22 Stunning Beach Nail Colors for 2024: Top Designs to Rock This Summer

Sun, sand, and style! As you gear up for beach outings, why not let your nails flaunt some oceanic charm too? Whether you’re lounging by the sea or just dreaming of the coast, beach nail colors can elevate your summer vibe. From the subtle hues of sandy shores to the vibrant colors of beach umbrellas, how can you pick the perfect palette for your nails this season? We’ll explore some of the hottest beach nail colors for 2024, offering inspiration for your next manicure.

Vivid Stripes on Sheer Base

The first design is a playful yet sophisticated look perfect for beach outings. These nails feature a sheer base that mimics the clarity of water, adorned with thin, precise stripes in a spectrum of beach sunset colors. The use of muted pastels alongside vibrant tones creates a dynamic yet harmonious look, ideal for those who want to make a subtle statement.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Seche Clear Crystal Clear Base Coat
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter Top Coat
• Colors Used:
  • Pale pink: Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’
  • Sky blue: OPI ‘Can’t Find My Czechbook’
  • Lavender: Sally Hansen ‘Lacey Lilac’
  • Orange: China Glaze ‘Peachy Keen’
• Striping Tape
• Thin Brush: For precise lines

DIY Instructions: Start with a clean, buffed nail and apply a base coat. Once dry, use a thin brush to apply your sheer base color. After it dries, strategically place striping tape to guide your lines. With a fine brush, apply each colored stripe, letting each color dry before applying the next to avoid smudging. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, durable finish.

Summer Reflections in Pool Blue

These nails capture the essence of a poolside retreat. The design features a shimmering pool blue gel polish that gleams like sunlight on water. Accents of white and silver stripes give a nod to the beach towels and chic summer outfits often spotted at resorts.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Gel Polish: Gelish ‘June Bride’
• Accent Polishes:
  • White: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
  • Silver: Revlon ‘Silver Dollar’
• Fine Detail Brush

DIY Instructions: Prep your nails with a base coat and cure under a UV lamp if using gel. Apply two coats of the pool blue gel polish, curing between layers. Use a fine detail brush to add thin white and silver stripes. Cure again and seal with a gel top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

Tropical Punch Artistry

This look is all about bold, fun energy—perfect for a beach festival! Featuring vibrant shades of pink and yellow with floral and dot patterns, it’s a creative expression that’s as spirited as a tropical cocktail.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
• Polishes:
  • Hot pink: China Glaze ‘Flip Flop Fantasy’
  • Yellow: Sally Hansen ‘Mellow Yellow’
• Dotting Tools
• Fine Detail Brush

DIY Instructions: After applying a base coat, paint your nails with a bright pink base. Use a dotting tool for yellow dots and a fine brush to draw small flowers. Mix and match the designs on different nails or keep a uniform look across all nails. Finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Seaside Serenity

Embodying the tranquility of a beach morning, this manicure uses soft blues and creamy whites, interspersed with detailed shell and starfish designs. Each nail serves as a canvas for miniature coastal art, perfect for those who appreciate intricate details. The matte finish on some nails contrasts beautifully with the glossy others, capturing the diverse textures of a seaside experience.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Top Coats: Matte – OPI Matte Top Coat, Glossy – Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Soft blue: Essie ‘Saltwater Happy’
  • Creamy white: OPI ‘Funny Bunny’
• Detailing Tools: Fine brushes for art and dotting tools for precision
• Decals: Shell and starfish

DIY Instructions: Prepare your nails with a base coat for longevity. Paint alternate nails with soft blue and creamy white as base colors. Using a fine brush, add shell and starfish designs on the white base. On the blue nails, apply a matte top coat, and a glossy top coat on the detailed ones for a mix of textures. This look is a nod to the serene and artistic aspects of the beach.

Playful Pastels

This design is a cheerful blend of pastel tones with playful geometric and striped patterns, reminiscent of beach balls and umbrellas. The yellow smiley accent on the ring finger adds a quirky touch, making it a perfect choice for a fun day out at the beach.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails
• Top Coat: Essie Good To Go
• Polishes:
  • Pastel yellow: Essie ‘Chillato’
  • Pastel pink: OPI ‘Pink Friday’
  • Pastel blue: China Glaze ‘Secret Peri-wink-le’
• Detailing Tape for precise lines
• Dotting Tool for the smiley face

DIY Instructions: After a base coat, apply a light layer of each pastel color on different nails. Use detailing tape to create clean lines for geometric and striped designs. For the smiley face, use a dotting tool with black and white polish on a yellow base. Seal everything with a fast-drying top coat for a playful and durable beach-ready manicure.

