Short Summer Gel Nails 26 Ideas: Shades & Designs That Pop

Have you ever marveled at the sheer delight of short summer gel nails? As the sun graces us with its golden touch, isn’t it the perfect time to adorn our fingertips with shades that speak of summer tales and designs that draw the eye? What colors capture the season’s exuberance, and which designs embody its casual elegance? This article is your canvas to explore the latest trends in short summer gel nails—ideas that will enchant, tips that will inspire, and designs that will become your next manicure muse.

Vibrant Reds and Delicate Florals

There’s something timelessly captivating about the color red on short nails. It’s a hue that commands attention without the need for length or complexity. When paired with delicate floral designs, it exudes a chic, playful energy perfect for summer adventures. The blooms, painted with precision, add a feminine touch that’s both pretty and sophisticated, ideal for those breezy summer dresses and sunset gatherings.

Consumables List:

• Red gel polish – OPI’s “Big Apple Red”
• White gel polish for floral accents – CND’s “Cream Puff”
• Detailing nail art brush – Winstonia’s Fine Line Brush
• Top coat for a glossy finish – Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Start with a solid red base, allowing each layer to cure under a gel lamp. With a steady hand, use the detailing brush to craft your petals in white, adding small dots for a lively center. Seal your art with a top coat for a durable, high-shine finish that’ll last through your summer escapades.

Summer 2024 Trendsetter

As we gaze into the future of summer 2024’s nail trends, it’s clear that simplicity reigns supreme. The harmony of pastel pink and bold green with zebra stripes and a glitter accent creates a design that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze. It’s a playful juxtaposition of nature-inspired tones and wild prints, showcasing an individual’s multifaceted charm.

Consumables List:

• Pastel pink gel polish – Essie Gel Couture in “Matter of Fiction”
• Vibrant green gel polish – Gelish “Lime All The Time”
• Black gel polish for zebra stripes – Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Blacky O”
• Glitter gel polish for accent – Gelish “Diamonds Are My BFF”
• Striping nail art brush for precise lines

Author’s Recommendations: After your base coat, apply two coats of your pastel pink and vibrant green. Use the striping brush to freehand the zebra pattern; a bit of practice goes a long way. For the glitter nail, mix your glitter polish with a clear gel to control the sparkle distribution. Finish with a top coat to lock in your avant-garde mani.

Playful Purples and Pinks

The interplay of soft purple and vibrant pink forms a sweet symphony of summer shades. Accents of darker hues and sparkling stones elevate the design from simple to simply stunning. This look embodies the fun of summer—a time for ice creams and impromptu picnics, with nails that are as delightful as the season itself.

Consumables List:

• Soft purple gel polish – LeChat Perfect Match in “Lavender Buds”
• Vibrant pink gel polish – DND Gel in “Hot Pink”
• Dark purple polish for accents – OPI’s “Purple Palazzo Pants”
• Rhinestones – Swarovski Crystal Pixie
• Gel top coat – Gellen Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Begin with alternating shades of purple and pink on each nail. Add dark purple dots to form a trail, creating a pattern. Place rhinestones while the top coat is tacky, using tweezers for precision. Cure under a lamp to ensure everything stays put as you soak up the sun.

Green with Envy

The lush green polish paired with a marbled accent adorned with gold flakes is the epitome of summer luxury. It’s reminiscent of leafy canopies and golden sunlight filtering through. This manicure is an ode to nature’s palette and the richness of the season, making it an elegant choice for those summer nights out.

