21 Hottest Summer Nails 2024: Vibrant Designs & DIY Tips for Trendy Manicures

As the summer season approaches, the quest for the perfect manicure heats up. What are the hottest summer nails for 2024? How can you achieve these trendy looks at home? Whether you’re a nail art novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this article will guide you through the most dazzling designs and styles that are sure to dominate this year. From vibrant colors to intricate art designs, prepare to be inspired by the latest trends that have been captured in stunning detail below.

---

Vibrant Splash Art Nails

These nails are a canvas of creativity, featuring a playful splash of neon colors against a pure white background. The artistic placement of colors not only highlights each nail uniquely but also encapsulates the vibrant essence of summer. The use of bold hues like electric blue, neon pink, and sunbeam yellow make this design a head-turner. It’s a bold statement of fun and freedom, perfect for beach parties or summer festivals.

Consumables List:

• White base nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
• Neon nail paints (e.g., Electric Blue, Neon Pink, Sunbeam Yellow)
• Top coat for a glossy finish (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
• Thin brush for detailing

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply two coats of white nail polish as a base and let it dry completely.
2. Using a thin brush, randomly splash each neon color onto the nails.
3. Allow each color to dry slightly before applying the next to avoid blending.
4. Finish with a top coat for a glossy and durable finish.

---

Elegant Lavender Longs

Long, almond-shaped nails coated in a soothing lavender shade speak of understated elegance. The addition of white floral appliqués and tiny rhinestones adds a touch of luxury and femininity. This design is perfect for those who enjoy a subtle yet sophisticated nail art that pairs well with both casual and formal summer wear.

Consumables List:

• Lavender nail polish (e.g., Essie Full Steam Ahead)
• White floral stickers or decals
• Small rhinestones
• Nail glue
• Clear top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint your nails with two coats of lavender polish.
2. Once dry, apply nail glue to the back of floral decals and rhinestones.
3. Place them carefully on the nail, using tweezers for precision.
4. Seal everything with a clear top coat to ensure longevity.

---

Citrus Slice Summer

Unleash your playful side with these detailed citrus-themed nails. Each nail features intricate slices of lemon and lime, set against a vivid green background. The use of yellow and white to accentuate the citrus slices makes this design both refreshing and visually appetizing—ideal for those hot summer days.

Consumables List:

• Green base polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Green Thumb)
• Yellow and white acrylic paint
• Fine detailing brush
• Protective top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint nails with a green base.
2. Use a fine brush to paint lemon and lime slices in yellow and white.
3. Detail with a fine brush to add depth and realism to the fruit.
4. Apply a top coat to protect the design and add a shine.

Sun-Kissed Yellow Accents

These nails epitomize summer with their brilliant yellow tips adorned with delicate rose embellishments and rhinestones. The juxtaposition of vivid yellow against the natural nude polish creates a look that’s both eye-catching and elegantly understated. This design is perfect for those who appreciate a pop of color alongside classic styling, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special summer gatherings.

Consumables List:

• Nude base polish (e.g., Essie’s Ballet Slippers)
• Bright yellow polish (e.g., Sally Hansen’s Mellow Yellow)
• Tiny rose decals
• Rhinestones and gem glue
• Clear top coat for sealing

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a nude base coat and let it dry completely.
2. Paint the tips with bright yellow polish, creating a clean line where the nude base ends.
3. Adhere rose decals and rhinestones on the accent nails using a dab of gem glue.
4. Seal the design with a clear top coat to enhance durability and shine.

---

Playful Summer Waves

Inspired by the serene blues and vibrant oranges of summer, these nails feature a playful wave pattern with delicate white daisy accents. The combination of soft curves and bright colors captures the joyful essence of sunny days and clear skies. This design is ideal for those looking to bring a touch of the ocean’s tranquility and the summer’s warmth to their everyday look.

Consumables List:

• Light blue and orange nail polish (e.g., OPI’s Can’t Find My Czechbook and A Roll in The Hague)
• White nail art pen for daisy details
• Top coat for a smooth finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint your base with alternating light blue and orange polish.
2. Once dry, use a thin brush to create wavy lines where the colors meet.
3. Draw small white daisies along the waves using a nail art pen.
4. Apply a top coat to secure the design and add a glossy finish.

---

Lavender Dreams

These sharp, stiletto-shaped nails are painted in a soft lavender shade, enhanced with white moon-phase accents for a mystical and elegant appearance. The design’s simplicity is its strength, offering a modern twist on classic pastels that are perfect for both daytime events and elegant evening affairs.

Consumables List:

• Lavender nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Go Ginza)
• White nail polish for moon phases (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
• Fine detail brush
• Matte top coat for a contemporary finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply two coats of lavender nail polish as the base.
2. Use a fine detail brush to paint crescent moons and other phases in white on each nail.
3. Finish with a matte top coat to contrast the glossy base and emphasize the design detail.

Ethereal Floral Elegance

These almond-shaped nails exude a delicate charm with their translucent pink base adorned with intricate floral and butterfly accents. Small golden embellishments add a touch of luxury, making these nails perfect for those who favor subtlety with a hint of enchantment. Ideal for weddings or summer tea parties, they bring a floral fantasy to your fingertips.

