Looking for summer nail ideas for your upcoming manicure? Whether you’re heading to a summer getaway or just going about your daily routine, these summer nail ideas are the ideal finishing touch to your look.
Summer is such a great time to have fun with your manicure and play around with bold colors and playful designs to reflect just the more carefree vibes of the season. From simple to edgy patterns, I’ve rounded up 45 summer nail ideas to inspire your next manicure.
Plus, I’ve included links to the Instagram pages of all the talented creators for even more inspiration. Be sure to check them out and give them a follow!
Summer Nail Ideas
1. Orange Creamsicle Flowers
Starting off the list of summer nail ideas are these creamy orange, creamsicle toned floral nails. They’re so playful, featuring an orange shade you wouldn’t typically expect. It’s a bit more muted than the traditional bright orange. And the different flower designs add even more playfulness, while the exposed natural base color brings in a nicr touch of minimalism.
Image and nail art by @thenaillologist
2. Diagonal Colored Tips
If you’re looking for something a little more spunky than a classic french tip, consider these diagonal french tips. You can keep it simple with just one solid color, or have fun and use different colors on each nail.
Image and nail art by @gelsbybry
3. Tropical Flowers
Looking at these nails, they totally give me a luau flamingo kind of vibe, especially with the bright pink color.
Image and nail art by @lindseysbeautylounge1
4. Bright Stars
Don’t save the stars just for the 4th of July. This star inspired nail design is super unique/e and creative. And the untraditional blue and yellow colors give it such a fun and different vibe.
Image and nail art by @lolo.nailedit
5. Colorful Checkered and French Tips
If you’re looking for another fun shape design, consider these checkered nails. They’re different and help balance out the minimalist french tips on the rest of the nails.
Image and nail art by @heluviee
6. Happy Elements
Knock knock… these nails are full of happy vibes, so go ahead and answer the door! If you’ve been living the preppy aesthetic that’s been trending, then these nails are right up your alley.
Image and nail art by @nailsbykaylajo
7. Summer tie dye
Now tie-dye isn’t just for your shirts. You can even incorporate a tie-dye pattern into your summer mani.
Image and nail art by @lolo.nailedit
8. Colorful Blended Swirls
These nails feel like getting lost in a wave of pastel dreams, especially with the softnesss of the blended swirls.
Image and nail art by @alyshanailartist
9. Summer Airbrush
Airbrush nails have been trending so much over the past few summers. And it looks like they’re here to stay because they add so much dimension to the nails without doing too much.
Image and nail art by @lolo.nailedit
10. Pink and Yellow Abstract Swirls
If you’re looking for a pattern that’s a little more uniform and easy to incorporate into each nail, this pink and yellow nail set is definitely it.
Image and nail art by @thenaillologist
11. Y2k Purple Hearts
Throw it back to the 2000s with these Y2K-inspired nails. They totally remind me of that MySpace hearts aesthetic.
Image and nail art by @lolo.nailedit
12. Colorful Half Flowers
I don’t know if you can tell, but the trend on this list is all about super colorful and bright nails, and these colorful flowers fit right in.
Image and nail art by @brushedbyb_
13. Summer Eclectic Vibes
Here’s another colorful nail design that takes it even further by adding so many different shapes and patterns. If you’re an eclectic person who can’t decide on one style, just choose something different for each nail. What I love most about these nails is that even though each one is unique, they all come togethers for a cohesive and harmonious design.
Image and nail art by @brushedbyb_
14. Shades of Pink Swirl
I’m not sure why, but when I look at these nails, they totally remind me of a lollipop. Specifically those large swirled candy lollipops.
Image and nail art by @phoebesummernails
15. Summer Sky
Add a dreamy vibe to your nails with this whimsical ski design. Plus, the chrome finish really enhances that dreamy look.
Image and nail art by @beautique_kent
16. Pink French Tips
Summer is the season for fresh fruits like berries and watermelon. And if you’re looking to incorporate those elements into your design in a minimalist way, these nails are definitely great inspiration.
At first glance, they might just look like regular pink french tips. But if you look closer… there’s a watermelon on the ring finger. That charming little detail blends so effortlessly into the overall nail set, making it look super cute.
Image and nail art by @nailsbypaulin
17. Eclectic Patterns
Once again, if you’re a fan of different designs. And looking for something fun, unique, and eclectic, go ahead and have fun with different patterns on your nails.
Image and nail art by @aitanassalon
18. Pink and Green Lines
Geometric shapes are always a classic. You can go for a more muted or colorful look depending on the nail polish shade that you choose.
Image and nail art by @heluviee
Short Summer Nail Ideas
Short nails are not only practical for those with busy lifestyles or specific professions, but they can also be incredibly stylish and versatile.
Whether you prefer a DIY mani at home or a trip to the salon, here are some cute summer nails for quick inspiration.
RELATED: 10 Best Summer Nail Designs to try this Summer
19. Minimalist Summer Stars
The charming star elements on these nails are so dainty and cute.
Image and nail art by @chalkboardnails
20. Teal Oceanic Waves
Get lost at sea with these teal oceanic wave inspired nails. They definitely make me want to spend all day at the beach!