Consumables List:

• Green gel polish – Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Leaf Me Be”
• White and black gel polish for marbling – CND Shellac in “Cream Puff” and “Black Pool”
• Gold foil for accents
• Dotting tool for marble design
• Gel top coat – OPI GelColor Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Apply your green polish as the base, then on the accent nail, while the green layer is still tacky, dot white and black spots. Use a dotting tool to swirl them gently. Once satisfied, cure it and add gold leaf bits for a touch of glamour. A generous layer of top coat will give your greenery-inspired nails a glass-like finish, perfect for catching the light during those long, languid evenings

Soft Glow and Subtle Edge

This nail design whispers summer sophistication. The base of natural pink gel polish sets the stage for a luminescent French tip in soft neon. It’s a look that says ‘summer’ without shouting, allowing for versatility and a touch of unexpected flair. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the undercurrents of style that speak louder than words.

Consumables List:

• Natural pink gel polish – Bio Seaweed Gel in “Unity All-In-One in Angelic”
• Neon gel polish for tips – Kiara Sky Gel in “Glow With The Flow”
• Fine-tip brush for French tips precision
• Matte top coat for a contemporary finish – OPI Matte Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Start by coating your nails with a natural pink, ensuring a curing time that sets the stage for perfection. Dip your fine brush into the neon polish and steadily trace the tip of your nails, giving them a soft but noticeable glow. To contrast the bright tips, opt for a matte top coat that will catch every eye with its chic and unique finish.

Timeless Elegance

There’s an unparalleled elegance in simplicity, and this classic pale pink gel manicure speaks volumes with just a whisper. The uniform color and glossy finish harmonize to create an aura of polished sophistication. This manicure doesn’t shout; it enchants with its understated grace, making it perfect for any summer occasion, from a casual brunch to an elegant evening soirée.

Consumables List:

• Pale pink gel polish – Essie Gel Couture “Fairy Tailor”
• High-gloss top coat – Gelish Top It Off Sealer
• LED nail lamp for curing

Author’s Recommendations: Apply two thin layers of the pale pink polish, curing each layer under the LED lamp for the recommended time. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to achieve that glass-like sheen. Remember, the key to flawless application is patience and precision.

Bold and Beautiful

Assert your presence with a bold, black gel manicure that’s as timeless as it is modern. It’s a statement of power and elegance. The glossy black finish radiates a sleek and sophisticated vibe, proving that summer isn’t just about bright colors—it’s about showcasing your unique style.

Consumables List:

• Jet black gel polish – OPI GelColor “Black Onyx”
• Ultra-glossy top coat – CND Shellac Xpress5 Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: After applying your base coat, go in with the jet black polish. Two coats should suffice for a solid, opaque look. Cure each coat adequately before sealing with an ultra-glossy top coat for durability and shine that lasts.

Vivid Dreams

Embrace the vibrancy of summer with this electric purple gel manicure. The color pops with an intensity that’s both playful and chic. It’s a hue that doesn’t just stand out; it dances in the daylight and captivates under the stars. For the bold at heart, this shade is your summer spirit in manicure form.

Consumables List:

• Electric purple gel polish – Gelish “You Glare, I Glow”
• No-wipe glossy top coat – Born Pretty No Wipe Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Ensure your nails are clean and prepped before laying down a thin base coat. Apply two layers of the electric purple gel, curing promptly after each. A no-wipe glossy top coat is perfect for a fast, vibrant finish that requires no cleanup.

Cherry Blossom Charm

Capture the essence of summer flowers with this deep, cherry pink gel manicure. The color is rich, full of depth, and utterly enchanting—a true testament to the beauty of the blooming season. It’s a manicure that’s both pretty and powerful, a pink that offers more than sweetness—it exudes a lush, mature charm.

Consumables List:

• Cherry pink gel polish – DND “Cherry Blossom”
• UV/LED nail lamp for curing
• Non-stick top coat – IBD Intense Seal

Author’s Recommendations: A good base coat is essential to prevent staining from the rich pigment. Apply two even coats of the cherry pink gel, allowing each to cure fully. The IBD Intense Seal top coat will provide a smooth, non-stick finish, keeping your nails looking freshly done for weeks.

