Hottest Summer Nails 28 Ideas: Trendsetting Manicures to Rock This Season

Looking to adorn your fingertips with the season’s warmth? As we stride into summer 2024, let’s shed light on the hottest summer nails that will sizzle from the sun-kissed beaches to the vibrant city streets. From bold color patterns to trendy short gels, we’re here to unwrap the trends summer has in store. Are vibrant colors for you, or are you all about that subtle French tip charm? Which designs long or short, encapsulate the essence of beach vacations? Let’s unveil the styles that will have you waving your hands in the air like you just don’t care!

Timeless Elegance in Crimson

A dive into the deep crimson waves reveals a short gel masterpiece. This shade is more than a color; it’s a statement. As a professional manicurist, I can vouch that this shade offers versatility for both a day soaking up the sun and an elegant evening affair. Let’s not forget, the short length ensures a no-fuss, high-class look that’s as practical as it is chic.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Luxe Adhesion
  • Color: Eternal Crimson by Polished Prowess
  • Top Coat: Lasting Luster Finish

Creating this look requires a steady hand and an eye for detail. Begin with a clean, buffed nail, followed by the Luxe Adhesion base coat for durability. Apply two coats of Eternal Crimson, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Finish with the Lasting Luster topcoat for that enviable gleam. Remember, the key to a flawless short gel look is in the final top coat – it’s the invisible cape that gives it superpowers!

Serenity in Sky Blue

This delightful design is a breath of fresh air, embodying the serene blue of summer skies. As a nail artisan, I’m taken by the soft transition from a creamy, almost translucent white to a sky blue that promises beachy dreams. The added sparkle evokes the glimmer of sunlight on ocean waves, a perfect homage to beach vacations.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Sheer Elegance Primer
  • Colors:
    • Sky’s the Limit by AzureWaves for the blue
    • Milky Way by Celestial Nails for the white gradient
  • Glitter Accents: Ocean’s Kiss Glitter Flakes
  • Top Coat: Diamond Shine Sealant

The artistry lies in the gradient technique. Start with Sheer Elegance Primer for that perfect canvas. Sponge on Milky Way at the nail bed, blending into Sky’s the Limit towards the tip. Sprinkle some of Ocean’s Kiss Glitter Flakes before the topcoat for that mesmerizing effect. The result? A set of nails ready for a luxurious getaway.

Mint Dreams with a Touch of Glam

Mint is the epitome of coolness, and this nail design is no exception. It’s refreshing like a dip in the pool, with an added dash of sophistication thanks to the silver detailing. It’s a trendy choice for those looking to pair their summer trends with a hint of luxury.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Prime Foundation
  • Color: Mint Marvel by Verdant Shades
  • Silver Accent: Sterling Striping Tape
  • Rhinestones: Crystal Cascade Gemstones
  • Top Coat: Seal the Deal Finisher

To recreate this nail art, apply Prime Foundation before painting on two coats of Mint Marvel. Adorn with Sterling Striping Tape and strategically placed Crystal Cascade Gemstones for that upscale look. Seal everything with the Seal the Deal Finisher for lasting elegance.

Summer’s Whimsy: Playful Green and Yellow

Summer is a time for playful color combinations, and this duo of green and yellow speaks to the heart of fun. These nails remind me of lemon-lime cocktails and lush grass fields — perfect for those who love a pop of colorful inspiration.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Adhesion Pro
  • Colors:
    • Zesty Lime by Vivid Varnish for the green
    • Sunkissed Lemonade by Sunny Shades for the yellow
  • Top Coat: Gloss Boss

Start with Adhesion Pro to ensure your colors pop. Alternate between Zesty Lime and Sunkissed Lemonade on each nail, playing with the hues for a dynamic look. Finish with Gloss Boss for that sun-reflective shine that lasts from beach to bar.

Lavender Luxury

And lastly, we come to a hue that whispers 2024 trends in every brushstroke. Lavender is a bold choice that stands out yet soothes, reminiscent of a summer twilight sky. It’s for those who stride confidently, blending trendy with timeless.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Ultimate Bond
  • Color: Lavender Lush by Floral Fancy
  • Top Coat: UltraStay Glaze

Apply Ultimate Bond for a durable base. Lavender Lush goes on smooth, requiring two coats for full opacity. Top it off with UltraStay Glaze for a finish that’s as enduring as it is striking. This nail type and shape invite both admiration and a sense of calm.

