When I think of summer, what comes to mind is sunshine, flowers, and bright colors. One way to match that uplifting energy is by adding summer nail designs to your beauty routine.

Here, you’ll find no shortage of inspirational photos to take with you to the nail salon or try at home. This season’s biggest summer nail designs I’m seeing are vibrant hues, floral prints, and colored French tips. Fruit nails, neon nails, and short nails are also popular styles on the rise.

Also, celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards noted in our recent story, “Nail trends I’m seeing now are chrome and aura nails.”

Whether you’re into bold statements or toned-down styles, there are many different styles of summer nail looks for you. 

Scroll on and bookmark this page for the best cute nail art ideas so you’ll always have it on hand!

The Best Summer Nail Designs to Brighten Your Mood in 2024

Polka Dot Power

Nail artist Natalie Kirk shares such a fun touch on summer nail designs on her social media. These bold colors and abstract designs here are just perfect. The color pops of coral, pink, and yellow nails like a sunset dream. The mix of polka dots made with a dotting tool add a fun unexpected twist.

Pastel Nails

“It’s giving Ibiza vibes,” says Abi Markey of @naileditbeauty who created this great option for pastel nails. With light colorful shades, this mani couldn’t be more refreshing for the warm weather to go with European summer outfits. Plus, the rainbow gem embellishments adds a fresh spin. To finish the look, Markey used essie cuticle oil to nourish nails and cuticles.

Ice Cream Nails

Go for a bold statement with summer nails like Bellacures does here. One of the nails has an ice cream motif with rainbow sprinkles that just scream summer. The rest is solid orange that complements the design without competing for attention. Overall, it’s the perfect everyday style for a summer manicure and a refreshing take on short nails.

Lavender Fields Forever

Lavender nails have been trending as cute spring nail designs, and it’s still going strong this season. Here, nail artist and educator Katie Dutra added metallic lines along the purple flowers. These intricate patterns make such unique styles for the summer season and warmer weather. Save this photo for short nail ideas if you’re, like me, are always looking for shorter-length square nails for practicality!

Coquette Nails

This one’s for the girly girls who love all things coquette-themed. How perfect are the pink tips, pearl details, and bow? These coquette nails made with sheer nail polish and embellishments give an overall look of chic. Markey created this set of intricate designs that’s pretty perfect for special occasions like summer weddings.

Garden Daydream

Green nails are one of the biggest summer nail trends this year. Kirk added her take on it with pretty petals and dots carefully made with a dotting tool. Plus, the pointed tip on these medium-length nails adds to the illusion of a longer-looking set. Take this photo with you to your local salon for inspiration before heading off to enjoy festival season.

Purple Dots Summer Nail Designs

For more short nail designs, look to this one with purple dots by Bellacures. It’s a perfect look with a playful element that’s still toned down. The best part? It can easily be done in a different shade, too. If you’re looking for something with a subtle color, this one’s for you. It’s also super easy to do your own version of this look at home.

4th of July Nails

How perfect are these bright designs with bold reds and sky blues for 4th of July nails? Dutra designed this look with eye-catching flowers that stand out on the poppy background. The overall effect is festive and fun for formal events or casual occasions. Curious how she created these bright summer nails? Check out her online class on hand-painted floral nail art here.

Swirl Summer Nail Designs

These hypnotic long nails will make you do a double take! The different color contrast between the orange and purple shades makes for the perfect balance in summer nail designs. It can also serve as conversation starters at your next outing. Kirk created these and paired them with gold rings which level up the look.

Dainty Little Flowers

These intricate flowers along with the pop of baby blue and glass-like shine look like porcelain tableware. Created by Dutra, this nail art design is perfect for summer parties or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up. 

Espresso Nails

The song of summer 2024 now has espresso nails to match, thanks to Markey. The combo of swirls and dark brown shades blend into an eye-catching design. It will likely make you crave an iced espresso! To get these cute nails, she used essie nail polish in shade Rich Brown for these long almond nails. 

Purple French Manicure

An easy way to update a classic French manicure is to switch the nail colors on the tips. Here, Bellacures added a pop of lavender for a calming everyday look. The design of these tips have a slight geometric feel and shiny clear top coat that makes it extra special. Treat lavender like a neutral and save this for your nail appointment as a leveled-up version of a nude nail. 

Strawberry Summer Nail Designs

There are so many variations of strawberry nails, and these are the most literal take on the fruit-inspired design. From the shape to the colors, this fresh shows Markey’s skill level. If you love vibrant colors and bold nail ideas, this gel manicure couldn’t be more fitting.

Cat Eye Chrome Nails

For an easy at-home manicure, try these press-on nails ($12) from colorFX by imPRESS. You can literally just press them on and go without using nail glue. This dark green color is a simple nail design that combines chrome and aura nails while looking like gel polish. After using these again and again, I can say that it actually stays on for up to seven days!

Seashells & Pearls

Beach designs are one of the most popular nail trends in 2024. Markey went all in on this aesthetic nail art and created a seashell-inspired set paired with bubbles to match. From the clam shells to pearl nail art, this set will step up your nail game.

Shop the Story: Create Your Own Summer Nail Designs 2024

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What Summer Nails Color Goes With Everything?

Sure, neutral nails and simple white nail designs go with everything, but it’s fun to switch it up for summer. One summer nail color that goes with everything is lavender. This shade pairs nicely with everything, and is eye-catching yet understated at the same time. It’s also the easiest way to transition from neutral to color if you’re not used to bold colors. 

Another choice is to go with a neutral color with an unconventional design and more minimalist feel. Seashell nails, like the ones above, pair with everything yet has a beach-inspired design that’s fitting for summer days.

What Is The Summer Nail Trend In Nail Polish 2024?

This season, all eyes are on bright colors which go well with every skin tone. Think vivid shades of greens, pinks, oranges, purples, and reds on gel manicures. Other nail polish colors that are trending in 2024 include pastel shades, aura nails, and manicures made with chrome powder. As for nail shapes, the almond shape and coffin shape are super popular this season. 

What Is a Popular Nail Color For Summer?

Year after year, neon pinks have been popular summer manicures. From pastel pink to dusty rose to hot pink, this color fits the cheerful mood of summer. It has consistently remained one of the most popular nail polish colors for good reason. Whether you’re using pink for your entire manicure, as an accent nail, or with glitter polish, you can’t go wrong.

What Nail Art Is Trending Now?

As for summer nail designs lately, beach nails, fruit nails, and unique design French manicures are trending on social media. Bold styles like 3D nail art and interesting effects like cat eye nails are also on the rise.

Like I mentioned earlier, press-on nails are a fun way to get the look of nail art in a cinch! All it takes is one of the many nail kits available to skip your next nail appointment. This also saves time from removing artificial nails at the salon. There are plenty of designs to choose from, like natural nails, French manis, chrome nails, intricate nail designs, and more. 

For more stories, check out…

• Lavender Nails: The Dreamiest Designs For Inspiration
• What Are the Benefits of a Color Analysis?
• ​​These Raffia Bags and Straw Bags Are Perfect For 2024