Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new and bold nail designs. As a professional manicurist, I’m excited to share some of the hottest summer nails that will make your nails stand out this season. From vibrant colors to intricate art designs, here’s everything you need to know about the latest trends in summer nail art.
Geometric Edge Nail Design
Geometric nail designs are making a huge splash this summer. This particular design features a bold black rectangle in the center of the nail, surrounded by a delicate dotted border. The contrast between the black and the soft, iridescent dots creates a chic and modern look. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of edge to their manicure without going overboard.
Consumables List:
- Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
- Iridescent dot stickers or holographic nail polish (e.g., Ciaté London Holographic Stickers)
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a clean, shaped nail and apply a base coat.
- Paint the entire nail with black polish and let it dry completely.
- Carefully place iridescent dot stickers around the black rectangle, or use a fine brush to apply holographic nail polish for the dotted effect.
- Seal the design with a top coat for extra shine and protection.
Abstract White and Silver Nails
Abstract designs are perfect for those who love to mix and match. This nail design features a combination of white, silver, and black art, creating a unique and sophisticated look. The different patterns and textures make this manicure a true work of art, perfect for making a statement.
Consumables List:
- White nail polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
- Silver nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Celeb City)
- Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint the nails with white polish as the base color and let it dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to create abstract patterns with black and silver polishes.
- Let the design dry, then apply a top coat to finish.
Animal Print Glamour Nails
Animal print never goes out of style, and this summer, it’s back with a glamorous twist. This design features a nude base with bold black and brown animal print accents. The combination of matte and glossy finishes adds depth and sophistication to this trendy look.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., Zoya Avril)
- Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
- Brown nail polish (e.g., Essie Hot Coco)
- Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)
- Glossy top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
- Fine detail brush
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with a nude polish and let them dry.
- Using a fine detail brush, create animal print patterns with black and brown polishes.
- Apply a matte top coat on the nude sections and a glossy top coat on the patterned sections for contrast.
Minimalist Botanical Nails
This elegant and minimalistic design combines white and black elements with delicate botanical motifs. The base color is a soft white, creating a clean canvas for the detailed black leaves and subtle “MONEY MOTIVATED” lettering. A touch of gold foil adds a hint of luxury, making this design perfect for those who appreciate simplicity with a bit of flair.
Consumables List:
- White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
- Black nail polish for detailing (e.g., Sally Hansen Black Heart)
- Gold foil (e.g., Holographic Nail Art Foil)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with white polish and let them dry completely.
- Use a fine detail brush to paint the black botanical designs and lettering.
- Apply gold foil accents sparingly to add a touch of luxury.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Neon Flame Nails
Neon flames are a bold and trendy design for summer. The gradient background transitions from a light nude to a deep black, creating the perfect backdrop for the vibrant neon flames. The flames, painted in neon yellow, pink, and green, add a dynamic and eye-catching element to the nails.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Skinny Dip)
- Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
- Neon yellow, pink, and green nail polishes (e.g., China Glaze Neon Collection)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Create a gradient background by blending nude and black polishes.
- Use a fine detail brush to paint the neon flames in varying colors.
- Let the design dry, then apply a top coat to seal and protect the artwork.
Tortoiseshell Tips
Tortoiseshell nails are a classic design that has been modernized with a sophisticated twist. This design features a nude base with tortoiseshell tips, creating a chic and timeless look. The combination of brown, black, and amber tones in the tips adds depth and texture, making this a versatile design suitable for any occasion.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
- Brown, black, and amber nail polishes (e.g., Essie Little Brown Dress, Sally Hansen Black Heart, Zoya Ginger)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with a nude polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to create tortoiseshell patterns on the tips with brown, black, and amber polishes.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Bold Red and Black Nails
This striking design combines vibrant red polish with bold black accents. The red nails are enhanced with black abstract lines and swirls, creating a dramatic and edgy look. One nail features a subtle ombre effect, adding variety and interest to the design.