Fresh Mint French

Summer calls for fresh takes on classic styles, and this French tip with a twist is a breath of cool air. The traditional design gets a revamp with a minty green tip, laying atop a clean, natural base. It’s a playful nod to the season’s love for fresh, bright colors, yet it maintains an air of classic sophistication.

Consumables List:

• Sheer natural gel polish – Bio Sculpture Gel “Lily”
• Mint green gel polish – CND Shellac “Mint Convertible”
• Fine-tip brush for precision
• High-shine top coat – Orly Gel FX Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: After your base layer, apply a sheer coat of natural gel polish. Once cured, use the fine-tip brush to paint a neat line of mint green for the tips. A precise hand can transform the classic French into a modern masterpiece. Seal with a high-shine top coat for a manicure that’s as durable as it is delightful.

Sapphire Serenity

Dive into the deep blue serenity of this sapphire gel manicure. Reminiscent of the clear summer skies and tranquil seas, this manicure brings a touch of sophistication with a vibrant twist. The high-gloss finish captures the light, mimicking the sun’s dance over the ocean’s surface—a truly majestic display of color for the summer season.

Consumables List:

• Sapphire blue gel polish – LeChat Perfect Match in “Royal Blue”
• Glossy top coat – INM Out The Door Top Coat for high shine
• UV/LED lamp for curing

Author’s Recommendations: Prep your nails with a base coat, then apply two coats of the sapphire blue gel polish, curing each layer as needed. Once you achieve the desired depth of color, seal it with a glossy top coat to ensure your manicure sparkles as brightly as a summer day.

Lemon Zest

Nothing says summer quite like the zest of a bright lemon yellow. This manicure packs a punch of vibrant energy, capturing the joyful essence of sunny days. It’s a bold, unapologetic hue that’s both refreshing and trendy, perfect for beach days, festivals, or simply to brighten your mood.

Consumables List:

• Lemon yellow gel polish – CND Shellac in “Electric Sunburst”
• No-wipe glossy top coat – Born Pretty No Wipe Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: A thin base coat sets the stage for the yellow to pop. Two coats of the lemon yellow gel will give you a solid, even coverage. The no-wipe top coat is not only convenient but also gives that lasting glossy finish that resists scratches and chips.

Magenta Muse

Be the muse of your own summer story with this vibrant magenta gel manicure. It’s a playful and feminine shade that offers a modern twist on the classic pink, with just enough depth to make a sophisticated statement. Whether you’re attending a garden party or sipping cocktails by the pool, these nails will have you looking picture-perfect.

Consumables List:

• Magenta gel polish – Gelish “Shake It Till You Samba”
• High-gloss top coat – IBD Just Gel Polish Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Begin with clean, buffed nails before applying a base coat. Layer on the magenta gel polish, curing each coat thoroughly. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the color’s vibrancy and add a layer of protection.

Creative Contrast

Embrace creativity with this bold contrast of pink French tips and a unique black and white accent nail. This design speaks to the artist within, challenging traditional summer norms with a design that’s as original as it is stylish. It’s a conversation starter, blending classic femininity with a contemporary edge.

Consumables List:

• Soft pink gel polish – Essie Gel Couture in “Inside Scoop”
• Black and white gel polish for accent design – OPI GelColor in “Black Onyx” and “Alpine Snow”
• Detailing brush for intricate designs

Author’s Recommendations: After applying a pale pink base, use a detailing brush to paint the tips with precision. For the accent nail, let your imagination lead as you create abstract or defined patterns. Seal it all with a top coat for a mani that’s sure to make waves.

Spring into Summer

Transition from the fresh bloom of spring to the warm embrace of summer with this delicate pastel pink and French tip design, adorned with subtle floral embellishments. This design offers a hint of playfulness with its sprinkling of colorful micro beads, evoking images of flower-strewn paths and summer dresses.

