Embracing Short Summer Nails Designs 26 Ideas: Trends 2024

Have you ever pondered the magic of short nails in the sweltering summer of 2024? How can these tiny canvases embody the zest of summer with a blend of trendy and minimalist designs? This article unfolds the mosaic of short summer nails, revealing designs that are not only in vogue but also refreshingly practical for the season’s heat. We’ll explore colors and patterns that range from the simple charm of natural tones to the extravagant flair of glitter and gel.

Natural Elegance

As a professional manicurist, I must say the charm of short summer nails lies in their understated elegance, and the nails depicted are no exception. The sheer natural base coat paired with a dusting of delicate glitters embodies minimal yet trendy artistry that’s super in for Summer 2024. Perfect for those who cherish a subtle nod to glamour without going over the top.

• Base Coat: Start with a sheer pink base like Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers’.
• Glitter: A gentle sprinkle of OPI’s ‘Rose of Light’ for that sun-kissed sparkle.
• Top Coat: Seal it with Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat for lasting shine.

To recreate this simple yet pretty design, apply a thin base coat and wait for it to dry. Follow with a fine layer of glitter polish, focusing on the tips for a gradient effect. Finish with a glossy top coat for durability and extra shine. It’s a fun, cute, and natural look that resonates with the laid-back vibe of summer.

Whimsical Lavender Dream

Oh, the playful serenity of lavender! We witness a trendy blend of soft lilac hues intermingled with flecks of white and purple glitters, creating a dreamy marble effect that’s sure to be a hit in 2024. This almond shape whispers summer latest trends with a hint of whimsy.

• Base Color: Sally Hansen’s ‘Lacey Lilac’ sets the dreamy tone.
• Glitters: Mix in NYX’s ‘Violet Ray’ and ‘Snow Me White’ by Sinful Colors.
• Top Coat: A matte finish with OPI Matte Top Coat to elevate the look.

Craft this look by applying your lilac base, then dabbing on your glitters with a sponge. Swirl gently with a toothpick for the marble effect, and once dry, opt for a matte top coat. This technique turns the whimsical into wearable art, making it a fun and inspo-filled choice for gel summer enthusiasts.

The Bold and the Beautiful

The striking combination of deep burgundy is what trendy summer 2024 nail fantasies are made of. Bold yet simple, these nails command attention while maintaining a short and manageable length. The square cut offers a modern edge that is both chic and professional.

• Color: ‘Wicked’ by Essie, for that luxurious burgundy.
• Gel Finish: A glossy overlay with CND Shellac Top Coat.
• Accents: None needed; the color speaks for itself.

Start with a careful application of two thin coats of your chosen burgundy. After curing under a UV lamp, apply a gel top coat for that enviable glass-like finish. These nails are for those who adore a bit of drama on their fingertips without going extra.

Stellar Night Sky

Step into the cosmos with the design featured. A deep space-inspired theme with sparkling stars against a midnight blue, it’s a super trendy choice that perfectly captures the essence of a summer night sky. The gel overlay ensures a latest and durable shine that’s all the rage for 2024.

• Base Color: Gelish ‘Black Shadow’ as the night sky.
• Glitter: Silver glitter like Sally Hansen’s ‘Starburst’ for the stars.
• Top Coat: Glossy gel top coat for an enduring celestial finish.

After your dark base coat, use a fine-tipped brush to dot on your ‘stars’, play with sizes for realism. A top coat gel cures to secure the design. This look is for the bold at heart who wish to carry a piece of the night wherever they go.

Vibrant Pink with a Wild Twist

As a professional manicurist, it’s thrilling to see a bold blend of audacious pink and wild animal prints making a statement. This nail design is an ode to fearless femininity with a playful edge. The radiant pink demands attention, while the animal print whispers a tale of untamed elegance. Together, they are not just a trend; they’re a movement.