Consumables List:
- Red nail polish (e.g., Essie Russian Roulette)
- Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
- Nude nail polish for ombre effect (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with red polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to create black abstract lines and swirls on some nails.
- For the ombre nail, blend the red and nude polishes for a seamless transition.
- Seal the design with a top coat to protect and add shine.
Marble Tip Nails
Marble tip nails are a sophisticated and elegant choice for the summer. This design features a nude base with a stunning marble effect on the tips. The combination of white, brown, and blue swirls creates a natural stone look that is both classy and modern. The subtle shine adds a touch of glamour, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
- White nail polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
- Brown and blue nail polishes for the marble effect (e.g., Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Buffalo Nickel and Sugar Fix)
- Fine detail brush or toothpick
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with a nude polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush or a toothpick to create the marble effect on the tips by swirling white, brown, and blue polishes.
- Let the design dry completely, then apply a top coat for a glossy finish.
Silver Leaf Accent Nails
Silver leaf accent nails are a fresh and trendy design for summer. The light blue base color is complemented by silver leaf accents at the cuticle, creating a chic and modern look. This design is perfect for those who love a minimalist yet eye-catching manicure.
Consumables List:
- Light blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Bikini So Teeny)
- Silver leaf (e.g., Holographic Nail Art Foil)
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
- Tweezers for applying silver leaf
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with light blue polish and let them dry completely.
- Using tweezers, carefully place the silver leaf accents at the cuticle area.
- Seal the design with a top coat to ensure the silver leaf stays in place and add shine.
Modern Geometric Nails
Modern geometric nails are perfect for those who love bold and unique designs. This look features a combination of black, gold, and nude polishes with various geometric patterns. The sleek black tips and abstract gold accents make this design stand out, giving it a sophisticated and artistic flair.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
- Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
- Gold foil (e.g., Holographic Nail Art Foil)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with a nude polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to create geometric patterns with black polish and add gold foil accents.
- Let the design dry, then apply a top coat to protect and add shine.
Earthy Tones and Gold Accent Nails
This design combines earthy tones with a touch of gold for a natural and elegant look. The mix of green, brown, and beige polishes is complemented by a striking gold accent on one nail. The variety of textures and colors makes this design versatile and perfect for any summer outfit.
Consumables List:
- Green nail polish (e.g., Essie Mojito Madness)
- Brown nail polish (e.g., Zoya Louise)
- Beige nail polish (e.g., Essie Sand Tropez)
- Gold foil (e.g., Holographic Nail Art Foil)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint each nail with a different color from the earthy palette and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to apply gold foil accents on one of the nails.
- Seal the design with a top coat to protect and add shine.
Black and Gold Kintsugi Nails
Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with gold, these black and gold nails exude luxury and elegance. The matte black base provides a striking contrast to the gold lines, creating a sophisticated and timeless look. This design is perfect for evening events or adding a touch of glamour to your everyday style.
Consumables List:
- Matte black nail polish (e.g., Essie Matte About You)
- Gold nail polish or gold foil (e.g., Sally Hansen Gold Rush)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with matte black polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to draw gold lines, mimicking the kintsugi effect.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Sky Blue Marble Nails
These sky blue marble nails are a perfect blend of elegance and trendiness. The combination of solid blue nails with marbled accents and gold foil creates a stunning, sophisticated look. The soft blue color is ideal for summer, while the marble effect adds a unique twist.
Consumables List:
- Sky blue nail polish (e.g., OPI Gelato on My Mind)
- White and blue polishes for marbling (e.g., Essie Blanc and Bikini So Teeny)
- Gold foil (e.g., Holographic Nail Art Foil)
- Fine detail brush or toothpick
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint most of your nails with the sky blue polish and let them dry.
- For the marble effect, use white and blue polishes and a fine detail brush or toothpick to create swirling patterns.
- Add gold foil accents for a touch of luxury.
- Seal the design with a top coat.
Silver Glitter French Tip Nails
French tip nails are a classic, but adding a silver glitter twist gives them a modern and festive update. The matte grey base with glittery silver tips creates a clean and chic look. This design is versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions, making it a great choice for summer.
