The Ultimate Guide to Short Summer Nails 26 Ideas: Trends, Tips, and Maintenance

When the mercury rises and the days stretch longer, it’s time to let your nails mirror the vivacity of the season. This summer of 2024, short summer nails are making a splash, proving that length does not dictate style. Are you ready to flaunt the trends that will define this sun-kissed season?

Coral Charm

Professional Insight:

The first glance at these nails brings to mind the fresh, juicy hues of summer fruits. A smooth, coral gel polish lays the foundation for a playful yet sophisticated look. It’s the embodiment of 2024 color trends, vibrant yet pleasantly subdued. The impeccable gel mani finish adds a sheen that captures the summer light, making it a perfect inspo for beach outings or summer night gatherings.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Coral gel polish: Essie Gel Couture – Coral Coast
• Topcoat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
• UV or LED lamp for curing

DIY Tips:

Begin with clean, buffed nails. Apply the base coat and cure under a lamp. Follow with two coats of the Coral Coast gel, curing after each. Seal with the top coat and bask in the glow of your super summer-ready nails.

Subtle Elegance

Professional Insight:

A whisper of pink on a 2024 simple nail design speaks volumes about elegance. These nails showcase a simple, natural look that’s easy to maintain and perfect for anyone looking for a simple one color style that transitions seamlessly from office to soirée. The 2024 square shape adds a modern touch to the classic pink hue, presenting a manicure that’s both cute and professional.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Pink polish: OPI Bubble Bath
• Topcoat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After your base coat, apply two thin coats of OPI Bubble Bath. Its sheer formula is forgiving for at-home applications. Finish with a topcoat for a durable, glossy sheen.

Fiery Red

Professional Insight:

Bold and timeless, the fiery red nails are a testament to the enduring appeal of red. A classic color that makes a statement, this look is a 2024 gel marvel. The almond shape is both edgy and feminine, perfect for those summer nights out.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Red gel polish: Gelish – Red Roses
• Topcoat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer

DIY Tips:

Achieving this bold look at home requires patience. Apply your base, then layer the red gel polish, curing each coat. A final top coat layer ensures longevity and gloss.

Floral Dreams

Professional Insight:

This delicate design brings forth the essence of summer gardens onto your fingertips. The art of these white blooms on a neutral base is a chic design idea that requires precision. It’s a fun yet aesthetic choice that’s far from overbearing, a subtle nod to the florals of the season.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation
• Nude polish: Zoya – Avery
• White polish for art: Sally Hansen White On
• Detail brush for nail art

DIY Tips:

Use a thin brush to hand-paint the floral patterns. Take it slow, and don’t worry about perfection; the charm is in the handmade touch.

Abstract Artistry

Professional Insight:

Here’s where summer’s eclectic vibe shines through. These nails are a canvas for expression—an abstract mix of pink, white, and hints of gold. It’s an inspo set that screams creativity, perfect for the artist at heart or anyone who appreciates a gel mani that’s a walking piece of art.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Pink marble polish: ILNP – Rosewater
• Gold foil
• Nail glue
• Detail brush for intricate designs

DIY Tips:

Create the marble effect with drops of polish on water, then dip your nails. Apply glue for the gold foil and gently press on for a touch of luxe.

Monochrome Elegance

Professional Insight:

Monochromatic nail art is timeless and these nails are no exception. The contrast of black lines over a pale pink base exhibits an aesthetic balance that’s both chic and insporational. This look is a testament to the beauty of 2024 simple designs that speak volumes.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Pale pink polish: Essie – Minimalistic
• Black nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, Black
• Topcoat: INM Out The Door Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Apply the pale pink base and let it dry completely. Then, with a steady hand, create the black line designs using the nail art pen. Seal it all with a quick-drying topcoat.

