Summer is just around the corner and what better way to get ready for it than with a fresh and colorful manicure? Say goodbye to boring nails and hello to bright and bold hues that will make your summer style pop.
Here are the 40 best bright summer nail ideas that will give you plenty of inspiration for your next at-home manicure or trip to the nail salon. With so many options to choose from, you’ll definitely find a nail design that complements your personal style.
Whether you’re getting ready for the beach or want to find the best nails design for your music festival outfits, sit back, grab your favorite chilled drink, and get ready to discover your next summer nail obsession!
40 BEST BRIGHT SUMMER NAILS
1. Funky Colorful Nails
Think neon polka dots, vivid geometric patterns, rainbow gradients, or bold color blocking – the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to mix and match hues or play with textures like matte and glossy finishes.
Funky, colorful nails are the ultimate way to showcase your personality and make a statement this summer season. With a whole spectrum of vibrant shades and quirky designs at your fingertips, you can easily create a unique, eye-catching look that’s bound to turn heads.
2. Combination of Swirls
The combination of swirls is a mesmerizing nail art trend that’s taking the summer season by storm. With their hypnotic, fluid patterns and limitless color combinations, swirl nails provide an elegant, yet playful look that’s perfect for any occasion.
This versatile design can range from delicate pastel spirals to bold, contrasting hues, allowing you to create a truly bespoke masterpiece on your fingertips. To achieve this eye-catching effect, you can either use a fine nail art brush or a toothpick for more intricate details.
3. Fresh Floral Tips
Fresh floral tips are a classic summer nail trend that never goes out of style. This season, give your nails a breath of fresh air with delicate, blossoming designs that evoke the beauty of nature in full bloom.
Whether you opt for elegant roses, cheerful daisies, or exotic tropical flowers, there’s a floral motif to suit every personality and taste. To create this charming look, start with a neutral or pastel base and then use a fine brush or dotting tool to paint on your chosen blooms.
4. Neon Bright Summer Nails
Funky neon nails are a surefire way to make a statement and light up your summer with electrifying style. This bold and eye-catching trend is perfect for those who love to embrace vivid colors and stand out from the crowd.
To achieve this look, start with a white base coat to ensure your chosen neon hues truly pop. You can opt for solid neon colors, or get creative with geometric shapes, abstract designs, or even neon French tips.
5. Neon Pink
Neon pink nails are the ultimate summer staple for those who love a punch of color and a touch of feminine flair. This vibrant hue is not only eye-catching and fun, but it also complements a variety of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for the season.
To rock this trend, start by applying a white base coat to ensure your neon pink polish truly stands out. Choose from a range of neon pink shades, from electric fuchsia to flamingo pink, and apply it either as a solid color or incorporate it into your bright summer nails ideas.
6. Little Lemons
Little lemons are a delightful and refreshing nail art trend that adds a zesty twist to your summer style. With their bright yellow hues and cheerful vibe, lemon-inspired nails are perfect for channeling the sunny, laid-back atmosphere of the season.
To create this juicy look, start with a pastel or white base coat to make your lemons stand out. Use a fine brush or a dotting tool to paint on small lemon shapes in a vibrant yellow shade, and then add green leaves and subtle details to give your design a realistic touch.
7. Red Tips
This is a timeless and chic summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who want a classic and sophisticated look. This minimalist style is all about simplicity and elegance, with a bold pop of color on the tips of your nails.
To achieve this iconic look, start with a neutral or pastel base coat and then apply a bright red polish to the tips of your nails. You can opt for a classic French tip design, or get creative with a diagonal line or a curved edge.
8. Blue Little Flowers
Blue little flowers are a charming and delicate summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who love a touch of whimsy and romance. These dainty designs evoke the beauty of wildflowers in a meadow, with their soft blue hues and intricate details.
To create this enchanting look, start with a light blue base coat to serve as the petals of your flowers. Then, use a fine brush or a dotting tool to paint on small white or yellow circles for the center of your flowers.
9. Cherries and Tartan Tips
Cherries and tartan tips are a playful and unique summer nail ideas that’s perfect for those who love to mix and match different patterns and styles. This fun and unexpected combination pairs the cheerful sweetness of cherries with the boldness of tartan for a look that’s both playful and edgy.
To create this eclectic look, start with a white base coat to make your cherry and tartan designs stand out. Paint small cherry shapes using a bright red hue, and then add green stems and small black accents to complete the design.
10. Magical Bright Summer Nails Ideas
Magical bright summer nails are a whimsical and playful trend that’s perfect for those who love to experiment with bright summer nail colors and imaginative designs. This imaginative nail art incorporates a range of vibrant hues, sparkles, and eye-catching motifs for a look that’s truly enchanting.
To create this magical look, start with a bright base coat in your favorite color, whether it’s a sunny yellow, a sky blue, or a bubblegum pink. Then, add glitter accents or metallic details to really make your nails shine. Finally, incorporate playful motifs like unicorns, rainbows, or stars for a truly whimsical touch.
