Summer Nail Trends to Elevate Your Seasonal Style 25 Ideas

When the sun is out and the days are long, isn’t it the perfect time to let your nails do a bit of the talking? What styles will keep your hands in the spotlight from beach lounging to summer nights out? We’ve got the scoop on the hottest summer nail trends that are making waves this season.

The Serenity of Sea Glass

Nothing whispers “summer” quite like the cool, translucent touch of sea glass on your fingertips.

These long nails that blend a sea glass color pattern with an almond shape are as refreshing as a dip in the ocean. The glittery inclusions nestled in a clear gel are reminiscent of a sunlit coral reef. This design is perfect for both dark skin tones and lighter complexions, offering a versatile and trendy look.

• Consumables List:
  • Clear gel: CND Brisa Sculpting Gel
  • Teal glitter: Young Nails Glitter in “Ocean”
  • Foil accents: Daily Charme Foil Flakes in “Gold Rush”
  • Topcoat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat

DIY Guide: Begin with an almond shaping of your gel extensions. Mix your clear gel with teal glitter, and apply sparingly for a scattered effect. Strategically place foil flakes before curing. Finish with a long-lasting topcoat to encapsulate the serenity of the sea right on your nails.

Twilight by the Sea

When the sky meets the sea at dusk, these nails are the embodiment of that magical summer moment.

The deep navy hue, with its simple yet bold color, captures the essence of a twilight ocean. The short and chic length makes them practical for summer activities, while the single long stripe adds a touch of elegance.

• Consumables List:
  • Navy polish: OPI Nail Lacquer in “Russian Navy”
  • Striping tape
  • Matte topcoat: Matte Velvet Top Coat by Zoya

DIY Guide: Start with two coats of your navy polish. Once dry, use striping tape to create a clean line, then paint over it with a matte topcoat for a contrasting finish. The result is a design summer essential that pairs perfectly with a cocktail dress or a simple tee.

A Flirt with Pink Perfection

Soft yet vibrant, this pink is the quintessence of summer nail trends, playful and bright like the season’s blooming flowers.

The long pink nails, with their smooth, jelly finish and subtle flower accents, evoke the carefree spirit of summer. The choice of simple yet preppy glitter gradient at the tips is both new and nostalgically chic.

• Consumables List:
  • Pink jelly polish: Dior Vernis in “Tra-La-La”
  • Glitter for gradient: Nails Inc. London Sparkle Like a Unicorn Nail Polish Duo Kit
  • Topcoat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

DIY Guide: After your base coat, apply the jelly polish in thin layers to build the color intensity. Before the final layer dries, gently dab on the glitter towards the tips for that sugary sweet gradient. Seal it all with a glossy topcoat for a long-lasting summer flirtation on your fingertips.

Whispering Waves

Ethereal and dreamy, these nails remind one of gentle waves caressing sandy shores on a moonlit beach vacation.

The transparency and delicate marbling effect create a simple yet sophisticated design summer look. The long nails provide the perfect canvas for the art, allowing the green and white hues to swirl together like soft sea foam.

• Consumables List:
  • Clear nail extension gel
  • Marbling tints: Entity One Color Couture in “Seafoam” and “Snow White”
  • Finishing wipe: Gelish Nail Surface Cleanse

DIY Guide: Begin by sculpting your nails with the extension gel for that long simple elegance. Then, working quickly, apply drops of green and white and use a toothpick to marble them together. Cure under a lamp and cleanse any residue for an otherworldly nail type statement.

Safari Chic

Who says summer nail trends can’t take a walk on the wild side? These nails are a bold testament to the inspo drawn from nature’s own patterns.

The combination of neutral tones with the bold animal print offers a daring contrast that’s both sophisticated and fun. The coffin long shape gives an edgy backdrop to the designs, making it a standout choice for those looking to make a statement.

• Consumables List:
  • Beige polish: OPI Infinite Shine in “You’re Blushing Again”
  • Print polishes: Essie’s “Licorice” and “Sand Tropez”
  • Detailing brush: Winstonia Fine Line Nail Art Brush

DIY Guide: After your base coat, apply a beige polish as the background. Use a fine brush to hand-paint the animal patterns with black and a lighter sand color. Finish with a topcoat that brings out the chrome accents and ensures your nail shape stays fierce and flawless through any summer adventure.

