This post shares 14 fun and hot nail designs and trends to inspire you this Summer.
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Summer is the perfect time to get your nails ready to shine brighter than the sun!
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hitting the beach, or attending a summer festival, a sizzling hot nail design can elevate your entire look.
Nail art has become an essential part of the beauty world, allowing individuals to express their personal style and creativity.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 14 hottest nail designs for summer, provide DIY tips, and offer expert insights to help you achieve the ultimate summer look.
Why Nail Art Is Essential for Your Summer Look
Nail art is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a form of self-expression.
During the summer, when our hands are more exposed, beautifully designed nails can add an extra touch of glam to any outfit.
The vibrant colors and unique patterns of summer nail art can reflect your personality and mood, making it a must-have accessory for all.
14 Hot Nail Designs and Trends For Summer
The upcoming summer season promises to bring a wave of exciting nail trends and fresh ideas. In particular, we’re going bolder with Maximalism and seeing the resurgence of 3-D designs.
From bold and vibrant colors to intricate designs, there’s something for everyone.
This section will provide an overview of the most anticipated nail art trends and colors, setting the stage for our deep dive into specific designs.
The Top Trending Nail Colors For the Season
The summer palette is all about embracing bright and bold shades while also incorporating softer pastels.
This year, Pantone has announced “Peach Fuzz” as the color of the year, making it a popular choice for summer nail designs, especially in it’s neon hue.
Other trending colors include Sunny Yellow or Butter Yellow that we’re carrying over from the start of the year, as well as the still popular Sky Blue.
These make the perfect all over manicure if you’re wanting a more simple look for the season.
As we dive further into some more unique design ideas for your Summer nails, keep these colors in mind to make your manicure pop.
1. Aura Nails
Out of all of the summer nail designs, Aura Nails are the top pick to try this season.
The aura trend is about capturing the essence of summer’s energy in your manicure.
It involves using gradient colors to create a soft, ethereal look that mimics the glow of an aura.
Perfect for those who love a dreamy, mystical vibe. I highly recommend trying it out in blue especially!
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Oval and almond shapes work best for aura nails, as they complement the soft gradients.
Opt for vivid shades like neon blue, pink, and purple to achieve the aura effect.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Use a makeup sponge to blend the colors seamlessly on your nails.
Start with a base coat, then apply the gradient colors onto the sponge and dab it onto your nails.
Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the glow.
2. French Tips with a Twist
French tips are a classic, and this summer, they’re getting a modern makeover.
Instead of the traditional white tips, try it with bold colors, outlines, and even geometric shapes.
Bonus points if each nail is a different color.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Square and almond shapes are ideal for French tips.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Use nail tape to create clean lines for your tips. Apply a clear or nude base coat, then add your chosen tip color.
Seal the design with a top coat for a sleek finish.
If you’re wanting more intricate designs, a skilled nail tech should be able to achieve this without a problem.
3. 3-D Resurgence
3-D nails were popular a few years ago, and they’re making a comeback this summer.
From florals to jewels, there are endless possibilities for creating eye-catching 3-D designs on your nails.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
We’re seeing all shapes of nails for showing off 3-D nail designs.
Pair it with bold, bright colors like orange, yellow, or lime green for a fun, contrasting look.
Or, Monochromatic 3-D designs are another rising nail trend to play with this summer as well!
Techniques to Achieve the Look
For beginners, stick with pre-made 3-D nail art pieces. You can find some easily on Amazon and Etsy.
For those with more experience with at-home manicures, try using soft gel or acrylic to create your own designs, and then add on gems, pearls, or studs for a truly dimensional look.
Make sure to seal the design with a top coat for long-lasting wear.
If you’re going to a nail salon to achieve this fun and dynamic trend, remember patience is key. This look will take some time to achieve.
4. Croc Nails
Croc nails are a fun and edgy trend inspired by crocodile skin.
It is THE pattern to try for your next manicure and will carry over into the Fall easily with more earthy tones.
This design adds texture and intrigue to your manicure, making it perfect for fashion-forward individuals.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
We’re seeing more short nails take center stage, but again, if you really want this to stand out, an elongated almond shape will work well for croc nails.
And, since it’s summer, stick to the bright colors for that perfect summer nail look.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
A thin nail brush will help you achieve this reptilian texture.
You can use any nail polish color to create this design, but for a more authentic look, try using matte polishes or add a matte top coat over your chosen color.
Start by painting your base color and letting it dry completely.
Then, using the thin brush and a darker shade of the same color, create small curved lines all over the nail to mimic crocodile skin.
Finish off with a glossy top coat for added shine and dimension.
5. Citrus Burst
Citrus nails are all about capturing the zesty, refreshing vibe of summer fruits.
Think lemon slices, orange segments, and lime wedges on your nails.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Any nail shape works with citrus designs, but oval and almond shapes are particularly flattering.
Use bright citrus colors like lemon yellow, orange, and lime green.
These even pair well with blue accents!
Techniques to Achieve the Look
One of the easiest ways to achieve a citrus nail design at home is by simply using nail stickers or nail wraps.
You don’t have to deal with the mess, and you can change them out anytime you want.
6. Mermaid Nails
Mermaid nails are the perfect way to add a touch of fantasy to your summer look.
This hot nail design includes iridescent top coats, glitter, and pastel colors reminiscent of underwater creatures.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Coffin, square or oval shapes work well for mermaid nails as they give off a mystical vibe.
