2024’s Hottest Summer Nail Trends: Fresh Designs & Vivid Colors

As we bask in the warmth of the summer sun, our fingertips are begging to play in the season’s palette. Are you ready to dive into the trends that will have your nails making a splash in the fashion world this summer?

Deep Sea Embrace

There’s a serene elegance to the deep teal and marble accents on these almond-shaped nails. The design whispers tales of tranquil ocean floors and lush seaweed dances, making a statement that’s both bold and calming.

• Materials:
  • Teal polish: Lagoon Depths by SeaSiren
  • Marble accent polish: Marble Waves by Artisanal Nails
  • Topcoat: Glass Shield by LongLast
  • Gold accent ring (optional)

Professional Tip: The key to perfecting this marble look is a light touch and a quick swirl.

DIY Technique:

Start with a base of teal. For the marble effect, drop white and darker green polish into water, then swirl with a toothpick before dipping your nail in. Finish with a glossy topcoat for that ocean-like shine.

Neon Dreams

The vibrancy of neon pink outlined with a golden shimmer makes these short, squared nails stand out. They echo the daring spirit of summer — bright, playful, and unapologetically present.

• Materials:
  • Neon pink polish: Electric Blush by Bright Night
  • Gold lining tool: Golden Trace by PreciseLines
  • Sheer base coat: Barely There by NaturNails
  • Topcoat: Lasting Radiance by StayGlow

Professional Tip: For a clean line, use a fine nail art brush dipped in gold. Steady your hand by resting it on a flat surface.

DIY Technique:

Apply a sheer base, then a vibrant pink. Once dry, carefully draw the golden lines along the edge of the nail. Seal it with a strong topcoat to make the color pop.

Winter’s Past, Summer’s Future

Subtle pastels paired with a snowy blossom design remind us of winter melting into the vivid hues of summer. This nail art is a nod to the cyclical nature of fashion, bringing a touch of cool to the heat.

• Materials:
  • Pastel polishes: Spring Awakening set by PastelPro
  • White blossom stickers: SnowFlower by NailDecals
  • Matte topcoat: Matte Majesty by VelvetTouch

Professional Tip: Matte topcoats can transform any summery design into a pastel wonderland.

DIY Technique:

Alternate pastel shades across fingers. Add the blossom stickers on the ring finger as an accent, and finish with a matte topcoat for a chic, seasonal transition.

Daisy Daze

Imagine a delicate touch of nature with a whimsical charm — soft lavender and muted orange complemented with simple white daisies. These coffin-shaped nails are a pastoral poem that sings the song of summer fields.

• Materials:
  • Pastel lavender polish: Lavender Whisper by BloomsBury
  • Orange accent polish: Sunset Glow by Daydreamer Nails
  • White daisy stickers: Daisy Chain by Petal Adornments
  • Topcoat: Crystal Clear by SheerStrength

Professional Tip: Balance the vibrancy of orange with the tranquility of lavender to achieve a harmonious summer look.

DIY Technique:

Paint your nails with alternating pastel lavender and orange. Adorn with white daisy stickers, strategically placed to mimic a scattered bouquet. Seal with a topcoat for longevity.

Geometric Elegance

These are not your average French tips; they are a geometric reinvention. The stark contrast of bare nails with the gold outline presents a chic and minimalist approach, perfect for the sophisticated summer soirée.

• Materials:
  • Transparent base coat: Invisible Armor by NailsIncognito
  • Gold striping tape: Golden Edge by LineArt Nails
  • Topcoat: Diamond Dust Finish by LuxeCoats

Professional Tip: Use striping tape to create precise, clean lines without the hassle of free-handing.

DIY Technique:

Apply a transparent base coat. Carefully place gold striping tape along the tip of the nail in a triangular formation. Finish with a topcoat to ensure the golden trim stays put through summer escapades.

Night Sky Sparkle

These stiletto nails, cloaked in a deep indigo hue, are like a piece of the night sky captured on your fingertips, with a sprinkle of silver glitter adding a touch of cosmic mystery.

• Materials:
  • Indigo polish: Midnight Mystery by CosmicColors
  • Silver glitter polish: Starry Sequins by Glitz&Glam
  • Silver striping tape: Silver Lining by LineArt Nails
  • Topcoat: Platinum Shield by EndurePolish

Professional Tip: Contrast is key — the dark indigo makes the silver accents truly dazzle.

DIY Technique:

Coat your nails with a deep indigo polish. Use silver striping tape for a refined line, and add a touch of silver glitter on the accent nail for sparkle. A topcoat seals the stardust.

Petal Play

This design captures the essence of a romantic, rain-kissed rose garden at dawn. The almond-shaped nails are painted in a blushing pink base, adorned with golden droplets and white petals, a perfect match for a breezy summer dress or a night out.

• Materials:
  • Pink polish: Rosy Glow by TenderTouches
  • Gold foil: Gilded Flakes by GoldLeaf Nails
  • White petal accents: Petal Purity by FloraNail Art
  • Topcoat: EverLast by DurabilityPlus

Professional Tip: Applying gold foil on a tacky base coat will help it adhere better and stay put longer.

