Top 10 Summer Nail Designs to Brighten Your Summer Look

With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to embrace bold and bright beauty choices. This season, nail designs are taking center stage, offering a variety of ways to welcome the sunshine and elevate your mood. Whether you’re ready to try a new color, add a chrome finish to your tips, or give the classic French manicure a colorful twist, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best nail ideas to experiment with this summer.

1- Transparent French Manicure For Summer Nail Designs

The classic French manicure is a timeless choice, but this summer introduces a semi-transparent twist on this beloved design. Instead of the usual stark contrast between a soft pink base and bright white tips, manicurists are creating softer, more sheer versions with just a hint of pale tips—often achieved using the natural length of the nail. For those with shorter nails, a similar effect can be achieved by opting for ultra-thin tips in a color just a shade or two lighter than your base. This creates the illusion of a natural tip while maintaining a chic, understated look.

2- Champagne Chrome For Summer Nail Designs

While we’re still loving the glazed doughnut nails trend, there’s a new summer 2024 twist: champagne chrome nails. This style offers a clean, reflective finish that’s perfect for a minimalist aesthetic with an added touch of shine. Whether worn on short, square nails or elegant almond-shaped nails, this look is sure to stand out.

3- The Light Blues For Summer Nail Designs

Light blue nails are set to be a major trend this season. Choose a flattering baby blue shade, and if you’re new to wearing bold colors on your nails, try it out on your toes first. To really make the color pop, finish with a glossy top coat.

4- Go Green for Summer Nail Designs

Green is set to be a big color trend this year, perhaps reflecting our collective yearning for spring. From snaking leaf designs to marbleized tips and mismatched motifs, green in all its forms is in. If vibrant green isn’t your style, try softer shades like pastel mint or zesty lime. For those who usually opt for darker shades, consider swapping black for a rich forest green. Green is also perfect for coordinating your manicure and pedicure—consider complementary shades of green for both your hands and feet.

5- Pink and Orange For Summer Nail Designs

Pink and orange might not seem like an obvious pairing, but together they make one of this summer’s hottest nail trends. Try this vibrant combo in an ombré design, play with negative space, dots, or swirls, or apply the colors as alternating tips. A super glossy top coat will enhance the colors and make them look as vibrant as possible.

6- Crystal Couture for Summer Nail Designs

The glitz of the red carpet has made its way into nail design, with crystal embellishments becoming increasingly popular. Each nail offers a small canvas perfect for adornment. This trend is also one of the easiest to pull off—if you’re not skilled at painting your own nails or prefer not to visit a professional, pre-glued gem can be applied to nude nails and sealed with a top coat. In the salon, the possibilities are endless—experiment with crystals of different shapes, sizes, and colors, and finish with an extra glossy layer of clear polish for added shine.

7- Bold Chrome Nails for Summer Nail Designs

Chrome nails have been trending for a while, and they’re not going anywhere soon. This season, however, the trend is moving away from subtlety and embracing a bolder, more unapologetic look. Think classic chrome finishes in shimmering silvers, but also explore rainbow chrome brights and soft pastel variations. For a fresh take, try adding iridescent metal-effect edges to your tips for a multi-trend look.

8- Rainbow Tips For Summer Nail Designs

If a classic French manicure feels too formal, consider a more colorful, chromatic approach with rainbow tips. Start with a pale pink base, then add colored tips inspired by juicy tangerines, creamy yellows, or sky blues. For a more playful look, choose two or three complementary shades and alternate them on different fingers. For something more chaotic yet stylish, opt for a spectrum of rainbow colors. You can also experiment with baby fine micro tips for a subtle nod to the trend, or go bold with chunky French tips in various hues.

Lemon and Lime: A Refreshing Summer Nail Design

Even though citrus fruits like lemon and lime are usually linked to the winter season, their bright and zesty colors are perfect for summer. These vibrant shades feel just right when the sun is shining and the days are warm. You can take the citrus theme literally by adding fun lemon-slice designs to your nails or even tiny margarita-inspired motifs. These playful, summery touches will give your nails a fresh, fun look that’s sure to stand out.

French Jell-O Nails: The Must-Try Trend for Summer

“French Jell-O nails are set to be a huge hit this summer,” says Russell. “The sheer jelly base color gives your natural nails a subtle tint, making it both stylish and easy to wear. When you pair this with a classic French tip in a matching shade, you get a design that’s both playful and sophisticated.” It’s a great option for DIY lovers too, she adds: “This fun design offers an effortlessly glamorous look that you can easily achieve at home.”

The secret to nailing the perfect Jell-O manicure lies in the base color. Jelly polishes are less pigmented, featuring more of a clear base, which gives your nails a semi-translucent finish. You can either go for a pre-formulated jelly polish or create your own at home. To DIY, simply mix three parts of a top coat—Mini Mani Moo No Wipe Chrome Top & Base Coat is a great choice—with one part of your favorite colored polish on a palette or a piece of foil. Stir it well and apply it to your nails using a square nail-art brush for the best results.