Geometric Play

Professional Insight:

These nails are a playground of designs 2024 with their sharp geometric lines and bold color choices. The dark base provides a dramatic backdrop for the intricate neon lines, making them a super choice for those looking to make a statement.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Deborah Lippmann All About That Base
• Dark plum gel polish: Gelish – Plum and Done
• Neon nail art liners in pink, yellow, and green
• Topcoat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After the base and plum color application, use nail art liners to draw geometric patterns. Finish with a gel topcoat for extra shine and durability.

Retro Waves

Professional Insight:

This design screams retro summer with its undulating waves of orange, pink, and yellow. The 2024 color trends are well represented in this playful design, perfect for a fun day out or a casual beach getaway.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
• Orange polish: Orly – Melt Your Popsicle
• Pink polish: China Glaze – Shocking Pink
• Yellow polish: OPI – Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet
• Nail art brush

DIY Tips:

Paint each nail with the base coat and then a white polish to make the colors pop. Use a thin nail art brush to paint on the waves in each color, letting each layer dry before applying the next.

Candy Sky

Professional Insight:

Subtle yet delightful, these nails with their pink and blue hues mimic a candy-colored sky. The 2024 simple one color trend is elevated with a thin blue border, making them a cute and easy choice for an everyday summer look.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Pink sheer polish: Essie – Sugar Daddy
• Blue nail art liner: Nails Inc. Nailkale – Duchess Street
• Topcoat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Start with the pink sheer as your base, and once dry, use the blue liner to carefully outline the edges of your nails. Seal with a long-wear topcoat to ensure your candy sky lasts as long as summer days.

Tropical Green

Professional Insight:

Venture into the lush foliage of summer with these green-themed nails. The mix of matte and shiny finishes is a nod to 2024 gel innovation, offering a tropical vibe that’s hard to miss. The addition of a simple white floral design adds a touch of art to the otherwise bold designs 2024.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• Matte green polish: OPI – This Isn’t Greenland
• Glossy green polish: Essie – Off Tropic
• White nail art polish: Sally Hansen – White On
• Matte topcoat: Essie Matte About You Finisher
• Glossy topcoat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Alternate between matte and glossy polishes on different nails for a contrasting look. Apply the white art with a fine brush or dotting tool to draw the floral designs. Use the respective topcoats to preserve the matte or glossy finish.

Sunburst Delight

Professional Insight:

These nails capture the essence of a summer sunset with their warm orange gradient and the delicate sunflower art. The gel nails offer a seamless blend, while the accent nail with designs minimal crystals adds a touch of glamour, embodying a super stylish 2024 simple one color trend with an artistic twist.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Orange gel polish: Gelish – Tiger Blossom
• Yellow gel polish for flower: CND Shellac – Bicycle Yellow
• Rhinestones and adhesive
• Fine detail brush for art
• Topcoat: CND Shellac Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Start with a lighter orange at the base and blend into a darker shade towards the tips. Paint the sunflower on the accent nail and apply a rhinestone in the center. Finish with a topcoat to seal in the design.

Modern French

Professional Insight:

This design is a modern twist on the classic French manicure, with a deep purple tip that adds a pop of color against a translucent natural nail. It’s a 2024 gel design that’s easy and fun to wear, perfectly suited for both a day at work or a night out.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
• Sheer pink polish: Essie – Mademoiselle
• Purple polish for tips: OPI – Purple with a Purpose
• Topcoat: INM Out The Door Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After your base coat, apply the sheer pink for a clean, natural nail look. Carefully paint the tips with the purple polish, using tape as a guide if necessary. Apply the topcoat for a glossy finish.

Soft Edge

Professional Insight:

Soft pink nails with a stark white edge define this 2024 square style. The look is simple, cute, and easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a 2024 simple yet chic design.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Essie All in One Base
• Soft pink polish: OPI – Let’s Be Friends!
• White polish for edge: China Glaze – White on White
• Topcoat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Apply two coats of the soft pink polish, then carefully add a white edge to each nail. Use a striping brush for precision and finish with a quick-dry topcoat.