DIY Technique:

After the pink base, apply adhesive for the gold foil in small droplets. Then, using tweezers, place the gold foil and white petal accents. Seal with a topcoat to capture the delicate beauty.

Emerald Envy

These nails boast a bold emerald green with a glittering gold vein, reminiscent of the precious stone itself. The pointed tips add a dash of edginess, making this design a show-stopper for any summer event.

• Materials:
  • Emerald polish: Regal Emerald by JewelTones
  • Gold glitter polish: Glitter Vein by SparkleLuxe
  • Topcoat: ArmorUp by ProtectNShine

Professional Tip: Create the gold veins with a thin brush to emulate the natural look of marble or precious stones.

DIY Technique:

Apply the emerald polish, and while still wet, gently drag the gold glitter polish with a fine brush to create the vein effect. Finish with a glossy topcoat to enhance the depth of the green.

Sunrise Spectrum

Here’s a fresh take on the French manicure, inspired by a serene sunrise. The palette of sky blue, warm yellow, and soft pink blends seamlessly against a clear base, offering a slice of early morning calm.

• Materials:
  • Sky blue polish: Horizon Blue by DaybreakNails
  • Warm yellow polish: Solar Flare by SunshineHues
  • Soft pink polish: Morning Blush by EarlyBird Colors
  • Topcoat: Lasting Brilliance by EternalShine

Professional Tip: Use adhesive stencils to achieve crisp lines and seamless color transitions.

DIY Technique:

With a clear base, apply the stencils and fill in with the respective colors to mimic a sunrise gradient. Peel off the stencils while the polish is still slightly wet and seal with a topcoat.

Summer Botanics

These stiletto nails are a fresh breath of summer air, bringing the charm of a flourishing garden to life. The playful dance of white blossoms against the olive green and blush pink is a true celebration of nature’s palette.

• Materials:
  • Olive green polish: Garden Rich by Nature’s Tint
  • Blush pink polish: Soft Whisper by Gentle Hues
  • White polish for petals: Purity by Classic Whites
  • Topcoat: Glossy Bouquet by ShineLast

Professional Tip: Use a dotting tool to create perfect petal shapes and bring these miniature blooms to life.

DIY Technique:

Paint the nail with blush pink and create a French tip with olive green. Dip a dotting tool in white polish to add petals, finishing with a dot of olive green in the center. A glossy topcoat will seal your botanical masterpiece.

Cloudless Skies

Sky blue polish and delicate white lines converge on these almond-shaped nails to mirror the peaceful expanse of a clear summer sky. This design speaks to the soul that finds comfort in the infinite blues above.

• Materials:
  • Sky blue polish: Serene Sky by AzureWish
  • White liner polish: Line Art by PrecisionTips
  • Topcoat: Crystal Clarity by EverGleam

Professional Tip: To achieve these whisper-thin lines, ensure your brush is loaded with just enough polish for one smooth motion.

DIY Technique:

After the sky blue base, use the white liner polish to draw gentle waves across the nail, reminiscent of soft clouds. Finish with a topcoat that promises to let the serene design last through every summer adventure.

Modern Aurora

Presenting an avant-garde approach to the French manicure, these nails offer a play of geometric shapes and pastel colors that evoke the serene beauty of a summer dawn.

• Materials:
  • Pastel green polish: Minty Fresh by SpringAroma
  • Rose pink polish: Dawn Rose by EarlyBloom
  • Gold liner polish: Gilded Lines by LuxeDecor
  • Topcoat: Ultimate Shine by GlossBoss

Professional Tip: The key to crisp edges in geometric nail art is patience and precision—take your time for a flawless finish.

DIY Technique:

Apply a sheer pink base. Then, using stencils, create a diagonal design with pastel green. With a fine brush, add the gold lines for a touch of elegance. Seal it with a shiny topcoat to let the colors softly glow.

Sprinkled with Gold

Soft, translucent pink nails become a canvas for the playful narrative of spring, with scattered flecks of gold leaf and tender botanical designs. It’s a delicate harmony of elegance and whimsy.

• Materials:
  • Translucent pink polish: Barely Blush by VeilNudes
  • Gold leaf: 24K Speckles by TreasureTips
  • Green polish for accents: Sprout Green by Nature’s Palette
  • Topcoat: Gleaming Guard by SheerLux

Professional Tip: Apply gold leaf sparingly for a subtle touch of luxury.

DIY Technique:

Apply a sheer pink polish as a base. Then, with a fine brush, add small botanical designs. Place pieces of gold leaf randomly for an organic feel, and finish with a topcoat that lets every detail shine.

Crimson Contrast

This design revitalizes the classic red manicure with unexpected swaths of soft pink and intricate white marbling, a symbol of boldness meeting grace.

• Materials:
  • Deep red polish: Ruby Pomp by RegalNails
  • Soft pink polish: Whisper by SubtleTones
  • White marble effect polish: VeinArt by DesignerNails
  • Topcoat: Crystal Composite by DurableShine

Professional Tip: Create the marble effect on a separate surface and transfer it using a stamper for precision and ease.

