summer nail ideas

Top 65 Summer Nail Ideas for 2024 – You Should Not Miss to Try

On warm summer days, all you need is a cold drink, a comfy dress, and bright colorful nails. Styling your nails is an art, indeed. For instance, you have to choose the perfect design for a specific look, and the colors that will complement your nail art, or which nail technique you should go for. You have to consider all of these things while thinking of summer nail ideas that will fit your look in the best way possible.

Most often, a summer nail look is inspired by designs that reflect the summer aura such as bright flowers, summer fruit patterns, beach designs, and fun doodles. Some gradient and metallic effects are also trending with summer nails.

Whether you are looking for nail inspiration and tips for a DIY or want to take new ideas to your nail stylist, this blog is for you. Here you will not only find nail designs but a complete guide that which nail looks best with a specific day or event. And what color and shape makes the design best. So, find these 65 summer nail ideas below and style yourself in the trendiest way.

65 Summer Nail Ideas for 2024

Summer nail ideas have a broad range based on the variety of options to design, color, and shape your nails. Whether long or short, gel or acrylic, styling your nails in a fun way can bring joy to you. So find a complete catalog of cute, simple, and creative summer nail ideas that will not let you get short of daily nail designs.

Cute Summer Nail Ideas

Cute and fun looks in summer can cheer your mood and make you look fresher. Either bright colors or cute little fun art, each brings a lively vibe to your nails. Check out some latest cute summer nail ideas that will make you look even more adorable.

1.   Bright French Tips

If you are a girl who loves to do her French nails, and wants to flaunt her pretty nails with a funkier vibe, these bright French tips are for you. As summer demands more of brighter colors, so uplift your colorful look with these cute nails. Choose tints of strawberry such as strawberry red, pinkish red, hot pink, french rose, bubble gum, and blossom. For a softer and cuter look, try rounded tips with these summer nails.

summer nail ideas Bright French Tips
@nailsbymh

2.   Snoopy Snap

For the comic and Snoopy lovers, we’ve got a super cute nail idea. These Snoopy nails by Claudia Nailart are so cutely portrayed that you’ll end up trying for sure. Look at the adorable puppy patterns paired with soft and cute shades of blue. You can pick cornflower, sapphire or french blue and combine it with warm white tones.

Snoopy Snap summer nail ideas
@claudia.hsinchu

3.   Fruity Crush

This summer give yourself a fruity treat with these summer cute nail ideas. Try nails with summer fruity patterns such as blueberry, cherry, peaches and lemon. Add a variety of patterns and stay in shades of bright colored summer fruits. Whether try full fruity patterns or choose tip shading, give it a colorful shot. Almond tips will add to the aura of playful girly vibe.

summer nail Fruity Crush
@nails.by.sb

4.   Watermelon Rush

When we are talking about fruity nails, how can we leave behind watermelon? Another summer fruity treat for your nails. Apart from its charming color, the watermelon pattern goes best for a random summer day. Here is a lovely example of watermelon gel nails for you to try this summer.

Watermelon Rush cute summer nail ideas
@nylove_nail

5.   Minimal Prints

Another cute nail design for minimal pattern lovers. Combine the mixed tones of blue and gray for an earthy-solid touch. Try some patterns like speckles, strips and other geometrical patterns. For some shine, use golden color for outlines.

cute summer nail Minimal Prints
@168cm_nails

6.   Popsically

Cool down the heat of summer days with popsicle nail art. This cool breezy blue nail color and the cute little popsicles on it will fulfill your demand for cute and cool nails. Finally, to keep the look adorable, do the nail tips round.

@thepeachnail

7.   Starry Art

Another cute nail art for you. All the star lovers, keep the stars with you for the day. Try out light blue and cream color combinations for a cooler look. Round or squared tips will complement cute girly nails. Finally, add the adorable lil stars to complete the look.

Starry Art cute summer nail ideas
@jininailstudio

8.   Spongebob Nails

This one is dedicated to spongebob lovers. Round nail tips and cute spongebob characters on the natural base look too adorable. This is a must try for this summer.

@jininailstudio

9.   White Hearts

A more cuter and cleaner look for the ones who want it white. Go with the cool tones of white and try squared tips. For a cuter touch add some cute heart designs to your nail. Just have a look below how pretty this looks.

