22 Simple Summer Nail Designs for 2024: Trends, Tips, and Eco-Friendly Styles
Summer is the season for vibrant sunsets, cool blue waters, and the freedom to express yourself through your style, right down to your fingertips. As we embrace simple summer nails in 2024, we’re looking for designs that are both stylish and easy to maintain, whether you’re sunbathing by the ocean or grabbing a gelato in the city streets. But what makes the perfect summer nail? Is it the boldness of the colors, the simplicity of the design, or the nod to summer motifs? Let’s dive into some of the most enchanting simple summer nails designs for this year.
Ocean Breeze Gradient
The nails featured in photo effortlessly capture the essence of the ocean with a beautiful gradient from simple summer nails blue at the tips to a soft, cloudy white at the base, resembling the serene ocean fading into the sky. A minimalist seagull motif adds a whimsical touch, perfect for those dreaming of beachside holidays. The use of short gel technology ensures a glossy, durable finish that’s perfect for any summer adventure.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
- Blue Polish: Essie in Butler Please
- White Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Small detailing brush for artwork
DIY Instructions
- Start with a clean, buffed nail and apply a base coat.
- Apply a light blue polish as the base color.
- Using a sponge, dab on the white polish from the mid-nail upwards to create a gradient effect.
- With a fine brush, paint the seagull silhouette near the cuticle.
- Seal everything with a top coat for a shiny, long-lasting finish
Soft Pink Elegance
Photo showcases a classic and cute look with simple summer nails pink that exudes a gentle charm. The polish is a delicate pale pink that complements any skin tone, making it a versatile choice for summer. The addition of a single black dot on each nail serves as a modern twist on traditional French tips, symbolizing simple summer nails French tip but with a minimalist, contemporary edge. This design is ideal for those who prefer their summer style understated yet chic.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Pink Polish: Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina
- Black Polish for Dot: Zoya in Raven
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Dotting tool or a pin head for precision
DIY Instructions
- Prepare your nails with a base coat to protect them.
- Apply two coats of Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina, allowing each coat to dry.
- Dip your dotting tool into black polish and gently press a dot near the tip of each nail.
- Finish with a fast-drying top coat to protect your design and add a glossy finish.
Glossy Monochrome Patterns
The nail design in photo is an example of simple summer nails acrylic creativity, featuring a glossy black base with raised monochrome patterns that create a tactile texture. This design is bold yet straightforward, making a statement with just one color but multiple textures. It’s an excellent choice for those who love a dramatic look but prefer not to manage the intricacies of multicolored art.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Black Gel Polish: Gelish Black Shadow
- Matte Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
- Glossy Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Embossing tool for the textured effect
DIY Instructions
- Apply the base coat and then two layers of black gel polish, curing under a lamp as required.
- Once cured, selectively apply a matte top coat and let it dry.
- Use the glossy top coat to paint over the areas you want to highlight, creating the embossed effect.
- Cure under the lamp to set the glossy sections, giving your nails a unique textured look.
Neon Stripe Delight
The nail design in photo is a vibrant celebration of color perfect for the energetic summer vibes. It features bold neon shades including simple summer nails pink and simple summer nails white, with precise geometric lines and dots that add playful sophistication. The square tip, an example of simple summer nails square, offers a modern canvas for this eye-catching art.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Neon Pink Polish: China Glaze in Shocking Pink
- Neon Yellow Polish: Orly in Glowstick
- White Polish: Sally Hansen White On
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Striping tape and dotting tool
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Use striping tape to delineate areas for neon pink and white polishes.
- Apply two coats of neon pink and white in the designated areas.
- Remove the tape while the polish is still tacky.
- Use a dotting tool to add neon yellow dots for a pop of color.
- Seal the design with a fast-drying top coat.
Speckled Charm
Photo presents a subtle yet chic look, perfect for those who prefer simple summer nails short. The light white base adorned with specks of black and blue creates a speckled egg effect, reminiscent of a serene summer sky dotted with birds. This design is an epitome of natural and understated elegance in nail art.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- White Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Black Speckle Polish: Nails Inc. Black Taxi
- Blue Speckle Polish: Essie in Butler Please (thinned out)
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Start with a base coat to ensure longevity.
- Apply two coats of white polish as the base.
- Lightly dab on black and blue speckle polishes with a thin brush for controlled dispersion.
- Finish with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the speckled effect.
Pastel Dreams
Photo is a whimsical creation that combines pastel tones with simple summer nails designs such as soft pink and sky blue, creating a dreamy feel. The vertical stripes and subtle heart motifs make it a perfect choice for cute and playful summer outings. The short gel technology used ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Pastel Pink Polish: Zoya in Dot
- Pastel Blue Polish: CND Vinylux in Creekside
- White Polish: Sally Hansen White On
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to prevent staining and improve polish adherence.
- Paint alternate stripes of pastel pink and blue vertically on each nail.
- Use a fine brush to draw small hearts and lines in white for added detail.
- Seal the design with a top coat for durability and shine.
