Summer Nail Inspo 2024: Chic Short, Almond & Coffin Designs

Do your nails have their summer wardrobe ready? When the sun’s rays beckon you towards sandy shores and rooftop parties, make sure your tips are as ready to play as you are. This season’s nail inspo is all about expressing your inner sun goddess, whether you’re reaching for a cool drink or digging your toes into the warm beach. Let’s explore some of the hottest trends that are sure to dominate summer 2024.

Cerulean Waves and Sandy Hues

In the world of summer nails, beach blues and sandy neutrals reign supreme. Imagine the striking color of the ocean on a clear day, captured right on your fingertips. This manicure idea blends a bold summer nail inspo blue with a natural nude, embodying the spirit of the sea juxtaposed with the tranquility of the beach.

Professional Insights: This look pairs squared tips with a matte finish on the nude nails, while the blue ones shine with a gel-like gloss. The contrast is not just in color but in texture too, giving a multidimensional allure that’s both chic and playful.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude gel polish (Matte Finish)
• Cerulean blue gel polish (Glossy Finish)
• Matte top coat
• Glossy top coat My recommendation: Opt for a high-pigment polish for the blue to get that deep oceanic vibe.

DIY Tips: Start with the nude base and apply a matte top coat. For the blue nails, two coats of polish plus a glossy top coat will achieve that wet, fresh-from-the-sea look. Precision is key, so take your time with the edges to get a crisp, salon-quality finish.

Sunset Blooms and Lavender Whispers

As if painted by the sunset itself, this nail design features a soft gradient from a peachy summer sunset to a delicate lavender. The addition of petite white flowers adds a romantic touch, perfect for those long summer evenings.

Professional Insights: The almond shape here is perfect for our summer nail inspo almond trend. It’s feminine and gives enough canvas for the art without going overboard. The gradient effect requires a deft hand, blending the warmth of the setting sun with the cool of twilight.

Consumables Needed:

• Lavender gel polish
• Peach gel polish
• White paint for flower art
• A fine nail art brush My recommendation: Always use a sponge to dab the gradient on gently for that flawless blend.

DIY Tips: Create the gradient base with sponged layers of lavender and peach. Once dry, use a fine brush to delicately paint on the floral designs. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to seal in the design and add durability.

Lemonade Dreams and Creamy Swirls

Why not add a twist of lemon to your nail game? This design’s creamy swirls and lemony zest are a nod to those refreshing summer drinks, with a summer nail inspo short nail length for a practical yet stylish look.

Professional Insights: Short nails don’t mean short on style. This manicure proves that with its playful use of negative space and soft swirls. The pop of yellow is eye-catching but not overpowering, making it a perfect accessory to any summer outfit.

Consumables Needed:

• Pale yellow gel polish
• Sheer pink polish
• White gel polish for accents
• Detailing brush My recommendation: Go for a gel polish that’s known for its opacity to make those yellow tips pop.

DIY Tips: After your pink sheer base is set, use the detailing brush to add the yellow french tips. Then with the white, freehand the swirls and accent designs. A steady hand and patience will yield the best results. Seal with a gel top coat for longevity.

Whimsical Pastel Impressions

Envision clouds brushed with sunset hues on a pastel sky, each nail a canvas for delicate abstract art. This manicure flaunts a summer nail inspo simple design that speaks in soft tones and dreamy patterns, perfect for those who appreciate art that whispers rather than shouts.

Professional Insights: This nail set sings in a harmony of blush pinks and warm whites, touched with gentle strokes of gold leaf. The short, natural nail length brings an air of understated elegance, showcasing that beauty often lies in the subtlety of design.

Consumables Needed:

• Pastel pink gel polish
• Warm white gel polish
• Gold leaf flakes
• Fine detail brush My recommendation: Invest in a top-quality brush for those intricate touches that bring the abstract art to life.

DIY Tips: Apply your pastel base and let it cure. Then, taking your detail brush, sweep on the abstract designs with the warm white. The gold leaf can be applied with a clean brush or tweezers. Remember, a little goes a long way. Finish with a clear top coat for a glossy sky-like sheen.

Playful Pop Art Pizzazz

Bursting with color, this design is a nod to the vibrant pop art of the ’60s, blending playful shapes and bold hues for a look that’s all fun, all the time. Each nail is an individual expression, ranging from neon outlines to groovy smiley faces that bring a dose of happiness right at your fingertips.