White Hearts summer nail ideas
@jininailstudio

10.   Kittyland

One more character nail idea for you to try. This kitty nail art will bring out the little girl inside you. Go with the softer shades of pink and green, this will keep your look adorable. Finish the look with your favorite kitty characters, lollipops, bows and clouds.

@ricekittynails

11.   Donut Sprinkles

Who doesn’t love donuts? Now your nails will speak of your love for donuts too. Choose bright pink color and stiletto nail tips for this look. Also, add some dripping donut cream effect on one or two nails. Finally to enhance the look add some colorful sprinkles.

Donut Sprinkles Cute Summer Nail
@nechty_lenka

12.   Kawaii Rabbit Nails

One more cute kawaii nail art for you. For this nail art choose the shades of blue and purple. To make it look cute add some bunny characters and starry patterns.

summer nail Kawaii Rabbit Nails
@biddietokyo

13.   Kawaii Whale

One final kawaii nail art for you. In the summer you wanna enjoy trips to the beach and seaside. This cute nail art will remind you of a day at the beach, or you can wear it while on a trip to the beach.

Kawaii Whale nail
@27denails

Summer Nail Color Ideas

To match the energy of summer, you should choose some lively and bright nail colors. Bold colors, glitters, pastel shades, and some seasonal colors such as strawberry red or mango yellow, go with the trend. We have listed below some summer nail color ideas to help you out in choosing the best nail color for summer.

14.   Fusion of Pink and orange

While talking about the summer nail colors, the best fusion to go by is orange and pink. Staying in the shades of orange and pink, choose different patterns such as floral, checker, or dotted designs. This will keep your minimal yet colorful summer vibe.

Fusion of Pink and orange Summer Nail Color Ideas
@nailsbysway

15.   Purple Blossom

One of the best nail color ideas is purple blossom. Some cute glittery flowers will add to the beauty of your gel nails. Try squared nail tips with this design, it will leave an elegant impact.

Summer Nail Color Ideas Purple Blossom
@by_hannahtaylor

16.   Blossom Pink

Besides purple, we’ve got another floral color pick for you. The pink and white combo is a forever girlish aura. This soft blossom pink will go perfect with any look. Add the strokes of white to the squared tips of your gel nails. Try some flower patterns for a cherry blossom mood.

summer nail color Blossom Pink
@keniab_nails

17.   Peach Treat

Another and even better summer nail color idea for you. These sweet peach nails are so beautiful to go with your everyday outfit. A warm mix of orange and pink will be a candied treat for your summers. Finally, add some golden texture for a shimmery look.

Peach Treat
@lin_yiyin

18.   Color Block

A lovely nail color edition for you. Choose cool colors like pink, sky blue, peach, and blue. Try a colorful block design and harmonize this look with long square nail tips.

Color Block
@nailing_painting

19.   Chrome Ombre

Another beautiful summer nail color idea for you. This is quite simple yet looks so elegant and stylish. Do a nude base and add a chrome coating for a gradient effect. 

summer nail color ideas Chrome Ombre
@naildbymika

20.   Rainbow Nails

Right after some monochrome effect, try some colorful nails. If you add the shades of rainbow to your nails, it will turn out a lively addition. Choose colorful pointed patterns with stiletto and square tips.

Rainbow Nails summer nail color
@kikinails_ebeauty

21.   Summer Mix Colors

While talking about summer nail colors, a bright mix of colors is a must-try. Choose bright colors such as pink, blue, yellow, green, and orange. Add a gradient effect from the light center to darker edges.

Summer Mix Colors
@thenaillologist

22.   Bright Pink

Bright and impactful reddish pink color is one of the best nail color ideas for summer. Add the color transitions from red to pink. This look will go best with almond nails.

Bright Pink
@byangieee

23.   Pastel Tips

For a soothing and softer look try some pastel color combinations. Full nail color looks pretty but painting the tips will be even more graceful. Squared tips will be perfect for this nail design.

Pastel Tips
@nailsbyshannen__

24.   Elegant Sage

A beautiful nail color that will be simple but beautify your everyday look. The elegance of the sage nail paint and rounded tips can be seen in the picture below.

Elegant Sage
@lupaenails

25.   Blue Tips

Slay the day with these simple nails. Keep the base natural and do the tips blue for a cooler effect. For a casual look go for short square nails.

