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Looking for a way to spark some creativity this summer?
From light baby pink and flowery designs to trendy butterfly and July 4th nails, there’s something interesting for every girl like you.
Here are 25 super fun nail design ideas to give a shot. Some of these are easy enough to do at home, but you may want to treat yourself to a salon trip for a few. My younger sisters and I would spend all summer long trying out different nail art because we were out of school and had a lot of time on our hands. We love ombre, especially sunset colors. Sometimes painting your nails bright pink and hitting the beach is all you need to boost your mood.
Take some time for yourself and paint your nails in one of these fun designs.
1. Glossy Summer Floral Nails
Image by @__abigails_nails__
Savoring ice cream on a hot summer day, these glossy nude nails adorned with enchanting floral prints become your stylish sidekick. Capturing the essence of nature’s beauty and reflecting the sun’s rays, they add a touch of magic to your fingertips, making every day a delightful adventure filled with laughter and sunshine.
2. Ombre Orange Summertime Nails
Image by @lnailslnails
Unleash your inner Egyptian royalty with these captivating ombre orange nails, where the essence of summertime intertwines with the allure of ancient opulence. Long golden flakes adorn the vibrant orange gradient, reminiscent of the treasures hidden within the sands of time. As the sun’s rays glisten upon your fingertips, they unveil a mesmerizing play of light and color, weaving a tale of mystery and majesty. Embrace the warmth of the season while exuding an air of regal splendor that transcends the ages.
3. Playful Summer Chrome Nails
Image by @nailsbyjaneb
These vivacious nails feature an eye-catching chromatic design that’s perfect for soaking up the sun and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Let your right hand take center stage with stunning shades of green, from the thumb to the ring finger, while a delightful pop of pink graces your pinky. Meanwhile, your left hand flaunts a flirty and fabulous array of pink hues, with a surprising twist of green on the pinky finger. The real showstoppers, however, are your index fingers – each adorned with a checkered pattern that interweaves the corresponding colors, creating a mesmerizing and playful effect.
4. Short Multicolor Summer Nail Ideas
Image by @themaniclub
You can’t go wrong with an analogous color scheme. This manicure has a loud personality but is sophisticated enough to say, “yeah I know about color theory.” These candy-colored warm tones would go great with roller-skating into the late summer afternoon.
If you’re attending an Indepednce Day celebration, be sure to rock these July 4th nail designs!
Like what you see so far?
Be sure to pin these trending hot bright summer nail designs so you can refer back to them on Pinterest!
5. Retro Summer Nails
Image by @toreky.dora.symbolonnails
Transport yourself to a world of nostalgic charm with these vibrant, swirly nails. The bubble gum-inspired palette, featuring teal, pink, and yellow, creates a delightful dance of patterns, reminiscent of carefree days spent at the candy shop. As the colors intermingle on your fingertips, they spark a playful energy that perfectly captures the joy and lightheartedness of summer. Allow these nails to be your ticket to a season filled with laughter, sunshine, and a stylish nod to days gone by.
6. Blue Ombre Nails
Image by @checkyesmichelle
These cool-toned pastels are so calming. And the bright hues allow them to pop in the summer sun. Ombre is such an aesthetically pleasing design and these light blue colors blend together so nicely. Grab that makeup sponge, apply a white basecoat, and get layering for opacity.
7. Neon Green Summer Nail Designs
Image by @charsgelnails_
This neon green pairs so nicely with the minimalist line art and neutral tones. This shade gives me mint chocolate chip ice cream, or maybe pistachio. Before you head out to beat the heat and grab an ice cream cone, give yourself a manicure to match.
8. Summer Beach Nails Tutorial
Tutorial by @Janelle
If you can’t get to the beach, bring the beach to you. Recreate the sand and the sea on your nailbeds, complete with starfish appliques. This in-depth tutorial will walk you through achieving beach nails, though it may take the entire afternoon. Perhaps call your favorite tail tech and hit up the salon to nail this look.
9. Pink Coffin Summer Nails
Image by Pinterest
Sometimes, nothing beats bubblegum pink nails. Sometimes it’s just the confidence boost you need, these nails are powerful. Especially this color paired with the coffin shape, which is my personal favorite. You deserve these.
10. Playful Rainbow Summer Nails
Image by @Instagram
Pastel rainbow is an adorable look for the summer soft girl vibe. It goes immaculately with yellow sundresses. This manicure is so achievable it would probably take less than an hour. Maybe give it a shot next time you feel stressed out.