Bold and Blue

Professional Insight:

A striking blue gel nail paired with a nude base and golden flakes makes this design an embodiment of 2024 color trends and art. It’s a set that speaks of boldness and creativity, ideal for making a statement during summer outings.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Rubberized Basecoat
• Blue gel polish: Essie Gel Couture – Butler Please
• Nude polish: Zoya – April
• Gold foil and adhesive
• Topcoat: Orly Glosser Topcoat

DIY Tips:

After the base coat, apply the nude polish, then the blue on the chosen accent nails. Adhere gold foil flakes onto the nude nails for an added sparkle. Seal with a topcoat for a durable, glossy finish.

Green Spark

Professional Insight:

A fresh take on 2024 simple nails, this design features a lively green that’s perfect for beach days and summer picnics. The addition of a glittery accent nail adds a playful touch, bringing the fun aspect of summer to your fingertips.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Green polish: Essie – The More The Merrier
• Glitter polish: China Glaze – Fairy Dust
• Topcoat: OPI Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Paint all nails with the green polish, leaving one nail on each hand for the glitter accent. Apply the glitter polish over the green for a subtle shimmer or on a clear base for a more pronounced effect. Finish with a topcoat to protect the sparkle.

Zebra Chic

Professional Insight:

The contrast of black and white zebra stripes on a single statement nail sets a bold tone against the glossy black of the other nails. This look is a nod to the animal print trend that’s roaring into 2024. It’s daring yet simple, capturing a wild side while maintaining an aesthetic sophistication.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Black gel polish: Gelish – Black Shadow
• White nail art pen or polish: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, White
• Topcoat: CND Shellac Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Apply the black gel polish on all nails. For the zebra pattern, use a white nail art pen or a thin brush dipped in white polish to create freehand stripes. Seal with a glossy topcoat for a striking finish.

Pastel Perfection

Professional Insight:

This manicure celebrates the soft side of summer with a pastel purple shade that’s both sweet and cute. The color is indicative of 2024 color trends, bringing a gentle inspo to the season’s palette. Its gel finish ensures durability for all summer activities.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• Pastel purple gel polish: Essie Gel Couture – Lilacism
• Topcoat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After prepping your nails with the base coat, apply two coats of the pastel gel polish, curing each layer. Finish with a topcoat for a shiny, chip-resistant manicure.

Vivid Blue

Professional Insight:

Bold and unapologetic, this vivid blue polish makes a splash this summer. It’s a gel look that’s easy to achieve and even easier to fall in love with, ideal for those who prefer a super 2024 simple one color approach with a fun twist.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Deborah Lippmann All About That Base
• Vivid blue gel polish: OPI GelColor – No Room For The Blues
• Topcoat: OPI GelColor Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Ensure nails are clean before applying the base coat. Swipe on two coats of the vivid blue polish, curing under a lamp between coats. Apply the topcoat for a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.

Olive Elegance

Professional Insight:

A nuanced approach to summer nails, this design pairs muted olive tones with a minimalist branch art on a sheer base. It’s 2024 gel nails that whisper elegance and a connection to nature, perfect for those seeking design ideas grounded in natural beauty.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Olive gel polish: CND Shellac – Olive Grove
• Sheer pink polish: OPI – Bubble Bath
• Dark brown polish for branch art: Essie – Little Brown Dress
• Tiny rhinestones
• Topcoat: Gellen Top Coat Gel

DIY Tips:

Apply a sheer pink base, then the olive polish on the accent nails. Draw the branch with a fine brush and dark brown polish. Add rhinestones to mimic olives or dewdrops. Complete with a glossy topcoat.

Gradient Glamour

Professional Insight:

Gradient nails are all the rage, and this pink fade is a perfect testament to the trend. Starting from a vibrant pink and melting into a translucent tip, this manicure offers a super 2024 square look that’s modern and easy to wear.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Smith & Cult Basis of Everything Base Coat
• Vibrant pink polish: Smith & Cult – Plastic Beach
• Topcoat: Smith & Cult Above it All Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After the base coat, apply the vibrant pink polish at the base of the nail and use a sponge to dab towards the tip, creating a gradient effect. Finish with a topcoat for lasting wear and shine.

