25 Top Summer Nail Designs You Need to Try This Season
Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your summer nail designs to match the sunny vibes! Whether you’re into simple chic or want to dive into the latest nail trends like jelly, chrome, magnetic nails, or velvet cat-eye designs, we’ve got tons of summer nail inspo to keep your manicure turning heads from the poolside to the beach.
No matter if you rock long or short nails, there are endless ways to sprinkle some spring magic into your nail game. Think dainty designs for summer weddings, bold neon colors, funky twists on the classic French tip, tie-dye fun, or beachy summer looks. You can ask for your fave idea in gel polish at your local salon or grab some fab press-ons to DIY your summer nail designs at home.
At-Home Summer Nail Designs vs. Salon Nail Designs
Whether you love the DIY route or prefer the salon experience, there’s something for everyone. Here’s the scoop:
At-Home Manicures
With gel manicure kits becoming super popular, you can totally rock stunning nails at home. But let’s be real—doing your own nails can be tricky if you’re not a pro or if your hands aren’t the steadiest. Plus, who doesn’t love the pampered feeling of a salon visit?
Gel Polish vs. Traditional Polish
Gel polish manicures are known for their long-lasting power, usually sticking around for 2-3 weeks. However, some traditional polish brands also promise several weeks of wear, and they’re easier to remove at home without the fuss of gel removal.
Tricky Techniques
When it comes to more advanced looks like chrome or magnetic polish, sometimes it’s just easier to let the professionals handle it. But hey, if you have a gel nail kit at home, why not give it a shot? It can be fun to experiment and master new techniques!
Press-On Nails
And let’s not forget the easiest option—press-on nails! They’re perfect for getting that flawless summer look without the hassle. Just find a style you love, grab your nail glue, and voilà! You’re ready to go.
So, whether you’re all about DIY or love the salon experience, there’s a perfect summer nail solution for you.
25 Top Summer Nail Designs You Can Do at Home
1. Pool Blue
These pool nails are so cool and inviting, you’ll want to dive right in on a hot summer day! Here’s how you get this splashy look: start with a blue base, then add a layer of translucent white on top. To finish, use a dotting tool to add clear topcoat dots for that perfect water droplet effect.
2. Tie-Dye Swirl
What screams summer more than rocking a bright orange and pink tie-dye outfit?
3. Chrome Waves
Make your summer mani look like the ocean with this aqua chrome 3D design.
4. Pastel Rainbow Tie-Dye
Get nails that scream summer fun with this pastel rainbow dream manicure—it’s like matching your nails to your favorite rainbow sherbet cone
5. Cherry Pie
What’s cuter than summer cherry nails with French tip accents?
6. Mermaid Tips
Spruce up your French tips with a playful mermaid design for those summer feels! It’s a fun way to add a splash of creativity to your nails.
7. Snakeskin Summer
This texture and those bright colors give off major snakeskin vibes but without the creepy-crawly feeling. It’s like bringing a touch of wild fashion into your day.
8. Pastel Chrome
Get your nails summer-ready with these chic pastel chrome beauties! They add a soft, dreamy vibe to your manicure, perfect for sunny days ahead.
9. Sherbet Tie-Dye
Imagine soaking in those summer sunset vibes with this dreamy pastel tie-dye color combo! Picture those warm hues blending together like a watercolor painting in the sky.
10. Pink Pearls
Have you seen that pearl-look manicure trend? It’s totally our new nail crush! You can rock it in your favorite colors, just don’t forget those cute pearl accents for extra glam!
11. Iridescent Iris
This mix of purple and blue is like the ultimate shimmer bomb! It’s got that perfect iridescent shine that’s just so eye-catching.
12. Pink Aura
The trendy aura nails are ready for summer with this pink and orange color combo.
13. Happy Summer!
These smiley face flowers on a baby blue background look sweet yet fun.
14. Butterfly Fields
These pink and purple butterfly nails look so pretty with the waves and French tip accents.
15. Rainbow Tie-Dye
Get those nails ready for summer camp vibes with this super cute rainbow tie-dye set.
16. Ocean Cat Eye
This ombre blue cat eye matches the shimmering turquoise waters of your vacation.
17. Stay Glassy
These glass cat eye nails in a pretty pink are the manicure that will make all your gal pals jealous.
18. Rainbow Love
Chrome rainbow hearts and French tips are a match made in heaven with this colorful look.
19. Beach Babe
Add some starfish accent nails with a French manicure and you have the perfect beach look.
20. Lavender Check
Accent your nails with lavender and white checkered designs for a look that will stand out all season.
21. Lemonade Stand
Bring the tart-yet-sweet look of lemon to your manicure with this sweet accent design.
22. Gold Star Summer
Add some chrome to your summer nail art with these chrome gold stars for starry summer nights.
23. Rose Garden
These nails have a raised rose design to add texture to the flowery look.
24. Butterfly Halves
Add a glittery butterfly to two of your nails to make this fun look for the next music festival.
25. Butter Chrome
Add some shine to the trendy butter-colored nails by making them a chrome option.
And while you’re at it, why not pamper yourself with a refreshing DIY sugar scrub? It’s the perfect way to keep your skin glowing all season long. You can also try a zesty green tea shot recipe for an energizing boost that complements your fresh new nails. Summer’s looking bright—let’s make every moment shine!
