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Get your nails ready for summer with these trendy and vibrant summer nail art ideas! From beachy vibes to tropical designs, there’s a design for every taste.
Summer is the season of sun-kissed skin, endless sunshine and playful fashion. And what better way to complete your summer look than with a matching set of summer nails?
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, attending a chic rooftop soirée, or just looking to add a pop of color to your everyday look, these 50 summer nail art ideas will ensure your fingertips are the perfect accessory. From bright and bold to soft and serene, there’s a design to match any mood.
50 Cute Summer Nails For Your Next Mani
1. Pink + Pearls
We just adore these seashell-inspired nails, with the shimmering white pearls embellishing the base of each nail and the 3D texture to create the shell aesthetic. The pale pink base sparkles in the light, making these nails perfect for the summer months!
2. Sunset Shades
Sunset-inspired color palettes are always a good idea – just like this pink, orange, and pale blue manicure. The colors have been blended into one another to create this ombre-like effect and then sponged onto a sheer white base, so each shade really pops – just stunning!
3. Coral Waves
Coral is one of the best shades for the summer months and will perfectly show off your tan. In this coral manicure, three nails have been painted with glossy coral polish, then the ring and little fingers have a sheer nude base then are decorated with waves of white, coral, blue, and lime green polish at the tip of the nail for a fun pop of color.
4. Shimmery Blue Ocean Tips
If you are heading for a summer vacation soon, then these ocean nails are just what you need! Each nail has a sheer pink base and is decorated with shimmering blue polish in a wavey shape at the tip of the nail. The 3D elements add dimension and the shimmer looks just like the sparkling sea in the sunlight.
5. Pastel Watermelons
These pastel watermelon nails just scream summer! Three nails are painted with pink polish, while the little finger is painted in green polish, then the ring finger is decorated like a watermelon – with half the nail in pink, decorated with black seeds then the white and green stripes to represent the shell of the watermelon.
6. Gold stars
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Go a little more glam for your summer nails with this gold stars design. The base is just gorgeous, with different sheer pink tones, and a touch of lilac and yellow, decorating the nail. Then each nail is embellished with gleaming gold stars, waves, and tips – just incredible!
7. Pink + orange
This vibrant pink and orange design is super eye-catching and perfect for summer vacations! The thumb is painted in bright orange and the ring and little fingers are painted in bubblegum pink, while the index and middle fingers are decorated with waves and curves in these two contrasting polishes to create a bold look.
8. A Pop of yellow
For those of you who love neutral nails, this pop of yellow manicure is just what you need! Each of the nails is painted with a glossy nude base, and then a semi-circle of bright yellow polish sits at the base of the nail to add a fun, summery pop of color.
9. Swirls + Florals
Play around with lots of different patterns and designs within this attention-grabbing manicure. The nails each have a different design, including flowers, cherries, swirls, sparkles, and super trendy aura design, but have kept the color palette to pink, orange, blue, and white shades for a cohesive look.
10. Starfish nails
What’s more perfect for the summer months than this cute starfish design?! The nails have a sheer white matte base and then are each decorated with a 3D white starfish, that sits in a different place on each nail. The simplicity of the design makes it ideal for those of you who love minimalist nail art.
11. Pastel ombre
via @shuga.studio
This pastel ombre design is just beautiful, giving a subtle, multicolored wash of color to each nail. Each nail is made up of a blend of pale blue, pink, green, purple, and yellow in an ombre design, creating a stunning manicure that is ideal for sunny summer days! Plus, it’s a cute manicure to complement any bridal look.
12. Pink + green
These bright pink and green nails are just what you need to complement your summer tan. Two nails are painted neon green, while the little finger is painted bright pink, then the middle and ring fingers have a light pink base and are decorated with spots of pink and green polish, for a striking neon nail design.
13. Florals + French tips
Combine different popular nail designs to create your own distinctive manicure, like this floral and French tips design. Blue and bright orange nails sit alongside an index and middle finger that have a nude base then are decorated with little white flowers and a French tip made up of stripes of white, orange, and blue polish.
14. Curves + Semi Circles
This simple curves and semi-circle design really makes a statement, and the color combination is perfect for the summer months. Each nail has a pinky-purple base and is decorated with a curve or semi-circle of orange polish at the tip, side, or base of the nail, creating a chic and stylish design.
15. Retro Swirls
We love the retro look of this multicolored, swirly design! The index and ring fingers have a nude base then are finished with a two-tone French tip, while the thumb, middle, and little fingers are decorated with a swirly design with shades of pink, orange, and blue, creating a fun, ’60s, retro aesthetic.