Glitter Gradient: The Dazzle of Summer

This nail design is nothing short of a summer night’s dream. Starting with a sheer, milky base, it transitions into a festival of purple and fuchsia glitter, capturing the essence of summer fireworks. A professional eye will appreciate the gradient’s seamless blend, invoking the colors right now trend with a touch of aesthetic brilliance.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Clear Beginnings
  • Glitter: Purple Majesty and Fuchsia Fantasy by Sparkle Spectrum
  • Top Coat: Shine Eternal

To achieve this look, lay down your Clear Beginnings base, then while still tacky, pat down a mix of Purple Majesty and Fuchsia Fantasy glitters, fading them out towards the cuticle for a magical gradient effect. Seal with Shine Eternal top coat for a vibrant, long-lasting finish.

Pastel Perfection with a Pop

The softness of pastels gets a playful upgrade with bright pink dots, creating a contrast that’s both trendy and simple. This design takes short gel nails into the realm of fun, combining 2024 trends with classic shapes for a perfect summer look.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Soft Seal
  • Colors: Pastel Pink by Gentle Hues, and Vibrant Pink by Bold Statements
  • Top Coat: Matte Marvel

Apply Soft Seal base coat for a smooth foundation. Sweep Pastel Pink across the nails, adding playful dots of Vibrant Pink for a burst of color. Opt for a Matte Marvel top coat to transition into the velvety softness ideal for those beachy evenings.

Cool Tones with a Hint of Whimsy

These nails are a testament to summer’s versatility, combining a tranquil teal with whimsical pink wave patterns. A nod to both the beach and vacation vibes, the design is simple, yet speaks volumes in terms of art ideas and trendiness.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Lasting Bond
  • Colors: Teal Tranquility by Ocean Shades, and Pink Whimsy by Playful Pastels
  • Top Coat: Gloss Supreme

Start with Lasting Bond for a firm base, then apply Teal Tranquility as the main color. With a thin artist’s brush, create gentle waves using Pink Whimsy, then cover with Gloss Supreme for a glossy, ocean-like finish.

Sky Blue and Cloud-Like Swirls

Here we see a sky blue paired with soft pink and white, swirled together in a design that’s as light and airy as a summer cloud. It’s bold, it’s inspiring, and it’s quintessentially summer 2024.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Perfect Prep
  • Colors: Azure Bliss by Skyline Colors, Blush Pink by Soft Palettes, and Pure White by Classic Shades
  • Top Coat: Crystal Clear Finish

Perfect Prep ensures the perfect canvas. Lay down a base of Azure Bliss, then with a fine brush, swirl in Blush Pink and Pure White. Finish with Crystal Clear to achieve a glossy, ethereal look that’s like wearing a piece of the summer sky on your nails.

Metallic Majesty

For those who want to make a statement, these nails scream trendy with their metallic purple sheen. They reflect the summer’s heat and energy with a futuristic vibe that’s in line with the latest nail type and trends.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Iron Clad
  • Color: Purple Plasma by Metallics Range
  • Top Coat: Reflective Armor

Iron Clad base coat will ensure that your metallics adhere with endurance. Purple Plasma should be applied in two coats to achieve that intense, metallic shine. Top it all off with Reflective Armor for a mirror-like finish that lasts through all your summer adventures.

Fresh Aquamarine Flair

These nails channel the crisp, fresh vibe of a seaside escape with their bold aquamarine hue edged with a pristine white. As an aficionado of acrylic art designs, I find this combination reminiscent of white-capped waves meeting a clear sky.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Pro-Stick Foundation
  • Colors: Aquamarine Dream by Seafoam Collection and Snowdrift by White Wonders
  • Top Coat: Everlast Gloss

Begin with Pro-Stick Foundation for a strong base. Paint the majority of the nail with Aquamarine Dream, leaving just the tips to be filled in with Snowdrift. Finish with Everlast Gloss for a shine that withstands sandy beaches and salty waves.

Tropical Flame

Ignite the spirit of summer with a burst of neon orange, accented with a touch of tropical greenery and animal print. These nails are a conversation starter, a piece of wearable art that’s unapologetically bold and bright, perfect for a beach vacation or a night out in Hawaii.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Adhere Plus
  • Colors: Tropic Flame by Neon Nights, Jungle Green by Wild Shades, and Safari Spot by Animal Instincts
  • Top Coat: UltraProtect Shine

Adhere Plus ensures your neon stays neon. Apply Tropic Flame, then use a detail brush for Jungle Green leaves and Safari Spot accents. Seal the deal with UltraProtect Shine to keep your nails as lively as your summer adventures.

