Summer Nail Art Ideas 2024: Easy Designs for Short Nails & Almond Shapes

As the mercury rises and we embrace the vibrancy of summer, our nails are the perfect canvas to reflect the season’s joyful spirit. Are you ready to turn heads with the latest summer nail art ideas that speak of sunny days and cool waves? Whether you’re a fan of short nails square, adore the almond shape, or love to flaunt neon nail art, I’ve got a treasure trove of inspirations ready for you.

Let’s explore some of the freshest summer nail art ideas for short nails and find out how you can rock in 2024 with styles that are both easy and bright pretty.

Soft Whispers of Pastel – The Perfect Palette for Almond Nails

As a professional manicurist, I find the allure of pastel shades on almond-shaped nails undeniable. In the serene composition of light lavender and soft pink, each nail whispers a story of summer’s gentle side. The minimalist flower art on a sheer base invites a second glance without trying too hard, embodying the essence of summer nail art ideas almond.

Photo credit by: @nailsbypaular

• Products Needed:
  • Sheer pink polish: Try “Ballet Slippers” by Essie for the base.
  • Pastel lavender polish: OPI’s “Do You Lilac It?” for the floral accents.
  • White nail art pen: For delicate petal detailing, Sally Hansen’s nail art pens are top-notch.
  • Glossy top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat will seal in your design with a glass-like finish.

Creating this look at home requires a steady hand and a touch of patience. Start with a well-prepared nail bed, apply your sheer pink polish as the base, and let it dry completely. Use a fine brush to paint the pastel flowers, add a few white highlights, and finish with a glossy top coat. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t fret if your first few flowers aren’t flawless.

Radiant Neon Splashes on Short Nails

Who says short nails can’t be the life of the party? This summer nail art idea transforms short, square nails into a canvas of neon lights. Bright, bold splashes of color make a statement that’s impossible to ignore, making it an ideal choice for those searching for nail designs summer acrylic bright colors neon art ideas.

Photo credit by: @nailzkatkat

• Products Needed:
  • Neon pink polish: China Glaze’s “Pool Party” is a show-stopper.
  • Neon green polish: “I’m With the Lifeguard” also by China Glaze for those green accents.
  • White polish: “Alpine Snow” by OPI for the perfect canvas.
  • Dotting tool: To get those precise polka dots, a simple dotting tool is essential.

To recreate this vibrant look, begin with a white polish base. Then, take your neon shades and splatter them across the nail, using a dotting tool for control. Experiment with patterns; there’s no right or wrong here. It’s all about having fun and letting your summer spirit shine through!

Summer Sky Blues – Easy Nail Art for Every Occasion

Embrace the clear summer skies with these summer nail art ideas blue. The serene blue combined with creamy light pink brings to mind soft, sandy beaches and cloudless skies. The polka dots and strawberry decals offer a playful twist, making this design both easy and chic for any summer adventure.

Photo credit by: @chatter_nails

• Products Needed:
  • Sky blue polish: Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny” for that perfect blue.
  • Light pink polish: “Mod About You” by OPI complements the blue beautifully.
  • Strawberry decals: Find your favorite from local craft stores or online.
  • A fine detail brush: For dotting on those whimsical polka dots.

To get this look, apply your light pink polish as the base. Once it’s dry, place your strawberry decals where you’d like them. Then, with a fine detail brush dipped in your sky blue polish, dot around whimsically. Seal it all with a top coat for lasting wear.

Groovy Tie-Dye – A Nod to the Swinging ’60s

The tie-dye technique is a timeless treasure that has made its way to the nail art scene. Here, each nail presents a swirl of playful pastels, creating a summer nail art idea to rock in 2024. The clear base allows the colors to stand as true protagonists, making it a perfect representation of gel nail designs for summer short art ideas.

Photo credit by: @editionvicki

• Products Needed:
  • Clear base coat: Start with OPI’s Natural Nail Base Coat.
  • Pastel polishes: A variety, including “Mint Candy Apple” by Essie and “Pastel Pinks” by Sally Hansen.
  • Sponges: For dabbing and blending the tie-dye effect.
  • Thin brushes: To refine any swirls or lines.

For the tie-dye effect, apply your clear base coat and let it dry. Next, dab your sponge into the pastels and gently press onto the nail. Use a thin brush to swirl the colors slightly. The key is to work fast and not overthink the pattern – let the colors blend naturally.

Neon Splash with a Sophisticated Twist

Vibrant neon colors paired with a sheer, nude base exude a sophisticated flair. This manicure idea pushes the boundaries of summer nail art ideas easy with electrifying neon accents that bring a modern edge. Perfect for those who adore gel nail designs for summer short art ideas 2024 with a pop of color.