Neon Pop

Professional Insight:

Dive into the vibrancy of summer with this electrifying neon orange. The matte finish on most nails is boldly contrasted by a single glitter-coated nail, capturing a fun, playful, yet aesthetic vibe. This manicure screams summer and is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their short summer nails 2024.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Neon orange matte polish: China Glaze – Flip Flop Fantasy
• Orange glitter polish: OPI – Orange You Fantastic!
• Matte topcoat: OPI Matte Top Coat
• Glossy topcoat (for glitter nail): Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After applying your base, coat your nails with the neon matte polish. For the accent nail, use the glitter polish and finish with a glossy topcoat for that shimmering effect. Use a matte topcoat on the other nails for a flat finish.

Sophisticated Taupe

Professional Insight:

This taupe manicure offers a sophisticated and understated look with a gel finish, ideal for any summer event. It’s a testament to the 2024 simple one color trend that favors elegance and minimalism, providing a neutral option for those who prefer a subtle nail inspo.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Essie Strong Start Base Coat
• Taupe gel polish: CND Shellac – Satin Pajamas
• Topcoat: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Prep your nails with the base coat, then apply two layers of the taupe gel polish, curing after each coat. Finish with a glossy topcoat to enhance the color’s depth and ensure longevity.

Blue Crush

Professional Insight:

Featuring a brilliant blue hue with a silver glitter border, these nails are a modern twist on classic sophistication. The sparkling border adds a playful yet aesthetic touch to the 2024 color trends, making it an eye-catching choice for those seeking a bit of inspo with their simple designs.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
• Blue polish: Essie – Butler Please
• Silver glitter liner: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen, Silver
• Topcoat: Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Paint the nails with your blue polish, allowing it to dry completely. Carefully apply the silver glitter liner around the edges for a precise and dazzling border. Seal with a topcoat for added durability.

Minimalist Florals

Professional Insight:

This design embraces the beauty of simplicity with a pale gray base and minimalist black floral art. It’s an embodiment of designs minimal and 2024 gel trends, with a delicate approach that is both easy and fun to wear, perfect for a subtle yet artistic summer look.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Pale gray gel polish: OPI GelColor – I Cannoli Wear OPI
• Black nail art polish: Born Pretty – Black
• Topcoat: OPI GelColor Top Coat

DIY Tips:

Start with a pale gray gel as the foundation. Then, using a thin brush and black nail art polish, create the floral patterns. Finish with a topcoat for a glossy sheen and protection.

Geometric Green

Professional Insight:

Vibrant green is paired with geometric patterns and a touch of glitter, creating a dynamic and modern nail design that stands out in the 2024 trends. The combination of solid color, negative space, and sparkle makes for a set that’s equal parts art and fashion.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
• Green polish: China Glaze – In the Lime Light
• Black striping tape or nail art pen
• Gold glitter polish: Essie – Rock at the Top
• Topcoat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

DIY Tips:

After the base coat, apply the green polish. Once dry, use striping tape or a nail art pen to create the geometric designs. Fill in select areas with gold glitter polish for a striking contrast. Apply a fast-drying topcoat to seal your masterpiece.

Vibrant Botanics

Professional Insight:

The striking hot pink base mixed with the intricate white botanical designs creates a summer look that’s both bold and feminine. This design not only catches the eye but also holds it, with each nail presenting an artful story of nature. It’s an excellent display of the 2024 color trends that favor bright, attention-grabbing hues combined with the timeless grace of floral patterns.

Consumables List:

• Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Hot pink gel polish: Gelish – Shake It Till You Samba
• White nail art polish: Born Pretty – Pure White
• Topcoat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer

DIY Tips:

Apply the base coat followed by the hot pink gel polish. Using a fine brush, paint the botanical designs with white nail art polish. Cure under a lamp and seal with a topcoat for a smooth, durable finish.