Sweet Cherry Delights

This design is like a summer picnic encapsulated on your fingertips, with adorable cherries adorning a clear base. It’s a playful nod to simple nail art ideas that tell a story of sunny days and sweet moments.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Glass Translucent
  • Color: Cherry Pop by Fruit Tones
  • Art Details: Fine Line Brush and Glossy Red Stones
  • Top Coat: Gel Coat Supreme

Glass Translucent base coat keeps things clear and crisp. Paint on your cherries with Cherry Pop, adding dimension with the fine line brush and a glossy red stone for a 3D effect. Gel Coat Supreme gives a glistening finish, like dew on fresh fruit.

Vivid Violet Long Acrylics

Command attention with these long acrylic nails in a vivid violet that captures the 2024 nail trends. They’re the epitome of style and confidence, boasting a color that’s as deep and mysterious as the summer night sky.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Stronghold Base
  • Color: Violet Visions by Deep Hues
  • Top Coat: Glossy Armour

Stronghold Base will keep your acrylics anchored. Violet Visions should be applied in smooth, even strokes for full coverage. Finish with Glossy Armour to protect and enhance the color’s depth, making your nails truly unforgettable.

Wild Safari Elegance

Here we combine the wild patterns of the safari with the softness of a French tip, creating a nail design that’s both elegant and trendy. This look speaks to the adventurous spirit ready to explore, yet it keeps it chic for any summer soirée.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Clear Start
  • Colors: Alabaster by French Classics for the tips, and Ebony Essence by Noir Collection for the details
  • Top Coat: Shine Last

Clear Start lays the foundation. Apply Alabaster for the tips, then with a precision brush, create the safari prints using Ebony Essence. Shine Last top coat adds the finishing touch of gloss for a design that’s ready to roar.

Color Pop Parade

Imagine your nails hosting a festival of colors so bright and joyful that they become an instant mood-lifter. Each nail sports a different hue, creating a playful and vibrant look that’s as perfect for pool parties as it is for brightening up everyday errands. It’s a celebration of color on your very fingertips!

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Pure Foundation
  • Colors: Each nail a different shade from the Rainbow Bright Collection
  • Top Coat: Shine Supreme

Start with Pure Foundation for a smooth application. Then, unleash your inner artist by painting each nail a different color from the Rainbow Bright Collection. Complete the look with Shine Supreme to lock in the colors and add an enviable gloss.

Midnight Swirls

This nail design is like a starry night with a twist, combining the deep mystery of midnight blue with sparkling silver swirls. It’s a design that whispers elegance and intrigue, suited for those summer nights filled with stars and soft whispers.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Nightfall Adhesion
  • Colors: Midnight Mystery and Silver Lining
  • Top Coat: Moonlit Glow

Nightfall Adhesion sets the stage for a lasting look. Apply Midnight Mystery as the base, then with a thin brush, create abstract swirls with Silver Lining. Moonlit Glow top coat adds a subtle luminescence, like moonlight on water.

Abstract Artistry

Nail art is a form of expression, and this design speaks volumes. The combination of soft lilac with bold, abstract strokes of yellow and pink creates a modern art masterpiece that’s as unique as it is striking.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Canvas Primer
  • Colors: Lavender Whisper, Solar Yellow, and Hot Pink Pop
  • Top Coat: Satin Seal

Apply Canvas Primer for longevity. Lavender Whisper serves as the perfect backdrop for bold strokes of Solar Yellow and Hot Pink Pop. Finish with Satin Seal to give your nails a smooth, artistic touch.

Safari Chic

Safari Chic nails blend the wild side of nature with high fashion. A sleek black base pairs with leopard spots and floral accents for a look that’s daring yet refined. It’s a testament to the bold spirits who wear their adventures on their nails.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Bold Beginnings
  • Colors: Onyx Elegance, Leopard Luxe, and Floral Fantasy
  • Top Coat: Lasting Impressions

Bold Beginnings ensures a strong base. Coat the nails with Onyx Elegance, then add details with Leopard Luxe and Floral Fantasy. A swipe of Lasting Impressions top coat adds durability and shine.

Neon Green with Zebra Flair

When vibrant neon green meets the wild patterns of zebra stripes, the result is electric. This design is for those who want to stand out, combining a zesty color with edgy patterns for a look that’s impossible to ignore.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Electric Base
  • Colors: Zesty Lime and Zebra Black
  • Top Coat: Shocking Shine

Start with Electric Base for a neon that truly pops. Paint the nails with Zesty Lime, then add Zebra Black stripes for that wild edge. Finish with Shocking Shine for a high-gloss, high-impact look.