Blue Tips summer nail color ideas
@nails.beauty999

Summer Simple Nail Ideas

Simple nail designs never get out of trend as these are more realistic and look decent. Simple designs like flowers, line art, checkers, etc can give your nails an elegant look. Bookmark these summer simple nail ideas for your casual as well as formal look.

26.   Simple Florals

If you want to keep your look simple and sweet, try this nail design. As you can see below it is too simple, with little floral patterns and minimal color picks. Also, the base is kept in a natural nail tone to enhance its elegance.

Summer Simple Nail Ideas Simple Florals
@mad.mad.nails

27.   Little Butterfly

Flowers to butterflies, all symbolize a bright summer day. So imprint the design on your nails to stay in accord. Keep the base natural and draw little butterflies on them. For some nails color just the tips. Colors like orange and yellow are best for this summer look.

Little Butterfly Summer Simple Nail Ideas
@staceymachin

28.   Hot Red Checkered

This one is quite popular among summer nail ideas. The hot red checkered and berry nail design is a chic addition to your look. Try almond tips for this acrylic nail art. This will give you a voguish mood.

Hot Red Checkered Summer Simple Nail Ideas
@moonandnails

29.   Pretty Simple

This nail design by nailsbyalsn on Instagram is just too pretty. From the color selection to the minimal patterns, everything is perfect. For this look color the tips of some nails in the pastel hues, try designing swirls or any simple design on other nails.

@nailsbyalsn

30.   Matte Summer Nail Ideas

When we are on the topic of simple nail ideas for summer 2024, matte nails are a must-try. These minimal yet trendy nails will be a complement to your chic look. Choose peachy colors such as pastel peach, blushing peach, or chic peach from your summer color palette. Also, you can give a touch of matte blue dot for a calmer addition to your matte French nails. Squoval nail tips will go best with this look.

Matte Summer Nail Ideas
@tessa.lyn.nails

31.   Summer Wedding Inspo

This one is for simple summer wedding nail ideas. All you have to do is keep a transparent base and outline the tips with thin and shiny golden strokes. Look how elegant and simple this looks.

Summer Wedding Inspo
@thehotblend

32.   Moody Mix

For a break from bright and overwhelming colors, try some moody color combinations. Choose earthy tones like gray and brown. For a clean finish coat it with translucent gel polish.

Summer Simple Nail Ideas Moody Mix
@corner_nails

33.   Summer Prints

Try different light summer prints on each nail. Either go for cute polka dots or flower art. From glitters to berry print, try all the prints that remind you of summer.

Summer Prints
@bubu__0023

34.   Polka dots

A simple cute 90s polka dot design for your nails. These adorable blue polka dots over the white base coating are too adorable.

Polka dots
@han.polished

35.   Metallic French Nails

If you are looking for something different from your daily bright and colorful girly vibe, try giving your French nails a metallic touch. Metallic nails go best for your casual as well as formal looks. Combine squoval or round nails with metallic copper gel nails for a burnished look.

Summer Simple Nail Ideas Metallic French Nails
@bylaurenbroe

36.   Heart Fix

This nail design will fix your day and heart with its warmth. Choose a matte lavender color for your long squared nails. You can add a heart pattern on your nails. While keeping the base lavender draw a white heart and try white base with lavender heart on the other nail.

Heart Fix
@nailsbyj03

37. Color Block Tips

Above we have seen how pretty the color block design looks on full nails, now it’s the time to experiment with color block on the tips only. Keep the summer shades like orange pink and blue, and brush them over the tips with simple block patterns as shown in the image.

Color Block Tips
@bycheznails

38. Summer Abstract Nail Art

A simple abstract design for abstract art lovers. Choose soft and light shades of yellow, pink, and blue. Paint a basic abstract design as below.

Summer Abstract Nail Art
@hels.gels

39. White Geometric

A lovely simple summer nail idea with geometric art. Keep it minimal with a natural pink base and white nail paint. Draw some cute geometric shapes with light summer colors. This will look playful as well as simple at the same time.

White Geometric
@nail_friendlyyy

Summer Acrylic Nail Ideas

Moving forward to the nail techniques, let’s talk about the most common first. Acrylic nails can be styled in different ways and help your summer nails look even more creative. So, find out some summer acrylic nail ideas here.

40. White Waves

A clean pattern of waves, lines, and swirls. Keep the base nude while drawing simple patterns for a decent look. You can add some tiny pearls for some dazzle.

