Ever find yourself wishing your nails could match the sun-kissed vibrancy of summer at a time of year when they are both? Warm weather evokes a sense of fun, so it’s hard to resist wearing some more energetic hues, patterns and sparkles in our outfits. Yeah, and truthfully, changing your summer nails is one of easiest, inexpensive ways to embrace the change of seasons.
Summer is a time that brings forth boldness. Perhaps it’s all those long days and days at the beach or maybe it’s the general shift in attitude that accompanies sun and heat. For whatever reason, it’s a season when even the most understated of us are compelled to step out of our comfort zone with our nails.
Let’s look at 10 new, fashionable summer nail designs that everyone can try to accentuate their summer style. From sheer elegance to a bold, statement design, there’s something here for everyone to draw inspiration from at your next salon appointment or at-home manicure session.
Let’s get started!
Why Summer Calls for a Nail Style Refresh
It is important to first know the reasons people are inclined to change their manicure in the warmer months before getting into the specifics of certain designs.
First of all, of course, summer brings out a lot of skin and we are now MORE visible than we are at other times of the year in our daily routines. Sandals come out of the closet to replace boots, short sleeves are an alternative to sweaters, and our nails are suddenly a lot more apparent.
There is a psychological aspect, too. The warm summer weather (and often the fun activities it brings) is captured beautifully in bright colors and playfully designed pieces. You’ll feel better every time you look at your hands if you select summer nails which are fun and energetic.
Lastly, it’s summer — the time to try new things. It’s a low-pressure fashion season, with swimwear, accessories and other outfits calling for bold outfits, so it’s a good time to experiment with nail colors or nail designs you may not have been so inclined to wear at other times of the year.
Following are described 10 trendy summer nails
1. Classic French Tips With a Colorful Twist
The French manicure has been a favourite for decades, but it’s time to try a new look with this classic style this summer. Try adding bright colors such as coral, turquoise or sunny yellow over the tip line, instead of the classic white tip.
This contemporary update to the French tips keeps all the elegant and refined elegance of the original design, but adds a touch of fun with seasonal colors. For those who enjoy the traditional look and feel, but want to make the most of summer’s vibrancy, it’s a wonderful option.
Styling tip: Pair with a soft nude or sheer pink base for a pop of colour to make the tip really pop.
2. Tropical Fruit-Inspired Nail Art
There’s nothing quite like tropical fruit designs to epitomize the summer playfulness. Consider cutting up a watermelon, pineapple or a citrus design on one or two accent nails and using simple solid colors on the rest.
This is a style that’s perfect for vacations, pool parties or any day of the summer that you want your nails to have some fun, whimsy and definitely be summery. These designs can be re-created freehand by many of the nail technicians, or nail stickers and decals can be used easily at home.
- Brilliant pink and green hues are great with watermelon nails!
- Warm yellow and gold tones are great to accent with pineapple
- Fresh orange and lime tones make a nice match with citrus inspired designs.
3. Ocean-Inspired Blue Ombre
If the tropical fruit is too playful for you, a blue ombre inspired by the ocean, will take the fun up a notch. This method uses several different shades of blue: dark navy and light sky blue, creating a “wave” effect like ocean waves.
Blue ombre nails are pretty to wear on beach vacations, destination weddings or to anyone who wants to express some calm and breezy summer mood with their manicure. Another popular use for the gradient technique is for photos, and it looks great on nails!
Pro tip: Make sure to get a nail salon that has a sponge blending technique to get a gradient effect with different shades of blue.
Why Ombre Techniques are so popular
The ombre style remains popular and versatile, as its effect can be achieved without needing to fill in a lot of detail, it has the depth and sophistication that is popular.
4. Neon Brights for Bold Statement Nails
If you’re looking for a vibrant, bold and dynamic look for your summer nails, then neon nails are the perfect choice.Neon nails make a bold, eye-catching statement that will surely add a lot of vibrancy to your nails during the summer season. Opt for bright, eye-catching, electric pink, lime green or bright orange nails painted over the whole nail.
For festival season, beach vacations or anyone who wants to be all out maximalist summer style, neon nails are a good choice! This is a daring style that looks great on tanned skin—it makes a very dramatic contrast to the natural color of skin and brings the colors to life.
