Whether you’re heading to the salon or going the DIY route, keep your nails looking fresh with these ideas.
A summer manicure is one of the best accessories. No matter what you’re wearing, cool polish can help make a subtle statement and really complete your look. And season brings a new slew of polish and nail art trends to try. This year’s hottest looks run the gamut from brights to metallics and everything in between. Check out the best summer nail designs before your next manicure appointment—and score some tips on how to DIY them!
@overglowedit Neons are to summer what florals are to spring. Translation: They’re a must. The highlighter colors not only evoke a happy summer mood, but the look-at-me shades are also really flattering against glowy skin. While you can never go wrong with solid fluorescents (yellow, hot pink, or neon green), mixing in some design elements feels very right now.
GET THE LOOK: Try painting your nail one shade and then adding a stripe in a contrasting hue down the center of your nail. Or, in place of the stripe, paint a half moon at the base of each nail.
@overglowedit The hit show recently finished its second season, but we’re still talking about the nail designs sported by main characters, Maddy, Cassie, and Kat. From glitter to jewels to bold color combos, nail art from Euphoria is being buzzed about (and copied!) all over Instagram and TikTok. Cassie’s pink polish with crystal studs is arguably the most popular style. Her pink polish is so light it’s almost nude, so the crystals look like they’re floating.
GET THE LOOK: After picking up some rhinestones or crystals at your local craft store, paint your nails with 2-3 coats of a nude-colored polish. Then add the crystals before the last coat dries. To really lock them in place, add a clear top coat.
@amyle.nails Think of this as a slightly more elevated way to approach nail art. The idea is to paint designs on a clean and buffed, yet, unpolished nail. Once your nail is prepped, part of it will be painted and part will remain bare. For example, a half moon in a bright hue could be painted at the base of your nail for a feminine look. Or, go sporty with a thick or a thick stripe down the center.
GET THE LOOK: Use a skinny nail brush to add white polka dots or outline the edges of your nail in a fiery red. An even easier way to try this at home is to pick up nail decals (we like flowers or stars). Simply place the decal on your nail, then paint over it with a clear top coat.
@overglowedit Nudes do not have to be boring—and they’re a great way to go from work week chic to weekend fun. For summer, opt for nude polishes that have a shimmery or opalescent finish.
GET THE LOOK: To find a nude that flatters you, look for one that is as close as possible to your skin tone without matching it exactly (go one or two shades lighter or darker).
@sweet.as_.hell_.nails This 90s trend is making a major comeback—but there’s a twist. Rather than painted white tips, it’s all about picking a notice-me shade. Glitter is a great choice, as are pastels and bold primary colors. This is also a great option for a salon gel manicure since you won’t be able to tell when it grows out.
GET THE LOOK: Paint your nails a sheer nude or pink shade and let them dry completely. Then take a bolder color (think cobalt or tangerine) and paint only the tips. Need a guide? You can use a piece of clear tape to section off the tips and get a clean line.
@disseynails From light to navy, let the ocean inspire you. Different hues of blue will definitely be a thing this summer. Not sure what shade is right for you? A powdery blue will give you a feminine vibe, teal is fun and playful, and a deeper blue feels edgier.
GET THE LOOK: No need to limit yourself to just one blue. Paint each finger a different blue (going from light to dark) for a cool ombre effect.
@paintboxnails Whether it’s just on the tips or the entire nail, shimmery shades always make a statement. While rose gold was the reigning shade last year, this year is all about chrome and gold. Keep it simple with a basic mani, or go all out with foil nail art—essentially, a technician will dab gold foil onto damp polish and it will stick in places to give nails an antique finish.
GET THE LOOK: Paint your nails a base color (white is great for summer). Then, apply gold or chrome foil on top (get it at a beauty supply shop). It will look almost marbleized on your nails. Finish with a clear top coat.
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