Floral Whisper
Featured in photo, this design epitomizes simple summer nails short gel, where the transparent gel base serves as the perfect backdrop for delicate blue floral appliqués. The tiny gold flakes add a touch of luxury, making this design both refined and suitable for summer weddings or garden parties.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Clear Gel Polish: Gelish Clear Gel
- Blue Floral Decals: Available at specialty nail art shops
- Gold Flakes: Loose gold leaf from craft stores
- Top Coat: Gelish Top It Off
DIY Instructions
- Prepare the nails with a base coat and cure it under a UV lamp.
- Apply a thin layer of clear gel polish and cure it.
- Carefully place the floral decals and gold flakes on the nails while the gel is tacky.
- Seal with a top coat and cure for a glossy finish that lasts.
Dazzling Pink Gradient
Photo showcases a stunning ombre effect transitioning from a vibrant pink to a soft white, topped with sparkling accents on selective fingers. This design is a fantastic representation of simple summer nails coffin, providing an elongated, elegant canvas for the gradient. The use of rhinestones adds a glamorous touch, making it perfect for summer evening events.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- Pink Polish: OPI in Hotter Than You Pink
- White Polish: Essie in Blanc
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Rhinestones and glue
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to protect the natural nail.
- Paint the entire nail with the pink polish.
- While the pink polish is still tacky, blend in the white polish from the tip using a clean sponge to create the gradient effect.
- Apply rhinestones on the ring finger using a tiny dab of glue.
- Seal with a fast-drying top coat for a lasting glossy finish.
Elegant Minimalism
The design in photo combines deep matte red with crisp white accents, achieving a look that is both bold and minimalistic. This nail art is an excellent example of simple summer nails short, ideal for those who love a sophisticated yet understated style. The matte finish adds a contemporary touch, perfect for both day and night summer activities.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Red Matte Polish: Zoya in Posh
- White Polish: Sally Hansen White On
- Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You
DIY Instructions
- Begin with a base coat to smooth any imperfections.
- Apply two coats of matte red polish.
- Use a thin brush to draw thin white lines near the tips for a refined look.
- Finish with a matte top coat to enhance the sophistication of the matte finish.
Neon and Geometric
Photo is a vibrant expression of summer, featuring bold neon colors segmented by precise geometric black lines. This design is a playful and modern take on simple summer nails almond, with its sharp contrasts and striking color palette. It’s perfect for those who like to make a statement with their nail art.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Neon Pink Polish: China Glaze in Pool Party
- Black Polish: Essie in Licorice
- White Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Striping tape
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to prepare your nails.
- Paint each nail with white polish as a base to make the neon colors pop.
- Once dry, use striping tape to create geometric shapes.
- Fill in the shapes with neon pink and black polish.
- Carefully remove the tape and finish with a high-gloss top coat for protection and shine.
Frosty Glitter Tips
In photo the nails are adorned with a frosty glitter over a translucent base, creating a magical icy effect that’s perfect for summer. This look is an elegant take on simple summer nails designs, combining the natural beauty of a sheer polish with the sparkle of glitter for a sophisticated yet playful style.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Translucent Polish: Essie in Sheer Luck
- Silver Glitter Polish: OPI in This Silver’s Mine!
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Apply two coats of a sheer, translucent polish for a clean look.
- Apply silver glitter polish starting from the tip, fading towards the middle.
- Finish with a top coat for a durable, glossy finish that brings out the sparkle in the glitter.
Pink French Tips
Photo captures the timeless elegance of French tips with a vibrant pink twist, perfect for a playful yet sophisticated summer look. The nail shape is a simple summer nails almond design, which elongates the fingers beautifully. The soft pink base paired with bold pink tips exemplifies a modern take on classic simple summer nails French tip styles.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Soft Pink Polish: Essie in Muchi, Muchi
- Vibrant Pink Polish: OPI in Strawberry Margarita
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Begin with a protective base coat to ensure nail health.
- Apply two coats of soft pink polish over the entire nail.
- Once dry, carefully paint the tips with vibrant pink polish using a small brush for precision.
- Complete the look with a fast-drying top coat for durability and shine.
Swirling Marble Art
The design in photo is a stunning example of simple summer nails acrylic artistry with a swirling marble effect in shades of blue and silver. The addition of silver glitter lines enhances the ethereal quality of the design, making it suitable for both day and evening summer occasions. The glossy finish on the simple summer nails short gel ensures that the intricate details catch the light beautifully.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- Light Blue Polish: China Glaze in Kinetic Candy
- Silver Glitter Polish: Sally Hansen in Celeb City
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint a light blue base and let it dry.
- Drop different shades of blue and silver polish onto the nail and swirl them together with a fine brush before they dry.
- Outline some of the marble veins with silver glitter for added sparkle.
- Seal the design with a glossy top coat for a smooth finish.
