Summer French Nails 2024: Chic Designs & DIY Tips for Trendy Manicures

As the warmth of the sun begins to grace our days with golden rays, our style naturally evolves to welcome the vibrant energy of summer. And what better way to express the lively season than through our fingertips? This article is a treasure trove of summer French nail designs, each promising to add a dash of elegance and flair to your seasonal wardrobe. Whether you’re lounging by the beach or strolling through a sun-dappled garden, these nail designs will carry the essence of summer right at your fingertips.

Summer French Nails Coffin

The epitome of summer vibrancy is encapsulated in this delightful nail design. As a professional manicurist, the first thing that strikes me is the masterful blend of the classic French manicure with a sunny twist. The coffin shape, a beloved choice for its modern edge, serves as a canvas for a lemony cheer.

Photo credit by: @donna_cao

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
  • Pink polish: Essie’s “Muchi, Muchi”
  • White polish for tips: OPI’s “Alpine Snow”
  • Lemon design sticker or decal
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast

As a pro tip, always apply a base coat to protect your nails and ensure a lasting finish. For the decals, align carefully at the edge for precision.

DIY Instructions: After your base coat, apply two coats of the pink polish. When dry, carefully paint the white tips. For a DIY decal, use a fine brush to mimic the lemon slices or apply a sticker. Seal it all with a glossy top coat for a durable and shiny finish.

Summer French Nails Almond

A breath of fresh air in the form of nails, these summer French nails in an almond shape are a delicate nod to the classic style with a minty fresh touch.

Photo credit by: @holynailspune

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
  • Nude polish: Zoya’s “Avery”
  • White striping polish: Orly’s Instant Artist
  • Mint green accent: China Glaze’s “Re-Fresh Mint”
  • Top coat: INM Out the Door

Start with a good base to anchor your polish. The nude Avery sets a warm, neutral tone, while the white striping polish ensures crisp lines. The mint accent should be used sparingly for that pop of color.

DIY Instructions: With steady hands, apply your nude polish. Once set, create your French tip with white striping polish. Add a thin mint stripe below the white for a summery pop. A quick-dry top coat will have you ready in no time.

Summer French Nails Blue

Dive into the coolness of the ocean with these summer French nails featuring an aquatic blue theme. It’s a celebration of the sea, perfect for days spent by the water.

Photo credit by: @j.s.nails

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Orly Bonder
  • Nude polish: Butter London’s “Tea with the Queen”
  • Blue polish assortment for gradient: Sally Hansen’s “Blue Me Away!”, “Babe Blue”, and “Pacific Blue”
  • Small sponge for gradient effect
  • Top coat: Glisten & Glow Top Coat

Lay down your base, and once your nude polish is dry, sponge on your gradient blues from the tip, working downwards for that oceanic feel.

DIY Instructions: Apply a nude base color; let it dry. Then, dab your sponge into the various blues and bounce lightly across the nail tips, blending as you go. Finish with a top coat for gloss and protection.

Neon Splash on Classic French – Summer French Nails Almond

In the world of summer French nails, it’s the pop of neon that turns heads. The almond-shaped nails here are a canvas for what I like to call a ‘neon splash’ – a bold, yet sophisticated take on the classic French tip. The way the neon pink, orange, and green perfectly edge the nails is a nod to summer’s playful side, ideal for days filled with sun and fun.

Photo credit by: @neonailusa

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
  • Sheer pink polish: Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”
  • Neon polishes: China Glaze’s “Flip Flop Fantasy” (orange), “Highlight of My Summer” (green), and “Pool Party” (pink)
  • Detailing brush for precise neon edges

For the sheer pink polish, two coats will give you that classic French base. Use the detailing brush to get crisp lines with your neon polishes.

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat followed by two coats of “Ballet Slippers”. Once dry, take your detailing brush dipped in neon polish and trace the tip of your nails, layering until vibrant. Seal it with a fast-drying top coat.

Sunset Ombre – Summer French Nails Coffin

As a summer French nails pink enthusiast, the ombre effect on these coffin-shaped nails reminds me of a sunset on a perfect summer evening. The gradient from a soft pink to a deep blush topped with delicate black palm trees exudes beach vibes.

