Summer Nail Trends 2024: A Vibrant Look at the Season’s Hottest Manicures

Summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the bright sun and even brighter trends in fashion and beauty. Among the most eye-catching aspects of summer style are the dynamic and colorful nail trends that emerge. Are you ready to dive into the vivid world of summer manicures? What styles will you be flaunting at the beach or during those warm, breezy evening gatherings? Let’s explore the latest and most captivating nail designs for Summer 2024, from charming almond shapes to daring chrome finishes.

Elegant Nude with a Touch of Sparkle

This manicure showcases a sophisticated nude base with a minimalist sparkle accent on one finger, embodying the summer nail trends short that are perfect for a chic, understated look. The nude polish provides a versatile base that complements all skin tones, while the subtle glitter placement adds a touch of glamour without overwhelming the design. This style exemplifies simplicity with a hint of luxury, ideal for both day-to-day wear and special summer outings.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Ballet Slippers’
• Glitter Accent: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Sparkle Top Coat
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat

Each product chosen enhances the durability and aesthetic of the manicure. ‘Ballet Slippers’ offers a sheer, sophisticated finish, while the Sally Hansen top coat provides that perfect sparkle. Seche Vite is recommended for its fast-drying properties, ensuring your nails are ready to dazzle quickly.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Start with clean, shaped nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails and prevent chipping.
2. Apply the Nude Polish: Apply two thin coats of Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers’ for a smooth, even color.
3. Add Sparkle: On the ring finger, apply one coat of Sally Hansen’s sparkle top coat. Allow it to dry.
4. Seal with Top Coat: Apply Seche Vite top coat to all nails to enhance shine and prolong the durability of your manicure.

Bold Zebra Stripes on Almond Nails

The second design features bold zebra stripes over a matte peach base, fitting seamlessly into the summer nail trends almond category. This look is daring yet playful, making it a standout choice for those looking to make a statement. The contrast between the matte finish and the glossy black stripes adds depth and intrigue to the nails.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Peach Side Babe’
• Striping Color: NYX Professional Makeup Nail Art Polish in ‘Black’
• Matte Top Coat: Matte Finisher Nail Polish Top Coat by NYX Professional Makeup

Using these specific products ensures that the peach base remains vibrant while the matte top coat gives a contemporary edge to the design.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Clean and shape your nails into an almond form. Apply a base coat to protect them.
2. Apply the Peach Polish: Put on two layers of OPI’s ‘Peach Side Babe’ and let it dry completely.
3. Create Zebra Stripes: Using a fine brush, paint zebra stripes with NYX’s ‘Black’. Let it dry.
4. Matte Finish: Apply a matte top coat to achieve the stylish matte finish.

Playful Pastels with Geometric Designs

Our third example dives into the summer nail trends pink and blue, featuring pastel shades with geometric patterns. This design is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of complexity in their aesthetics, blending soft colors with sharp lines to create a fresh and eye-catching display.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Colors: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Mint Candy Apple’ and ‘Pink Lemonade’
• Detailing Tool: Dotting tools or a fine nail art brush
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

These selections help achieve a smooth application and vibrant color, essential for this detailed design.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Ensure your nails are clean and shaped. Apply a base coat.
2. Apply Base Colors: Alternate between ‘Mint Candy Apple’ and ‘Pink Lemonade’ on different nails. Let them dry.
3. Add Geometric Patterns: Use a fine brush or dotting tool to create geometric designs. Practice the designs

Subtle Lavender Waves

This nail design is a beautiful example of summer nail trends short and simple, featuring soft lavender waves over a clear base. The gentle flow of the lines creates a serene yet trendy look, perfect for those who prefer a subtle nod to creativity without overwhelming detail.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Color: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Lilacism’
• Detailing Tool: Fine nail art brush
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

These products ensure a smooth application and lasting wear, with ‘Lilacism’ providing the perfect pastel tone for the design.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Clean and shape your nails. Apply the OPI base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply Base: Apply a thin layer of clear polish as the base.
3. Paint Waves: Use Essie’s ‘Lilacism’ with a fine brush to draw delicate waves across each nail.
4. Seal the Design: Finish with Sally Hansen’s top coat for a glossy look that lasts.