Image and nail art by @beautique_kent
21. Orange Nude
Orange is a popular summer nail color. I love this design because it incorporates a little bit of it while still keeping the overall nail set very clean, polished, and neutral.
Image and nail art by @lillypalm__
22. Muted Green Daisies
Even though spring is over, who says you can’t still have fun with a spring inspires nail design? These muted green daisy nails are bursting with floral vibes, and they’re perfect not just for spring but also for transitioning into summer.
Image and nail art by @phoebesummernails
23. Summer Rainbow
Although Skittles says you can “taste the rainbow,” you can also wear it with this rainbow inspired nail set.
Image and nail art by @aitanassalon
Fruit Summer Nail Ideas
Add a fruity twist to your nails with fun designs like strawberries, lemons, and watermelons.
These cute patterns will make your day brighter and give your nails a playful vibe.
24. Fruit Mix
Compared to the watermelon inspired fruit nail design from earlier, these nails are on the other end of the spectrum; highlighting different types of fruits.
Image and nail art by @imarninails
25. Strawberries and Daisies
Now, if the previous nail set felt like a little too much, you can always pick just one fruit or veggie and use it as the theme for your nails; like these strawberry nails.
Image and nail art by @beautique_kent
26. Bright Lemons
When life gives you lemons, turn them into a cute nail design! These lemon nails are another fun way to use fruit elements to inspire your summer mani.
Image and nail art by @peachinails
27. French Tipped Cherries
These nails are truly the cherry on top with their cute cherry fruit patterns.
Image and nail art by @_nail_art_house_
28. White Cherries
You can never have too many berries, so here’s another cherry inspired nail set.
Image and nail art by @beautique_kent
Beachy Summer Nail Ideas
From swirly waves to seashells and starfish, bring the beach vibes to your look with these beach inspired summer nails.
29. Geometric Waves
The almost Yin and Yang pattern on the index and middle fingers gives these nails a classic yet contemporary vibe..
Image and nail art by @thenaillologist
30. In depth Scenic Waves
Put on your bathing suit and dive in with these wave and water inspired nails.
Image and nail art by @heygreatnails
31. Bright Blue Waves
Almond nails have been trending for the past few years, and these add a little more “point” to the traditional rounded almond shape. Plus, they’re a bit shorter. This shows that even with short nails, you can still have fun with a playful design.
Image and nail art by @thenaillologist
32. Muted Blue Swirls
If you’re looking for a more muted color and aren’t into bold and highly saturated nail polish shades; opt for a softer version of the color.
Image and nail art by @thehotblend
33. Playful Beach Vibe
These nails will be your daily reminder to take advantage of seasonal summer activities like long beach days.
Image and nail art by @aliviajane.beauty
34. Nude Ocean Waves
When I look at these blue nails, I immediately think of a beach shoreline. With the nude color representing the sand and the natural transition into the blue ocean.
Image and nail art by @thenaillologist
35. Solid Blue
On the other end of playful abstract patterns and geometric designs, there’s the classic solid color nail polish. It’s timeless, clean, and can give off either a more minimalist vibe or a bold look, depending on the shade you choose.
Image and nail art by @jadeandpolished
36. Glitter Waves
Add some sparkle to your nails by incorporating glitter into your design.
Image and nail art by @heluviee
Minimalist Summer Nail Ideas
If you’re not into the bright colors and gold patterns, opt for more minimalist summer nails.
From neutral tones, muted colors, to simple patterns, these summer nail designs are super relaxed yet still scream summer.
37. Daisies and French Tips
Daisies and french tips… do I need to say more? These nails are super girly, soft, yet still playful.
Image and nail art by @lillypalm__
38. Multi Colored Geometric Fills
Let’s give it up for these half circles! Whoop whoop!! These geometric half circle nails are simple, yet they add a nice visual dimension to the overall nail set.
Image and nail art by @thehangedit
39. Multicolored Top and Bottom Tips
Upgrade your French tips by adding both a top and bottom tip to each nail.
Image and nail art by @thehotblend
40. White and Gold Swirls
Looking for something subtle that checks all the boxes? Geometric pattern, a fun element like glitter, and still keeping it neutral? These nails definitely tick all of those boxes.
Image and nail art by @lolo.nailedit
41. Nude Daisies
Summer flowers but make it really minimalistic.
Image and nail art by @lillypalm__
42. Classic Nude
There’s something about a classic nude nail set that’s just french kiss. It’s perfect for work, all year long, and suits any occasion.
Image and nail art by @lillypalm__
43. Solid Pink
On the flip side of nude nails, go for a solid color in your favorite shade. Summer is a great time to have fun, so incorporate your favorite color into your manicure..
Image and nail art by @brushedbyb_
44. Solid and French Tipped Green
Sage green, anyone? I love the combination of solid color nails and the french tips on this design.
Image and nail art by @lillypalm__
45. Classic French Tip
Last but not least, is timeless french tip nails. Like a solid color nude nail, a french tip is always in style and great for any occasion.
Image and nail art by @aitanassalon
