2024 Summer Nail Trends: Chic Short, Almond & Square Looks

Are your nails summer-ready? As the mercury rises, so does the opportunity to splash out with vibrant summer nail looks. But what’s sizzling hot for summer 2024? Whether you’re a fan of keeping it short and simple or you’re aiming for trendy talons that scream holiday vibes, I’ve got the scoop. From short gel wonders to almond elegance and square sophistication, let’s dive into the inspiration for nail art that’s as cute as it is cool for the season.

Summertime Citrus Splash

As a professional manicurist, the photo speaks to me of summer’s playful and zesty essence. Here, the nails are a canvas for a delightful dance between summer nail looks pink and a burst of orange reminiscent of a citrus grove. Each nail is a chapter in a story, some narrated in solid sunny tones, others adorned with delicate flowers, suggesting cute summer nail looks perfect for any sun-kissed outing.

Photo credit by: @nails.by.iz_

• Consumables for this look:
  • Base coat: Strengthening and protective
  • Pink polish: Bubblegum bliss
  • Orange polish: Citrus zest
  • Yellow polish: Solar flare
  • Top coat: Long-lasting shine
• My recommendation for the pink is a creamy, rich hue, while the orange should be bright and bold to add that pop of cute nail looks for summer joy.

Creating this design starts with a solid base coat, followed by two coats of the pink polish. For the accent nail, after the base pink layer, use a thin brush to paint freehand flowers in orange and yellow. Seal it all with a glossy top coat for a look that’s both cute and durable.

Sheer Elegance and Gold Dust

This image captures a summer nail looks almond shape that exudes sophistication. The simple summer nail looks are elevated with a touch of gold, a harmonious blend of subtlety and glam for the woman who appreciates a hint of luxury on her fingertips.

Photo credit by: @nailsbyj03

• Consumables for this look:
  • Nude polish: Bare elegance
  • Gold glitter: Gilded touch
  • Top coat: Matte finish
• Opt for a high-quality nude polish that complements your skin tone for that perfect sheer base, and a glitter that’s fine enough to create a delicate sparkle without being overbearing.

The artistry lies in the finesse: apply two coats of the nude polish, let it dry, then delicately dab the gold glitter along the crescent line. Finish with a matte top coat for a sophisticated frosted look.

Timeless Rouge and Rosé

The contrast of deep rouge with a blushing pink in this summer nail looks square shape creates an air of timeless romance. It’s a classic palette that whispers of hidden Parisian courtyards and bouquets of freshly-cut roses—ideal for both a holiday escape and a chic urban look.

Photo credit by: @elsgels

• Consumables for this look:
  • Rouge polish: Vintage velvet
  • Pink polish: Rosé whisper
  • Top coat: High gloss for that glass-like sheen
• The rouge should be deeply pigmented for a single-stroke application, while the pink needs just enough opacity to stand out against the darker hue.

Begin with a solid coat of rouge on most nails, leaving a couple for the pink statement. Apply two coats if needed, followed by a high-gloss top coat to ensure these summer nail looks have the luster they deserve.

Deep Purple Perfection

Gazing at this photo, one can’t help but be mesmerized by the deep purple hue, a regal choice for a summer nail looks square shape. It’s bold, it’s confident, and it perfectly encapsulates the balmy nights and lively soirées of the summer.

Photo credit by: @evebettsbeauty_

• Consumables for this look:
  • Deep purple polish: Majestic nightfall
  • Base coat: Armor for the nails
  • Top coat: Ultra-shine seal
• The deep purple polish should have a depth that rivals a twilight sky, captivating with each glance. I suggest a polish that offers a gel-like consistency for a fuller, richer appearance.

To achieve this royal look, start with a protective base coat, follow up with two coats of the deep purple polish for full opacity, and finish with a top coat that gives your nails a glassy sheen, making them stand out with trendy sophistication.

Blue Hues and Silver Accents

This nail design whispers tales of the ocean’s mystery with its varying summer nail looks blue shades. A touch of silver gives it a festive edge, perfect for both a beach getaway and a glamorous evening event.