Professional Insights: This nail set truly captures the eclectic essence of summer with its array of colors and designs. Long, almond-shaped nails serve as the perfect backdrop for this free-spirited summer nail inspo 2024 trend, daring to be different in each stroke.

Consumables Needed:

• Neon gel polish set (various colors)
• White gel polish for base designs
• Dotting tools for precise dots
• Nail striping tape for clean lines My recommendation: Go for neons that are bright enough to light up any room – they’ll reflect your summer energy perfectly.

DIY Tips: Lay down a white base to make your neons pop. Use striping tape to create clean lines for geometric shapes, and dotting tools for those adorable smiley faces. Each nail can be a unique piece of the story, so let your imagination run wild!

Tropical Fuchsia Fantasy

If summer were a color, it might just be this vibrant shade of fuchsia, bold and beautiful. Accompanied by summer nail inspo pink floral accents on a sheer backdrop, this design is a tribute to tropical flowers and warm nights filled with the scent of blooms.

Professional Insights: Opting for a bright, solid color on some nails while keeping others translucent allows for a dynamic and modern take on the classic floral motif. It’s a summer romance between color and design, giving you a manicure that’s both bold and delicate.

Consumables Needed:

• Fuchsia gel polish
• Sheer pink gel polish
• Floral nail stickers or decals
• Rhinestones (optional) My recommendation: A gel polish with a good thickness is best for those one-swipe wonders.

DIY Tips: Alternate between the fuchsia and sheer pink on your nails. For the floral designs, you can use pre-made stickers or hand-paint them if you’re feeling artistic. Add a rhinestone center to your flowers for that extra bit of sparkle. Seal it all with a glossy top coat to withstand the summer adventure.

Sunrise Gradient Splendor

As the daybreak casts its first glow, these nails mimic the stunning gradient of a sunrise. From a peaceful coral to a serene lilac, it’s a daily reminder of the sky’s morning masterpiece.

Professional Insights: This summer nail inspo almond design boasts an almond shape that’s all the rage this season. The soft gradient requires a skilled blending technique to achieve that seamless transition reminiscent of the sky at dawn.

Consumables Needed:

• Coral gel polish
• Lilac gel polish
• Sponge for gradient application
• Glossy top coat My recommendation: Use a sponge with a fine texture to ensure a smooth gradient without harsh lines.

DIY Tips: Begin with a pale base coat. Apply both colors side by side on the sponge and dab onto the nail, blending as you go. It may take a few layers to achieve the right opacity and blend. Finish with a glossy top coat for that dewy sunrise sheen.

Meadow Dreams

Escape to a meadow with each glance at your nails. Delicate floral art on a sheer base brings the essence of a wildflower field to your fingertips, perfect for a summer nail inspo simple yet enchanting look.

Professional Insights: These short, natural nails are a canvas for hand-painted florals that speak to the artist within. Each flower is a tiny ode to summer’s wild beauty, making this manicure a wearable piece of art.

Consumables Needed:

• Sheer pink polish
• Acrylic paints for detailed flower art
• Fine detail brush My recommendation: Acrylic paint offers more control for intricate designs and can be sealed with a top coat for durability.

DIY Tips: After your sheer base, use the fine brush to hand-paint your florals. Start with the larger shapes and add detail with lighter and darker shades. Practice your design on paper first to gain confidence.

Celestial Wonders

Let your nails be the canvas for a summer’s night sky, with a summer nail inspo blue as deep as the midnight ocean, adorned with playful stars that twinkle with every gesture.

Professional Insights: The combination of matte and gloss finishes on different nails adds a modern twist to this star-studded design. The almond shape lends itself well to this playful yet sophisticated style, perfect for those balmy nights under the starry sky.

Consumables Needed:

• Deep blue gel polish
• White polish for star designs
• Matte top coat for contrast
• Glossy top coat for the stars My recommendation: A precise dotting tool will make those stars come alive with just a dot and a drag.

DIY Tips: After your blue base, alternate between matte and glossy top coats on different nails. For the stars, dot on white polish and drag out slightly to create the star shape. Play around with the placement for a natural starry effect.

Cotton Candy Skies

A delightful array of pink and peach, these nails are a throwback to those cotton candy skies that grace the evening summer horizon.