Citrus Splash

Inspired by summer citrus fruits, this nail design features vibrant lemon yellow and soft pink backgrounds with white citrus slice designs. The glossy finish enhances the freshness of the design, making it a lively choice for beach activities.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
• Top Coat: Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Lemon yellow: Sally Hansen ‘Mellow Yellow’
  • Soft pink: Essie ‘Muchi, Muchi’
  • White for citrus slices: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Fine Detail Brush for drawing citrus slices

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Paint a base of lemon yellow on half of the nails and soft pink on the others. Use a fine detail brush to paint citrus slice designs in white on both the yellow and pink nails. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the colors and ensure longevity.

Summery Citrus Circles

These nails are a delightful homage to summer fruits with a pastel backdrop and whimsical citrus motifs encircled by dainty polka dots. The choice of soft lavender and sky blue provides a fresh, airy feel, while the orange citrus accents add a vibrant pop of color, reminiscent of a refreshing summer drink.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
• Top Coat: Essie Gel.Setter
• Polishes:
  • Lavender: Essie ‘Lilacism’
  • Sky Blue: OPI ‘It’s a Boy!’
  • Orange for citrus details: Zoya ‘Arizona’
• Dotting Tools for polka dots and citrus designs

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Alternate the base colors between lavender and sky blue on each nail. Using a dotting tool, add small orange citrus designs in the center of the nails, encircled by white polka dots to frame them beautifully. Finish with a glossy top coat for a summery, cheerful look.

Tropical Leaf Impressions

This bold, dynamic design features a gradient base with tropical leaf imprints, evoking the lush foliage of a tropical beach. The gradient shifts from a bright pink to a soft yellow, creating a sunset effect, while the leaf patterns in hot pink and orange provide a stunning contrast that captures the essence of a vibrant beach landscape.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Mega Shine
• Gradient Polishes:
  • Pink: China Glaze ‘Bottoms Up’
  • Yellow: OPI ‘Need Sunglasses?’
• Leaf Stencils
• Sponge for gradient effect

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat for lasting wear. Apply the yellow polish at the nail base and pink at the tip, and blend with a sponge for a smooth gradient. Once dry, place leaf stencils over the gradient and apply contrasting colors. Remove the stencils carefully and seal with a high-gloss top coat for a striking finish.

Neon Waves

Neon green waves over a nude base bring a playful yet chic look, ideal for lively beach parties or casual summer days. The minimalist wave design in a striking neon color stands out against the subdued background, offering a modern twist on classic beach aesthetics.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Here To Stay
• Top Coat: OPI Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Nude: OPI ‘Samoan Sand’
  • Neon Green: Essie ‘The More The Merrier’
• Thin Brush for detailed wave patterns

DIY Instructions: Prepare your nails with a base coat. Apply two coats of a nude polish as the base. Using a thin brush, draw flowing wave patterns with neon green polish. Let each wave dry before applying the next to prevent colors from bleeding. Finish with a clear top coat for durability and shine.

Coastal Charms

This design combines elegance with beachy motifs, featuring a nude base adorned with intricate seashell and starfish appliqués. Each nail showcases a unique element of seaside life, enhanced by delicate bead accents that add a touch of luxury. The blend of soft pastels with clear and white tips creates a sophisticated yet playful beach aesthetic.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
• Top Coat: Chanel Le Gel Coat
• Polishes:
  • Nude: Essie ‘Topless and Barefoot’
  • White for tips: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Appliqués: Seashell and starfish
• Beads: Small pearl-like embellishments

DIY Instructions: After applying a base coat, paint your nails with the nude polish. Once dry, apply white polish to the tips. Affix the seashell and starfish appliqués to the nails using a tiny dot of nail glue. Accentuate with small beads around the edges for a refined look. Seal everything with a glossy top coat to enhance the details and durability of the appliqués.

Tropical Beach Party

Vibrant and lively, this nail design captures the spirit of a tropical beach party. Each nail features a different pattern or color, ranging from sunset pinks to deep sea blues, adorned with palm trees and floral motifs. This manicure is perfect for someone who loves to express their bold, fun personality.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Hot Pink: China Glaze ‘Pool Party’
  • Light Blue: Sally Hansen ‘Barracuda’
  • White for details: Essie ‘Blanc’
• Stencils: Palm tree and floral

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Use different colors on each nail as the base. Once dry, use stencils to apply palm tree and floral designs with white polish. For a freehand touch, add small details with a fine brush. Finish with a top coat for a vibrant, party-ready look.