Consumables List:

• Pastel pink gel polish – OPI GelColor in “Put It In Neutral”
• White gel polish for tips – OPI GelColor in “Alpine Snow”
• Micro bead embellishments
• Semi-matte top coat – Matte’s more by Essie

Author’s Recommendations: Apply the pastel pink gel as your base, then carefully add the white tips. Before curing the tip layer, place your micro beads to create a floral pattern. A semi-matte top coat gives a modern finish that beautifully contrasts with the beads’ shine.

Pastel Palette Parade

Welcome to the parade of pastels, a delightful array of gentle hues perfect for the soft touch of summer. Each finger tells a story with a different shade, from the warm kiss of apricot to the soothing whisper of lavender, culminating in a symphony of colors that are both playful and serene.

Consumables List:

• Pastel gel polishes: Apricot, Lavender, Soft White, Baby Pink
• LED nail lamp for curing
• High-gloss top coat for a seamless finish

Author’s Recommendations: After prepping the nails with a base coat, apply each pastel shade to its designated nail. Cure under the LED lamp to ensure longevity and finish with a high-gloss top coat for that summer shine that won’t go unnoticed.

Classic Red – A Summer Staple

Classic red – it’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s here to stay. This vibrant red gel manicure is a summer staple that pairs well with everything from your favorite bikini to your chicest summer night attire. It’s the color of passion, of ripe strawberries, and the blush of sunset skies, making it a go-to for a confident summer look.

Consumables List:

• Classic red gel polish – OPI GelColor in “Big Apple Red”
• UV nail lamp for a perfect cure
• Shine-intense top coat to lock in color

Author’s Recommendations: A thin, even base coat sets the stage for the drama of red. Two coats of “Big Apple Red,” each cured under UV light, will give you that depth of color that turns heads. A top coat with intense shine ensures your nails are as luscious as the summer fruit they resemble.

Golden Hour Glow

Embrace the glow of the golden hour with this radiant yellow gel manicure, accented with a shimmering gold nail. This manicure mirrors the golden rays of the summer sun, casting a warm glow on every hand it graces. It’s perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your everyday summer wear.

Consumables List:

• Radiant yellow gel polish – Gelish “Sunrise and the City”
• Gold shimmer polish for the accent nail
• Protective top coat for a lasting finish

Author’s Recommendations: Apply the radiant yellow as your main color, using two coats to achieve an even, opaque finish. For the accent nail, layer on the gold shimmer polish to capture the essence of the golden hour. A protective top coat ensures that your nails stay dazzling from dawn till dusk.

Floral Fantasy

Dive into a floral fantasy with this design that brings the blooming gardens of summer to your fingertips. Adorned with colorful flower accents, this manicure is a wearable bouquet, full of life, charm, and the joyful spirit of summer.

Consumables List:

• Soft white gel polish as the base
• Nail art stickers or decals for floral designs
• A strengthening top coat to protect your miniature garden

Author’s Recommendations: Begin with a base of soft white gel polish, providing a clean canvas for your nail art. Place the floral decals carefully, creating your own unique bouquet. Seal with a strengthening top coat to keep your floral fantasy fresh throughout the summer days.

Neon Waves

Surf the summer trend wave with this bold and bright neon wave design. The vibrant orange and pink waves set against a pastel background create a striking contrast, perfect for the free-spirited and fashion-forward. It’s like carrying a piece of summer’s electrifying energy right at your fingertips.

Consumables List:

• Pastel orange gel polish for the base
• Neon pink and green gel polishes for the wave accents
• Fine-tip brush for detail work
• Glossy top coat for a smooth finish

Author’s Recommendations: After the pastel base coat, use the fine-tip brush to paint your neon waves. Alternate colors for a dynamic look and let each layer cure completely. Finish with a glossy top coat for a smooth, protective layer that will let your neon waves ride high all season long.

Enchanted Forest

Step into an enchanted forest with this mesmerizing combination of earthy green and sparkling glitter. The matte finish on the middle fingers brings out a modern, sophisticated look, while the glitter nails add a touch of fairy-tale magic. It’s a design that’s grounded yet glamorous, perfect for those summer nights under the stars.

