As the summer of 2024 dawns, it brings a palette that’s bolder, brighter, and zestier than ever before. The color orange, in all its glorious shades, takes center stage, infusing our days with energy and nights with glamour. But how do you wear this vivacious trend on your fingertips? I’ve curated 20 of the freshest summer nails orange designs that are set to be all the rage this season. From the electric shock of neon to the subtle whisper of pastel, these ideas will not only complement your summer wardrobe but also express your personal style.
Bold Orange Tips with a Neutral Twist
This modern take on the French manicure is the epitome of summer sophistication. The neon orange tips demand attention, slicing through the calm of the neutral base. The sharp, clean lines speak of precision and modernity, while the matte finish on the nude base against the glossy tips creates a stunning textural contrast. This manicure doesn’t just scream summer; it’s a statement of bold confidence paired with elegant restraint.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Nude Polish: Essie – ‘Ballet Slippers’
- Orange Polish: OPI – ‘In My Back Pocket’
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Professional tip: Use thin, carefully placed tape to achieve those crisp lines for the tips.
Start with a clean, prepped nail, applying your base coat for longevity. Once your base has dried, apply two coats of ‘Ballet Slippers’ for that perfect nude backdrop. For the neon tips, the secret is patience: once the nude is dry, place your tape and paint the tips with ‘In My Back Pocket’. Seal it all with your glossy top coat for the tips and consider a matte top coat for the nude section for that multi-textured finish.
Orange Elegance with Floral Accents
This manicure is a summer fantasy on your fingertips. The blend of orange and pink creates a soft, sunset-like gradient, while 3D flowers and delicate rhinestone embellishments add a touch of whimsy. The use of negative space with the swirl patterns lends an airy feel, making it a perfect companion for summer breezes and floral dresses.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: CND Sticky Base Coat
- Orange Gradient Polish: China Glaze – ‘Papaya Punch’
- Pink Gradient Polish: Sally Hansen – ‘Pink Cadillaquer’
- 3D Flowers and Rhinestones: Daily Charme 3D Nail Art Flowers & Swarovski Crystals
- Professional tip: For the gradient effect, a sponge technique works best, dabbing the color onto the nail until it blends seamlessly.
Apply your base coat, then sponge on ‘Papaya Punch’ and ‘Pink Cadillaquer’ to create the gradient effect. Use a fine brush dipped in acetone to create the swirls in negative space, and while the polish is still tacky, carefully place your 3D elements. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to seal in the design and give a luxurious depth to those gems.
Classic Orange: Bright and Bold
When simplicity is key, a solid bright orange manicure is your go-to. This look is about the joy of color – unabashed, unapologetic, and perfectly executed. The squoval nail shape is universally flattering, and the cream finish of the polish speaks of a smooth, juicy orange peel. It’s ideal for those who adore a pop of color without the fuss.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- Orange Polish: Essie – ‘Saturday Disco Fever’
- Top Coat: Butter LONDON Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat
- Professional tip: Apply thin layers of color, allowing each to dry completely to avoid bubbles and get that smooth, even finish.
Begin with your base coat to protect your nail. Then apply two coats of ‘Saturday Disco Fever’, letting each coat dry thoroughly. A tip for the perfect cream finish is to apply your polish in thin layers. Finish with your shiny top coat to protect your color and add that summer sun gleam.
Artistic Orange Waves and Glitter Accents
Merging the carefree spirit of summer with artistic flair, this nail design is a true masterpiece. The alternating patterns of sheer and orange french tips are reminiscent of rolling waves on a sunny beach. A single, well-placed rhinestone adds a focal point, much like a glint on the water, while the swirls of white bring a creative twist to a classical look.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Breathable Treatment + Color
- Sheer Polish: Essie – ‘Sugar Daddy’
- Orange Polish: China Glaze – ‘Orange Knockout’
- White Polish: Sally Hansen – ‘White On’
- Rhinestone: Swarovski Flatback Crystal
- Professional tip: For the free-hand designs, use a fine-tipped brush and take your time to let each color dry to avoid smudging.
First, apply the base coat. Then go for a layer of ‘Sugar Daddy’ to create a perfect canvas. Next, with ‘Orange Knockout’ and ‘White On,’ free-hand the wave patterns. For precision, work slowly and steadily. After the design dries, adorn with a Swarovski crystal for that touch of glamour, sealing the deal with a glossy top coat.
Bold Geometric Cut-Outs with Sparkling Details
This design screams summer nails orange and white with its geometric precision and eye-catching sparkle. The matte orange is audaciously contrasted with sparkling glitter, while the strategic cut-outs reveal the natural nail, giving a nod to the minimalistic trends. It’s a design that’s equal parts edgy and classy—a true conversation starter.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann All About That Base
- Matte Orange Polish: Zoya – ‘Pippa’
- Glitter Striping Tape: Nail Art Sparkling Silver Stripes
- Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
- Professional tip: Lay down the striping tape before the matte polish is entirely dry for it to adhere well, then carefully apply top coat avoiding the tape to keep the matte effect.