11. Neon Watermelon Nail Designs
Image by @kessyjones.nails_beauty
Watermelon is undeniably one of the most delicious fruits and it deserves to be featured on your nails. Finally, watermelon takes its rightful place as a muse. Pay this tasty summer classic the respect it deserves.
12. Yellow Flower Summer Nails
Image by @by_j0nny
It’s impossible to be sad when you see this shade of yellow, especially when it’s in sunflower form. These nails are so vibrant and bright you may outshine the sun. This manicure would look especially lovely on folks with deeper skin. If the electric yellow sunflower design is overwhelming, we’re not all fire signs, after all, maybe opt for a golden hue.
13. Bright Light Pink Nails
Image by @nakedwithoutpolish
This shade of pink combined with yellow glitter screams pink lemonade. The vibes are so sweet and summery. Give yourself this quick but cute manicure while you wait for your strawberry lemonade cupcakes to bake. Your nails can match the frosting.
14. Hot Pink Tips
Image by @gelsbybry
For minimalists with a wild side. This design is perfect for if you need to keep the nail art to a minimum, but still want to stand out. This look goes perfectly with crushing it at a summer internship. Elle Woods would wear these hot French tip nails.
15. Bright Blue Stiletto Summertime Nails
Image by Pinterest
This color immediately transports me to the electric blue Caribbean Ocean. So very tropical. The bold stiletto shape lets this striking color shine. The quintessential neon-bright summer nails.
16. Bright Cute Summer Nails
Image by @ricekittynails
This cutesy take on pineapples is extremely trendy. The simple color scheme prevents the dynamic pattern combinations from becoming overwhelming. This manicure is yet another homage to a well-loved summer fruit. People that get this manicure also look great in bucket hats.
17. Bright Abstract Nails Inspo
Image by @kadiessalon
For artsy maximalists. Do your nails like this when you make plans to go to your local gallery this summer. While some of the design elements are fairly simple, some features- like the face- may require professional support. Gifting yourself a mani is always a good idea.
18. Long Purple Nail Art for Summer
Image by @mjnailz
Speaking of treating yourself to a mani, there’s never been a better time for some bright summer acrylic nails. Getting a set of acrylics unlocks new layers of feeling yourself. Texting is never the same after you’ve experienced it with long nails. The electric lavender purple and gemstone combo is perfect for a night out.
19. White Daisy Blue Gel Nails
Image by Pinterest
This look is for picnic charcuterie boards. It’s for the white shirt, denim shorts, red lipstick days. The muted blue looks like the summer sky on a clear day. It helps the dainty daisies pop. Get this flower manicure before a group hike.
20. Summer Acrylic Nails
Image by @fiepedersen.dk
The Y2K influence shows in these bright summer nails. The neon flowers and matte pink on a coffin shape read like Lizzie McGuire all grown up. Your thirteen-year-old self only had glitter polish from Claire’s, get this manicure for them.
21. Yellow Palm Summer Nail Design
Image by @olcixixnails
Palm tree silhouettes on a highlighter yellow nails scream boardwalk. Now, you can match your nails to your cute Roxy swimsuit. Plus if you’re having trouble remembering what season it is, just write it on your nails as a reminder.
22. Pink Ombre Summer Nail Art
Image by @merlin_nails
Pink is the color of the season. The only thing better than pink nails is multiple shades of pink blended together. A pink ombre is perfect for brunch, preferably somewhere near the ocean. Mix it up with a grapefruit mimosa to match your color scheme.
23. Midnight Black Date Night
Image by @_serenity.by.siana
Embody the mystique of a starlit night with these almond-shaped black nails, impeccably tailored for those who embrace a posh and elegant style. The subtle glitter, much like the sparkle of distant stars, enchants and captivates as it catches the light, creating a spellbinding display of brilliance. Ideal for a sophisticated date night or an evening of refined entertainment, these nails exude an air of intrigue that adds a touch of glamour to your already stunning presence. As you dance the night away, each graceful movement paints a vivid picture of elegance and charm that leaves an indelible mark on the memories of those around you.
24. Cute Summer Cherry Teal Nails
Image by @lieve91
This kitschy manicure scream 1950’s teen beach movie. The cherries would look very cute with a Peter Pan collar, leather jacket, and red bandana in your hair. The design is very achievable for an at-home manicure. Whip out this manicure for the outdoor theater viewing of Grease this summer.
25. Summer Nail Candy Pink Ombre
Image by @nailedit_skien
Candy pink sunset hues are the epitome of summer. Brings me back to simpler times spending summer break with my little sisters. Nothing tops this classic neon look.
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