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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 20 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. 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 colors blend together so nicely. Grab that makeup sponge, apply a white basecoat, and get layering for opacity.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 is overwhelming, we’re not all fire signs, after all, maybe opt for a golden hue.
9. 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.
10. 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 this.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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 and gemstone combo is perfect for a night out.
15. White Daisy Blue Gel Nails
Image by Pinterest.com
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 manicure before a group hike.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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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