Professional Insights: These nails blend two of the season’s sweetest hues, offering a summer nail inspo pink and peach fusion that is both youthful and elegant. The clean, crisp lines of the French tips lend a modern edge to the otherwise soft and dreamy color palette.

Consumables Needed:

• Peach gel polish
• Pink gel polish
• Nail tape for precise French tips
• High-shine top coat My recommendation: Always apply the nail tape firmly to prevent polish bleed for that flawless French tip finish.

DIY Tips: Begin with a base coat of your lighter color. Once dry, apply nail tape and brush on the second color for your French tip. Remove the tape while the polish is still wet to maintain sharp lines. Seal with a glossy top coat for durability and shine.

Sorbet Swirls

Savor the flavor of summer with nails that look good enough to eat. These tips echo the swirls of a citrus sorbet, perfect for staying cool in the summer heat.

Professional Insights: The long, tapered shape provides a lengthening effect, while the playful swirls of color offer a summer nail inspo almond that’s fresh and fruity. The combination of warm and cool tones makes for a versatile palette that pairs well with any summer wardrobe.

Consumables Needed:

• Orange gel polish
• Pink gel polish
• Yellow gel polish
• Thin art brush for swirls My recommendation: Use polishes with a thicker consistency to keep the swirls from running and to achieve a more dimensional look.

DIY Tips: Start with a sheer nude base coat. With your art brush, add swirls of color, layering as you go to build intensity. Don’t worry about perfection; the beauty is in the whimsy of the swirls. Finish with a top coat to seal your design.

Lemon Zest Edges

As if dipped in a zesty lemon topping, these nails add a pop of color with a refreshing twist.

Professional Insights: Perfect for those who love a summer nail inspo short but aren’t afraid of a dash of vibrancy, these tips offer a modern take on the French manicure with a zingy lemon hue. The sheer base keeps the look light and airy, ideal for those hot summer days.

Consumables Needed:

• Lemon yellow gel polish
• Sheer nude polish
• Fine-tip brush for precision
• High-gloss top coat My recommendation: A gel polish with a fine brush will give you more control for that crisp, clean edge.

DIY Tips: Apply your sheer base and let it cure. Then, using your fine-tip brush, carefully paint the tips with your lemon polish. Steady hands make for sharp lines, so take your time. A glossy top coat gives the final touch of summer shine.

Sunset Ripples

Let your nails ripple with the vibrancy of a summer sunset, where waves of orange and red dance with playful patterns and delicate dots.

Professional Insights: This manicure exudes fun with its wavy summer nail inspo short nails, where each curve and dot is a reflection of summer’s spontaneous rhythm. It’s an artistic blend of passion and playfulness, ideal for summer festivals or beach bonfires.

Consumables Needed:

• Orange gel polish
• Red gel polish
• White polish for dotting
• Dotting tool or toothpick My recommendation: A dotting tool of various sizes gives you the freedom to play with dot proportions for more dynamic art.

DIY Tips: Start with a sheer base. Paint wavy lines in alternating colors, then add dots along the edge for a pop of contrast. Use a dotting tool for uniformity or a toothpick for a more freehand look. Finish with a top coat for a glistening sunset sheen.

Whispering Pinks

Embrace the softer side of summer with this tender blend of pink hues, featuring a subtle nod to summer nail inspo simple with its minimalistic art over a sheer pink base.

Professional Insights: The beauty of this design lies in its simplicity and the use of negative space, which lets the natural beauty of the nail bed shine through. It’s a modern twist on the classic pink manicure, infusing a breath of fresh air into your summer look.

Consumables Needed:

• Various shades of pink polish
• Sheer pink base coat
• Fine liner brush for delicate patterns My recommendation: Opt for quick-drying polishes to layer your art without smudging.

DIY Tips: Apply a sheer pink base, then use a liner brush to add soft pink strokes in different shades. The key is light touches and allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding the next. Seal with a top coat for a smooth finish.

Candy Coated Dreams

Indulge in a sugary fantasy with these candy-coated nails that blend the pastel sweetness of summer treats into a summer nail inspo almond design.

Professional Insights: Almond nails are a perfect canvas for showcasing the playfulness of pastels. This design combines soft curves and bright highlights to create a nail set that’s as delightful and refreshing as a dip in the pool.

Consumables Needed:

• Pastel gel polishes in assorted colors
• High-gloss top coat
• Fine liner brush My recommendation: Use a soft-bristled brush for seamless blending of pastel tones.