Modern Pink French Tips

Reimagining the classic French manicure, this design incorporates bold pink tips on a sheer base, falling perfectly under summer nail trends pink and short. It’s a fresh twist on a traditional style, making it suitable for both casual and formal summer events.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: Essie All-in-One Base
• Color: Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in ‘Chantilly Lace’
• Tip Color: OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘Shorts Story’
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

This selection offers a flawless and durable finish, with ‘Shorts Story’ providing a vibrant, eye-catching pink.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: File and clean your nails, applying Essie’s base coat for smoothness.
2. Apply Sheer Base: Add two coats of ‘Chantilly Lace’ for a subtle sheen.
3. Paint Tips: Use ‘Shorts Story’ to carefully paint the tips of your nails.
4. Finish with Top Coat: Apply Seche Vite for a long-lasting, glossy finish.

Vibrant Blue Matte

Featuring a striking blue matte finish, this manicure captures the summer nail trends blue and summer nail trends matte. The vivid blue shade is both bold and playful, ideal for making a statement at any summer gathering.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
• Matte Polish: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Nail Polish in ‘Twist and Shout’
• Top Coat: Matte Finish Top Coat by NYX Professional Makeup

Using these products will ensure a vivid color payoff and a durable matte finish.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Start with a clean, shaped set of nails.
2. Apply Base Coat: Use China Glaze for a firm foundation.
3. Apply Color: Put on two coats of ‘Twist and Shout’ for full coverage.
4. Matte Finish: Add a layer of matte top coat for that fashionable flat finish.

Sophisticated Navy and White Art

This nail art features a deep navy base with crisp white geometric lines, aligning with summer nail trends square and summer nail trends blue. The precision of the lines and the contrast of colors offer a sleek, modern look suitable for any formal event or professional setting.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie Nail Polish in ‘After School Boy Blazer’
• White Paint: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

These choices ensure sharp lines and a lasting finish, with the nail art pen offering precise control.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Clean, file, and apply a base coat.
2. Apply Navy Polish: Use two coats of ‘After School Boy Blazer’ for a rich base.
3. Design with White: Draw geometric patterns with the Sally Hansen art pen.
4. Protect with Top Coat: Apply Seche Vite to seal and shine.

Chic Copper Accents on Almond Nails

The design in this photo merges summer nail trends almond with a luxurious twist, featuring a translucent peach base accented with elegant copper stripes at the cuticle. It’s a perfect example of summer nail trends short and summer nail trends chrome, showcasing a refined approach to adding metallic elements to a natural nail look.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Translucent Polish: Essie Nail Polish in ‘Bare With Me’
• Metallic Striping Tape: Copper adhesive tape available from nail art suppliers
• Top Coat: OPI Top Coat for lasting shine and protection

These products help achieve a delicate, natural look with a standout metallic flair.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Shape your nails to an almond form, apply the CND base coat.
2. Apply the Translucent Polish: Use two coats of ‘Bare With Me’ for a clean, natural appearance.
3. Apply Copper Stripes: Carefully place copper striping tape at the base of each nail.
4. Seal with Top Coat: Apply the OPI top coat to secure the tape and enhance the overall shine.

Flowing Marbled Pink Art

This photo exemplifies summer nail trends pink, featuring a marbled design that simulates the gentle flow of pink hues blending seamlessly. The look is artistic and soft, perfect for those who appreciate summer nail trends short with a unique, handcrafted appearance.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay Base Coat
• Pink Shades: A combination of OPI ‘Bubble Bath’ and ‘ElePhantastic Pink’
• Marbling Tool: A fine dotting tool or a toothpick
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

These selections are essential for creating smooth, well-blended marbling effects on the nails.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply Essie’s base coat for a smooth foundation.
2. Apply Base Color: Use ‘Bubble Bath’ as the base.
3. Create Marbled Effect: Dot ‘ElePhantastic Pink’ onto the wet base and swirl gently with a marbling tool.
4. Finish with Top Coat: Apply Seche Vite for a durable and glossy finish.