Materials and Recommendations:

• Base color: Electric Pink Parade, a gel polish that’s as durable as it is dazzling
• For the animal print: Midnight Contrast, an acrylic paint perfect for those detailed designs
• Finishing touch: Gloss Boss, a top coat that gives your nails a glossy armor that lasts

To recreate this piece of nail art, start with two coats of the vibrant pink, curing each layer for strength. Next, with a fine brush, hand-paint the animal prints with precision and patience. Each stroke should be unique, capturing the essence of the wild. Seal your artwork with a top coat that offers both protection and unparalleled shine.

Creating the Look:

Begin with a clean, buffed nail surface. Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure it under an LED lamp for durability. Sweep a layer of Electric Pink Parade, followed by a careful curing process. With a fine-tip brush dipped in Midnight Contrast, create the animal print patterns with confidence. Remember, perfection is not the goal – it’s the charm of the unique twists and turns that make this design stand out. Finish off with a generous layer of Gloss Boss top coat for a lasting impression.

Subtle Ombre Elegance

Professional Opinion and Design Description:

Nothing whispers minimal sophistication like an ombre transition from natural pink to a whisper of white. It’s simple, it’s chic, and it’s incredibly summer latest.

Consumables List:

• Light pink base: ‘Dawn Blush’ by Natural Nails
• White for gradient: ‘Purity Peak’ by Arctic Whites
• Gradient sponge: ‘BlendEase’ Ombre Sponge
• Top coat: ‘Sheer Elegance’ by Lasting Luster

DIY Instructions:

After the ‘Dawn Blush’ base, use the ‘BlendEase’ sponge to softly dab ‘Purity Peak’ onto the tip, creating a seamless blend. A top coat of ‘Sheer Elegance’ will add the perfect finishing touch of glossy protection.

The Classic Nude

Professional Opinion and Design Description:

The nude nail is the extra versatile summer companion, effortlessly shifting from beach to bar. This shade is pretty, poised, and a 2024 must-have for nail connoisseurs.

Consumables List:

• Nude polish: ‘Barely There’ by Au Naturel
• Finishing top coat: ‘Matte Magic’ by Modern Matte

DIY Instructions:

Apply two coats of ‘Barely There’ for full coverage, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Opt for ‘Matte Magic’ if a modern matte finish beckons, or keep it glossy for classic chic.

Fashion-Forward French Tips

Professional Opinion and Design Description:

These are not your mother’s French tips; they are inspo redefined. A nod to the classic with a fun and extra twist—these tips are dipped in glitter and imagination.

Consumables List:

• Base color: ‘Skinny Dip’ by Nude Illusions
• Tip color: ‘Glitz and Glam’ by Sparkle Squad
• Protective top coat: ‘Gleaming Armor’
• Angled brush: ‘French Precision’ for the perfect curve

DIY Instructions:

Begin with a sheer coat of ‘Skinny Dip’ for a natural base. Once dried, use ‘French Precision’ to apply ‘Glitz and Glam’ on the tips. Angle the brush slightly for that immaculate curve. Set it all with ‘Gleaming Armor’ for a lasting, chip-resistant sparkle.

Playful Pastel Tips

Professional Opinion and Design Description:

Welcoming summer with a bouquet of pastels on your fingertips, these playful tips are a delightful twist on the French manicure. The assorted pastel tips—ranging from soft yellow to lilac—exemplify summer fun.

Consumables List:

• Pastel polishes: ‘Sunny Side’, ‘Lavender Whispers’, ‘Peachy Keen’, ‘Mint Breeze’
• Base coat: ‘Sheer Innocence’ by Pure Foundations
• Top coat: ‘Gloss Boss’ by Shine Masters
• Detailing brush: ‘Edge Perfectionist’ for precise tips

DIY Instructions:

Start with ‘Sheer Innocence’ as your base for a clean look. Once dry, use ‘Edge Perfectionist’ to paint each tip with a different pastel polish. Finish with ‘Gloss Boss’ for a glossy, long-lasting summer touch.