16. Mini lemons
Take some inspiration from Mediterranean summers with this mini lemons manicure! All the nails have a nude base, then are decorated with little yellow lemons, with delicate branches and green leaves, for a stunning, quintessentially summery look.
17. Reverse French Tips
Summer is the perfect time to play around with lots of colors to create eye-catching, striking nail designs – like this reverse French manicure design. Each nail is painted with a different color polish and then decorated with a curve of polish, like a French tip, at the base of the nails. We love the contrasting color combinations in this manicure.
18. Rainbow Tips
These rainbow tip nails are sleek, sophisticated, and so much fun! The nails have a glossy nude base, then are each decorated with a diagonal swipe of polish at the tip of the nail, then a stripe of the same colour, in a lighter shade just below, for a two-tone design.
19. Blue + Orange Swirls
Blue and orange are contrasting colors on the color wheel, which is why they make such a bold and attention-grabbing match within a manicure. This blue and orange manicure includes swirly designs on the index and ring fingers for a striking finish.
20. Iridescent Shells
This subtle and elegant iridescent shell design is just beautiful and will suit any of your summer looks while you’re on vacation. The nails have a shimmery white base, then the shell design is crafted from 3D drops of iridescent polish, the sparkle in blue and pink tones under the lights.
21. Half + Half
A half-and-half design is so simple but always makes for a stunning manicure. In this design, all the nails are painted with half pale yellow polish and half lilac, except for the thumb which is painted entirely in yellow. We love this color combination, but you can play around with the colors you choose to suit your personal style.
22. Watermelon nails
Each nail has been transformed into a watermelon slice in this gorgeous fruit nail design! The nails are painted with glossy pink polish and then decorated with a swipe of green polish at the base of the nail, to create the outer shell of the watermelon. The ring finger is decorated with little black seeds for that authentic watermelon look.
23. Orange stripes
If you love a minimalist look, then this design is perfect for you – just make sure to opt for bright colors for a summery aesthetic. Three nails are painted with a bright orange polish, then the middle and ring fingers have a light pink base and are decorated with an orange stripe down the center of the nail, decorated with a touch of gold glitter for a glam look.
24. Blue + Green
This blue and green nail design has a unique look that perfectly complements any summer outfit. The nails have a sky blue base then a neon green square of polish sits in the center of each nail to finish off the paired-back yet striking design.
25. Rainbow French Tips
These ombre rainbow French tips are just incredible and will add a pop of color to your summer look. The nails have a glossy nude base then are decorated with a rainbow French tip, in which the colors fade from red to orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Each nail is finished with a gold stud at the base.
26. Coral + Lilac Waves
This coral and lilac color combination is just beautiful and the soft wave design is just perfect for sunny days. The nails are painted with coral and lilac polish, except for the middle and ring fingers, which have a neutral taupe base and are decorated with waves of coral and lilac polish at the base of the nail – so pretty!
27. Lightning bolts
Keep the design simple then play around with colours to create a chic and unique manicure! The nails all have a glossy nude base then are finished with a pastel-colored French tip, with a different shade on each nail. The nails are then decorated with a lightning bolt in a different, brighter color to create an eye-catching design.
28. Neon Mozaic
If you are looking for a vibrant and bold manicure that will really make a statement, then this neon mozaic design is just perfect for you. All the nails have a white base and are decorated with different, intricate flowers and polka dot designs in neon blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple tones, creating a stunning summer manicure.
29. Sweet strawberries
Strawberries are synonymous with summer, which is why you really need to get this sweet strawberry manicure this summer season! The middle and ring fingers have a pale pink shimmery base, then are decorated with little pink strawberries, while the rest of the nails have a berry pink base and a light pink French tip.
30. White + orange daisies
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This white and orange daisy manicure is so cute and just irresistible! Each of the nails has a nude base, then the index and middle fingers are decorated with white flowers and little orange polka dots, while the rest of the nails feature either an orange or white French tip.
31. Blue + coral
This chic blue and coral manicure will flawlessly show off your summer tan. The thumb and little finger are painted in blue polish, while the index finger is painted in coral and the middle and ring fingers have a sheer nude base and are decorated with little, delicate flowers down one side of the nail.
32. Multicolored Waves
These candy-colored nails are gorgeous and will complement any of your summer outfits. A wavy line splits each nail in half, with each side painted in different pastel colors for a truly summery aesthetic. You can really play around with the colors in this manicure to pick shades that suit you!
33. Shimmering stars
For those of you who prefer neutral colors, this manicure is exactly what you need. Each nail has a glossy, nude base, then the thumb, middle, and little fingers are finished with shimmering white French tips, while the index and ring fingers are decorated with white and pink stars to create a chic nail design.