Summer Acrylic Nail Ideas White Waves
@nailsbykelsielouis

41. French Leo Tips

For leopard print acrylic nail lovers, these French tips are worth a try. Instead of full leopard nails, go for just leopard tips. This will not only give you a daring pattern vibe but also complement your minimal summer look. For these acrylic nails choose oval tips as it will enhance your bold aura. A stroke of leopard and you are ready to rock your Instagram.

French Leo Tips Summer Acrylic Nail Ideas
@nails_by_emilie

42. Long Pink Acrylics

A pinkish vibe with these long acrylic nails. Go with the pink and white combination and add girlish elements such as flowers and peaks to your acrylic nails.

Long Pink Acrylics
@nailsbyarely__

43. Kandy Land Acrylics

Another unique acrylic nail idea for you to try this summer. This nail art looks like your nails came straight out of Kandy land. For this design choose rosy pink color, this will give a sweeter addition to your nails. Moreover, add some designs like flowers or tiger prints, keeping the base light pink. You can add some golden jewels too for more sparkles. Check out the image for reference.

Kandy Land Acrylics
@clarissalynnstudio

44. Snow Girl

An acrylic nail idea to bring a cooling effect amid the hot summer days. The color transition from light pink to blue looks so perfect. Add some glossy texture to complete the icy look.

Snow Girl
@kikinails_ebeauty

45. Queen Black

This one is for royal fantasy lovers. Keeping the base light pink do the tips black but not simply black. Play with different designs like bows and flares etc. Also, you can add some tiny pearls for a graceful finish.

Queen Black summer nail ideas
@nailsby.isabellaa

46. Minimal Swirls

Some simple short acrylic nails for everyday and formal look. Keep the base natural and draw some swirls with light pink and white nail color.

Minimal Swirls
@keyk2luv_nails

47. Neon

A nail idea to go beyond everyday style. Keep the milky rose base and long square tips. Add variation in all five nails in the design but keep the color bright green. You can try irregular swirls, rough sugary texture, and some additional pearls.

Neon
@kikinails_ebeauty

Summer Gel Nail Ideas

Summer nails look so good with some extra glossy and shiny effect, which comes with the gel nails. So, here are some summer gel nail ideas for gel nail lovers. Try out each one this summer and feel the awesomeness of unique designs.

48. Elegant Nude Nails

Explore the softer and more elegant version of yourself with these soft nude gel nails. Add some 3D texture to the nails for a dazzling touch. These squoval nails look so elegant and refined.

Summer Gel Nail Ideas Elegant Nude Nails
@moda__jp

49.  Ocean Blues

When you want to choose a cool look on a hot summer day, go for ocean blue gel nails. Play with the hues of aqua and patterns of waves for a liquified look. To add more to the watery pattern, choose gel nails. You can try both a full nail imprint or just the tips as shown below. These ocean gel nails will set best with the oval tips.

Summer Gel Nail Ideas Ocean Blues
@brooke.twinflamestudios

50. Iced Nails

Keep the icy effect on your nails so that you won’t feel the heat of the day anymore. Go for the iced gel nails with the colors of white, gray, and blue. Don’t forget to add some glossy texture.

Iced Nails summer gel nail
@knktmr___xx

51. Crocodile Print Nails

When you want to feel the sea stuff at your nailtips. Try these edgy crocodile-patterned gel nails. The colors will be brown and green. Give a reptile texture for a more creative look.

Crocodile Print Nails
@sophbnails

52. c

More to the alpha feminine energy. Do the base beige and long stiletto tips bright red. Outline the tips with gold lines. For further glamor, add a logo to one of the nails.

summer gel nail ideas Red and Gold
@nailsalon8_eight

53. Black Leo

A metallic bold look for the girls. Do the long squoval gel nails with leopard print on it. Choose light and dark tones of gray, and try one hand dark and the other lighter. Add some metallic nail paint for a better version.

Black Leo
@lisa___eel

54. Minimal Gradient

A slight gradient with milky rose and pink. Do the tips white and pink. With a glossy texture these are perfect everyday gel nails.

Minimal Gradient summer gel nail
@ting_hung0402

55. Metallic blue

When you want it metallic but a cuter version, here’s an idea for you. Choose light lavender and blue color. Add metallic curvy lines on the lavender base. Use glitters over blue gel nails.

Metallic blue
@yuri_tabata

56. Olympic Nails

Pretty simple nails with an Olympic logo. Keep the base light and natural. Use a straw to draw the Olympic logo with nail paints.