Lavender Dreams and Confetti

Professional Opinion and Design Description:

Diving into trendy dreams, the lavender base mixed with playful confetti accents brings a fun and inspo-filled touch to any summer outfit. These nails say cute, say trendy, and scream summer latest.

Consumables List:

• Lavender base: ‘Lilac Love’ by Pastel Parade
• Confetti top coat: ‘Party Specks’ by Celebrate Lacquer
• White base for accents: ‘Snow Canvas’ by Arctic Whites
• Top coat: ‘Everlasting Shine’ by Durable Delights

DIY Instructions:

‘Party Specks’ adds a hint of whimsy atop ‘Lilac Love’. For a twist, apply ‘Snow Canvas’ on a couple of nails for a solid accent. Seal with ‘Everlasting Shine’ for a design that stands the test of summer adventures.

Chic in Red with a Glitter Twist

Professional Opinion and Design Description:

Red is not just a color; it’s a statement. These short, chic nails with a singular glittered accent are the epitome of trendy and super summer 2024.

Consumables List:

• Red polish: ‘Crimson Siren’ by Bold Shades
• Glitter accent: ‘Red Carpet Glitz’ by Twinkle Tips
• Top coat: ‘Diamond Dust’ by Lasting Brilliance
• Fine-tip brush for detailing: ‘Precision Artist’

DIY Instructions:

Coat nails with ‘Crimson Siren’, but leave one finger bare for the glitter accent. Use ‘Precision Artist’ to apply ‘Red Carpet Glitz’ on the accent nail for controlled sparkle. ‘Diamond Dust’ will ensure your nails are as durable as they are dazzling.

Timeless Glamour with a Modern Twist

Encapsulates the essence of modern elegance with its rich, glossy finish. This manicure is a nod to the timeless allure of simplicity while perfectly aligning with the latest fashion sensibilities of Summer 2024.

Professional Opinion

Upon closer inspection, the manicure in 13.jpg is a testament to the beauty that lies in minimalism. The nails are shaped into a classic square cut, promoting a sense of neatness and precision. The glossy brown polish exudes sophistication and versatility, proving that brown is not just an autumn staple but also a trendy pick for summer.

Consumables List

• Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Polish: Essie Glossy Shine Finish “Choco Latte”
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Each of these products has been chosen for their impeccable quality and lasting finish. The Essie polish, in particular, is a favorite for its rich pigmentation and smooth application.

DIY Instructions

Start with a clean, dry nail surface and apply a base coat to protect your nails. Once the base is dry, apply two coats of “Choco Latte,” allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. Seal it with a fast-drying top coat for a durable, high-shine finish. For a pro tip, apply a thin layer of cuticle oil to keep your nail beds healthy and hydrated.

Fresh and Minimal: The New Wave of Summer Elegance

Short summer nails are taking a turn towards the minimal, proving that sometimes less is truly more. The first look is a sleek example of this year’s trend, sporting a rich, emerald green paired with a stark, contrasting white. This summer 2024 manicure highlights the beauty of simplicity with its sharp, square tips and a single accent nail.

• Author’s Opinion and Description: The boldness of the green paired with the pristine white creates a visually arresting contrast. It’s a trendy statement that balances fun with elegance. The matte finish on the green nails adds a contemporary touch, while the glossy white accent nail offers a classic sheen, demonstrating the chic versatility of short nails.
• Consumables:
  • Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
  • Green Polish: Essie “Off Tropic”
  • White Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri “White on Time”
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
  • Matte Top Coat (for the green nails): OPI Matte Top Coat

  As a professional, I appreciate the durability and pigmentation of these polishes. The combination ensures a long-lasting and eye-catching manicure that suits any summer outing.

• DIY Instructions: Start with clean, filed nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Once dry, apply two coats of the green polish on four fingers, letting each coat dry thoroughly. For the accent nail, apply two coats of white polish. Finish the green nails with a matte top coat and the white nail with a glossy top coat for that super gel summer look.

