definitely not afraid of pink.
The wavy lines and small bits of whites makes the entire look even more dreamy and animated, almost like a fruity cartoon world on your finger tips.
How to Make It Yours:
Begin with a soft pink or nude base for an added playful hint. Add wavy pink outlines and tiny decals of fruit or hand-painted fruits.
Make it your own Swap out your favorite fruits, change the background to pastel yellow or mint, or really take things up a notch by making the fruits metallic!
Tropical 3D Floral Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @nailfrantasy
This tropical delight will instantly transport you to a tropical vacation!
Every nail is a work of art, from the exaggerated hand-painted flowers and wild animal prints to the 3D flowers, which appear to jump out of the nail bed.
Blonde with a Pastel Pop Colored tips and natural base help to keep this look both fun and glamorous all summer long.
To Get This Nail Design:
Begin with a clear or nude base to let the tropical touches pop. Add painted or sculptured flowers in bright, daring hues.
Dress it up with zebra or tiger prints for a fierce take, or switch out your favorite tropical leaves to make it your own.
And don’t forget the glossy top coat to seal in the island dream!
Iridescent Mermaid French Tips
Image Source: Instagram @nails.by.iz_
This dreamy set of comes with all the under-the-sea vibes with a hint of modernization.
The soft and subtle pink base keeps this drip design feeling fresh and sophisticated while the iridescent chromes draw the light just right.
A 3D seashell accent and starfish detail provide a touch of mermaid magic (without disrupting the minimal feel) to make this set whimsical and chic at the same time.
How to Get Nail Art Like This:
Choose a soft pink/nude gel base to maintain the canvas clean. Top it off with holographic chrome tips for a touch of sparkle, and 3D shell or ocean motifs for a fun, but chic, summer twist.
Mix in pearls or tiny crystals if you want a more magical underwater look!
Soft Pink Swirl Almond Nails
Image Source: Instagram @glitterbels and @nails_by_annabel_m
This pretty and feminine mani is all about the subtle movement and softness.
A barely there pink ombre works as the perfect base for the thin and subtle swirls of pink that swirl effortlessly over the nail beds.
The glossy coat adds a clean, chic feel, so these nails are perfect for anyone who’s all about a delicate, romantic look without going full-blown bubblegum.
How to Make This Nail Design Your Own:
Use a baby pink or sheer pink base color to begin with. Paint abstract and fluid swirls on each nails with a slightly darker pink for a lovely flowy illusion.
Thin lines for a more refined look, thicker lines if you want something just a tad more bold and artsy!
Bright Blue and Fruit Art Nails
Image Source: Instagram @cosmobeautybycass
This fun and sweet summer nail design pairs solid shades of thumbnail-popping color with fruity, whimsical art.
Half your nails are splashed with a juicy hit of bright blue polish, and the other half are adorned with tiny, intricate fruits such as watermelons, lemons and blueberries over a muted white base.
It’s the most perfect blend of fresh, summery vibes and playful charm and is just the thing for those who love a pop of personality on their nails.
How to Make This Nail Design Your Own:
Start by picking your bold accent color: cobalt blue, neon pink or lime green. Then, choose a handful of cute fruits you adore and make small designs on a bright white or nude base.
You can put as much detail into this or as little as you’d like coming down to personal style!
Fresh Orange Fruit Nail Art
Image Source: Instagram @_h.collective
This cheerful set of nails is inspired by everything summery and citrusy.
Cheery, shiny orange nails stand out against the muted nude backdrop, and whimsical orange slices rest beside leafy green accents for a fresh and fruity feeling.
It’s the quintessential manicure that is guaranteed to make your day (and your outfit) a little bit brighter.
How to Make This Nail Design Yours:
Choose a juicy orange polish for a couple of nails to feel bold, then rotate between a neutral base to let hand-painted or decal fruit designs catch the eye.
Opt for oranges or lemons, or try a mix of fruits for an all-the-more-sunny atmosphere!
How to Maintain Your Summer Nails
All that sun, sand and swimming can be rough on your nails in the summer.
To keep your manicure looking fresh, apply a clear topcoat every couple of days to prevent chips and fading.
If you’re in and out of the pool or ocean, try rinsing your hands with fresh water afterward — chlorine and salt water can be sneakily drying on polish.
Another is keeping your hands and cuticles moist.
To avoid getting dry, peeling skin (which can happen after you’ve been out in the sun), make sure to moisturize your nails daily with a nourishing hand cream or cuticle oil.
And if you do spot a tiny chip, don’t freak out: a small dab of polish or your topcoat can buy you more time between going back to the drawing board.
A little bit of extra effort can keep your summer nails looking fresh from the moment of your first beach trip through your final sunset soiree.
Summer is all about fun times, freedom and showing off some extra color — and your nails will make a great place to start.
Whether you choose to go bold, subtle, clean, or over-the-top, the best summer nail design is whatever makes you feel like your brightest, happiest self.
So choose the look that speaks to you, care for it well and revel in every sun-soaked minute of it in a manicure that’s every bit as bright and cheerful as the season.
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