Photo credit by: @nail_poisk

• Consumables for this look:
  • Ocean blue polish: Seaside escape
  • Silver glitter: Moonlit sparkle
  • Top coat: Long-wear luminosity
• Choose a blue that reflects the heart of the ocean—deep and inviting. The silver glitter should be fine yet reflective, like stars on the water’s surface.

Apply two coats of your ocean blue polish. Use tape to create a crisp line, then apply the silver glitter for the accent. Seal with a top coat that ensures longevity, and you’ll have cute summer nail looks that twinkle like the sea under the moonlight.

Galactic Glitter and Onyx

Eclipse In this photo, the nails are a playground of contrasts: the innocent sparkle of pink glitter against the boldness of a black abyss. It’s a design that screams unique, an embodiment of cute nail looks for summer with a twist.

Photo credit by: @thatglosssauce

• Consumables for this look:
  • Black polish: Void black
  • Pink glitter polish: Cosmic blush
  • Top coat: Diamond-hard protector
• The black should be as dark as space itself, and the glitter should mimic the iridescence of cosmic dust. A hardening top coat will preserve the design’s intricate balance.

Paint your nails with the pink glitter polish, let it dry, then create sweeping arcs of black polish that mimic an eclipse. A detailed brush will be your ally here. Once dry, apply a top coat to secure the glitter beneath a celestial dome.

Terracotta Tones

In this picture, we’re greeted by the warmth of terracotta—a hue that captures the essence of sun-baked clay pots and the rustic charm of summer. It’s a nod to simple summer nail looks with a color that’s both earthy and elegant.

Photo credit by: @hypebaebeauty

• Consumables for this look:
  • Terracotta polish: Earthenware embrace
  • Base coat: Natural nail fortifier
  • Top coat: Silken matte finish
• Select a terracotta polish that’s rich and creamy for effortless application. The matte top coat will enhance the earthly feel, giving it a modern twist.

Apply a fortifying base coat to protect your nails. Sweep on two coats of terracotta polish, ensuring full coverage. Finish with a matte top coat for a sophisticated summer nail looks short style that’s reminiscent of an artisan’s touch.

Pastel Panache

This image is an ode to the soft pastels of summer’s palette. The gradient of green to pink suggests a gelato-inspired dream, edged with a shimmering gold that offers a dash of holiday glam.

Photo credit by: @dokhte_lux

• Consumables for this look:
  • Pastel pink polish: Petal soft
  • Pastel green polish: Mint breeze
  • Gold leaf top coat: Gilded finesse
• For a look that’s summer nail looks pink meets summer nail looks green, select pastel polishes that blend well. The gold leaf top coat should be used sparingly for just the right amount of sparkle.

Begin with a pale pink base, then while it’s still tacky, gently sponge on the pastel green for a seamless transition. A thin brush dipped in gold leaf top coat will define the tips. The result? Cute summer nail looks that are as refreshing as a morning in a blooming garden.

Summer Sorbet Swirls

Here we see a playful interplay of colors that are as delightful as a scoop of sorbet. This picture captures a trend-forward approach to summer nail looks 2024 with whimsical curves and soft color transitions.

Photo credit by: @professional.salon.brands

• Consumables for this look:
  • Sky blue polish: Daydream
  • Soft yellow polish: Lemon chiffon
  • Pastel coral polish: Peach parfait
  • Top coat: Crystal clear
• Choose polishes that have a gel-like consistency for smooth curves and easy blending. A crystal-clear top coat will ensure that your design stays as fresh as a summer nail looks blue sky.

Paint each nail with a sheer nude base. Use striping tape to guide your curves and apply each color with a delicate touch. Blend where the colors meet for a simple summer nail looks effect that’s utterly trendy and sweet as summer itself.

Sky’s the Limit

The photograph showcases a stunning summer nail looks almond design, where the sky blue tips fade into a soft, cloud-like pink. Tiny white accents mimic delicate daisies in the sky—a dreamy look perfect for those long, lazy summer days.

Photo credit by: @heygreatnails

• Consumables for this look:
  • Sky blue polish: Serene heights
  • Soft pink polish: Whispering blush
  • White accent polish: Daisy white
  • Top coat: Ultra-gloss finish
• Seek out a blue and pink that have a sheer quality for a light, airy gradient effect. The white should be opaque for the floral details to pop.