Consumables List:

• Translucent pink gel polish (e.g., CND Shellac Romantique)
• Nail art decals of flowers and butterflies
• Tiny gold studs and a dotting tool
• Finishing top coat for a glossy effect

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a translucent pink gel as the base coat.
2. Carefully place floral and butterfly decals on the nails.
3. Add tiny gold studs to enhance the artwork.
4. Seal with a glossy top coat for durability and shine.

---

Summer Party Palette

These nails are a true reflection of summer joy, featuring a bold mix of colors and patterns, including pink hearts and black clovers. Each nail showcases a different design, creating a vibrant and eclectic look perfect for festivals, beach outings, or just bringing some fun to your daily attire.

Consumables List:

• Variety of nail polishes in bright colors (e.g., neon pink, sky blue, sunny orange)
• Nail art pens for precise pattern creation
• Protective clear top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint each nail a different color, choosing from bright summer shades.
2. Use nail art pens to draw hearts, clovers, and other playful patterns.
3. Apply a top coat to protect the designs and add a glossy finish.

---

Tropical Blue Depths

These long stiletto nails painted in shades of ocean blue and adorned with coral patterns offer a dramatic look that’s perfect for making a statement. The addition of small pearls enhances the marine theme, making these nails ideal for those looking to channel a beach vibe no matter where they are.

Consumables List:

• Deep blue and light blue nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Butler Please and Bikini So Teeny)
• White polish for coral accents
• Small pearls and adhesive
• Matte top coat for a unique finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base of deep blue polish.
2. Use a lighter blue to add depth and dimension.
3. Paint coral patterns in white on the tips.
4. Adhere pearls to the base of the nails.
5. Finish with a matte top coat to offset the glossy blues.

Sleek Geometric Elegance

These long coffin nails feature a soft lavender base overlaid with white geometric patterns, blending modern art with classic nail artistry. This design is ideal for those who appreciate a minimalist yet bold style, perfect for both professional settings and evening events. The precision in the angular designs showcases a meticulous and refined approach to summer nail fashion.

Consumables List:

• Lavender nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Lilacism)
• White nail polish for geometric detailing (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
• Fine detail brush
• High-gloss top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint nails with a lavender base and let dry completely.
2. Use a fine brush to create sharp white geometric lines across each nail.
3. Apply multiple layers of white if necessary to ensure opacity.
4. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a seamless look.

---

Blossom Softness

Soft pastel gradients serve as the backdrop for vibrant floral patterns on these almond-shaped nails, creating a playful yet sophisticated style. The design’s soft pink and white base with pops of yellow and pink flowers offers a fresh take on traditional summer blooms, making it a perfect choice for garden parties or a leisurely brunch.

Consumables List:

• Pastel pink and white gradient polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Pink Blink and White On)
• Colored nail art pens for floral details
• Top coat for a lasting finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base of white polish, then sponge on pink for a gradient effect.
2. Once dry, use colored nail art pens to add small, vibrant flowers.
3. Seal the design with a top coat to maintain its beauty through the summer days.

---

Chic in Monochrome

These medium-length nails combine a nude base with black polka dots and detailed art lines, accented by small gems that lend a touch of glamour. This chic monochrome palette is timeless, offering an elegant yet understated look that can transition smoothly from day to night—a versatile choice for those who value both style and simplicity.

Consumables List:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
• Black nail art liner
• Small adhesive gems
• Matte top coat for a modern finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Coat nails with a nude polish as the base.
2. Draw delicate black polka dots and lines using a nail art liner.
3. Strategically place small gems to enhance the artistic patterns.
4. Apply a matte top coat to juxtapose the glossy base with a contemporary flair.

Neon Flame Artistry

These striking nails feature a glossy nude base with neon orange and yellow flames that seem to dance across each fingertip. The bold flame design adds a dramatic flair, making these nails a standout choice for anyone looking to make a statement at summer events or music festivals.

Consumables List:

• Nude base polish (e.g., Essie’s Tuck it in My Tux)
• Neon orange and yellow nail polish (e.g., OPI’s Atomic Orange and The “It” Color)
• Detailing brush
• Glossy top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Start with a nude polish as the base and let it dry thoroughly.
2. Use a detailing brush to draw flame designs starting from the tip using neon orange.
3. Add highlights to the flames with neon yellow to enhance the fiery effect.
4. Seal the design with a glossy top coat for a smooth, shiny finish.

---

Summer Gradient Dots

These long stiletto nails showcase a vibrant gradient from pink to peach, adorned with whimsical white polka dots. This design is both playful and chic, perfect for adding a fun pop of color to your summer wardrobe. The dots give a classic pattern a modern twist and are great for day-to-day wear or a casual weekend getaway.