DIY Technique:

Paint nails with deep red, leaving one or two for the accent in soft pink. Add a drop of white marble effect polish onto the pink and swirl lightly with a needle. Seal with a strong topcoat for a glamorous, long-lasting look.

Oceanic Opulence

Deep oceanic blue combined with gold accents evokes the richness of sunken treasures and mysterious marine tales. It’s an indulgent escapade into the deep blues, with each nail telling its own story.

• Materials:
  • Ocean blue polish: Abyss by DeepSeaColors
  • Gold foil: Gilded Depths by GoldElements
  • Topcoat: Ocean’s Shield by AquaFinish

Professional Tip: The application of gold foil should be as random as the patterns in the sea, giving each nail a unique fingerprint.

DIY Technique:

Cover nails with the ocean blue polish. Tear pieces of gold foil and place them on the nails while the polish is still tacky. Use a topcoat to seal the aquatic fantasy, ensuring the gold stands out like sunbeams hitting the ocean floor.

Polka Dots and Elegance

This nail art showcases the timeless charm of polka dots, with a bold red accent nail for a classic yet playful look. The combination is a nod to vintage fashion with a modern twist, perfect for both high tea and high streets.

• Materials:
  • Nude polish: Peach Silk by SoftGlam
  • Black polish for dots: Onyx Point by DeepDark
  • Bold red polish: Classic Crimson by TimelessHues
  • Topcoat: Seal of Elegance by HighGloss

Professional Tip: Use a dotting tool for consistent polka dots and apply the red polish last to avoid color bleeding.

DIY Technique:

After your nude base, add polka dots with precision using a dotting tool. Paint your accent nail in a striking red and let it dry completely before applying a topcoat for an impeccable finish.

Lavender Whisper

These nails capture the delicate essence of lavender flowers, with gentle brush strokes creating a serene and dreamy feel. It’s a beautiful representation of the tranquil fields of Provence in your hands.

• Materials:
  • Sheer pink polish: Blush Veil by Translucents
  • Lavender nail art pen: Lavender Etch by PetalArt
  • Topcoat: Crystal Bloom by UltraShine

Professional Tip: Layer the sheer pink polish to achieve the desired opacity before beginning your floral art.

DIY Technique:

Apply two coats of sheer pink polish, then with the lavender nail art pen, gently draw tiny sprigs to mimic lavender flowers. Seal with a topcoat to encapsulate the fragility and beauty of this design.

Confetti Crescendo

This nail design exudes festivity with its confetti-like dots and floral patterns on a soft pink base. It’s reminiscent of the joyous bursts of color during summer fiestas and lively gatherings.

• Materials:
  • Soft pink polish: Tender Blush by DelicateNudes
  • Multicolored dotting tools: FestiveSpecks by DotDelights
  • Green polish for leaves: Spring Leaf by VerdantVibrance
  • Topcoat: Forever Shine by EternalGloss

Professional Tip: Use different sizes of dotting tools to create a more dynamic and playful confetti effect.

DIY Technique:

Start with the soft pink base. Dip your dotting tools into various bright polishes to add colorful dots. Add small green leaves to bring a natural element, and complete with a glossy topcoat for a festive, lasting impression.

Emerald Elegance

Here we have a unified celebration of luscious emerald green, a color that brings the depth of summer’s verdant landscapes to the tips of your fingers. Paired with an array of gold bracelets, it’s a style that speaks of luxury and natural beauty.

• Materials:
  • Emerald green polish: Forest Majesty by Nature’s Crown
  • Topcoat: Enduring Gleam by LastingLustre

Professional Tip: Two layers of polish beneath a high-quality topcoat will give that glassy depth the color truly deserves.

DIY Technique:

Apply two coats of the emerald polish, letting each layer dry thoroughly. Finish with a smooth layer of topcoat for that enviable shine and protection that lasts.

Celestial Dreams

These nails, adorned with twinkling stars upon a pastel gradient, remind one of twilight wishes and dreamy dusk horizons. It’s a design that invites the serenity of the night sky onto a canvas that radiates daydreams.

• Materials:
  • Pastel gradient polishes: Dawn to Dusk set by Daydream Lacquers
  • Gold star stickers: Celestial Charms by Starlight Adornments
  • Topcoat: Starry Seal by Celestial Shine

Professional Tip: Apply stickers while the polish is still slightly tacky to ensure they adhere well.

DIY Technique:

Create a pastel gradient as your base, carefully blending the colors. Place the gold star stickers strategically, and then apply a topcoat to keep the stars aligned all through your week.

FAQ

Q: What nail trends are expected to be big in summer 2024? A: Alongside vibrant neons and pastels, expect a lot of play with textures and finishes, such as matte and marble effects.

Q: Can these designs be achieved with gel polishes as well? A: Absolutely! Gel polishes are fantastic for their longevity and shine, perfect for these summer trends.

Q: Are there eco-friendly nail polish options for these trends? A: Yes, many brands now offer eco-friendly formulas without compromising on the color intensity needed for these trendy looks.