Begin with a sheer pink base, then gently sponge the sky blue onto the tips, blending downwards. Use a fine brush to add the white daisy accents, and seal it with a glossy top coat for a finish that’s as bright as a day in the clouds.

Ruby Waves

Here we see a powerful summer nail looks square style that pairs classic ruby red with undulating waves of pink and white, creating a dynamic and trendy look that’s bound to make a splash at any summer event.

Photo credit by: @highstreetstyleinspo

• Consumables for this look:
  • Ruby red polish: Crimson tide
  • Pink wave polish: Rose ripple
  • White wave polish: Foam crest
  • Top coat: Mirror-like shine
• The ruby polish should be deep and commanding, while the pink and white need to be pliable enough to create smooth waves.

Paint the nails with a strong base of ruby red. With a thin brush, add waves of pink and white for a marbled effect. Finish with a top coat that promises shine and resilience against the summer heat.

Emerald Enchantment

This image captures a luxurious summer nail looks almond silhouette with a rich, emerald green that’s both enigmatic and elegant. One accent nail features a marbleized effect, reminiscent of the intricate patterns found in natural stone, adding a touch of organic opulence.

Photo credit by: @nailsbypaular

• Consumables for this look:
  • Emerald green polish: Forest mystery
  • Marbling medium: Liquid intrigue
  • Top coat: Satin sheen
• Choose an emerald green with depth and brilliance. The marbling medium will help achieve the natural swirling patterns.

Apply two coats of emerald green as the base. For the marble effect, drop the marbling medium onto the nail and swirl gently with a fine point. Finish with a satin top coat to enhance the mystique without overt shine.

Lavender Whisper

In the image before us, the nails are adorned with a whisper-soft lavender, accented by delicate sprigs that seem to have been caught in a gentle breeze—a cute summer nail looks staple. The subtle artistry speaks of quaint cottage gardens and the serene side of summer.

Photo credit by: @rachelsbeauty_

• Consumables for this look:
  • Lavender polish: Gentle lilac
  • White detail polish: Purity
  • Green detail polish: Thyme leaf
  • Top coat: Quick-dry brilliance
• Select a lavender polish that’s muted yet expressive. For the fine details, choose polishes that offer precision and pigmentation.

To create this look, apply a lavender base and let it dry. With a fine brush, draw the delicate white flowers, adding green for the stems. A quick-dry top coat ensures your summer nail looks are ready to flaunt in no time.

Daisy Daydreams

This photograph captures nails that bring to mind the carefree days of summer, with a soft, sheer base sprinkled with daisies. The occasional pop of purple on the tips adds a playful contrast and embodies the joy of sunny days.

Photo credit by: @qsnail_penrith

• Consumables for this look:
  • Sheer pink polish: Blush veil
  • White detail polish: Snowdrop
  • Purple tip polish: Playful wisteria
  • Top coat: Anti-chip shield
• The sheer pink should give a healthy, natural look, while the white must be opaque for clean daisy petals. The purple should be vivid yet not overwhelming.

Begin with a sheer pink base. Once it’s dry, paint on the white daisies, and add a dab of yellow for the centers. The purple tips can be free-handed for a simple summer nail looks vibe. Seal with an anti-chip top coat for durability.

Neon Flame

This image is a true representation of trendy summer nail looks 2024. The neon green flames lick upwards on a sheer base, making a bold statement that’s impossible to ignore. It’s perfect for those looking to add a bit of edge to their summer nail looks.

Photo credit by: @pitucasok

• Consumables for this look:
  • Sheer nude polish: Barely there
  • Neon green polish: Electric lime
  • Top coat: Gel-like finish
• The sheer nude should barely tint the nails, while the neon green must be striking and saturated.

Start with the sheer nude base. Once it’s set, use a thin brush to paint on the neon green flames. To get the fluidity right, practice on paper first. A gel-like top coat will give the impression of glassy flames dancing on your fingertips.

Floral Fancy

The image presents a delightful array of floral patterns, blooming across a pale pink canvas—each nail a petal-filled vignette. This design epitomizes the playful side of summer nail looks pink, as it exudes a cottagecore charm perfect for any summer tea party or a leisurely stroll through the gardens.