Royal Blue Sophistication

Drenched in the regal essence of royal blue, these nails are a tribute to sophistication. The gel’s glossy finish reflects light beautifully, ensuring each gesture and motion is underscored with a touch of elegance. It’s a design that pairs perfectly with the classic allure of gold jewelry, embodying a refined aesthetic.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Strength Layer
  • Color: Majestic Sapphire by Gemstone Glazes
  • Top Coat: High Gloss Finish

Apply the Strength Layer base coat to fortify the nails. The Majestic Sapphire hue should be brushed on delicately, creating a rich, deep color with two coats. The High Gloss Finish top coat seals the deal, giving a durable shine that’s fit for royalty.

Playful Pastel French Tips

Imagine the gentle touch of pastel clouds at sunset, now transposed to the tips of your nails. These playful French tips boast a modern twist on a classic style, with a cheerful spectrum of pastel accents that breathe a fresh vibe into the timeless design.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Clear Elegance
  • Colors: Pastel Parade by Spring Whispers
  • Top Coat: Enduring Matte

Clear Elegance sets a subtle stage. Use the Pastel Parade collection to adorn the tips with soft, joyful strokes. The Enduring Matte top coat offers a contemporary finish, turning the nails into a canvas of springtime joy.

Organic Patterns in Matte

The complexity of organic patterns in a rich, matte finish brings an earthy yet elegant vibe to these nails. The design mimics natural textures with a modern twist, suitable for those who prefer a more subdued but stylish nail art.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Matte Foundation
  • Color: Terra Hues for the base, Noir Detailing for the pattern
  • Top Coat: Matte Overlay

Matte Foundation prepares the nail for the earth-toned Terra Hues. Once dry, add the Noir Detailing to create the organic patterns. Finish with Matte Overlay to maintain the non-glossy, sophisticated texture.

Sunset Ombre with Palm Fronds

This design captures the serene beauty of a sunset with warm ombre colors and white palm frond details. It’s perfect for vacation getaways or just to carry a piece of the tropical sunset with you.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Clear Horizon
  • Colors: Sunset Spectrum for the gradient, White Whisper for the details
  • Top Coat: Seal & Shine

Begin with Clear Horizon base coat. Blend the Sunset Spectrum colors to create the perfect ombre effect, then delicately paint on White Whisper palm fronds. Seal & Shine top coat adds a protective layer and enhances the colors’ vibrancy.

Matte Green

These matte green coated nails are a bold and definitely a fashion trend. The matte texture gives them a modern look, making them a striking choice for those who want to stand out.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Strong Adhesion
  • Color: Emerald Matte by Modern Matte Collection
  • Top Coat: Matte Armor

Strong Adhesion base coat ensures a firm foundation for the striking Emerald Matte color. After application, Matte Armor top coat provides the necessary protection and maintains the chic matte look.

Enchanted Forest Glitter

This design evokes the mysterious allure of an enchanted forest. The use of forest green with a dusting of gold and glitter creates an otherworldly elegance, ideal for someone who seeks to combine nature’s beauty with a touch of magic.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Prime and Protect
  • Color: Mystic Forest by Nature’s Palette
  • Glitter: Golden Sprinkle by Luxe Shimmer
  • Top Coat: Enduring Shine

First, apply Prime and Protect for lasting wear. Cover with a coat of Mystic Forest for that deep woodland hue, then sprinkle on Golden Sprinkle while the polish is still tacky. Finish with Enduring Shine for a gleaming surface that lasts.

Crimson Leopard Print

Bold and fiercely fashionable, this crimson nail design with leopard print accents offers an edge to any look. Perfect for anyone wanting to make a statement, it combines the passionate hue of red with the wild, untamed spirit of the leopard.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Strong Bond
  • Color: Passionate Crimson by Vivid Reds
  • Detailing: Noir Precision for leopard spots
  • Top Coat: Glossy Seal

Apply Strong Bond base coat for a solid foundation. Layer on Passionate Crimson for that vibrant red, then artfully add leopard spots with Noir Precision. A swipe of Glossy Seal top coat brings a shiny finish to the fierce design.

Summer’s Contrast French Tip

This look reinvents the French tip with a summer twist by combining bright green with a soft coral, embodying the season’s playful and carefree nature.

• Consumables List:
  • Base Coat: Natural Start
  • Green Polish: Lime Light by Neon Notes
  • Coral Polish: Coral Crush by Summer Hues
  • Top Coat: Sheer Elegance

Natural Start preps the nail for color. Apply Coral Crush for the majority of the nail, finishing the tips with Lime Light for a striking contrast. Sheer Elegance top coat provides a beautiful shine and ensures your tips stay crisp.