34. mint green
via@krishna__j
Keep it simple with a block color manicure, but make sure to go for a bright shade, like a mint green shade, that will really complement and accentuate your tan. This is also a great opportunity to play around with your nail shape, creating a striking manicure.
35. Pink crescents
We love these crescent designs, that look a little like a shadow across the nail. In this nail design, the nails begin with a nude base, then half the nail is painted in bright pink, in a crescent shape to produce this artistic and creative design. The pink looks stunning, but you can choose any bright color that suits your look!
36. Orange French tips
Go for a more minimalist design with this orange French tips manicure. Three nails have been painted with this vibrant clementine shade, while the middle and ring fingers have a glossy nude base, then are finished with sleek orange French tips for an elegant and refined look.
37. Pale Yellow + gold
Nude and neutral nails are a great option for the summer too, just add a little glitter so your nails really sparkle in the light. In this manicure, the ring finger is painted in a pale yellow shade, while the rest of the nails have a nude base and are decorated with ivory and gold glitter swirls and waves to create an intricate manicure.
38. Seashells
These seashell nails are just incredible and so beautiful too! The nails are painted with a white, shimmery polish, that sparkles in pale blue shades in the light, except for the ring finger, which has been decorated like a shell, with a blue ombre base, pearl embellishments, and 3D details to create the shell finish.
39. Sunset neons
via @haramianails
Turn classic sunset shades into neon colors to create a pretty summer manicure. These nails start with a bright orange shade on the index finger then move to bright pink, fuchsia then red as you move across the hand. The matte top coat adds a unique finish.
40. Sparkling pink
We love this feminine, sparkling pink manicure that will look stunning under the summer sun. The thumb and little finger are painted with rose pink polish, while the rest of the nails have a light pink base and are decorated with sparkling pink glitter to add a glam touch to the manicure.
41. Lime Green
via @zhenyaborisova
Lime green is an underrated shade that we think is just perfect for the summer months. This manicure includes glossy lime green nails for the thumb, index, and little fingers, then the middle and ring fingers have a nude base and are finished with a lime green French tip.
42. Orange segments
These fun orange segment nails are just what you need if you are heading on a fun vacation this summer! Three nails are painted with orange polish, while the middle and ring fingers have a glossy, natural base and are decorated with vibrant orange segments and little green leaves – so cute!
43. Blue + white
This blue and white manicure is so eye-catching and unique, plus you can play around with the different designs to really make the manicure your own! Start with a sheer white base on each nail then add stripes, polka dots, florals, and geometric patterns in a blue polish to complete the look.
44. Ocean Frangipani
If you are off on a relaxing, beach vacation this summer, then you need this ocean frangipani manicure. The nails start with a pink base, then the tip is decorated to look like the inviting blue ocean. A yellow frangipani flower decorates the index, middle, and ring fingers to add a tropical touch.
45. Rainbow florals
This rainbow floral design is so striking and adds a touch of color to your summer outfits. Each nail is painted with a bright, glossy polish and then decorated with a large flower in different colors, blooming from the tip or side of the nail – just perfect!
46. Peach + pink
Go for a simpler, softer look with this peach and pink manicure. Three nails are painted with coral polish, then the little finger is painted with pink polish and the ring finger is the accent nail with a glossy, nude base and a swipe of orange polish at the tip and a swipe of pink at the base.
47. Neon green + glitter
Image via@charsgelnails
This stunning neon green and glitter manicure guarantees an eye-catching look for this summer! The neon green nails sit alongside a middle and ring finger with a nude base, then decorated with waves and curves of white and neon green polish finished with silver glitter that really sparkles in the light.
48. Mini cherries
How can you resist a fruit manicure during the summer months?! This is why you need this cherry manicure this summer. All the nails have a glossy, natural base then most nails are finished with a white French tip, except for the middle finger which is embellished with sparkling rhinestones. The thumb, index, and little fingers are then decorated with little red cherries!
49. Pink + orange florals
This simple and chic pink and orange is a stunning option for the summer months. The middle and ring fingers have a glossy nude base then are decorated with little pink and orange flowers down the side of the nail, while the rest of the nails are painted in either fuchsia pink or orange polish.
50. Sparkling pink flowers
This manicure combines all of our favorite summer nail elements – bright colors, glitter, and florals! The index finger is decorated with pretty flower nail art with white leaves, while the ring finger is covered in dazzling silver glitter and the rest of the nails are painted in vibrant and neon pink tones – just gorgeous!
We hope you found the perfect manicure to match your summer outfits! To achieve a uniform look, make sure to match your pedicure design with your fingertips!