Apply your base coat, then polish the nails with ‘Pippa’, waiting for it to set to a matte finish. Carefully place the glitter striping tape to create your geometric pattern. Then, apply the matte top coat to the orange areas, making sure to avoid the tape. The result? A multi-dimensional look that’s modern and chic.
Sunny Orange with White Artistic Flair
Representing summer nails orange and white, this manicure pairs the energy of bright orange with the crispness of white accents. The abstract artistry displayed in the white designs adds an air of modern sophistication, while the single feature nail with a sparkling drip effect brings a playful vibe that’s perfect for summer days.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
- Orange Polish: OPI – ‘My Paprika is Hotter than Yours!’
- White Polish: China Glaze – ‘White on White’
- Glitter Accent: Silver Holographic Micro Glitter
- Professional tip: Use a thin striping brush for the white details, and for the glitter drip, apply a layer of clear polish and sprinkle the glitter over it before it dries.
Prepare nails with the base coat, then apply two coats of ‘My Paprika is Hotter than Yours!’ For the white details, get creative with ‘White on White’ using a thin brush for those intricate lines. For the glitter accent nail, apply a clear polish in the shape of a drip and gently sprinkle the glitter on top. Seal everything with a top coat for longevity and shine.
Tropical Orange Pastels with a Twist
This delightful design incorporates the softer side of summer nails orange pastel. The juxtaposition of matte and glossy finishes creates a tactile experience, and the yellow and white accents mimic the playfulness of summer citrus and sandy shores. The sparkle of glitter hints at summer festivities, making this manicure a perfect complement to the season’s joy.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
- Matte Orange Polish: OPI – ‘Are We There Yet?’
- Yellow Accent Polish: China Glaze – ‘Lemon Fizz’
- White Accent Polish: Essie – ‘Blanc’
- Glitter: Gold Foil Flakes
- Professional tip: To get that perfect matte-glossy combo, apply a matte top coat over the orange, and use a glossy top coat over the yellow and white accents.
Kick off with the base coat. Paint the nails with ‘Are We There Yet?’ and wait for them to dry. Then apply matte top coat. For the accents, use ‘Lemon Fizz’ and ‘Blanc’ to add fun details. Add a touch of sparkle with gold foil flakes on the feature nail, applying a glossy top coat to just the accents and the flakes to make them stand out.
Minimalist Orange and White Swirls
This design embodies the trend of summer nails orange french with a minimalistic approach. The white swirls dancing on a transparent base, capped with a vibrant orange tip, echo the laid-back yet stylish vibe of summer. The design’s simplicity is its strength, evoking images of swirling summer breezes and lazy afternoons.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Orange Polish: Essie – ‘Meet Me At Sunset’
- White Polish: OPI – ‘Alpine Snow’
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door Top Coat
- Professional tip: Utilize a very thin nail art brush for the swirls to keep them delicate and elegant.
After applying the base coat, sketch the tip with ‘Meet Me At Sunset’ and let it dry. Then with ‘Alpine Snow’, create the white swirls with a fine brush, working swiftly but gently. Conclude with a fast-drying top coat to add shine and protect your artwork.
Gradient Orange with Glitter Embellishments
The gradient of summer nails orange and pink in this design is reminiscent of a tropical sunset. The addition of subtle glitter embellishments adds a twinkling star-like effect, perfect for balmy summer evenings. It’s a luxurious yet understated look that can transition from day to night effortlessly.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
- Pink Polish: Zoya – ‘Lara’
- Orange Polish: Morgan Taylor – ‘Orange Crush’
- Glitter: Nail Art Mini Rhinestones
- Top Coat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat
- Professional tip: Apply rhinestones with a dot of nail glue for a more secure hold that lasts through summer activities.
Start with the base coat for longevity. For the gradient effect, apply ‘Lara’ at the base of the nail and ‘Orange Crush’ at the tip, then blend with a sponge. While the polish is still tacky, gently place the rhinestones. Seal the deal with a glossy top coat for extra sparkle.
Summer Bouquet: Orange, White, and Gold
This look captures summer nails orange and yellow with its delicate floral patterns and gold accents, creating a bouquet on your fingertips. It’s a whimsical yet sophisticated design that pays homage to the blooms of summer gardens.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat
- Orange Polish: Orly – ‘Melt Your Popsicle’
- White Polish: Deborah Lippmann – ‘Like a Virgin’
- Gold Leaf: Gold Leaf Sheets for Nail Art
- Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
- Professional tip: The gold leaf can be tricky; use tweezers and a gentle touch to apply.