Photo credit by: @beautybychloemayboyce

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Essie Grow Stronger
  • Pink polishes for ombre: “Mod About You” and “Kiss Me I’m Brazilian” by OPI
  • Black acrylic paint for palm trees
  • Sponge for ombre effect
  • Top coat: Essie Gel Setter

I recommend using a makeup sponge to get a smooth transition between the pinks and then a fine brush for the palm trees.

DIY Instructions: Start with your base, then sponge on your pinks for the ombre effect. Use a fine brush and black paint to create palm silhouettes, and finish with a gel-like top coat for shine and longevity.

Whisper of Waves – Summer French Nails Short

For those who love their nails short and sweet, these summer French nails short bring the serene motion of ocean waves onto a milky pink base. The white wave patterns are minimalist art at its finest, suitable for both a casual brunch and a classy evening soirée.

Photo credit by: @beauty_by.mam

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Butter London Nail Foundation
  • Milky pink polish: “Pink Pong” by Sally Hansen
  • White polish for wave design: “White On” by Sally Hansen
  • Fine detail brush for wave patterns
  • Top coat: Essie Good To Go

The milky pink is a great choice for a subtle backdrop to the white waves, which should be drawn freehand for an organic look.

DIY Instructions: After your base coat, apply the milky pink polish. Then with your fine brush, draw gentle curves to mimic waves and seal the design with a fast-drying top coat.

Sunkissed Tips – Summer French Nails Square

As we sail into the heart of summer, the summer French nails square design becomes an embodiment of the season’s fiery sunsets. Here, the nails don a blush pink base, accented with yellow and orange tips that evoke the last golden moments of a summer day.

Photo credit by: @andreeaserban0

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock
  • Pink polish: OPI’s “Tickle My France-y”
  • Yellow and orange polish for tips: OPI’s “Need Sunglasses?” and “A Roll in The Hague”
  • Top coat: CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat

For a sun-kissed gradient, blend your yellows and oranges seamlessly on the tips using a sponge.

DIY Instructions: Begin with a nourishing base coat. Apply the pink polish as the base color. Sponge the yellow and orange polishes onto the tips, blending them where they meet. Finish with a protective top coat for a beach-ready look.

Cherry Blossom Delight – Summer French Nails Coffin

When one thinks of summer French nails pink, the mind pictures something soft and delightful. These coffin-shaped nails are like a summer romance, adorned with cherry blossom art that brings a touch of spring’s end to the warmth of summer.

Photo credit by: @nailzbyliz_

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Zoya Anchor Base Coat
  • Pink polish: “Mod About You” by OPI
  • Cherry blossom nail art stickers or hand-painted with acrylic paint
  • Top coat: INM Out The Door Top Coat

To achieve this manicure, opt for a light pink base and add cherry blossom art as a charming focal point.

DIY Instructions: Lay down your base coat followed by two coats of light pink polish. For the art, you can apply pre-made stickers or hand-paint the cherry blossoms using a fine brush and acrylic paints. Top it all off with a fast-drying top coat.

Cool Tides – Summer French Nails Almond

The summer French nails blue in this image take inspiration from the cool tides of the ocean. The almond shape is the perfect backdrop for the play between matte and glossy textures, while the blue hue ranges from icy to deep sea, creating an intriguing visual depth.

Photo credit by: @nailedbychels

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Essie All in One Base
  • Matte blue polishes: “Matte About You” by Essie in varying shades
  • Glossy top coat for the tip: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
  • Matte top coat: Essie Matte About You Finisher

The key to this look is playing with textures. Apply matte polish across the nail and add a glossy tip for contrast.

DIY Instructions: Post base coat application, paint your nails with the chosen shade of matte blue polish. Allow to dry, then carefully apply a glossy top coat on the tips only, creating a ‘french tip’ effect with a twist. Seal the rest of the nail with a matte top coat to preserve the texture play.

Classic Refined – Summer French Nails Short

A testament to timeless style, these summer French nails short present a pristine example of understated elegance. The sheer nude base paired with a crisp white tip celebrates the traditional French manicure, while the subtle sparkle suggests a summer’s shimmer.

Photo credit by: @nude_nails_paris

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
  • Sheer nude polish: “Barely There” by Sally Hansen
  • White tip polish: “White Hot” by Orly
  • Subtle glitter polish for sparkle: “Fairy Dust” by China Glaze
  • Top coat: Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat

Enhance the classic French with a hint of glitter to reflect the summer sun.