DIY Tips: After your base coat, use the liner brush to paint on pastel swoops. Layer colors gently to create depth and dimension. Allow each color to set before applying the next to avoid muddying. A glossy top coat will give that candy-like shine.

Sunkissed Flame Tips

Ignite your summer style with these dynamic flame-tipped nails that mimic the vivacious flicker of a beach bonfire.

Professional Insights: This summer nail inspo coffin design uses the coffin shape to its advantage, offering a larger canvas for the gradient blend from a soft peach to a fiery pink. It’s a bold statement that’s sure to spark conversations wherever you go.

Consumables Needed:

• Peach gel polish
• Pink gel polish
• Gradient sponge
• High-shine top coat My recommendation: Use a dense sponge for a more controlled and saturated color application.

DIY Tips: Paint your nails with a peach base, then apply pink polish to a sponge and gently dab the tips, blending downwards. Repeat for a deeper color. Seal the gradient with a top coat to achieve that glossy, just-ignited look.

Confetti Celebration

Celebrate the season with nails sprinkled with confetti, capturing the carefree joy of summer parties and sunny afternoons.

Professional Insights: A powder blue base provides a refreshing backdrop for the colorful confetti, which brings a playful summer nail inspo gel touch. The almond shape is modern and provides just the right amount of edge for the fun-loving dots.

Consumables Needed:

• Powder blue gel polish
• Multicolored nail art dots
• Tweezers for placement
• Gel top coat My recommendation: Precision tweezers will be your best friend for placing those tiny dots just where you want them.

DIY Tips: Apply the blue base and cure it. Then, using tweezers, place the dots onto the tacky layer of the cured polish. Once satisfied, seal your design with a top coat for a long-lasting party on your nails.

Iridescent Opal Essence

Channel the ethereal beauty of opal stones with these nails that boast an iridescent sheen, perfect for adding a touch of magic to every summer ensemble.

Professional Insights: The summer nail inspo square shape is a classic backdrop for the opalescent effect, which catches the light and mimics the natural luster of precious stones. It’s a subtle yet enchanting look that’s sophisticated for any summer occasion.

Consumables Needed:

• Opal iridescent polish
• Square nail tips
• Gel base and top coat My recommendation: Layer the iridescent polish over a white base to intensify the opalescent effect.

DIY Tips: Start with a white gel base coat to make the iridescent polish pop. Apply the opalescent polish in thin layers, curing between each. Finish with a top coat for that smooth, glass-like finish that radiates summer’s mystical vibes.

Daisy Daydreams

Imagine a field of daisies under the soft summer sky – this nail design brings that daydream to life with delicate floral art on a sheer pink canvas.

Professional Insights: Simple yet enchanting, this summer nail inspo short design features dainty daisies that are perfect for a picnic in the park or a leisurely garden stroll. It’s a look that says ‘summer simplicity’ with its minimalist approach and natural charm.

Consumables Needed:

• Sheer pink gel polish
• White and yellow polish for daisies
• Thin detail brush for petal art My recommendation: Acrylic paint can be easier to manipulate for fine details like the petals and center of the daisies.

DIY Tips: After your sheer base, use the detail brush to paint small white petals in a circle. Add a dot of yellow for the center. It’s a labor of love that requires a steady hand and a bit of patience but results in a bouquet of beauty at your fingertips.

Neon French Twist

Take the timeless French manicure and spin it with a summer twist by adding a neon edge.

Professional Insights: This modern summer nail inspo gel manicure turns the classic French tip on its head, bringing a zesty neon pop to the subtle pink base. It’s summer’s way of saying ‘fun in the sun’ without saying a word.

Consumables Needed:

• Light pink gel polish
• Neon pink polish for the tips
• Striping tape for precision
• Gel top coat for shine My recommendation: Apply the striping tape after the base coat has cured to get crisp lines for your French tips.

DIY Tips: Cure your pink base, then apply striping tape where you want your neon tips to start. Paint the tips, cure, and remove the tape while the polish is still tacky. Finish with a top coat for a glossy result that makes the neon stand out.

FAQs

Q: Can these designs work on any nail shape? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adapt the design to suit your favorite shape, be it summer nail inspo square, coffin, or the versatile almond.

Q: Is gel polish a must for these looks? A: While gel polish offers durability and shine, especially for summer nail inspo gel, you can recreate these looks with regular polish too. Just be sure to use a good quality top coat.