Apply the base coat first. Then paint ‘Melt Your Popsicle’ and ‘Like a Virgin’ on alternate nails. With the remaining white nails, add small dabs of adhesive and apply the gold leaf. Add a few dabs of ‘Melt Your Popsicle’ for tiny floral details. Finish with a glossy top coat to make those colors pop.
Orange Geometry with White and Glitter Linework
These nails showcase summer nails orange design with their bold color blocks and precise glitter linework. This geometric approach feels modern and is reminiscent of the structured yet playful patterns found in summer fashion.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat
- Orange Polish: ILNP – ‘Papaya’
- White Polish: Formula X – ‘White Matter’
- Glitter Liner: Stripe Rite Glitter Striping Polish
- Top Coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat
- Professional tip: Keep a steady hand for the glitter lines, and perhaps use a barrier cream or tape to protect the surrounding skin.
Lay down the base coat to start. Apply ‘Papaya’ for the solid color sections and allow to dry. Use ‘White Matter’ for the white sections. Carefully draw the glitter lines with Stripe Rite polish. Wait for the design to fully set before applying the top coat to avoid dragging the glitter.
Neon Waves on Matte Orange
Capturing the electric buzz of summer nails orange neon, this design is all about making a splash with its neon matte finish and dynamic blue waves. This bold look mirrors the energetic summer vibes, perfect for beach festivals or night dances under the stars.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Essie Strong Start Base Coat
- Neon Orange Polish: China Glaze – ‘Celtic Sun’
- Matte Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
- Blue Liner Polish: Orly Instant Artist Polish in ‘Créme de Menthe’
- Professional tip: Apply the neon polish over a white base to make the color pop even more vibrantly.
Prepare the nail with a base coat, followed by a white base layer for intensity. Apply ‘Celtic Sun’ in two coats for a bright neon effect. Once dry, apply the matte top coat for a smooth finish. Use ‘Créme de Menthe’ to draw the waves, adding movement and depth to your design.
Sophisticated Safari with Glitter and Leopard Accents
This design brings the wild side of summer nails orange and pink with a sophisticated twist. The soft pink base offers a neutral ground for the bold orange tips and daring leopard print accented with delicate glitter lines. It’s the epitome of summer adventure with a chic edge.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Pink Polish: OPI – ‘Put it in Neutral’
- Orange Polish: Essie – ‘Tart Deco’
- Black Polish for Leopard Spots: Sally Hansen – ‘Black Out’
- Gold Glitter Liner: Stripe Rite in Gold Glitter
- Professional tip: For the leopard spots, use a dotting tool to create imperfect, organic shapes.
Start with the base coat. Apply ‘Put it in Neutral’ for a full-coverage pink base, and once dry, tip the nails with ‘Tart Deco’. For the leopard print, dot ‘Black Out’ sparingly and outline with gold glitter liner. Finish with a glossy top coat to seal your design.
Orange Butterfly Wings with Black Detailing
Reflecting the delicate and transformative nature of summer nails orange design, this intricate butterfly wing pattern is a true work of art. The contrasting bright orange and deep black create an almost hypnotic effect, with the glitter adding a touch of summer shimmer.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Orly Rubberized Base
- Orange Polish: Zoya – ‘Thandie’
- Black Detailing Polish: China Glaze – ‘Liquid Leather’
- Glitter Polish for Accents: ILNP – ‘Holographic Gold’
- Professional tip: Use a fine-tip brush for the black details to achieve the precise lines and curves of the butterfly wings.
Apply the base coat for durability. Layer ‘Thandie’ for a vibrant base, then with ‘Liquid Leather’, paint the delicate details of butterfly wings. Highlight the pattern with ‘Holographic Gold’ for that captivating sparkle. Finish with a fast-drying top coat for protection and shine.
Pastel Orange with Golden Flowers
This manicure captures the dreamy quality of summer nails orange pastel. The soft orange is accented with gentle pink outlines and adorned with golden stars, creating a celestial-inspired theme that’s both whimsical and graceful.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Jessica Bend Don’t Break Base Coat
- Pastel Orange Polish: OPI – ‘Freedom of Peach’
- Pink Liner Polish: Orly Instant Artist in ‘Hot Pink’
- Gold Flower Stickers: Nail Art Gold Star Embellishments
- Top Coat: Essie Good To Go Top Coat
- Professional tip: When applying the stars, use tweezers for precise placement and seal them in with multiple layers of top coat.