Soft Peach French Tips with a Twist

This design revitalizes the classic French tip with a soft peach update, aligning with summer nail trends short. The tips are painted in a vibrant peach, contrasting beautifully against the natural nail color, providing a modern twist on a timeless style.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat
• Peach Polish: China Glaze ‘Peachy Keen’
• Top Coat: OPI Rapidry Top Coat

This combination ensures a smooth application and a lasting finish, with ‘Peachy Keen’ providing the perfect peach hue.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply Sally Hansen base coat to clean, shaped nails.
2. Apply Natural Base: Cover the nail with a clear or nude polish.
3. Peach Tips: Paint the tips with ‘Peachy Keen’ for a subtle yet bold look.
4. Finish with Top Coat: Use OPI Rapidry to seal the design and add shine.

Neon Lime French Tips

Capturing the essence of summer nail trends short, this manicure features bold neon lime tips on a natural nail base, offering a fresh and vibrant look. It’s a playful take on the French tip, perfect for summer parties or casual outings.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Neon Polish: China Glaze ‘Lime After Lime’
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

These products ensure that the bright neon color stands out and lasts long, even under summer conditions.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply Orly Bonder for a sticky base that enhances polish adherence.
2. Apply Natural Base: Use a sheer nude polish as the base to let the neon tips shine.
3. Neon Tips: Carefully paint the tips with ‘Lime After Lime’ for a sharp, eye-catching look.

Feathered Gold and Black Splendor

This dramatic nail design is an exquisite blend of summer nail trends black with hints of gold. The use of real feather patterns set against a stark black base offers a luxurious and unique aesthetic. The gold flecks scattered across the design add a touch of opulence, making this style suitable for evening events or as a bold everyday statement.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: OPI Black Onyx
• Gold Leaf: Gold leaf flakes available from craft stores
• Feather Decals: Pre-made nail art decals with feather designs
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat

These products ensure a rich, glossy finish that enhances the detailed artwork on the nails.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply a base coat to protect your nails and enhance polish adherence.
2. Apply Base Color: Apply two coats of OPI Black Onyx for a deep, opaque black.
3. Place Feather Decals: Carefully place feather decals on the nail. Use tweezers for precision.
4. Add Gold Leaf: Sprinkle small pieces of gold leaf around the feathers for a shimmering effect.
5. Seal with Top Coat: Finish with Essie Gel Setter to protect your design and add a high-gloss shine.

Delicate Floral Elegance

Capturing the essence of summer nail trends blue and spring, this design features vibrant blue tips paired with intricate floral patterns over a white base. It’s a refreshing and feminine approach that combines color with delicate artistry, ideal for sunny days and garden parties.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie Blanc
• Blue Polish: China Glaze ‘Blue Sparrow’
• Floral Stickers: Nail art stickers with small floral motifs
• Top Coat: OPI Top Coat

These choices provide a bright and lasting finish, perfect for detailed nail art.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply a base coat for a smooth foundation.
2. Apply White Base: Use Essie Blanc for a crisp, clean white background.
3. Add Blue Tips: Paint the tips with ‘Blue Sparrow’.
4. Apply Floral Stickers: Place floral stickers neatly on the nails.
5. Finish with Top Coat: Apply OPI Top Coat for durability and shine.

Pastel Pink Floral Artistry

This photo shows a lovely summer nail trends pink with a special focus on floral design, blending soft pastel pink with detailed floral illustrations on white accents. This design is perfect for those who favor soft, romantic styles.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie ‘Fiji’
• Detailing Polish: Acrylic paints for detailed floral designs
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

These products ensure precision in detail and longevity of the nail art.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Start with a clean, filed, and buffed nail surface.
2. Apply Base Color: Paint all nails with ‘Fiji’ for a smooth, pastel pink base.
3. Paint Flowers: Use fine brushes and acrylic paints to add floral details on the accent nails.
4. Seal with Top Coat: Apply Seche Vite for a durable, glossy finish.

Modern Art and Bright Contrast

Reflecting summer nail trends chrome and top, this design features a modern art aesthetic with bright orange and pink hues contrasted with metallic strips. The inclusion of a whimsical “smile” adds a playful, personalized touch.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Orange and Pink Polish: Sally Hansen ‘Sun Kissed’ and ‘Pink Blink’
• Metallic Striping Tape: Chrome tape from nail art suppliers
• Top Coat: China Glaze No Chip Top Coat

These products create a striking visual contrast and ensure the design’s longevity.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply a base coat to protect and smooth your nails.
2. Apply Base Color: Use ‘Alpine Snow’ for a bright, clean base.
3. Add Color Accents: Alternately apply ‘Sun Kissed’ and ‘Pink Blink’ in bold strokes.

