Summer 2024’s Trendsetting Nail Color Palette 26 Ideas

Are you ready to adorn your nails with the season’s freshest hues? Summer 2024 is all about vibrant splashes of color, daring designs, and textures that feel as good as they look. From the sun-kissed beaches to the urban jungle, let’s explore how the trending popular nail colors summer 2024 can elevate your style to new heights.

A Symphony of Pastels

As a professional manicurist, I’m absolutely enchanted by the pastel playfulness in this design. The seamless transition of matte finishes from pink to a soft, mellow yellow, ending in a serene aqua, embodies the carefree spirit of Summer. The pastels are not only on-trend but also perfect for a variety of skin tones.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: Essie Here To Stay
  • Pastel Polishes: Essie’s Spring Collection (Pink, Lilac, Lemon, Mint)
  • Top Coat: Gelish Matte Top It Off
  • Accent Ring: Daisy Delight Designer Ring

Creating this design is a breeze with the right products. Begin with a hydrating base coat to protect your nails. Once that’s settled, apply two coats of each pastel polish, following the natural arch of your nail for that soft almond shape. Finish with a matte top coat for that summer-suave look.

Vivid Green with a Twist of Pink

In this striking design, the boldness of green takes center stage. As now, the 2024 summer calls for audacity in our palette, and this shade of green paired with a cheeky pink leopard print does just that. The almond shape lends a classy touch, perfect for those looking to make a statement.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
  • Green Polish: Gelish “Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow”
  • Pink Accent Polish: OPI “Kiss Me on My Tulips”
  • Leopard Print Tool: Dotting pens and thin brushes

To replicate this look, start with a strong base coat, then smoothly apply your green polish. For the accent nail, dab pink spots sporadically, then use a thin brush to add touches of black to create the leopard effect. Seal it with a glossy top coat to enhance the colors.

Pink Nude Elegance

This manicure speaks to the lovers of understated elegance. The neutral toe color is a timeless classic, offering a chic complement to both casual and formal attire. It’s a universal choice that resonates with the 2024 by skin tone range, providing a harmonious blend with both light and dark skin.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
  • Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
  • Rings: Minimalist Sterling Bands

For a DIY approach, ensure your nails are clean and filed. Apply the base coat, then two layers of Essie’s “Ballet Slippers.” To achieve a salon-quality finish, apply a fast-drying top coat. This neutral look is the epitome of classy summer simplicity.

Lavender Dreams with Floral Accents

The lavender hue here is utterly trendy and complements the intricate floral art, bringing an air of romance to the short french manicure. The playful interaction of the floral design on a plain background shows that summer is a time for both color and creativity.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
  • Lavender Polish: Essie “Go Ginza”
  • Floral Stickers: Vintage Blossom Nail Art
  • Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Creating this floral fantasy involves painting your nails with the base coat, followed by two coats of lavender. Apply the floral stickers on the accent nail while the polish is still tacky. Finish with a gel top coat for longevity.

Bold Fuchsia Fantasy

Embrace the boldness of fuchsia with this cute yet daring design. The ombre french technique on the accent nail adds an extra flair, making it a perfect bold choice for those with an eye for drama. The color pops especially well against dark o tanned skin, showcasing a contrast that is both striking and delightful.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
  • Fuchsia Polish: Gelish “Shake It Till You Samba”
  • Ombre French Tip: White polish and a sponge
  • Top Coat: INM Out The Door Top Coat
  • Nail Art Brush: For precision in ombre application

To nail this look, begin with your base coat, followed by two coats of vibrant fuchsia. For the ombre effect, apply a dab of white polish to a sponge and gently pat the tips, blending downwards. Seal your artwork with a high-shine top coat.