For colors, stick to shimmery pastels like seafoam green, lavender, and baby blue.
We’re also seeing this design incorporate 3-D elements as well.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
To create this look, use a makeup sponge to layer different shades of polish in vertical stripes on each nail. Once dry, apply an iridescent or chrome powder on top.
7. Beachy Seashell Nails
Playing off of the mermaid nail trend, nothing screams summer more than the beach and seashells.
This popular nail trend features intricate designs of shells, starfish, and other ocean-inspired motifs.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Squoval or almond shapes are perfect for beachy seashell nails as they give off a natural look. For colors, use soft pastels like sand beige, coral pink, and ocean blue.
You can also add in metallic gold or silver accents for an extra touch of glam.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
You can use either freehand painting or stamping techniques to create your own unique seashell design.
But, the rising nail trend this season is to use layers of gel or acrylic to create a more life-like and innovative design.
If you don’t have a nail expert in your area, you can always get specialty press on nails to give you that same look.
8. Euro Blue Pottery Nail Designs
Inspired by the intricate patterns found in that stunning European pottery, this nail design is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your summer style.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Square or almond shapes work best for this design as it complements the straight lines and curves of the pattern.
Use a combination of white and different shades of blue for an authentic vintage look.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Start off with a base coat of white polish.
Then use a thin brush or toothpick to create intersecting lines in different shades of blue.
Add small dots along the lines to mimic the tiles.
9. Dainty Floral Fields
Floral nail designs are a classic and feminine choice for summer.
While maximalism is at the core of the summer nail season, this year, we’re keeping the floral designs small and delicate against nude nails.
These can also be accented on just a few nails as well.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Oval and square shapes are perfect for showing off delicate floral designs. Overall, keep your natural nails soft and clean for this unexpected summer nail trend.
Pair soft pastel colors with a nude base for a subtle, romantic look.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Use a fine nail art brush or toothpick to create small flower petals in different shades of pink, purple, and yellow.
Finish with a gloss top coat to add subtle shine.
10. Minimalist Palm Trees
For a cute and modern approach to summer nail designs, try this minimalist palm tree design.
Remember, this is another trend that we’re wanting to keep on the tiny scale.
It’s simple yet fun, and perfect for those who want just a hint of vacation in their nail designs.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
This design looks great on any nail shape, especially round or oval.
Stick with a neutral color like white or beige for the base, or more classic nudes if you prefer.
The designs are tiny so it’s up to you if you want to use the traditional palm tree colors like green and brown.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Using a dotting tool or toothpick, create three vertical lines in black starting at the tip of your nails.
Then add small curved lines coming off each line to create the palm.
11. Geometric Patterns
Geometric nails can create a truly eye-catching manicure all year round.
For this season, choose a variety of colors to help you achieve that bold look for summer.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Square and coffin shapes are ideal for geometric designs.
Use contrasting colors like black and white or navy and gold for a striking effect.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Use nail tape to create clean lines and geometric shapes.
Apply a base coat, then add your chosen colors. Remove the tape and finish with a top coat for a polished look.
12. Abstract Sunset
Sunsets and the mesmerizing colors they produce are a staple of summer.
It only makes sense that it also makes for a gorgeous summer nail look.
Get creative with an abstract design and colors to create your own unique sunset-inspired look.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Almond or oval shaped nails work best for this design as they resemble the curves of a sun setting.
Use warm shades like oranges, pinks, and yellows for the base, then add abstract shapes in darker shades such as purples or blues.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Start by painting your nails with a base color of your choice.
Then use a small brush or sponge to create abstract shapes in different colors.
13. Opalescent Nails
Sometimes called jelly nails, opalescent nails are a beautiful and unique way to add some iridescence to your summer look.
This hot nail trend is perfect for those wanting a subtle yet eye-catching design.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Almond, oval or round nails work best for this opalescent look.
Use pastel shades such as pinks, blues, purples, and greens for a dreamy effect.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Apply a base coat in your chosen shade then add an opal top coat or use an iridescent nail polish over the base color.
You can also use a sponge to dab different colored polishes onto the nail for a more dynamic look.
Finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.
14. Psychadelic Joy
Transport yourself back to the 60s with a colorful and psychedelic nail design.
This look is all about creating bold and abstract patterns using bright colors.
Best Nail Shapes and Colors
Square or almond shaped nails work well for this design, allowing for more surface area to create intricate designs.
Use vibrant shades such as neon pinks, yellows, blues, greens, and purples.
Techniques to Achieve the Look
Create a white base using either white polish or a white nail pen.
Then use small brushes or dotting tools to add swirls, dots, or other abstract shapes in different colors onto each nail.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors for a truly psychedelic effect.
Nail Tips for Recreating These Designs at Home
Creating stunning nail art at home is easier than you think. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Essential Tools: Nail file, buffer, dotting tools, fine brushes, and nail tape.
- Products: High-quality nail polish, base coat, top coat, and nail polish remover.
- Technique: Practice makes perfect. Start with simpler designs and gradually work your way up to more intricate patterns.
Maintaining Your Summer Nail Art
To ensure your summer nail art lasts, follow these tips:
- Hydration: Keep your nails and cuticles hydrated with oils and hand creams.
- Protection: Wear gloves when doing household chores to protect your nails.
- Touch-Ups: Keep your nail polish handy for quick touch-ups to prevent chipping.
If you’re interested in how to achieve constant smooth hands and healthy nails, I have a blog post that will give you the best tips!
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