Photo credit by: @giangnail.ie

• Products Needed:
  • Sheer nude polish: “Samoa Silk” by MAC for the base.
  • Neon accents: Use “Neon Orange” and “Neon Pink” by American Apparel.
  • Thin detail brush: For those precise neon strokes.
  • Matte top coat: Give it a contemporary finish with Essie’s Matte About You.

To achieve this, apply your sheer nude polish first. Once dry, use a detail brush to add your neon strokes, placing them sporadically but with intention. The matte top coat is the final touch, toning down the sheen and letting the colors take center stage.

Mermaid Dreams – Dive Into Ocean-Inspired Nails

Enchanting and ethereal, these nails echo the iridescent hues of a mermaid’s tail. The blend of turquoise and pink creates a seamless gradient, while the added sea-inspired embellishments are perfect for nail art ideas for summer that are as mystical as they are modern.

Photo credit by: @mumber_one_nail

• Products Needed:
  • Iridescent polish: “Mother of Pearl” by LeChat for the base.
  • Turquoise and pink polish: “For Audrey” by China Glaze and “Strawberry Margarita” by OPI.
  • Embellishments: Sea-themed nail art stickers or charms from your local beauty supply store.
  • A sponge: For that perfect gradient effect.

Begin with your iridescent base, followed by sponging on the turquoise and pink for that gradient. Once dry, apply your sea-themed stickers or charms. You could add tiny pearls or seashell designs for an extra touch of the ocean.

Sunset Florals – A Dusk-Tinged Dream

As we bask in the glow of a summer sunset, these nails capture the romance of the moment. With a base of light pink, the bright orange and yellow floral designs come to life, evoking the spirit of a warm, lazy evening. This design perfectly encapsulates summer nail art ideas easy and bright with a hint of nostalgia.

Photo credit by: @nails.by.iz_

• Products Needed:
  • Light pink polish: “Muchi, Muchi” by Essie will give you that soft backdrop.
  • Orange and yellow polish: For the flowers, “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find” and “I Just Can’t Cope-acabana” by OPI are ideal.
  • Detailing brush: To create those delicate petals.
  • A high-shine top coat: Seal the design with “Good To Go” by Essie.

Crafting this design begins with two coats of your light pink base. Once dry, use your detailing brush to create petal shapes in orange and yellow. The key is to overlap the colors slightly for a more dynamic effect. A top coat adds gloss and protection.

Cloudy Skies and Blossom Highs

Take your nails to new heights with a design inspired by the endless summer sky. The cool blues and soft cloud-like shapes paired with cheerful floral accents on short nails square bring to mind the perfect summer day. It’s a summer nail art idea for short nails that’s easy to adore and effortless to wear.

Photo credit by: @half.moon.manicures

• Products Needed:
  • Sky blue polish: “Find Me an Oasis” by Essie captures the perfect sky hue.
  • White polish: Use “White On” by Sally Hansen for the clouds.
  • Neon yellow polish: Accent flowers pop with “Neon Yellow” by Orly.
  • Top coat: Finish with OPI’s “Top Coat” for a lasting shine.

Begin with a sky blue base, then dab on white with a sponge to create cloud effects. For the floral accents, use a dotting tool to place your neon yellow polish, adding a small dot of white in the center of each flower. Seal with a top coat for a shiny, enduring finish.

Pink Splash – A Modern Art Masterpiece

Modern art meets manicure with this splashy pink design. The sheer base allows the bright pink splatters to truly stand out, offering an edgy twist on the classic light pink nails. This is one of those summer nail art ideas to rock in 2024; it’s bright, bold, and unquestionably beautiful.

Photo credit by: @nailsbycaroline_

• Products Needed:
  • Sheer base coat: Start with a clean canvas using “Naked Ambition” by Deborah Lippmann.
  • Bright pink polish: For the splatters, “Backseat Besties” by Essie is perfect.
  • A stiff brush: To flick the polish onto the nail, creating that splattered effect.
  • Protective top coat: Keep it all in place with “No Chips Ahead” by Essie.

After applying your sheer base, dip the bristles of your stiff brush into the bright pink polish. With a flicking motion, scatter the polish over each nail. Embrace the randomness; no two nails should look the same. Finish with a top coat to protect your artwork.

Daisy Delights – A Field of Dreams on Your Fingertips

There’s something truly enchanting about a field of daisies. This nail art captures that simple elegance with a translucent base and daisy accents that evoke feelings of frolicking in a meadow on a sunny day. This design is an ode to the gel nail designs for summer short art ideas, combining light pink with the vividness of nature.

Photo credit by: @editionvicki

• Products Needed:
  • Translucent pink polish: “Kiss Chase” by Ciaté London for that ‘barely there’ look.
  • White and yellow polish: “Snow Me White” by SinfulColors and “Sunshine” by Zoya for the daisies.
  • Detailing tool: To paint those precise petals and centers.
  • Protective top coat: “Rapidry Top Coat” by OPI to seal in the design.