Styling Tip: For a more subtle use of neon, consider using a few neon shades as accent nails and the rest of your nails in more neutral colors for a perfectly wearable look.
5. Minimalist White Nails
At the other end of the scale, the summer minimalist white nails provide a clean and chic choice of nails. This style is all about simplicity, and often includes a simple white base or white line art on a translucent natural background.
White nails really make a gorgeous accent to tanned skin, and are a particular favorite during summer months. This style is also versatile and looks well with nearly any other look, allowing it to be a great fit for those who want a more simple and elegant style.
Many opt for this style for their summer wedding, garden parties or a job interview where it’s important that their manicure look nice and put together, but not too formal.
6. Glossy Chrome and Metallic Finishes
In a recent few years, chrome and metallic nail finishes have skyrocketed in popularity and these looks are ideal for hot weather, as they reflect light and make a statement. The chrome finishes of silver, gold and rose gold are beautiful in the sun and will look great no matter where your hands go.
The trend of this particular summer is a perfect fit for when you want to add a little glamour to your manicure for your special occasion, vacation, or if you are just looking for your manicure to be a little more special than usual. Generally, chrome powders will be applied on top of a solid gel base to achieve the renowned mirror-like finish.
Practical hint: Chrome finishes are prone to fingerprint or smudge more than traditional finishes, so try to avoid touching wet nails and to use a top coat to enhance the reflective quality of the finish.
7. Pastel Color Blocking
While soft pastel hues traditionally symbolize spring, a polychromatic approach of color blocking with various shades of pastels exudes a charming and sophisticated summer atmosphere. This method is using a different shade of pastel on each nail, or using geometric use of color on one nail.
Some of the most popular pastel nail color pairings for summer are soft lavender and mint green and baby pink and pale yellow. This type presents limitless options to allow you to combine and match colors to suit your own color tastes.
- Consider combinations of pastel color blocking with thin gold line accents for extra style and sophistication.
- Try using other pastel shades for a more coordinated palette.
- Try out geometric patterns (such as triangles or diagonal lines) for modern color blocking.
8. Glitter Ombre Fade
If you’re a fan of anything a little sparkly, then a glitter ombre fade is for you. This design usually begins with a solid or sheer base color, that fades into a rich glitter at the end of the nail.
This kind of style lends a lovely finish to any summer evening event, beach bonfires or anything else where an added touch of glam is desired. Another versatility to glitter ombre is that you can pick up the amount of glitter, whether it’s a subtle shimmer or total glitter coverage, based on your own preference.
Styling hint: Make sure to mix shades of glitter that reflect the undertone of your base color – for example, warm gold glitter with peachy nude hues or cool silver glitter with icy blue.
9. Abstract Line Art Designs
Those who are looking for a modern and artistic way to nail the summer season, have been turning to minimalist abstract line art. This style is usually characterized by light, delicate lines, dots, or geometric forms in different colors on a neutral or sheer background.
The beauty of abstract designs is that they can be so versatile, you can combine them in so many ways without the designs getting cluttered and out-of-the-way. This is a great style for nail lovers who love art but aren’t looking for a dramatic look like the other nail art styles.
Social media has contributed to the growing popularity of nail art, as nail artists frequently share elaborate designs that are both artistic and strikingly cool.
10. Sunset Gradient Nails
This gradient design features warm oranges, pinks and purples that flow into one another in a dreamlike manner as they transition from one nail to the next. This is the kind that is now among the most wanted summer nails designs just because it seems to be so associated with the warm, golden late summer evenings.
The sunset gradient nail design is perfect for holiday snaps, summer weddings, or anyone who’s looking to get the “magic” of the sunset on their manicure. The blending technique is a little tricky to do, but many nail technicians have mastered this popular effect.
Practical tip: Your manicure or pedicure will make a difference if your nail art has a sunset gradient or other warm colors, getting your nail artist to add a lighted topcoat will make it look even warmer and shimmering.
How to Choose the Right Summer Nail Style for You
Given all the spectacular choices, how can you determine which design is ideal for your personal style, your lifestyle and your upcoming events? Here are some things to keep in mind for your next appointment.
- Lifestyle and occupation: For people who work with their hands often, it’s better to opt for less elaborate nail designs, such as a simple white one or a classic French tip, since these will last longer.