Consumables List:

• Earthy green gel polish – OPI GelColor in “Stay Off the Lawn!”
• Green glitter gel polish – Gelish “Diamonds Are My BFF”
• Matte top coat for the middle fingers – Essie Matte About You

Author’s Recommendations: Start with two coats of the earthy green polish, followed by the green glitter gel on the index and little fingers. For the middle fingers, apply a matte top coat to contrast the sparkle. The result is a set of nails that’s as enchanting as a forest whisper.

Golden Sunshine

Embody the warmth of the summer sun with this golden yellow gel manicure. The soft, buttery hue is a cheerful nod to the sunny days ahead, while the golden accent nail adds a rich, luxurious feel. This manicure is like a burst of sunshine on your fingertips, ready to brighten any summer day.

Consumables List:

• Golden yellow gel polish – Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Sunrise Salutation”
• Gold foil or metallic gel polish for the accent
• No-wipe top coat for a durable, sunshine-ready finish

Author’s Recommendations: Apply the golden yellow polish as your main color, ensuring even coverage. Use gold foil or metallic polish to create an accent nail that catches the light with every gesture. A no-wipe top coat will keep your nails gleaming like the summer sun.

Classic Red Reimagined

Rediscover the power of classic red with a modern twist. These short, vibrant red gel nails are bold and beautiful, a timeless color with a contemporary shape. They’re perfect for expressing confidence and classic style with a fresh, 2024 spin.

Consumables List:

• Vibrant red gel polish – Gelish “Red Roses”
• High-gloss top coat for a classic, candy-apple finish

Author’s Recommendations: For a truly vibrant look, apply two coats of “Red Roses” and cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp. A high-gloss top coat will give your nails that candy-apple shine that’s always in vogue.

Pop of Pink

Make a statement with this pop of pink gel manicure. The bright, bubblegum pink brings a playful and vibrant vibe to your summer look. It’s a manicure that says you’re here to enjoy every splash of color that life has to offer.

Consumables List:

• Bubblegum pink gel polish – OPI GelColor in “Shorts Story”
• UV/LED lamp for curing
• No-wipe top coat for a fuss-free, glossy finish

Author’s Recommendations: Lay down a base coat, followed by two coats of the bubblegum pink polish. Cure each layer under the lamp and finish with a no-wipe top coat for a glossy, vibrant look that lasts.

Deep Emerald Elegance

This deep emerald gel manicure exudes an elegance that’s both regal and timeless. The lush green shade is a nod to the natural beauty of summer’s foliage, providing a sophisticated look that’s perfect for both day and night. It’s a color that promises mystery and luxury, making it a stunning choice for any summer event.

Consumables List:

• Deep emerald gel polish – Essie Gel Couture “Off Tropic”
• High-gloss top coat – OPI GelColor Top Coat

Author’s Recommendations: Begin with a clean, prepped nail before applying a base coat. Then, layer on two coats of the deep emerald polish, curing each thoroughly. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the deep, rich color and provide a long-lasting, chip-resistant manicure.

Modern French Chic

Redefine French manicure standards with this modern twist on the classic design. The transparent base combined with the nude pink tips creates a subtle yet striking effect, perfect for a polished, minimalist summer look. This manicure is the epitome of chic simplicity.

Consumables List:

• Nude pink gel polish – OPI GelColor in “Bubble Bath”
• Transparent gel polish for base
• Fine-tip brush for precision in tip application
• No-wipe glossy top coat for a sleek finish

Author’s Recommendations: Start with a transparent gel polish as the base to give that barely-there look. With a fine-tip brush, carefully paint the nude pink tips, ensuring a crisp edge. Cure under the lamp and seal with a no-wipe glossy top coat for a flawless finish that’s modern and stylish.