Begin with a base of translucent pink. With a detailing tool, create small white petals in a circular pattern for your daisies, adding a yellow dot at the center of each. Finish with a protective top coat to ensure your floral field lasts as long as the summer days.

Tropical Breeze – Vibrant and Breezy Nail Art

Feel the gentle touch of a tropical breeze with this vibrant design. The combination of the cool sky blue and the hot coral gives off a refreshing summer vibe, making it one of the hottest summer nail art ideas & designs. It’s the perfect look for those wanting to rock in 2024 with a bright pretty manicure.

Photo credit by: @_gelcoco

• Products Needed:
  • Sky blue polish: “Bikini So Teeny” by Essie for a tropical sky.
  • Coral polish: “Surfing & Turfing” by OPI for that pop of vibrancy.
  • White polish: For the accents, “Alpine Snow” by OPI.
  • Dotting tool: To create perfect dots and lines.

Apply the sky blue and coral polish alternatively on different nails. Once they’re dry, use a dotting tool and white polish to add accents—think dots, lines, or even a tiny palm tree for that tropical effect. Seal it with a top coat for a glossy, lasting finish.

Playful Pink – Whimsical Summer Fun

Summer is all about fun, and these nails scream playful joy. With bright pink checks, bold blue stripes, and a pop of neon, this design captures the essence of nail designs summer acrylic bright colors neon art ideas. This style is an absolute show-stopper, proving that summer nail art ideas for short nails can be just as bold and exciting as their longer counterparts.

Photo credit by: @littleartby.ash

• Products Needed:
  • Bright pink polish: “Shorts Story” by OPI for the checkerboard.
  • Neon polish: “Push the Limits” by Essie for that neon flair.
  • Sky blue polish: “Can’t Find My Czechbook” by OPI for the stripes.
  • Detailing brush: For precise lines and squares.

Create a checkerboard pattern with bright pink and leave some nails in solid colors for contrast. Add neon touches for a striking effect. This style might require some patience and a steady hand, but the end result is absolutely worth it.

Sunrise Glow – A Touch of Morning Warmth

Embrace the soft caress of the early morning sun with these almond shaped nails, featuring a light pink base and warm coral tips that gently fade into a golden sparkle. This design exemplifies a sublime summer nail art idea, evoking the peaceful moments of a sunrise that many of us cherish during long summer days.

Photo credit by: @_dreamynails1_

• Products Needed:
  • Light pink polish: “Pale to the Chief” by OPI for a delicate base.
  • Coral polish: “Tart Deco” by Essie for the tips.
  • Gold glitter polish: “Golden Nuggets” by Essie to add a touch of sparkle.
  • A sponge: For a soft gradient between the coral and gold.

To create this gradient, start with a light pink base. Once it’s dry, apply the coral polish to the tips, blending towards the middle using a sponge. Add a touch of gold glitter at the very tip to mimic the first light of dawn. The final look is as rejuvenating as the morning itself.

Spring Greens – Freshness at Your Fingertips

Spring may be in the past, but its essence lingers in the form of these fresh, bright pretty green hues, interspersed with soft pinks and ornate floral patterns. This design brings together summer nail art ideas & design with the refreshing feeling of new beginnings, perfect for those easy yet stunning summer nail art ideas.

Photo credit by: @natalie_thedollshouse

• Products Needed:
  • Mint green polish: “Mint Candy Apple” by Essie for a refreshing touch.
  • Soft pink polish: “Mod About You” by OPI for contrast.
  • Detailing brush: To add intricate floral patterns.
  • Dotting tools: For perfect dots and petals.

Alternate the mint green and soft pink as your base colors. Use a fine detailing brush to draw delicate flowers on the accented nails. Incorporate small dots to add texture and dimension. The result is a playful yet polished summer nail ensemble.

Picnic Perfect – Checkered Charm

What spells summer more than a picnic in the park? These nails take on the classic picnic blanket with a checkered lime green and white pattern, adorned with floral accents for a touch of femininity. This look is a celebration of summer nail art ideas for short nails, encapsulating the joy and brightness of the season.

Photo credit by: @lexi.loves.nails

• Products Needed:
  • Lime green polish: “The More the Merrier” by Essie for the base checks.
  • White polish: “Blanc” by Essie for the checkered pattern and florals.
  • Thin striping brush: For precise checkered lines.
  • A pointy dotting tool: To create floral centers.

Begin with a white base and once it’s dry, use the striping brush to create a grid with lime green polish. Fill in alternating squares to complete the checkered design. Then, add small floral designs on select nails for an added touch of whimsy. Finish with a clear top coat to protect your picnic-ready design.