11. Thin White Lines
Here’s a chic and minimalist nail trend that’s perfect for those who want a simple yet stylish look. This understated design is all about clean lines and negative space, creating a modern and sophisticated look that’s perfect for any occasion.
To achieve this elegant look, start with a clear base coat and then add thin white lines across your nails using a fine brush or tape. You can create different patterns and designs with your lines, from a classic diagonal stripe to a geometric chevron shape.
12. Smiling Emojis
Smiling emojis are a fun and playful summer nail trend that’s perfect for those who like to add a touch of personality to their nail art. These adorable designs feature a range of different smiley faces, from classic yellow emojis to more unique and creative designs.
To create this fun and expressive look, start with a light yellow base coat to serve as the background of your smiley faces. Then, use a fine brush or a dotting tool to paint on the features of your emoji, such as the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows.
13. Pink and Orange Nails
Pink and orange nails are a bold and bright summer nail design that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement. This fun and energetic combination of colors is sure to turn heads and add a pop of color to any outfit.
To create this eye-catching look, start with a bright pink base coat and then add diagonal stripes of orange across your nails. You can use a fine brush or tape to achieve clean and straight lines.
14. Blue Tones
Looking for a serene and calming summer nail ideas? Blue tones are perfect for those who want a soothing and relaxing look. This subtle and sophisticated design incorporates a range of different blue shades, from pale baby blue to deep navy.
Start with a light blue base coat and then add stripes, dots, or other patterns using darker blue hues. You can also add glitter or metallic accents for a touch of glamor and shine.
15. Pastel Bright Summer Ombre Nails
Pastel ombre nails are dreamy and romantic acrylic bright summer nails. They are perfect for those who love soft and feminine colors. This delicate and graceful look features a gradient of pastel hues, fading from one shade to the next for a subtle and ethereal effect.
To create this enchanting look, start with a light base coat in your favorite pastel color, such as lavender, mint green, or baby pink. Then, add a darker shade of the same color to the top half of your nails, gradually blending the colors together in the middle.
16. White Flowers and Tips
White flowers and tips are a timeless and elegant summer nail idea for those who love classic and feminine designs. This graceful and delicate look features white flowers and a French tip for a chic and polished effect.
To create this sophisticated look, start with a clear or light pink base coat and then add a white tip to the end of your nails using tape or a fine brush. Then, add delicate white flowers to your nails using a dotting tool or a small brush.
17. Violet Cat Nails
Violet cat nails are a purr-fectly whimsical and charming way to express your love for feline friends while incorporating a gorgeous pop of color into your summer nail art. This delightful trend combines the sophisticated allure of violet hues with the adorable appeal of cat-themed designs, making it a playful and stylish choice for the season.
Start with a base coat in your favorite shade of violet, ranging from soft lilacs to deep, rich purples. Next, use a fine brush, toothpick, or nail art pen to create cat silhouettes, faces, or paw prints on your nails.
You can opt for minimalist black or white accents, or add a touch of whimsy by incorporating glitter, metallics, or other colors into your feline-inspired design.
18. Little Hearts
Heart nails are a sweet and romantic way to express your love for all things summer while adding a touch of charm to your warm-weather style. This endearing trend can be as simple or as intricate as you desire, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
To create this lovely look, start with a base color that complements your chosen heart shade – think pastels, bright hues, which the best summer nail colors, or even metallics. Next, use a fine brush, dotting tool, or toothpick to carefully paint heart shapes onto your nails.
19. Pastel French Nails
Pastel French nails are a chic and understated nail design that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. This timeless design features a classic French tip with a pastel twist, using soft and delicate colors to create a subtle yet impactful effect.
To achieve this stylish look, start with a clear or light pink base coat and then add a pastel tip to the end of your nails. You can choose from a range of pastel hues, such as peach, mint green, or lilac. Make sure to use a fine brush or tape to get a crisp and precise line for your French tip.
20. Cute Strawberries
Strawberries and fruits in general are delightful and playful bright nail ideas that add a pop of fun and sweetness to your manicure. This cute design features juicy red strawberries with green leaves, creating a colorful and adorable effect that’s perfect for the season.
To create this charming look, start with a white or light pink base coat and then use a fine brush or nail art pen to paint red strawberry shapes onto your nails. Add green leaves to each strawberry using a small brush or dotting tool.
21. Black and Purple
Black and purple galaxy nails are an out-of-this-world trend that adds a touch of cosmic glamor to your fingertips. This mesmerizing design combines the mysterious allure of deep purple hues with the stunning sparkle of the stars and galaxies.
To create this cosmic look, start with a base coat in your favorite shade of black or dark purple. Then, use a sponge or a small brush to dab on different shades of purple, silver, or blue polish to create the galaxy effect.
22. Soft Florals
You can achieve a feminine and delicate look that brings a touch of nature’s beauty to your fingertips with soft florals. This romantic design features light and airy floral patterns in soft pastel hues, creating a graceful and elegant effect.