Elegance on the Shore

These nails exude sheer elegance with their long stiletto shape and ocean-inspired design. The use of a soft pink base with white marbling mimics the gentle waves hitting the shore, while gold accents and seashell charms bring a luxurious feel to the beach theme.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
• Top Coat: OPI Glossy Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Soft pink: Essie ‘Minimalistic’
  • White for marbling: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
  • Gold accents: Sally Hansen ‘Golden-I’
• Charms: Gold seashell

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat for durability. Paint a soft pink base, and while still wet, gently swirl in white polish with a fine brush to create a marbling effect. Once dry, apply gold accents and place a gold seashell charm on the accent nail. Seal with a glossy top coat for a luxurious finish.

Subtle Sparkle

This design epitomizes understated elegance with a soft pink base and delicate gold foil accents. The occasional use of tiny green leaf motifs adds a natural touch, making this manicure perfect for both everyday wear and special beachside occasions. It’s a subtle yet stunning approach to nail art that enhances natural beauty without overwhelming.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Strong Start
• Top Coat: OPI High Gloss Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Soft pink: OPI ‘Bubble Bath’
  • Gold foil
• Green leaf stickers

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect the nails. Paint a soft pink base and allow it to dry completely. Carefully place gold foil pieces for a fragmented shimmer effect. Add small green leaf stickers as accents on one or two nails for a hint of color. Seal with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the shine and longevity of the foil and stickers.

Sunset Gradient

Inspired by the vivid colors of a beach sunset, this nail design features a striking gradient blending neon pink into a warm orange. The seamless transition and addition of white cloud-like designs offer a dreamy contrast, perfect for summer evenings or tropical vacation adventures.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
• Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Neon pink: China Glaze ‘Pool Party’
  • Orange: Essie ‘Tart Deco’
• Sponge for gradient effect
• White polish for cloud designs

DIY Instructions: Begin with a protective base coat. Apply neon pink at the nail base and orange at the tip, blending with a sponge to create a smooth gradient. Use a small brush to paint whimsical white clouds over the gradient. Finish with a fast-drying top coat for a glossy, enduring look.

Neon Nights

This bold and colorful design is perfect for nightlife and beach parties. It features a vivid array of neon colors forming a gradient across each nail, symbolizing the dynamic energy and fun of summer nights. The transparency at the nail base adds a modern twist, giving these nails a light, airy feel.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
• Top Coat: OPI Glossy Top Coat
• Neon Polishes:
  • Pink: American Apparel ‘Neon Pink’
  • Blue: Essie ‘I’m Addicted’
  • Yellow: OPI ‘I Just Can’t Cope-acabana’
  • Green: Salon Perfect ‘Loopy Lime’
• Sponge for blending

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat for lasting wear. Start with a clear base at the nail’s bottom, and apply each neon color in layers using a sponge to blend into a gradient. Ensure each layer is partially transparent at the base to maintain the airy effect. Seal with a glossy top coat for vibrant, eye-catching nails.

Seashell Symphony

This design perfectly captures the essence of the ocean with its clear base interspersed with pastel accents and detailed seashell designs. Each nail is a mini-artwork, featuring different sea elements like starfish and shells, which seem to float serenely on the nails. This is an ideal choice for those who appreciate the intricate beauty of marine life combined with a modern aesthetic.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock
• Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri
• Polishes:
  • Clear base: Essie Gel Couture Clear
  • Pastel accents: OPI Soft Shades Pastels Collection
• Charms: Miniature seashells and starfish
• Fine Detail Brush for precision artwork

DIY Instructions: Apply a strengthening base coat. Use a clear polish as the base on all nails. Carefully place pastel accents in shapes of shells or waves, then add real miniature seashell and starfish charms while the polish is still tacky. Finish with a quick-dry top coat to seal in the miniature art for long-lasting wear.

Beachside Brights

Vibrant and eye-catching, this design features bold pink nails paired with cool blue accents, each adorned with playful beach motifs like starfish and flip-flops. The use of vibrant colors and bold designs makes this set a perfect match for lively beach outings or a fun summer day out.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: OPI Natural Base Coat
• Top Coat: Essie Shine-E
• Polishes:
  • Hot pink: China Glaze ‘Shocking Pink’
  • Light blue: Essie ‘Bikini So Teeny’
• Decals: Beach-themed like starfish and flip-flops
• Micro Beads for added texture

DIY Instructions: Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of hot pink on all nails, then use light blue for detailed designs or tips. Affix beach-themed decals on the accent nails for a playful look. Optionally, add micro beads for texture and finish with a glossy top coat for shine and protection.