Electrifying Blue and Wild Spots

The vivid blue and neon-spotted design here is nothing short of a summer spectacle. The bold blue makes a confident statement, reminiscent of clear 2024 summer skies, while the neon yellow with black leopard spots captures the adventurous spirit of the current trends. These acrylic nails are perfect for those who embody boldness and spontaneity.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
  • Blue Polish: Essie “Butler Please”
  • Neon Yellow Polish: China Glaze “Celtic Sun”
  • Black Detailing Polish: Orly “Liquid Vinyl”
  • Detailing Brush: For precise spots and outlines

Creating this wild look requires a steady hand and an eye for detail. Paint your base and two coats of blue, followed by neon yellow on your accent nails. Use a fine brush to add black spots and details to complete the leopard print.

Lush Green Energy

This shade of green is lively and refreshing, echoing the essence of summer foliage. The glossy finish captures the light beautifully, making these shellac-coated nails a vibrant choice for any 2024 outdoor event or a casual day out.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: Gelish Foundation Base Gel
  • Green Polish: CND Shellac “Lush Tropics”
  • Top Coat: CND Shellac Top Coat
  • Cuticle Oil: SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care

For at-home application, start with a thin base coat, then apply two layers of the green polish, curing under a UV lamp as needed. Finish with a top coat for that lasting shine and nourish the cuticles with oil for a clean, healthy look.

Chrome Pink Perfection

The future is here with this mirror-finish chrome design that’s as sleek as it is reflective. Perfect for those who appreciate a futuristic vibe, this design blends bold with classy, and the elongated shape adds a touch of drama to the trendy metallic finish.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
  • Chrome Powder: Mirror Nail Powder in Pink
  • Gel Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
  • UV Lamp: For curing the gel polish

To achieve this metallic sheen, apply a base coat and cure, then add a layer of black or dark polish as a base for the chrome. Gently rub in the chrome powder, seal with a gel top coat, and cure for a durable, high-gloss finish.

Serene Sky Blue Shimmer

Soft sky blue with a hint of shimmer offers a tranquil retreat from the summer heat. This gel manicure’s light-reflecting particles add depth and dimension, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a subtle yet captivating style.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: Orly Rubberized Base Coat
  • Sky Blue Shimmer Polish: OPI “The I’s Have It”
  • Gel Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

Crafting this manicure at home is simple. Apply your base, then two coats of the sky blue shimmer. Allow to dry and add a gel top coat for extra protection and shine, reflecting the light and your impeccable style.

Edgy Cow Print Charm

An audacious take on the animal print trend, this short french tip acrylic design with cow print offers an edgy yet cute twist on the classic french manicure. It’s playful, yet the neutral pink base keeps it sophisticated—ideal for those who love to mix world styles with personal flair.

• Consumables for this design:
  • Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann All About That Base
  • Pink Polish: Essie “Mademoiselle”
  • Black and White Polishes: Sally Hansen “White On” and “Black Out”
  • Detailing Tool: For the cow print design

Creating this design is all about precision. After your base coat and pink polish, use a detailing tool to paint the cow print. The key is to be random with shapes and sizes for authenticity. Seal it with a top coat for a lasting trendy finish.

The Classic Red Reimagined

A Vivid Stroke of Passion

Embracing a timeless hue, this nail design features a glossy, deep red that speaks volumes of a classic style with a modern twist. The richness of the color is a head-turner, perfect for any skin tone, adding an air of sophistication to your summer ensemble.

• Essie Gel Couture in ‘Bordeaux’ – a deep wine red
• High-gloss top coat for a durable, wet look
• A base coat to protect and prolong color vibrancy

Creating this bold look is a breeze. Start with a clean, buffed nail surface. Apply a base coat, followed by two coats of Essie’s Bordeaux, and seal it with a glossy top coat. The result? A classy, bold statement that’s quintessentially summer.

Sheer Elegance of Neutral

Whispers of Chic

2024 summer ushers in the understated elegance of neutral shades. Here, the soft beige polish exudes sheer chicness, complementing a range of 2024 by skin tone range, especially flattering on dark skin tones.

• Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in ‘Creme de la Creme’
• Matte top coat for a contemporary finish
• A hint of iridescent glitter for a subtle sparkle

To achieve this sophisticated neutral look, apply a base coat, then two coats of Gelish’s ‘Creme de la Creme’, and finish with a matte top coat. A sprinkle of glitter on the ring fingernail adds an unexpected cute twist.

Sunset Orange: Bold and Beautiful

The Citrus Splash

Boldly mirroring the vibrant sunsets, this zesty orange is an epitome of trendy 2024 summer styles. It’s a perfect match for a bold and cute look that stands out in the world styles of manicures.

• OPI Gel Color in ‘My Chihuahua Bites!’
• A touch of fine gold glitter along the cuticles
• Orange sticks and cuticle oil for prep and finish

Start with well-moisturized cuticles, then layer on OPI’s orange gel color. For an extra pop, dust fine gold glitter along the cuticle line. This playful yet classy look is sunshine at your fingertips.

The Refreshing Green of Nature

A Dip into Freshness

Reflecting the lush greens of summer, this vibrant shade brings a breath of fresh air. It’s perfect for those looking to make a statement with their short french or almond french nails.

• Dip powder in a verdant green shade
• A protective top coat for lasting shine
• Simple tools like a buffer and a clean-up brush

After applying your base coat, dip into the green powder, brush off the excess, and seal with a shiny top coat. This hue is not just trendy; it’s a conversation starter.

The Deep Purple of Dusk

The Evening Muse

As day turns to night, summer skies boast a palette of purples that this nail design captures perfectly. Suited for an ombre french or a full-color statement, it’s a nod to 2024’s love for depth and mystery.

• CND Shellac in ‘Purple Purple’
• An ultra-glossy top coat for a gel-like finish
• Accent pieces like tiny rhinestones for a touch of glamour

For this majestic look, layer your shellac color, let it cure, and then apply a high-shine top coat. Adorn with rhinestones for an extra dose of nighttime sparkle.

The Sunrise Gradient

Catching the First Light

The delicate transition from a soft pink to a serene blue mirrors the splendid gradient of a summer sunrise. This design is a fresh take on ombre french nails, adding a whimsical touch to the current nail trends.

• Light blue and pink Gel polishes for the gradient
• White polish for the web-like pattern detail
• A detail brush to achieve the intricate designs

Start by blending your blue and pink base shades to recreate that gentle dawn sky. Once dried, use a fine brush dipped in white polish to sketch the web pattern. The resulting look is a dazzling play of light and color, perfect for any trendy summer day.

The Tortoise Shell Twist

A Nature-Inspired Artwork

This season, the tortoise shell design is making a comeback with a bold twist. The striking contrast of opaque brown against the translucent base is undeniably sophisticated and suits a dark skin palette beautifully.

• Acrylic powder in translucent and opaque brown
• Gold foil for the luxurious embellishments
• High-gloss Gel topcoat to seal and shine

Layer your acrylic powders to mimic the tortoise pattern, applying small pieces of gold foil for an extravagant effect. Finish with a top coat for a glossy sheen. It’s a luxurious style statement that resonates with world styles.

The Marbled Elegance

Whispers of Watercolor

Marble isn’t just for countertops; it’s one of the trendy 2024 summer nail styles. The white and translucent marbling effect on these nails exudes a neutral, classy look with a hint of artistic flair.

• White Gel polish for the marble base
• A swirling tool to create the marble effect
• A no-wipe top coat for a realistic marble finish

Use a dotting tool to swirl your white gel into the desired marble pattern. This technique might require a bit of practice, but the outcome is a neutral toe-nail game-changer that’s both cute and classy.

The Subtle Earthy Palette

Grounded in Nature

A spectrum of earthy tones from a tender baby boomer pink to a muted sage brings forth a neutral palette that’s a favorite this summer. These colors offer a classy and versatile choice, perfect for toe and fingernails alike.

• A range of Gel polishes in earthy hues
• A soft, gelish topcoat for a subdued sheen
• A flat brush for even application

Apply each color carefully for a seamless look. These shades are ideal for anyone looking for a subtle yet bold statement, aligning with the natural colors of 2024.