Midnight Floral – Elegance in Darkness

When the clock strikes midnight, these nails tell a tale of elegance shrouded in darkness. The bold black base serves as the perfect night sky for the vibrant floral patterns to stand out. This design merges the delicate nature of flowers with the mystique of the night, creating a summer nail art idea that’s as intriguing as it is beautiful.

Photo credit by: @kyraenails

• Products Needed:
  • Black polish: “Black Onyx” by OPI for the base.
  • White polish: “Alpine Snow” by OPI for the floral outlines.
  • Various bright polishes: For the colored petals.
  • Top coat: “Glossy Seal” by Butter London to ensure a high-gloss finish.

Paint the nails with a solid black base. Once dry, use a thin brush to outline and fill in the florals with white polish. Add a pop of color within these outlines to bring each flower to life. Finish with a glossy top coat to make the design shine like the stars.

Candy Swirl – Sweetness on Your Tips

Sweeten your summer with nails that reflect the playful side of the season. This candy-inspired design features swirls of pastel colors and polka dots that are reminiscent of your favorite summer treats. It’s an excellent summer nail art idea for short nails that’s easy to achieve and delightful to flaunt.

Photo credit by: @_gelcoco

• Products Needed:
  • Pastel polishes: A variety of colors for the base and swirls.
  • White polish: For the polka dots.
  • Detailing brush: To create the swirls and dotting tool for the polka dots.
  • Matte top coat: “Matte Finisher” by NYX for a unique, candy-like look.

Choose a different pastel shade for each nail as the base. With a fine brush, create candy swirls on alternate nails. Use a dotting tool to add polka dots on the rest. Apply a matte top coat to give it that sugar-coated candy finish.

Cherries and Stripes – Playful Picnic Vibes

The bright cerulean blue backdrop adorned with delicate cherry designs brings the essence of summer picnics to your fingertips. This nail art idea is a nod to those carefree days under the sun, with juicy fruits and playful stripes that add a whimsical charm. It’s a perfect example of summer nail art ideas blue that’s sure to turn heads.

Photo credit by: @beautynailsclip

• Products Needed:
  • Cerulean blue polish: “Butler Please” by Essie for the base.
  • Red and green polish: For the cherry designs.
  • White polish: For the delicate stripes.
  • Detailing brush: For precise cherry and stripe artwork.
  • Glossy top coat: “High Performance” by CND to encapsulate the look.

Paint your nails with the cerulean blue polish. On some nails, paint red cherries with green stems, and on others, add delicate white stripes. Each nail is a miniature canvas celebrating the vibrancy of summer fruits and patterns.

Whispering Meadows – Serene and Subtle

Whispers of green and delicate floral work bring the serene meadows right to your fingertips. This summer nail art idea combines a nude base with soft white accents and pops of spring green for a look that is both peaceful and refreshing. The singular coral accent nail adds just a hint of boldness to this otherwise tranquil design.

Photo credit by: @queenbcreative_

• Products Needed:
  • Nude polish: “Topless & Barefoot” by Essie for the base.
  • White polish: “White On” by Sally Hansen for the leafy details.
  • Spring green polish: “First Timer” by Essie for the leaf accents.
  • Coral polish: “Sunday Funday” by Essie for the accent nail.
  • Fine detail brush: For the delicate leaf designs.

Start with a nude polish as your base. Once it dries, use the detail brush to add white leaf designs, with hints of green for a natural look. Apply the coral polish on one nail for a playful twist. A clear top coat seals in the pastoral charm.

Lemon Zest – A Squeeze of Summer

Zesty lemon accents on a soft pink base make for a juicy summer look. This design, featuring vibrant yellow lemons and lush green leaves, is the epitome of nail art ideas for summer. The neon yellow nails add a sharp contrast and bring an extra dose of summer energy to this citrus-inspired style.

Photo credit by: @paiwaloves

• Products Needed:
  • Soft pink polish: “Muchi, Muchi” by Essie for the base.
  • Neon yellow polish: “Psych!” by Orly for the solid color nails and lemon details.
  • Green polish: “Off Tropic” by Essie for the leaves.
  • Detailing brush: To paint on your lemons and leaves.

Paint your nails with a soft pink base. On the accent nails, create small lemon shapes with your neon polish, then add green leaves for a fresh effect. Paint the remaining nails with a solid coat of neon yellow for a bold statement. Finish with a glossy top coat for a shiny, summery look.

FAQ:

Q: Can these designs be achieved with gel polish as well? A: Absolutely! The beauty of these designs is their versatility. Whether you’re working with traditional polish or gel, you can achieve these stunning summer looks. For gel, remember to cure each layer under a UV or LED lamp.