20 Hot Summer Nails That’ll Keep You Looking Cool All Season Long

Ahhh, summer… the season you’ve probably been looking forward to, especially after those long cold winter and spring days. The sun is shining a little brighter, the colors are more vivid, you might have a vacation planned, and if you’re in school, you’ve likely been counting down to that long awaited summer break. There’s so much to be excited about during summer, from outdoor gatherings to seasonal fruits, fun events, and more. It’s also the perfect time to refresh your nails with a fun, vibrant look that matches the energy of the season. So with further ado, here are 20 hot summer nails that will keep you looking cool all summer long!

Summer nails

Summer Nails

1. Solid Pink Nails

Pink summer manicure inspo..

Nothing beats a bold solid color manicure. It’s easy to recreate, especially if you’re doing your nails yourself, and it’s great for the summer season. This one features a solid pink, but you can choose any bold color you like. Like green, blue, yellow, orange, etc. 

2. Creamsicle Flower Nails

Orange Summer Nail Ideas.

Make way for these orange creamsicle toned nails. What I love most is the ring finger and how it left the base of the flower petals nude. This set is super eclectic yet uniform because you have so many different variations of the flower pattern.

3. Summer Stars

Since Fourth of July is in the summer, you can take inspiration from these nails and create a fun, patriotic star design. Just swap out the yellow and blue for red and blue. Or, if you prefer, you can simply use this nail idea as cute, everyday inspiration for your summertime nails.

4. Summer Fruits

Fruit nail ideas.

From berries to citrus, summer is the season for lots of fresh fruits. And with so many in season, it’s the perfect time to lean into the sweet side with a fruit themed manicure. You can pick one fruit, like strawberries. Or go for a variety mix like these nails for a super eclectic look.

5. Strawberry Nails

Summer Nail Ideas | strawberries and daisies nail inspo.

These strawberry nails are berry sweet and super cute for summer, especially if you’re heading to a strawberry farm.

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6. Tropical Nails

Pink and orange summer nails.

Head to the tropics with these orange and hot pink nails. I love the paler orange contrast with the hot pink color, it really helps to balance out the overall design.

7. Variety Mix

If you can’t decide on just one nail design theme because you’re loving so many different inspo ideas and elements, then go for it with eclectic nails. Mix and match different themes on each nail, and simply have fun with it. 

8. Minimalist Crescents

Colorful French tip almond nails.

If you’re more of a minimalist gal that still wants to lean into the colorful summer shades, then consider these nails. It’s neutral yet still super colorful. You can leave the base nude or even opt for a light pink base. Overall, let the colorful geometric pattern do all the talking because they add just the right amount of color. 

9. Oceanic Waves

Cute beach nail ideas.

If you’re excited for more beach days and water activities this summer, then these teal nails will definitely inspire those vibes.

10. Y2K Hearts

Calling all of the Y2K lovers! This Y2K inspired heart nail design is extremely on theme.

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20 trendy summer nail ideas

11. Tie Dye Nails

Tie-dye isn’t just for your shirts, this summer tie-dye inspired nail look is so creative and unexpected. Also, I love how the colors from the tie-dye nails are carried over into the other nails, tying the whole set together perfectly.

12. Checkered Nails

Colorful checkered

The 90s are calling with these colorful checkered nails. 

13. Mesmerizing Blue

Beautiful beach inspired nail design.

If you’re looking for more ocean or pool inspired manicure, then THIS IS IT. What I love most about these nails is the slight iridescent look, especially with the subtle star on each nail.

14. Summer Airbrush Nails

Airbrush nails have been trending so much lately. And these airbrush ones really give off that halo type gradient effect, since the airbrush is right in the middle.

15. Preppy Smiles

Smiley face

With so many cute designs, I like to call this a “happy elements” nail set. Plus the pink and yellow tones add such a girly and youthful vibe.

RELATED: 5 Amazing Ways to Take Full Advantage of the Summer Aesthetic 

16. Ray of Sunshine

Multi pattern summer nail ideas.

Step into summer with these nails that are radiating with positivity and just a youthful vibe. From rainbows to the cute little daisies, this look is perfect if you’re looking for a fun and playful manicure idea.

17. Fuego Nails

These nails are fire! 🔥 I love the pink and yellow combo, and you can totally have fun with it and pick any two contrasting colors you like. 

18. Vacation Nails

Pack your bags and get ready to go on vacation with these bold floral nails.

19. Pastel Mix

This marbled look is super dreamy and just look so fun and playful for the summertime.

20. French Tips

Classic French tip nail design.

Last but not least, you can never go wrong with a good old French tip. You can keep it classic with a white tip. Or make it more colorful by simply swapping the white polish for any other shade you like.