Delicate Pink with Artistic Flair

The allure of pink nails is timeless, but brings a contemporary twist to the classic with an artistic splash of red and a delicate silver ring for added character.

Professional Opinion

In 15.jpg, the soft pink base serves as a canvas for the bold strokes of red, creating a design that is both cute and creative. The almond shape of the nails offers a modern and feminine look, while the minimalist art speaks volumes of the wearer’s personal style.

Consumables List

• Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Pink polish: Sally Hansen Color Therapy “Rosy Glow”
• Red accent polish: OPI “Big Apple Red”
• Silver nail art ring: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Ring

The combination of Sally Hansen’s nourishing formula and OPI’s vibrant red provides a balance of beauty and nail health.

DIY Instructions

Apply your base coat, followed by two coats of “Rosy Glow.” Once dry, use a thin brush to add abstract lines with “Big Apple Red.” Don’t aim for perfection—let the brush strokes be organic. Accessorize with a nail art ring on the accent nail for that extra pretty factor.

A Whimsical Array of Textures and Hues

Imagine a playful assortment of colors and textures that scream fun and super summer vibes—that’s what is all about.

Professional Opinion

16.jpg is a true representation of gel summer inspo. The mix of matte and gloss finishes, along with a variety of colors like pastel blue, vibrant pink, and soft peach, creates a palette that’s undeniably summer latest. The 3D flower and crosshatch designs add a tangible element of interest, elevating the overall look.

Consumables List

• Gel polishes: Gellen Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit
• Matte top coat: Matte Gellac by Pink Gellac
• 3D flower embellishments: Born Pretty 3D Nail Art Flowers
• Nail art tape for crosshatch design

The Gellen starter kit is ideal for its comprehensive range of summer colors and quality finish.

DIY Instructions

After your base coat, apply your choice of gel polish. Cure under a UV lamp for durability. For the matte nails, apply the matte top coat and cure. For the 3D design, place the flower embellishment on wet polish and seal it. Use nail art tape to create the crosshatch pattern on the accent nail.

Green with Envy

Green is the new black for Summer 2024, and this image says it all. From emerald to lime, green nails are set to be all the rage. This particular shade is vivacious and bursting with life, reflecting the lushness of nature during the season.

• Products & Brands:
  • Green Polish: China Glaze ‘In the Limelight’
  • Top Coat: Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat

For DIY enthusiasts, start with a vibrant green base. Apply two coats for opacity and follow with a high-shine top coat for a look that’s pretty as it is durable.

Minimalist with a Twist

Closing our tour of short summer nails designs trends for 2024, we embrace minimalism with a twist. It’s all about playing with negative space and a pop of color, exemplifying the latest in trendy nail art. It’s a fun, inspo-filled choice for the modern individual.

• Products & Brands:
  • Teal Polish: Essie ‘Viva Antigua!’
  • Top Coat: INM Out the Door Fast Drying Top Coat

To achieve this design, opt for a striking color like teal and apply it in your desired pattern, leaving parts of the nail bare. Seal it with a fast-drying top coat to retain the design’s crispness.

Electrifying Zigzags

This trendy design is a bold statement piece that’s sure to turn heads. The vibrant yellow zigzags against a sheer base are the epitome of fun and trendy for Summer 2024. It’s a super choice for those looking to add a zesty twist to their short summer nails.

• Products & Brands:
  • Sheer Polish: Essie ‘Sugar Daddy’
  • Yellow Polish: China Glaze ‘Celtic Sun’
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Start with a clean, sheer base coat, followed by careful application of yellow polish in zigzag patterns. A thin brush will be your best friend here, allowing for precise lines.

Bejeweled Elegance

Channeling the allure of summer latest trends, this pretty and minimal design is a nod to the less-is-more philosophy. The nude base accented with delicate beads and golden glitter captures a luxurious yet understated aesthetic, perfect for those who enjoy trendy yet simple nail art.