Consumables List:
- Matte grey nail polish (e.g., Zoya Dove)
- Silver glitter polish (e.g., China Glaze Fairy Dust)
- Fine detail brush or French tip guides
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with matte grey polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush or French tip guides to apply the silver glitter polish on the tips.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Matte Black and Glitter Accent Nails
This design combines the sophistication of matte black nails with the playful sparkle of glitter accents. The contrast between the matte and glitter finishes creates a dynamic and eye-catching look. This design is perfect for those who want to add a bit of sparkle to their manicure without going overboard.
Consumables List:
- Matte black nail polish (e.g., Essie Matte About You)
- Multi-colored glitter polish (e.g., OPI Glitter All the Way)
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint most of your nails with matte black polish and let them dry.
- Apply the multi-colored glitter polish to one or two accent nails.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish on the glitter nails and a matte finish on the black nails.
Orange Ombre with Gold Accents
This orange ombre nail design is both vibrant and elegant. The smooth transition from a natural nude to a bright orange tip is enhanced with a thin line of gold glitter, adding a touch of sophistication to the look. The glossy finish makes the colors pop, perfect for sunny summer days.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
- Bright orange nail polish (e.g., OPI A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find)
- Gold glitter polish (e.g., China Glaze Fairy Dust)
- Fine detail brush
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Create an ombre effect by blending the nude and orange polishes, starting with the nude at the base and transitioning to orange at the tips.
- Use a fine detail brush to apply a thin line of gold glitter polish along the tips.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Soft Pink Floral Nails
Soft pink floral nails are perfect for a delicate and feminine look. The light pink base is adorned with elegant floral designs and gold accents, creating a whimsical and romantic vibe. This design is ideal for those who prefer subtle yet stylish nail art.
Consumables List:
- Light pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Mod About You)
- Gold nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Gold Rush)
- Fine detail brush for floral designs
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with light pink polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to create floral designs with gold accents.
- Seal the design with a top coat to protect and add shine.
White Daisy Nails
This design features a soft white base with daisy flowers at the tips, creating a fresh and natural look. The daisies are detailed with green leaves, adding a touch of color and liveliness. This nail design is perfect for those who love floral patterns and a minimalist aesthetic.
Consumables List:
- White nail polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
- Green nail polish for leaves (e.g., Essie Mojito Madness)
- Fine detail brush for daisies
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with white polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush to paint daisy flowers and green leaves at the tips.
- Seal the design with a top coat to protect and add shine.
Nude with Gold Bands
This nude and gold band design is both chic and modern. The matte nude base is complemented by delicate gold bands across the middle of the nails, creating a stylish and sophisticated look. This design is versatile and perfect for any occasion, adding a touch of elegance to your manicure.
Consumables List:
- Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
- Gold nail polish or gold foil (e.g., Sally Hansen Gold Rush)
- Fine detail brush or striping tape for gold bands
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with nude polish and let them dry.
- Use a fine detail brush or striping tape to apply gold bands across the middle of each nail.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Blue Marble Nails with Gold Accents
These blue marble nails are a stunning blend of sophistication and creativity. The light blue base is complemented by marble patterns in darker blue shades, accentuated with gold foil for a luxurious touch. This design is perfect for summer, as it evokes the serene beauty of ocean waves and the sparkling allure of sunlit water.
Consumables List:
- Light blue nail polish (e.g., OPI Gelato on My Mind)
- Dark blue nail polish for marbling (e.g., Essie Aruba Blue)
- Gold foil (e.g., Holographic Nail Art Foil)
- Fine detail brush or toothpick
- Base coat (e.g., Essie First Base)
- Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
DIY Instructions:
- Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
- Paint your nails with light blue polish and let them dry completely.
- Use a fine detail brush or a toothpick to create marble patterns with dark blue polish.
- Add gold foil accents to enhance the marble effect and add a touch of luxury.
- Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy and lasting finish.
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