DIY Instructions: Post base application, coat your nails with the sheer nude polish. Once dry, paint the tips white. For a summer touch, add a stroke of glitter polish along the white tip and complete with a long-wearing top coat.

Lavender Dreams – Summer French Nails Coffin

The coffin shape gets a dreamy makeover with this summer French nails coffin design. A gradient of soft lavender transitions into translucent tips adorned with a constellation of rhinestones, reminiscent of a summer night sky glittering with stars.

Photo credit by: @pretty.nailssssss

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
  • Lavender polish: “Do You Lilac It?” by OPI
  • Glitter accents: Swarovski Crystals in various sizes
  • Top coat: Essie Gel Setter

To replicate the night sky, scatter rhinestones with deliberation, like stars across the twilight.

DIY Instructions: Begin with a strong base coat. Apply the lavender polish, fading it into transparency toward the nail tip. Once set, carefully place the rhinestones using a dotting tool or tweezers and seal with a gel-look top coat for durability and shine.

Neon Edge – Summer French Nails Almond

Neon hues take center stage in these summer French nails almond style, mirroring the vivacity of summer’s hottest trends. Each nail tip is dipped in a different neon shade, creating a vibrant spectrum that’s bold and playful.

Photo credit by: @sirenareenasboutique

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
  • Sheer pink polish: “Pink-a-Boo” by Essie
  • Neon polishes: A range from Orly’s Neon Collection
  • Top coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

For an eclectic mix, select neon shades that complement each other and apply with precision for clean lines.

DIY Instructions: After your base, apply two coats of sheer pink for a soft background. Then, carefully apply the neon polish to each tip, using tape if necessary for sharp edges. A quick-dry top coat will finish the look and get you summer-ready in a snap.

Enchanted Elegance – Summer French Nails Coffin

These summer French nails coffin are a whimsical twist on the classic design, bringing an air of enchantment to your fingertips. The semi-transparent pink is adorned with sequined lace detailing, creating a magical effect that’s perfectly suited for summer evenings under the stars.

Photo credit by: @vividbeauty.bydess

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro
  • Semi-transparent pink polish: Essie’s “Mademoiselle”
  • White polish for lace detail: OPI’s “Alpine Snow”
  • Sequins and glitter in various sizes
  • Top coat: Orly Glosser Top Coat

Accentuate the fairy-tale aspect with carefully placed sequins and a hint of glitter.

DIY Instructions: Start with your base coat and follow with a layer of the semi-transparent pink. Use white polish to draw delicate lace designs, then while it’s still tacky, gently press in sequins and a touch of glitter. Seal with a high-gloss top coat for a spellbinding finish.

Tropical Escape – Summer French Nails Long

Embrace the essence of a tropical getaway with these summer French nails long. The zebra print tips come alive with hand-painted vines and vibrant flowers, reminiscent of an exotic jungle. This design invites you to indulge in the wild and playful side of summer.

Photo credit by: @nails_or_claws

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat
  • Nude polish: Zoya “Taylor”
  • Black and white polish for zebra stripes: Sinful Colors “Black on Black” and “Snow Me White”
  • Acrylic paints for flowers and vines
  • Top coat: INM Out the Door Super Fast Drying Top Coat

Channel the tropics with bold patterns and pops of floral color.

DIY Instructions: After base coat application, paint your nails with the nude polish. Once dry, freehand the zebra stripes at the tips. With acrylic paints, add small flowers and vines, then apply a fast-drying top coat for a lasting tropical feel.

Blossoming Beauty – Summer French Nails Square

Nothing says summer French nails pink like this blooming design, boasting square tips with a playful floral pattern. The hot pink base energized with white flower accents captures the joyful essence of summer gardens in full bloom.

Photo credit by: @cynnaildit

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: CND Sticky Anchoring Base Coat
  • Hot pink polish: China Glaze “Bottoms Up”
  • White polish for flower details: Essie “Blanc”
  • Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat

A bold base and simple floral patterns achieve this summery look.

DIY Instructions: Apply your base, then two coats of the hot pink polish. Use a thin brush to create simple white flowers on the tips. Finish with a gel-like top coat to add volume and longevity to your floral masterpiece.

Avant-Garde Fluidity – Summer French Nails Long

These summer French nails long evoke an avant-garde feeling with their mesmerizing fluid patterns and silver accents. The unique amalgamation of greens and grays mimics the organic movement of marble and is punctuated by metallic spheres, creating an art piece at the tip of your fingers.