Consumables List:

• Pink and peach nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Fiesta and Tart Deco)
• White nail polish for dots (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
• Dotting tool
• Top coat for a flawless finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a base coat of pink and gently sponge on peach towards the nail tip to create a smooth gradient.
2. Once dry, use a dotting tool to apply white polka dots over the gradient.
3. Finish with a top coat to protect and enhance the design.

---

Minimalist Cross Design

These short nails are perfect for those who prefer a more understated look with a touch of creativity. The design features a translucent base with thin, colorful crosses at the intersection, offering a modern and minimalistic aesthetic suitable for both professional environments and everyday casual wear.

Consumables List:

• Clear nail polish or a soft pink sheer polish (e.g., OPI’s Bubble Bath)
• Nail art pens in pastel colors for the crosses
• Matte top coat for a contemporary feel

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a sheer base coat for a clean, natural look.
2. Using nail art pens, draw thin crosses in different pastel shades at the center of each nail.
3. Apply a matte top coat to enhance the minimalistic design with a modern finish.

Serene Sky Reflections

These nails feature a beautiful blend of soft pink and pale blue with delicate white floral patterns that seem to float on each nail, reminiscent of a serene sky. The use of small blue rhinestones adds a touch of sparkle, evoking the gentle shimmer of a sunny day. This design is perfect for those who prefer a soft, dreamy look with a bit of romantic flair.

Consumables List:

• Soft pink and pale blue nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Romper Room and Bikini So Teeny)
• White nail art paint for floral designs
• Small blue rhinestones
• Top coat for a glossy finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint the base of each nail with soft pink.
2. Sponge on pale blue at the tips to create a gradient effect.
3. Use a fine brush to paint delicate white flowers over the gradient.
4. Place a blue rhinestone at the center of each flower.
5. Seal the design with a glossy top coat to ensure longevity and enhance the colors.

---

Blossom in Bloom

These nails are painted in a subtle peach shade and adorned with white daisies, offering a timeless spring and summer look. The simplicity of the flower designs against the peach background provides a classic and elegant appeal, perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Consumables List:

• Peach nail polish (e.g., OPI’s Freedom of Peach)
• White nail polish for the daisies (e.g., Sally Hansen White On)
• Dotting tool or fine brush for detailing
• Protective top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply two coats of peach nail polish as the base.
2. Draw simple daisy patterns using white nail polish with a fine brush or a dotting tool.
3. Add a yellow dot in the center of each daisy for a pop of color.
4. Finish with a clear top coat to protect the design and enhance its beauty.

---

Wild Zebra Whispers

This nail design features a nude base with bold black zebra stripes, perfect for those who love to make a statement. The contrast between the subtle nude and the striking black provides a modern and chic look, ideal for fashion-forward individuals looking for an adventurous yet sophisticated nail art style.

Consumables List:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Bare With Me)
• Black nail art liner or polish for the zebra stripes (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
• Thin brush for precise lines
• Matte top coat for a contemporary finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a nude polish as the base coat.
2. Use a thin brush to draw zebra stripes with black nail polish, starting from the nail bed to the tip.
3. Allow the design to dry completely before applying a matte top coat for a modern look and to prevent smudging.

Tropical Neon Splash

These stiletto nails are a masterpiece of vibrant colors, featuring a swirling mix of neon pink, green, blue, and orange, resembling a tropical sunset. The explosive color combination is ideal for summer festivals or any event where making a bold statement is the goal.

Consumables List:

• Neon nail polishes in pink, green, blue, and orange (e.g., China Glaze Neon Collection)
• Detailing brush for intricate swirls
• High-gloss top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails.
2. Use a small brush to apply each neon color in swirling patterns across each nail for a dynamic look.
3. Blend slightly where the colors meet to create a seamless transition.
4. Seal the design with a high-gloss top coat for durability and extra shine.

---

Psychedelic Love Waves

These almond-shaped nails combine psychedelic swirls and heart patterns in shades of yellow, pink, and blue, creating a groovy effect that’s both eye-catching and endearing. The playful design is perfect for those who enjoy expressing their love for retro styles with a modern twist.

Consumables List:

• Pastel nail polishes in yellow, pink, and blue (e.g., OPI Pastel Collection)
• White nail art pen for detailing
• Top coat for a smooth finish

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint each nail with a light pastel base color.
2. Draw swirls and hearts with contrasting pastel shades using a fine brush or nail art pen.
3. Outline the shapes with a white nail art pen to define the patterns.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and enhance the colors.

---

Citrus Summer Dream

These bright green nails are adorned with white and darker green citrus patterns, making them pop with a fresh, summery vibe. The playful citrus design is perfect for those hot summer days, bringing a slice of coolness and style to any casual or beach outfit.

Consumables List:

• Bright green nail polish (e.g., Essie’s The More The Merrier)
• White and dark green polish for citrus details (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow and Jade is the New Black)
• Thin brush for detailed painting
• Glossy top coat

DIY Instructions:

1. Paint the nails with a bright green base.
2. Use a thin brush to paint citrus slice details in white and dark green on the tips of the nails.
3. Draw small citrus segments and add a few leaves for a natural effect.
4. Apply a glossy top coat to seal the design and add a vibrant shine.