- Special events, like vacations, weddings and special occasions may require a bit more elaborate design, while simpler and more low maintenance designs may be suitable for normal wear and use.
- Skin tone: Some tones, such as coral and turquoise, seem to flatter warmer skin tones more while cooler pastels will go better with lighter skin tones.
- Finishes: Chrome and glitter options usually need more attention than simple, solid colours.
- Personal style: Ultimately, select designs that are truly your own and not just something that’s in vogue that you don’t really get along with.
Be sure to also bring reference photos to your appointment, as pictures are worth a thousand words and your nail tech will be able to visualize what you want if you have a visual aid.
Few tips to try at home for nail care during the summer:
No matter whether you’re having professional nail manicures or creating nail art at home, correct nail care is vital for maintaining your summer nails looking their best all season long.
Swimming pool chlorine, salt water from the beach and exposure to the sun may have a negative effect on your natural nails and nail polish or gel. By taking some precautions, your manicure will last much longer.
Use cuticle oil regularly during the summer as it is so much drier because of the sun and swimming. For any nail design, this is a simple step to ensure healthy-looking, long-lasting nails.
Even if you have sturdy gel manicures, it’s best to wear gloves while you garden, clean, or do any other activity that could cause polish to chip off or damage that you’d like to keep in place.
Last but not least, don’t neglect to protect your hands from the sun. Sunscreen is a process that many people need to get into when it comes to the face and body but don’t bother applying it to their hands, which can get a lot of sun exposure, particularly when driving or when outdoors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Summer Nail Trends
It’s common to make a few pitfalls during the summer months that you didn’t intend to make when it comes to trying out a new nail style.
A common error is selecting designs that are too complex, but not taking into account the maintenance. While elaborate nail art may seem like a beautiful creation that you’ll want to keep for a long time, if you’re not ready to keep the nails beautifully maintained and touch them up you may end up disappointed in a few days.
Another common mistake is compromising on proper nail care to go with trendy nail designs. Frequently switching from one gel application to another type of acrylic extensions and not providing enough time for your natural nails to recover can cause them to weaken, peel or break in the long run.
Lastly, many opt to pick colors or designs simply because they are in fashion, without taking into account whether such a style really works for them or not, their skin tone, lifestyle, or their personal taste. It’s great to try something new but the more successful summer nails are the ones that are true to the individual who is wearing them.
Final Thoughts
If you want to take that extra bit of joy, creativity and personality into your everyday look, then your nails are one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to do so — and it’s a summer look you can easily have. As we’ve seen in this article, there’s definitely a style for everyone, from bright neon colours to subtle minimalist designs, and dreamy sunset gradients.
Keep in mind the ultimate goal is to select nails that make you feel confident, happy and a true YOU in the summer. This season, feel free to do something you haven’t done before, whether it’s a big, out-of-the-box colour, or a new nail art technique!
Regardless of the type of style you decide to wear, take the opportunity to be playful and carefree like what summer brings. You don’t need to be a slave to the season, your hands should be too.
Frequently asked questions regarding summer nails
Q1. Approximately how many months will summer nail designs last?
Gel manicures should last between 2-3 weeks, while regular polish will last for approximately one week unless the person has a busy lifestyle and takes care of it afterward.
Q2. What colour are the nails most in vogue for the summer this year?
Bright corals, tropical green, sunny yellow and vibrant blues are always in style, as are metallic chrome finishes and cute pastel shades.
Q3. Can I make other nail styles which I saw in the summer at home?
Absolutely! While some designs, such as color blocking, simple ombre and minimalist line art can be done at home with practice, some designs such as chrome finishes may be best applied professionally for best results.
Q4. What can I do to make my summer nail polish last longer at the beach/pool?
A top coat made from a good quality nail polish, using gloves when handling any surfaces that are prone to rubbing and keeping the nails well moisturized with cuticle oil regularly can help prolong the life of your manicure even in the face of sun and water.
Q5. What would you use a nail for to decorate your home?
Nail art can be done in any design, but almond and coffin shapes are slightly larger than other shapes, which means they can accommodate a bit more of the details. Square and round shapes are also great for simpler and minimalist nail art.