Geometric Olive Elegance
Photo features an innovative geometric design combining olive, black, and transparent sections. This nail art represents simple summer nails square with its sharp lines and bold color contrasts, ideal for a chic and edgy summer look. The use of negative space adds a contemporary flair to the traditional simple summer nails designs.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Olive Polish: Essie in Sew Psyched
- Black Polish: OPI Black Onyx
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Start with a base coat to ensure longevity.
- Use tape to section off parts of the nail for precise lines.
- Apply olive and black polish in alternating sections.
- Carefully remove the tape and finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the colors and ensure a seamless edge.
Subtle Pink Textures
The photo design is a masterclass in texture and tone, featuring a glossy pink base with white textured patterns over two accent nails. This look is an elegant variation of simple summer nails short, perfect for those who appreciate subtle details and textures in their manicure. The simple summer nails pink theme is soft and pleasing, making it versatile for any summer event.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Pink Polish: Zoya in Madison
- White Textured Polish: Essie in Private Weekend
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Begin with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Apply two coats of pink polish for a full, even base.
- On the accent nails, use a sponge to dab on white textured polish to create a lace-like effect.
- Seal the design with a glossy top coat for a durable, shiny finish.
Mint Checkered Charm
Photo features an intricate checkered pattern with a fresh mint green color, making it an ideal choice for those seeking simple summer nails short gel. The use of negative space within the checkered design adds a modern twist, enhancing the visual appeal without overwhelming. This style is perfect for casual summer days or a trendy brunch.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Mint Green Polish: Essie in Mint Candy Apple
- White Polish: OPI Alpine Snow
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Striping tape for precision in creating checkered patterns
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to protect the nails.
- Paint all nails with a mint green polish as the base color.
- Once dry, use striping tape to create a grid pattern.
- Fill alternate squares with white polish to create the checkered effect.
- Carefully remove the tape and seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Classic White Ovals
The design in photo celebrates simplicity with its classic oval-shaped simple summer nails short. The clean, white polish offers a crisp, refined look that pairs beautifully with any summer outfit, making it a staple for those who prefer natural and simple summer nails designs.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- White Polish: Sally Hansen White On
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Start with a base coat to ensure a smooth surface.
- Apply two coats of white polish for a solid, opaque look.
- Finish with a glossy top coat to prevent chipping and to add shine.
Glittering French Manicure
Photo showcases a luxurious twist on the traditional French manicure, featuring clear tips encrusted with silver glitter. This design is an exquisite example of simple summer nails French tip but with an added sparkle that makes it perfect for evening events or special occasions during the summer.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
- Translucent Pink Polish: Essie in Mademoiselle
- Silver Glitter: OPI in My Favorite Ornament
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to protect the nails.
- Paint the nails with a translucent pink polish for a subtle pink hue.
- Apply silver glitter to the tips, fading inward for a gradient effect.
- Finish with a top coat to seal in the glitter and enhance the overall shine.
Spring Blossoms
In photo, the nails are adorned with a delicate floral pattern over a white base, sprinkled with fine black specks that add depth and texture. This design reflects the essence of spring transitioning into summer, making it an ideal choice for those who adore simple summer nails cute and artistic designs.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- White Polish: Essie in Blanc
- Pink and Green Acrylic Paint for the flowers
- Black Speckle Polish: Nails Inc. Black Taxi
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Begin with a base coat to protect the nails.
- Apply a white polish as the base color.
- Use fine brushes to hand-paint pink blossoms and green leaves on the accent nails.
- Add black speckles to the remaining nails for contrast.
- Seal the design with a top coat for durability and a glossy finish.
Sprinkles of Spring
Photo captures a delightful and whimsical essence with its light pink base and scattered green sprinkles. This design is perfect for those who prefer a playful yet subtle look. The translucent nail with green accents gives a fresh, spring vibe that’s great for simple summer nails short.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Pink Polish: Essie in Fiji
- Green Glitter Polish: Zoya in Ivanka
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint a soft pink base on all nails.
- On the accent nails, use a small brush to sprinkle green glitter for a speckled effect.
- Seal with a glossy top coat for a durable and shiny finish.
Lavender Longings
Photo showcases beautifully manicured nails coated in a serene lavender shade, ideal for simple summer nails almond. The color is soft yet vivid enough to make a statement. This design is synonymous with the ease and beauty of summer, suitable for everyday wear or a special summer occasion.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- Lavender Polish: OPI in Do You Lilac It?
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Start with a base coat to smooth any imperfections.
- Apply two coats of lavender polish, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
- Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the color’s vibrancy and longevity.
Elegant Monochrome Florals
Photo offers a sophisticated look with its monochrome floral designs over a white base. This intricate and elegant pattern is perfect for those seeking a refined yet creative nail art design. The sharp contrast between the black and white enhances the visual impact, making it an excellent choice for formal events.
Required Products and Recommendations
- Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- White Polish: Sally Hansen White On
- Black Acrylic Paint for the floral details
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions
- Apply a base coat to ensure a smooth canvas.
- Paint all nails with a solid white base.
- Use a fine brush and black acrylic paint to create delicate floral patterns on each nail.
- Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish and to protect the artwork.
Save Pin