Photo credit by: @nails_or_claws

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Chanel Le Gel Coat
  • Gray and green polishes for marble effect: Essie’s “Chinchilly” and “Mojito Madness”
  • Silver nail studs
  • Top coat: Dior Gel Top Coat

Utilize water-marbling techniques for a fluid design and add studs for a three-dimensional effect.

DIY Instructions: After base coat application, drop alternating colors of polish into water and swirl to create a marble pattern. Dip your nails one by one to transfer the design. Affix silver studs on accent nails and seal with a gel top coat.

Psychedelic Swirls – Summer French Nails Square

Step into a kaleidoscope of color with these summer French nails square. The dazzling array of swirling colors capped with crisp white edges are like a canvas of modern art. This design celebrates the boldness of summer with a touch of psychedelia.

Photo credit by: @nailzzbysteph

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
  • Neon polishes in various colors
  • White polish for edges: Sally Hansen “White On”
  • Dotting tools for precise swirl patterns
  • Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

The key is to blend colors while still wet to achieve the perfect swirl.

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat, followed by a neon base color. While the base is still tacky, use a dotting tool to swirl in other neon colors. Once dry, carefully paint the tips white. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the vibrant colors.

Neon Groove – Summer French Nails Coffin

These summer French nails coffin radiate a groovy vibe, perfect for those who love to stand out. The eye-catching neon patterns over a transparent base scream summer fun and are guaranteed to be a showstopper at any beach party or festival.

Photo credit by: @rg.naails

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Essie Smooth-e Base Coat
  • Neon polish for patterns: Orly’s Neon Earth Collection
  • Top coat: Butter London P.D. Quick Dry Conditioning Drops

A transparent base allows the neon to take center stage.

DIY Instructions: Start with a clear base coat to preserve the natural look of your nails. Paint bold neon patterns in a mix of shapes and sizes. Let each layer dry before adding the next to prevent colors from bleeding. Once dry, apply a fast-drying top coat to seal in your design.

Sculpted Sophistication – Summer French Nails Coffin

These summer French nails coffin display a fusion of art and elegance. The soft pink base lays the foundation for the sculpted silver elements, blending contemporary art with classic beauty. Each nail is adorned with intricate floral patterns, culminating in a luxurious finish that’s truly fit for a summer gala.

Photo credit by: @stylizacjaannahajder

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Essie Strong Start
  • Pink polish: “Romper Room” by Essie
  • Silver foil for detailed art
  • Floral nail decals or stamps
  • Top coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat

Embrace the delicacy of this style with fine foil work and pre-designed nail art for an impeccable presentation.

DIY Instructions: Apply your base coat followed by a coat of the pale pink polish. Once it’s dry, apply the silver foil to create a luxurious pattern. Add floral decals or use stamps for precision, and finish with a high-gloss top coat for a dazzling effect.

Pink Ombré Dreams – Summer French Nails Almond

The summer French nails almond here have a dreamy quality, with a pink ombré effect that whispers romance. Delicate white hearts punctuated with crystals give these nails a touch of whimsy, perfect for summer date nights under the stars or a wedding by the sea.

Photo credit by: @nailzbymarlene_

• Consumables:
  • Base coat: Orly Nail Defense
  • Pink polishes for ombré: “Let’s Be Friends!” and “Look at My Bow!” by OPI
  • Tiny heart decals or white polish for freehand hearts
  • Nail crystals in various sizes
  • Top coat: Essie Gel.Setter

An ombré technique blended with love-inspired art makes for a truly heartwarming design.

DIY Instructions: After applying a strengthening base coat, sponge on the two shades of pink to create the ombré effect. Apply the heart decals or paint them by hand, and carefully place crystals for added sparkle. A layer of gel-like top coat will ensure your nails stay stunning.

FAQ

Q: Can these designs be achieved on natural nails? A: Absolutely! While some may opt for extensions, these designs are suitable for natural nails as well, provided they have enough length to accommodate a French tip.

Q: How long do these summer French nails typically last? A: With proper application and a top-quality top coat, you can expect your summer French nails to last up to two weeks.

Q: Are these designs beach and water-resistant? A: Yes, but always remember to apply a top coat to seal the design. Reapply the top coat every few days to maintain the integrity of your manicure.