The Deep Blue Sea

A Dive into the Depths

As deep and mysterious as the ocean, this blue is the epitome of 2024 summer elegance. It’s a bold yet understated choice, making it one of the popular nail colors summer 2024.

• Dark blue Polish for the base
• A shiny Gel topcoat for depth
• A little patience for perfect application

This deep blue requires precision in application for a flawless finish. Pair with a shiny topcoat to mimic the reflective nature of the sea. It’s an excellent pick for a short french tip acrylic style with a trendy twist.

The Luminous Lemon Zest

A Zesty Summer Pop

This brilliant yellow nail color is like a slice of sunshine, radiating a zestful energy for the summer season. It’s a lively shade that’s perfectly bold and irresistibly cute.

• Essie ‘Aim to Misbehave’ – a vibrant yellow polish
• A strong, long-lasting top coat to maintain the vibrancy
• Cuticle oil for a neat and clean finish

Apply two coats of ‘Aim to Misbehave’ to each nail, followed by your top coat for extra shine and durability. It’s a look that says now is the time for fun and frolic in the 2024 summer sun.

The Glittering Skyline

Starry Night on Your Fingertips

Echoing a starlit night, these nails feature a soft lavender base with a standout glittery blue accent. It’s a heavenly combo that’s trendy, playing well with the ombre french tip trend.

• Gelish ‘June Bride’ for the glittery blue
• A range of pastel Polish for the base and tips
• Rhinestones for an added sparkle

Start with a soft pastel base, apply the Gelish glitter polish on the accent nail, and finish with the white tips. Adorn with rhinestones for a celestial charm that’s all the rage this summer.

The Sophisticated Slate

A Touch of Refined Elegance

The slate grey nails encapsulate a sleek and sophisticated aura, a perfect choice for those who prefer a neutral but impactful statement in their summer 2024 style.

• CND Shellac in ‘Cityscape’ – a modern grey
• Gel topcoat for a glossy, smooth finish
• A precise brush for the clean edges

Layer the CND Shellac polish and use a brush to create the perfect outline, ensuring each nail is coated evenly. It’s a classy choice that compliments a dark skin tone just as beautifully as it does a lighter one.

The Rebirth of French Elegance

A Modern Classic Reinvented

The iconic French manicure finds a new edge in 2024 with a dramatic twist of stark white tips on a neutral base. It’s a bold yet classy approach, perfect for dark skin tones and a neutral toe look that’s ready for any summer escapade.

• OPI ‘Alpine Snow’ for the white tips
• A sheer pink Gel polish for the base
• An ultra-glossy topcoat for that gelish shine

Craft this look by first applying a sheer pink base, followed by precise white tips using ‘Alpine Snow’. Seal with a topcoat for a short french yet trendy appearance that’s as cute as it is timeless.

The Bold Hunter Green

Deep in the Green Forest

As if plucked from the depth of an evergreen forest, this hunter green polish makes a bold statement for 2024 summer. Its deep hue is versatile for current trends, fitting seamlessly into world styles.

• Essie ‘Off Tropic’ for a lush green
• A strengthening base coat for nail health
• A slick topcoat for a durable, shiny finish

Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of ‘Off Tropic’ for that rich, forest-like depth. A glossy topcoat adds that final touch of elegance, making it one of the popular nail colors summer 2024.

The Whimsical Polka Dot

Playful Patterns Meet Sophistication

Blue polka dots scatter across a transparent base in a playful dance of color and light. This design is perfect for someone who wants to combine bold and cute in a trendy way, fitting for the light-hearted spirit of 2024.

• A clear Gel base for the transparent look
• OPI ‘Tile Art to Warm Your Heart’ for the dots
• A dotting tool for the perfect polka

Start with a clear gel base. Once cured, dip your dotting tool into the blue polish and create evenly spaced dots. This design adds a splash of fun to your summer attire, channeling 2024 by skin tone range with its universal charm.