Pastel Beach Dreams

This nail design uses soft pastels to create a dreamy beach vibe, with gentle waves and cloud-like patterns adorned with delicate beach elements. The use of light colors and subtle designs makes this manicure perfect for a more understated beach look or a casual summer day.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
• Top Coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • Pastel pink: OPI ‘Put it in Neutral’
  • Light blue: China Glaze ‘Rain Dance the Night Away’
• Thin Brush for detailed wave and cloud designs

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to prevent staining. Alternate pastel pink and light blue to create a soft background. With a thin brush, add wave and cloud designs across the nails, integrating small beach elements like shells or starfish within the patterns. Seal with a durable top coat for a smooth, lasting finish.

Sunset Swirls

This nail design is a masterpiece of color blending, featuring soft pastels that swirl together to create a sunset-like effect. The inclusion of delicate floral patterns adds a touch of natural beauty, reminiscent of a tropical garden at dusk. The seamless blend of orange and pink tones provides a warm, inviting feel that’s perfect for any beach outing.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
• Top Coat: Chanel Le Gel Coat
• Polishes:
  • Orange: Essie ‘Meet Me at Sunset’
  • Pink: OPI ‘ElePhantastic Pink’
• Detailing Brush: For intricate floral designs

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to protect the nails. Paint a gradient with orange and pink, blending while still wet. Use a detailing brush to add soft floral accents in a lighter shade for contrast. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the vibrant colors and detailed artistry.

Modern Geometry

This playful and modern nail design uses sharp geometric shapes and a matte finish to create a standout look. The use of muted pastels against a stark white background makes each color pop, while the neat lines and shapes offer a contemporary twist on classic summer styles.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Essie Here To Stay
• Top Coat: OPI Matte Top Coat
• Polishes:
  • White: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
  • Pastels: CND Vinylux Pastel Collection

DIY Instructions: Start with a solid white base. Once dry, tape off sections to paint geometric shapes in various pastel shades. Carefully remove the tape to ensure crisp lines. Apply a matte top coat for a modern, soft-touch finish that plays beautifully against the summer sun.

Neon Flame

Vibrant and bold, this design is all about making a statement. Featuring hot neon colors in a flame design, these nails are perfect for those looking to bring some serious heat to their summer style. The glossy finish on the neon paints catches the light and ensures all eyes are on you.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter
• Neon Polishes:
  • Orange: China Glaze ‘Orange Knockout’
  • Pink: American Apparel ‘Neon Pink’
• Detailing Tools: For precise flame designs

DIY Instructions: Apply a base coat to extend the life of your manicure. Use a brush to create flame shapes starting at the cuticle and working up, alternating between orange and pink for a fiery effect. Ensure each layer is dry before applying the next to maintain sharp lines. Finish with a glossy top coat for a vibrant, durable look.

Ocean Waves

This beautifully crafted nail design is inspired by the tranquil, rhythmic waves of the ocean. The combination of solid blue nails and transparent nails with white wave patterns perfectly captures the essence of the sea. The use of glossy finishes enhances the fluidity of the design, making it a stunning choice for beach lovers and anyone drawn to oceanic themes.

Consumables List:

• Base Coat: Orly Rubberized Base
• Top Coat: Essie Gel Setter for a glossy finish
• Polishes:
  • Solid blue: Essie ‘Butler Please’
  • Clear polish for base on wave nails
  • White for waves: OPI ‘Alpine Snow’
• Detailing Brush for wave patterns

DIY Instructions: Begin with a rubberized base coat to smooth the nail surface. Apply two coats of solid blue on some nails. For the wave design nails, start with a clear base. Once dry, use a thin detailing brush to paint white wave patterns, mimicking the rolling waves. Alternate between solid and patterned designs for a dynamic look. Seal all nails with a glossy top coat to achieve a water-like shimmer and ensure durability.

As we’ve explored a variety of beach nail colors and designs, from the subtle elegance of pastel geometrics to the vivid vibrancy of neon flames, it’s clear that each style offers a unique way to express your summer vibes. Whether you prefer the serene mimicry of ocean waves, the playful boldness of sunset swirls, or the intricate details of seashell symphonies, these designs not only capture the essence of the beach and the ocean but also provide a creative outlet to showcase your personality. Embrace these ideas to make your next beach outing or summer day even more memorable, letting your nails speak volumes about your love for sun, sand, and sea.