Red Hot Summer Finesse

There’s a fiery allure to a classic red that’s undeniably perfect for any summer adventure.

The long nails presented here are a bold statement of passion and confidence. The singular accent nail adorned with delicate gold leaf art elevates the whole set, making it the trendy choice for those with a mood for drama.

• Consumables List:
  • Red polish: Essie Gel Couture in “Rock the Runway”
  • Gold leaf: Nail Artisan Cosmetics Gold Leaf Sheets
  • Topcoat: CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat

DIY Guide: After your base, apply two coats of the red polish. For the accent, apply gold leaf on a tacky base layer of polish and seal it with a topcoat for a summer look that’s as hot as the weather.

Summer Sizzle with a Wild Twist

Unleash your wild side with nails that scream summer fun and freedom.

These short gel nails in an electric neon orange are nothing short of a summer sensation. The contrasting animal print on the ring finger is a nod to the bold patterns trending in Europe’s fashion scene.

• Consumables List:
  • Neon polish: China Glaze in “Celtic Sun”
  • Black detailing polish: Konad Stamping Nail Art in “Black”
  • Matte topcoat: OPI Matte Top Coat

DIY Guide: Begin with neon polish, and for the animal print, use a small brush or a dotting tool to create the spots. Finish with a matte topcoat to keep it fierce and fabulous from sunrise to sunset.

Oceanic Curls and Waves

Invoke the serene waves of the ocean with these beautifully crafted nails.

The almond shape combined with a tranquil seafoam green and swirls of white and navy encapsulate the rhythmic movement of the ocean waves. The addition of blue glitter adds depth, mimicking the sparkling color pattern of water in sunlight.

• Consumables List:
  • Seafoam green polish: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in “Breezy Blue”
  • White and navy polish: OPI in “Alpine Snow” and “Yoga-ta Get this Blue”
  • Blue glitter: Orly in “Star Spangled”

DIY Guide: Swirl the white and navy on a seafoam base while wet, then add hints of glitter. Use a thin brush for precision and finish with a glossy topcoat for that long-lasting oceanic vibe.

The Quintessential Summer Square With A Preppy Twist

In the professional realm of manicures, this design captures the essence of Europe’s trendy streets with its sharp summer square shape and preppy finish. It’s a love letter to the bold yet understated:

• The base is a high-gloss nude, ideal for dark skin or a sun-kissed tan, offering a perfect canvas for the design.
• A singular green nail provides a pop of color – a nod to the lush greenery of summer.
• The geometric precision of the black strip on a single nail is the epitome of chic inspo.
• Delicate, yet striking, the flower accent on the ring finger is a whisper of elegance.

To recreate this ensemble, you’ll need:

• Nude polish – choose one with a creamy finish for that luxe look
• A vivid green polish – for that pop of summer
• Black striping tape or a fine brush and black polish
• A tiny flower decal – or hand-paint one if you’re feeling artistic

Bringing this look home requires a steady hand and a taste for minimalism. Start with a quality base coat, followed by two coats of your chosen nude. For the green nail, go bold but careful to keep it neat. The striping tape comes next, or use a fine brush to draw your line. Finish with a high-gloss topcoat, and carefully apply your flower decal for that professional touch.

Neon Dreams: The Bold and the Beautiful

This design screams bright, neon, and unapologetically fun – a surefire hit for beach vacations. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• The audacious neon tips take you back to the funk and spunk of the 80s.
• The long simple nails serve as an ideal backdrop for the vibrant tips, showcasing that long doesn’t have to mean elaborate.
• The combination of neon pink and yellow tips is a nod to trendy color patterns, evoking the lively spirit of summer.

To nail this design, your kit should include:

• A flesh-toned gel polish for a sleek, long-lasting base
• Neon pink and neon yellow polishes for those radiant tips
• A fine-tip brush to get the lines just right

DIY tip: After your base coat and nude gel polish, use a fine-tip brush to paint the neon tips. It’s about free-handing with confidence – if you wobble, no worries, a little acetone on a clean brush can tidy it up. Cure under a lamp, and seal with a topcoat for that glass-like sheen.

Neon Edge

Summertime is neon time, and these nails scream neon excitement with bold, bright borders. It’s the perfect long white canvas splashed with electric colors—a design that balances chic with shock. This look is trendy, striking, and shouts summer from the rooftops.