Olympic Nails
@maco_mani

57. Metallic Queen

For those who don’t want cute nails and are more into bold, sassy, and metallic looks, we’ve got new summer nail ideas for you. Try textured 3D patterned gel nails with dark pink-red and silver shades. Add some metallic chrome art to your nails. Finally, a little brush of lilac purple at the tip of the nail. This look will go best on almond nails. The shades of red-pink and purple will neutralize the metallic look for your summer days. Overall, it’s a perfect sassy vibe.

Metallic Queen
@nailsxanalysse

58. Royal Purple

Try this dreamy gel nail for a royal touch. Give the natural gradient effect to the nails. Add some golden textures for a royal finish.

Royal Purple summer gel nail ideas
@aki_.nail

69. Basic

A basic and cute gel nail idea to try out in the summer. As simple looks better in summer so keep the base natural. Do some dotted and heart designs with black nail paint!

Basic summer gel nail ideas
@ayanoirokawa

60. Cloud Art

Try these cloud gel nails on a summer day. Choose basic cloudy colors such as blue and gray. Next do some irregular cloudy patterns for a unique look.

Cloud Art summer gel nail
@simlynail

61. Mix and Match

A cute short gel nail idea for this summer. Choose some basic curvy and floral patterns and fill them with bright colors like pink, blue, red, and yellow. This also gives a little bohemian look.

Mix and Match
@simlynail

62. Pixie Glitter

This is a classy girl style. Long stiletto gel nails with a pixie touch. Go with the shades of nude color and give a pixie dust effect with glitter nail paint. Also, you can add pearls to the nails for more beauty.

Pixie Glitter
@sassynailsbyevahausler

63. Summer Pastel Gel Nails

One more for the pastel lovers. Try different pastel hues on every nail. Give them a pretty textured glossy effect for a cute finish. Look how adorable this looks. 

Summer Pastel Gel Nails
@starlightnails__

64. Steel Purple

A classy girl vibe with these long stiletto gel nails. The colors you would select for this look must be lighter shades of blue and purple. Then create some 3D textures as well as metallic art for a look.

Steel Purple
@courtneycantwell_nails

65. Chrome Nail art

Just like the name shows this is a unique chrome blend to go. Stay in the summer colors like yellow, orange, and pink, and give a gradient effect.

Chrome Nail art
@nylove_nail

Ending Note:

To sum up the summer nail ideas, the trend for 2024 calls for brighter colors. Play with impactful colors and designs for a modish look. Above mentioned elegant and cute nail ideas are a great inspiration for you to start your fashion journey. Stay connected for more acrylic nails, gel nails, and other nail ideas and tips.

FAQs

What is the summer nail trend in 2024?

Tie and dye nails or mix-and-match colors are popular for summer 2024. Usually, the bright colors that pop up the design and lighten up the mood are more common and in trend. So, while styling for summer, choose a mix of bold and bright colors.

What nail color is best for summer?

Some nail colors perfect for a summer look are bold shades like neon colors, pastel colors, shades of red, and fruity colors. Sometimes, a gradient and ombre effect makes your summer nails even more attractive.

Are chrome nails in for 2024?

Yes, chrome nails are very much in for 2024. As chrome nails have a shiny effect and can be customized with different designs, these nails offer a variety of options to be styled.

What are Jelly nails?

Jelly nails have a high-gloss texture just like jellies. This makes them look so unique and stylish. Jelly nails are gaining popularity in the US, and are very popular in China, Japan, and Korea giving a Kawai nails vibe.

How to get blueberry milk nails?

  • Blueberry milk nails are trending for summer nails. They have a soft and milky look. To get this look, follow these steps:
  • Apply a protective base coat.
  • Mix white and pastel blue nail colors to get a milky nail color.
  • Add a final top shiny coat to protect the nail art.

Are acrylic nails trending?

  • Acrylic nails are continuously gaining popularity in 2024 and probably will increase in the future. Some popular acrylic nail trends in 2024 are:
  • Minimal designs
  • 3D nail art
  • Ombre nails
  • Aura Nails
  • French Tips
  • Pastel colors

What are 5 energetic summer nail ideas?

  • Five fresh and energetic summer nail ideas to make you look stylish are:
  • Neon nails
  • Tie and dye nails
  • Metallic nail art
  • Fruity nail colors
  • Sunset nails
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