Sophisticated Matte Purple with Gold Leaf Detail

The elegance of this design lies in its simplicity and the luxurious touch of gold leaf detailing. The matte purple base sets a muted yet powerful backdrop for the shimmering gold leaf accents, making this style fit perfectly under summer nail trends blue due to its cool tone and summer nail trends matte for its finish.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie ‘Smokin’ Hot’
• Gold Leaf: Thin gold leaf sheets from a craft store
• Matte Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat

These products ensure a sophisticated matte finish with a touch of luxury.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply Base Color: Paint your nails with ‘Smokin’ Hot’.
3. Apply Gold Leaf: Tear small pieces of gold leaf and apply them randomly on the nails.
4. Matte Finish: Seal everything with a matte top coat for a sleek look.

This manicure is ideal for those who love a touch of glam with their understated elegance.

Ethereal White and Silver Leaf Design

This nail design exudes a delicate, ethereal quality with its soft white base and intricate silver leaf accents. The use of negative space and minimalistic design elements aligns with summer nail trends white and the top trends in nail art for creating subtle yet impactful looks.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Silver Leaf: Silver leaf sheets from a nail art supplier
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

These choices will help achieve a crisp and durable finish.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Start with a clean, prepped nail surface.
2. Apply Base Color: Use one coat of ‘Alpine Snow’ for a translucent effect.
3. Silver Leaf Detail: Apply small pieces of silver leaf in a scattered design.
4. Finish with Top Coat: Apply Seche Vite for lasting shine and protection.

This design is perfect for those who prefer their manicures to be both stylish and sophisticated.

Pastel Pink and Subtle Floral Accents

This charming nail art design features a lovely pastel pink base with subtle floral accents, perfect for summer nail trends pink. The tiny pink flowers add a romantic touch, ideal for any summer day or a special occasion.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie ‘Muchi, Muchi’
• Pink Floral Accents: Acrylic paint for detailed art
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

These selections ensure a beautiful, lasting finish with precise floral details.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply a base coat for protection.
2. Apply Base Color: Two coats of ‘Muchi, Muchi’ for a full pastel pink.
3. Paint Flowers: Use a fine brush to add tiny floral designs.
4. Finish with Top Coat: Seal the design with Sally Hansen for quick drying and extra gloss.

This nail design is suited for those who love a bit of delicate art on their nails.

Trendy Leopard Print with Navy Blue Accent

This design brings a wild twist to traditional nail art with its bold leopard print and striking navy blue accent. The combination of natural leopard patterns with a deep blue hue makes this a standout choice for summer nail trends blue and summer nail trends chrome.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie ‘Licorice’
• Blue Accent: OPI ‘Russian Navy’
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

The use of bold colors and Seche Vite ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Clean and apply a base coat.
2. Apply Base Color: Paint all nails with ‘Licorice’.
3. Create Leopard Print: Use a dotting tool for the leopard spots and ‘Russian Navy’ for the blue accent nail.
4. Seal with Top Coat: Finish with Seche Vite for a high-gloss and protective layer.

Glamorous Black and Gold Zebra Stripes

This striking nail design combines bold zebra stripes with luxurious gold accents, embodying the essence of summer nail trends black and summer nail trends chrome. The black base provides a dramatic contrast, making the metallic gold patches stand out, ideal for those seeking a bold yet sophisticated look.

Recommended Products and Brands

• Base Color: Essie ‘Licorice’
• Gold Leaf: Real gold leaf flakes for a rich, textured effect
• Detailing Tool: Thin striping brush
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

These products will help achieve a crisp, lasting design with maximum impact.

DIY Instructions

1. Prepare Your Nails: Apply a base coat to protect your nails and help the polish adhere better.
2. Apply Base Color: Paint all nails with ‘Licorice’ for a deep black finish.
3. Create Zebra Stripes: Use a striping brush to apply thin, wavy zebra stripes.
4. Apply Gold Leaf: Add gold leaf flakes in between the stripes for a luxurious finish.
5. Seal with Top Coat: Use Seche Vite for a durable, glossy overlay that enhances the metallic shine.