Consumables:

• White polish
• Neon polishes (pink and yellow)
• Precision brush or striping tape
• Quick-dry topcoat

As a manicurist, I’d say precision is key for the clean edges. A thin brush will help create those sharp lines.

To do it yourself, paint your nails white and once they’re dry, carefully apply the neon polish along the edges with your brush or tape as a guide. Finish with a quick-dry topcoat to lock in the look.

Lavender Dreams

The soft, white base overlaid with a dreamy lavender tint sets a serene scene, invoking images of a twilight sky. It’s a design that’s both calming and captivating, suited for the gentle summer nights. The long simple elegance of this manicure makes it versatile and timeless, just like those endless summer evenings.

Consumables:

• Lavender polish
• White polish
• High-shine topcoat

In my experience, combining two pastels can create an ethereal effect that’s quite enchanting for the summer.

For a home attempt, apply the white base, followed by a gentle swipe of lavender. Blend lightly to achieve that soft gradient. A high-shine topcoat will add the final touch of magic.

Candy Shop Spectrum

Summertime is synonymous with vivid, splashy colors, and what better way to showcase this than through a medley of pastel hues? Each nail dons a different shade, creating a playful palette that feels like dipping your fingers into a jar of sweet confections. This short gel manicure suits every nail type and radiates a fun, preppy vibe that’s absolutely trending.

Consumables:

• Pastel yellow gel polish
• Baby pink gel polish
• Sky blue gel polish
• Lavender gel polish
• Creamy gel polish
• Base and top coat

From a pro’s perspective, a gel formulation is key for longevity, especially if you’re planning to hit the beach vacations circuit.

At home, apply a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp. Then apply two coats of each color, curing after each. Remember, the top coat is what gives you that enviable summer shine.

Love in the Air

Inspiration strikes and love is painted in red on a teal canvas in this long, simple nail design. A trendy choice for summer designs, it combines a seductive red color with playful accents on soothing teal. This design is perfect for those looking to add a touch of whimsy to their summer closet.

Consumables:

• Teal polish
• Red polish
• Dotting tool or toothpick
• Clear topcoat

This design calls for a steady hand and a bit of patience, but the end result is nothing short of delightful.

For DIY enthusiasts, paint your nails with teal polish and let it dry completely. Then, using a dotting tool, add little red designs. Finish with a top coat to capture the love!

Safari So Good

Unleash your wild side with these long nails that scream adventure. The bright yellow base accented with black tiger stripes is daring, trendy, and perfect for making a bold statement. It’s a chrome-like finish that captures the essence of a long simple nail design with a twist that’s sure to turn heads during your European summer escapades.

Consumables:

• Bright yellow polish
• Black striping polish
• Glossy topcoat

As a professional, I’d recommend practicing the stripes on paper first to get the hang of it.

For your safari-inspired nails at home, paint a bright yellow base, let it dry, then artfully draw on the black stripes. Finish with a high-gloss topcoat for that fierce look.

Icy Blue Waves

Embrace the coolness of the ocean with this long white nail design featuring an icy blue wave pattern. It’s an inspo for those longing for beach vacations, with a subtle hint of sparkle mimicking sunlight dancing on the water’s surface. The chrome finish adds an unexpected trendy touch to this design summer classic.

Consumables:

• White chrome polish
• Icy blue polish
• Glitter topcoat
• Detailing brush

For a professional look, use a chrome polish that offers a mirror-like finish, giving your design an green sea vibe.

The key to nailing this look at home is patience. Use a detailing brush to paint the wave pattern, and don’t rush the drying time between layers. Top it off with a glitter topcoat for that shimmering sea effect.

Classic Elegance

When it comes to timeless styles, a coffin long nail in a classic red is hard to beat. It’s the epitome of elegance, suitable for both dark skin tones and fair complexions, making it a perfect choice for any summer occasion. Whether it’s a formal event or a casual day out, this simple, bold color remains a staple in nail shape fashion.

Consumables:

• Deep red polish
• Base coat
• High-shine topcoat

This look is all about the prep. A smooth, clean nail bed and a quality base coat are the foundations of this stunning long red.

To achieve this long simple design at home, apply a thorough base coat, two coats of your chosen red polish, and then seal it with a high-gloss topcoat to give that luxurious, wet-look finish.

Classic Pink with a Modern Twist

Behold a shade that sings the sweet tunes of summer: a lush, bubblegum pink that’s both playful and poised.