Begin with a strong base coat. Apply two coats of ‘Freedom of Peach’ for a creamy pastel background. Edge the nails with ‘Hot Pink’ for a subtle contrast. Place the gold star stickers where you like, then encapsulate with multiple layers of top coat for a smooth, lasting finish.
Electric Orange with White Lightning
This striking nail art electrifies summer nails orange neon with its vivid hue and white lightning bolt designs. The contrast between the neon orange and the stark white patterns is both bold and exciting, like a summer storm encapsulating the season’s unpredictable energy.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Base Coat
- Neon Orange Polish: ORLY – ‘Melt Your Popsicle’
- White Art Polish: Kiss Nail Art Paint in White
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Professional tip: Create the lightning bolts with a fine nail art brush for precision, and practice the design on paper before taking it to the nail.
Start with a solid base coat to protect your nails. Paint them with two coats of ‘Melt Your Popsicle’ for that vibrant neon look. Use the white nail art paint to draw the lightning bolt designs. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, protective seal.
Juicy Orange with a Slice of Summer
A playful nod to summer nails orange and white, this design is as refreshing as a cold glass of orange juice on a hot day. The feature nail adorned with a citrus slice brings a fresh twist to the manicure, complementing the solid neon nails that shine with summertime zest.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Nail Tek Foundation II Base Coat
- Neon Orange Polish: China Glaze – ‘Sun Worshiper’
- White Polish: Essie – ‘Blanc’
- Yellow Polish: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear – ‘Mellow Yellow’
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door Super Fast Drying Top Coat
- Professional tip: For the citrus slice, use a dotting tool to create the fruit’s sections and a fine brush for the details.
Apply the base coat. Then, coat your nails with ‘Sun Worshiper’. On the feature nail, use ‘Blanc’ as the base, and once dry, add details with ‘Mellow Yellow’ to create the citrus slice. Cap it off with a fast-drying top coat for shine and durability.
Playful Hearts and Neon Splashes
This design is a whimsical dance of summer nails orange and pink with a touch of neon. The playful heart shapes are a sweet reminder of summer love, while the bright neon tips add a pop of fun. The contrast between the shiny and matte textures gives the design a trendy edge.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
- Matte Pink Polish: Zoya – ‘Harley’
- Neon Orange Polish: Essie – ‘Serial Shopper’
- White Polish for Hearts: OPI – ‘Alpine Snow’
- Top Coat: Matte About You Top Coat by Essie
- Professional tip: For the hearts, use a toothpick or dotting tool to get the perfect shape, and apply a matte top coat over the pink for a modern look.
Prep nails with the base coat. Apply ‘Harley’ as the base color and let it dry before applying the matte top coat. For the feature nails, apply ‘Serial Shopper’ and ‘Alpine Snow’ to create neon tips and hearts. No top coat is needed on the neon for a contrasting effect.
Abstract Orange and Blue Swirls
A vibrant interpretation of summer nails orange and blue, this manicure’s abstract swirls are reminiscent of summer skies reflected in a pool. The interplay of the neon orange and serene blue creates a dynamic visual effect, perfect for expressing creativity and boldness.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: ORLY Breathable Treatment + Color
- Neon Orange Polish: ORLY – ‘Push the Limit’
- Blue Polish: Essie – ‘Butler Please’
- Top Coat: OPI Gloss Top Coat
- Professional tip: Alternate the swirls’ starting points on different nails to add variety and flow to the design.
First, protect your nails with a base coat. Paint ‘Push the Limit’ on the nails, using ‘Butler Please’ to add blue swirls. Vary the pattern on each nail for an artistic touch. Seal your design with a glossy top coat for a smooth finish and enhanced durability.
Soft Pastel with a Bold Twist
This manicure marries the softness of summer nails orange pastel with a strikingly bold statement. The matte pastel orange nails create a subtle, tender backdrop, while the feature nail showcases a candy-stripe design, infusing a dash of playful boldness. It’s a sophisticated yet fun look that plays with contrast and texture.
Essential Consumables:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
- Pastel Orange Polish: OPI – ‘Is Mai Tai Crooked?’
- Matte Top Coat: Matte Finisher by NYX Professional Makeup
- White Stripe Polish: SinfulColors Nail Art Polish in ‘Bad Chick’
- Top Coat for Stripes: INM Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat
- Professional tip: For the stripes, use striping tape to achieve those perfect straight lines.
Prep your nails with the base coat for a smooth foundation. Apply two coats of ‘Is Mai Tai Crooked?’ and wait for it to dry. Then, apply the matte top coat for a velvety finish on the solid-color nails. For the feature nail, after applying the same pastel polish, carefully place striping tape and add ‘Bad Chick’ in between the tape lines. Remove the tape while the polish is still slightly wet. Finish the feature nail with a holographic top coat to add a shimmering dimension.
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