• Products & Brands:
  • Nude Polish: OPI ‘Samoan Sand’
  • Gold Glitter: Orly ‘Gilded Coral’
  • Nail Beads: Daily Charme Nail Art Micro Beads

After applying your nude polish, place beads while the polish is still tacky. Use a dot of gold glitter polish for a touch of shine. Remember, a steady hand makes for perfect placement.

Gradient Glam

In this image, we see a super fun and cute summer gradient that transitions from white to vibrant hues. It’s a fresh take on the French manicure with a twist, giving off a trendy and youthful vibe that’s ideal for Summer 2024.

• Products & Brands:
  • White Polish: Sally Hansen ‘White On’
  • Pink Polish: Essie ‘Mod Square’
  • Yellow Polish: OPI ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’

The gradient effect can be achieved by using a sponge to dab on the colors until they blend seamlessly. Finish with a clear top coat to smooth everything out.

Serene Sky Blue

Representing the calmness of the summer sky, this solid blue polish is for those who love a pop of color without the complexity of designs or patterns. It’s a natural, trendy option that’s both pretty and simple.

• Products & Brands:
  • Blue Polish: Essie ‘Bikini So Teeny’
  • Top Coat: INM Out the Door Fast Drying Top Coat

Applying this serene blue is straightforward: two coats of polish followed by a fast-drying top coat for that perfect gel finish.

Speckled Sunset

This look is a playful take on the trending acrylic nails, but for the natural nail lovers. It’s a speckled design that mimics the colors of a sunset, blending orange and green with black specks for a super cute and fun summer 2024 manicure.

• Products & Brands:
  • Orange Polish: China Glaze ‘Papaya Punch’
  • Green Polish: Essie ‘The More the Merrier’
  • Black Speckle Top Coat: Nails Inc. ‘Feathers’

For this inspo, apply your base colors in a gradient style, then top with a speckled polish to achieve this unique look. It’s trendy, it’s cute, and it’s unmistakably summer.

Timeless White Square

This image presents a classic and always on-trend French look, with a modern square shape. The pristine white tips are a summer staple, creating a simple, clean, and pretty aesthetic for any occasion.

• Products & Brands:
  • White Polish: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
  • Sheer Pink Polish: Essie ‘Mademoiselle’
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

For this iconic look, apply a sheer pink base and once dry, carefully paint the white tips. Use guiding strips if necessary to achieve crisp lines, finishing with a fast-drying top coat for a lasting French manicure.

Galactic Gleam

Here we see nails that look as though they’ve been dipped in the Milky Way. This glitter-infused deep blue design speaks to the extra and the inspo found in the night sky, a perfect match for those looking for something super fun and trendy this summer 2024.

• Products & Brands:
  • Blue Glitter Polish: ILNP ‘Interstellar’
  • Base Coat: CND Stickey Anchoring Base Coat
  • Top Coat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat

To achieve this celestial look, start with a base coat, then layer on the blue glitter polish until desired opacity is reached. Seal with a glossy top coat to ensure your nails are star-worthy.

Olive Ombre

The muted olive tones in this design provide a natural and earthy feel to the nails, a refreshing take on the latest trends. The matte finish adds a trendy and minimal touch, making this a subtle yet pretty choice for the summer.

• Products & Brands:
  • Olive Polish: Zoya ‘Ireland’
  • Matte Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat

Begin with a smooth application of olive polish. Once dry, apply the matte top coat to achieve a suede-like finish that’s touchably luxurious and perfect for those who prefer a more natural look.

Pastel Perfection

This design showcases a delicate pastel palette perfect for short summer nails. The soft peach and mint colors are cute, trendy, and offer a whisper of color, creating a simple yet pretty manicure ideal for Summer 2024.

• Products & Brands:
  • Peach Polish: Essie ‘Peach Side Babe’
  • Mint Polish: OPI ‘That’s Hula-rious!’
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Achieving this look is a breeze with a careful application of alternating peach and mint polishes. Remember to seal your design with a top coat for durability and shine.