Photo credit by: @nailsby_ayla

• Consumables for this look:
  • Pale pink polish: Soft peony
  • Assorted floral polishes: Garden variety hues
  • Top coat: Super shine armor
• Opt for a pale pink that provides a subtle backdrop to the vibrant floral hues. The floral polishes should be varied to mimic the multifaceted colors of a flowerbed.

Begin with the pale pink base, and then using a fine brush, paint an assortment of small, simple flowers in various hues for a cute nail looks for summer. Once the floral art has dried, apply a glossy top coat to seal in the beauty and add a touch of sparkle to your day.

Starry Soirée

This photograph shows nails that are a tribute to celestial elegance. The soft gradient of white to mint green serves as a canvas for golden stars, a combination that whispers of warm, starlit nights—a graceful look for the sophisticated summer night events.

Photo credit by: @mydumbnails

• Consumables for this look:
  • White polish: Moonlight
  • Mint green polish: Minted whisper
  • Gold star accents: Gilded cosmos
  • Top coat: Star-shine glaze
• Choose a white polish with excellent opacity for the base and a mint green that fades gently. Gold star accents should be thin and delicate for a precise application.

Paint a white base and let it settle. Then apply the mint green polish, blending into the white for a soft gradient effect. Adorn with gold star accents strategically placed for an enchanting summer nail looks white. The star-shine glaze top coat will ensure the design gleams like the night sky.

Ombre Opulence

In this striking image, nails don a bold ombre transition from deep burgundy to fiery red, fading into a soft pink and finally to a stark white. This dramatic design is not for the faint of heart; it is a statement of confidence and passion, embodying the heat of the summer—a showstopper for those hot summer nights out on the town.

Photo credit by: @ceesclaws

• Consumables for this look:
  • Burgundy polish: Velvet vino
  • Red polish: Fiery salsa
  • Pink polish: Flirty flamingo
  • White polish: Stark stark
  • Top coat: Ultra-protective seal
• The burgundy and red polishes should blend seamlessly, with the pink and white offering a stark contrast to create the ombre effect.

To achieve this look, start with the burgundy at the base, blending into the red and down to the pink, finishing with white at the tips. A sponge can be a helpful tool to create the smooth transition between shades. The ultra-protective seal top coat is a must to ensure this vibrant look withstands the hustle and bustle of summer activities.

Serene Swirls

The photograph here showcases a tranquil blend of soft blue and white, creating a serene swirling pattern that’s reminiscent of the gentle waves lapping at the shore. It’s the perfect summer nail looks blue choice for anyone looking to bring a piece of the calm oceanic vibe to their everyday life.

Photo credit by: @highstreetstyleinspo

• Consumables for this look:
  • Soft blue polish: Calm skies
  • White swirl polish: Whitecaps
  • Top coat: Smooth sailing finish
• A soft blue with a creamy formula works best for a smooth base, while the white should be of a striping polish variety to ensure precise swirls.

Paint a base of the calm skies blue. Once dry, use a thin brush to draw the white swirls, creating a seamless pattern reminiscent of the sea’s natural rhythms. A top coat with a smooth finish will give these nails the glossy look of water in motion.

Lavender Luxe

This image displays a luxurious combination of pastel lavender and glossy gold accents. It’s an elegant take on summer nail looks pink with a modern twist, perfect for the fashion-forward individual attending summer weddings or upscale brunches.

Photo credit by: @sandynailsbeautysalon

• Consumables for this look:
  • Pastel lavender polish: Lavish lavender
  • Gold accent polish: Gilded edges
  • Top coat: High-endurance shine
• Opt for a pastel lavender that provides a solid color base, and a gold polish that’s pigmented enough to stand out without multiple layers.

Start with a base coat of lavish lavender. When it’s dry, use a detail brush to add the golden accents, tracing the nail’s natural curves for an added sense of luxury. Finish with a top coat that provides endurance and shine, essential for keeping your nails flawless through every handshake and champagne toast.

FAQ: Q: Can I achieve professional-looking nails at home? A: Absolutely! With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can replicate salon-quality nails.

Q: How long should I wait between coats? A: Typically, you should give each coat at least a couple of minutes to dry to avoid smudging.