The long simple nails painted in a candy-like pink shade bring out an aura of youthful exuberance perfect for summer nail trends. The shape is a nod to the classic, but the uniform, sleek color gives it a modern edge.

• Consumables List:
  • Pink polish: OPI Infinite Shine in “Mod About You”
  • Basecoat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
  • Topcoat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Guide: Prime your nails with the basecoat for longevity. Paint two even coats of the pink polish, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Finish with a glossy topcoat for a candy shell finish that’s long-lasting and sweet as summer itself.

Vivid Violets

Dip into a more dramatic palette and these nails will be a real showstopper. Dark glossy purple framed by sparkling accents is a bold statement perfect for summer nights.

• Consumables List:
  • Deep violet polish: Choose a high-pigment polish for a deep color base.
  • Glitter accents: Select a multi-dimensional glitter for that starry effect.
  • Gems: Crystal gems to catch the summer light.

To achieve this luxurious look, apply your violet base, carefully place your glitter, and accent with gems using a tiny dab of nail glue.

Sunkissed Gradient

This design summer brings the magic of sunsets to your fingertips. The smooth gradient from a sunny yellow to a deep twilight blue, topped with a delicate lace pattern, is reminiscent of summer skies.

• Consumables List:
  • Gradient polishes: Sunny yellow and twilight blue.
  • Lace stencil: For that detailed pattern overlay.
  • Matte topcoat: To give the gradient a soft, summer-evening finish.

Begin with the lighter color at the base, blending into the darker hue at the tip. Use a sponge for the gradient effect. Apply the lace stencil design, and finish with a matte topcoat for a serene summer dusk feeling.

Radiant in Red and Green

These nails, showcasing an almond green base with red accents, are perfect for someone with a zest for life. It’s a unique twist on the trendy green nail, adding a pop of red for contrast.

• Lush green gel polish (“Emerald Envy” by EverGreen)
• Vibrant red polish for dots (“Ruby Rhythms” by ColorPop)
• Dotting tool for precision

For this fun design, paint your base color, then with a dotting tool, add red dots in a pattern you love. Seal it with a top coat, and you’re set to turn heads.

The Sweet Side of Splatter

The short gel nails pictured here are a playful take on a pink canvas with a spirited splatter, bringing to mind a carefree summer fiesta. This nail shape is practical for everyday wear while the vibrant pink and gold splatter gives it that trendy edge.

• Pink gel polish (“Candy Floss Delight” by Gelicious)
• Gold splatter accents (“Golden Glee” paint)
• Matte top coat (“Velvet Touch” by MatteIt)

Begin with a solid pink base, then flick your wrist to splatter the gold. Finish with a matte top coat for a modern twist. This design suits those looking for something fresh yet simple and perfect for any summer adventure.

Majestic Purple Meets Playful Orange

Here’s a design that demands attention with its bold purple and a delightful splash of orange, adorned with silver accents. It’s a fusion of colors fit for the best of summer celebrations.

• Purple gel polish (“Royal Velvet” by RegalNails)
• Bright orange polish (“Sunset Burst” by TropicalShine)
• Silver gemstones (Assorted sizes from “Bling Box” by NailGems)

Paint a purple base, allow it to set, then add orange accents. The silver gemstones are the grand finale, transforming your nails into a work of art. It’s a trendy choice that encapsulates inspo drawn from summer’s contrasting hues.

Vibrant Contrasts and Marble Elegance

Imagine nails that are as lively and spirited as a summer festival.

This nail design embodies the essence of summer with its neon yellow and deep plum hues, accented by a sophisticated marble effect. The long almond shape serves as a canvas for a color pattern that’s both bright and bold, perfect for those endless summer square moments.

• Consumables List:
  • Neon yellow polish: China Glaze in “Celtic Sun”
  • Plum polish: OPI in “Lincoln Park After Dark”
  • Marble ink: Daily Charme Alcohol Ink in “Rose Quartz”
  • Gold leaf: The Nail Stuff Gold Leaf Sheets

DIY Guide: Alternate the neon and plum on different nails for a vivid contrast. For the marble nail, drop rose quartz ink on a white base and manipulate it with a brush dipped in alcohol. Add fragments of gold leaf and seal it all with a long-lasting topcoat for a design that’s as unique as a summer sunset.