To create this lovely look, start with a neutral or light-colored base coat, such as white or light blue. Then, use a small brush or dotting tool to paint delicate floral designs onto your nails.
23. Pink French Nails
Pink French nails are a charming nail design that adds a touch of sweet elegance to your fingertips. This classic design puts a playful twist on the traditional French manicure by using shades of pink for the tips of your nails.
To achieve this lovely look, start with a clear or light pink base coat and then add a pink tip to the end of your nails. You can choose from a range of pink hues, such as baby pink, peachy pink or H๏τ pink.
24. Soft Glazed Donut Nails
These soft glazed donut nails will add a touch of delicacy to your look. This cute and playful design features donut-shaped nails with a glossy glaze and sprinkles, creating a delightful and whimsical effect.
To create this yummy look, start with a light or ɴuᴅᴇ-colored base coat, then use a fine brush or nail art pen to paint donut shapes onto your nails. Add a glossy top coat or a clear gel polish to create the glazed effect.
25. Y2K Heart Design
Y2K heart design is a nostalgic and trendy summer nail trend that brings back the iconic styles of the early 2000s. This retro design features heart-shaped patterns in bold and bright colors, creating a fun and playful effect.
To achieve this colorful look, start with a base coat in a bright and vibrant color, such as blue or pink. Then, use a small brush or nail art pen to draw heart shapes onto your nails.
26. Pink Ombre and Gold
This design is perfect for someone looking for bright summer ombre nails.
Pink and gold accents are chic and sophisticated. This elegant design features a blend of pink hues, from light to dark, and gold accents, creating a luxurious and stunning effect.
To create this stunning look, start with a base coat in a light pink color, then mix a darker shade of pink on a makeup sponge and blend it towards the tips of your nails. Use a gold glitter polish or a metallic gold polish to add accents to your design.
27. Mango Nails
If you’re looking for bold bright summer nails, this is for you!
Mango nails will brighten up your fingertips. This vibrant and juicy design features shades of orange and yellow, creating a tropical and summery effect.
To create this fruity look, start with a bright orange base coat and then add a layer of yellow to the tips of your nails. You can also add small white dots to your design to mimic the texture of a mango.
28. Peach Bright Summer Nails
Peach summer nails are a must-try nail trend for those who love pastel hues and feminine looks. This soft and delicate design features a peachy-pink base color with a bright and glossy finish, creating a sweet and charming effect.
You can start with a base coat in a light peach or pink color, then add a glossy top coat or clear gel polish to give your nails a shiny finish. You can also add small accents, such as glitter or rhinestones, to your design for a little extra sparkle.
29. Pink Tips and Gold Dot
This elegant design features a light pink base with gold dots and a bold pink tip, creating a chic and sophisticated effect.
To achieve this look, start with a base coat in a light pink color, then use a small brush to paint the tips of your nails in a bright pink hue. Next, use a gold nail art pen or a small brush to add dots or small lines to your design.
30. Sky Blue Subtle Glossy
If you want something bolder, you should try subtle blue glossy nails.
This light and airy design features a pale blue base color with a subtle glossy finish, creating a serene and elegant effect.
To create this look, start with a base coat in a pale blue color, then add a glossy top coat or clear gel polish to give your nails a subtle shine. You can also add small accents, such as silver or white stripes, to your design for a little extra detail.
31. Subtle Floral Tips
Subtle floral tips include bright summer nail colors that will make your finger tips really pop. This beautiful design features a soft, neutral base color with small floral accents in pastel hues on the tips of your nails, creating a subtle yet charming effect.
To achieve this look, start with a base coat in a ɴuᴅᴇ or light pink color, then use a small brush to paint small flowers or petals on the tips of your nails in pastel colors such as lavender, peach, and baby blue. You can also add small leaves or vines to complete the floral look.
32. Aqua and Fuchsia Nails
Aqua and fuchsia nails are a bold and vibrant design that will make you stand out from the crowd. This eye-catching design features a bright aqua base color with fuchsia accents, creating a playful and energetic effect.
To create this look, start with a base coat in a bright aqua color, then add fuchsia stripes or polka dots to your design.
33. Orange and Green Florals
Orange and green florals are a bright and cheerful summer nail trend that will make you feel like you’re in a beautiful garden. This design features an orange base color with green floral accents, creating a playful and joyful effect.
To achieve this look, start with a base coat in a bright orange color, then use a small brush to paint leaves and flowers in various shades of green on your nails. You can also add small accents, such as white dots or stripes, to your design to make it even more whimsical.
34. Glitter ʙuттerflies
Glitter ʙuттerfly nails are whimsical and enchanting and will make you feel like a fairy. This magical design features a light base color with glittery ʙuттerfly accents, creating a dreamy and ethereal effect.
Start with a base coat in a light color, such as white or pale pink, then use a small brush to paint ʙuттerfly shapes in different glittery colors on your nails.
35. Blue Abstract
Here’s a minimal look for those who love bright summer nails ideas but want to keep it simple.
This abstract design features a blue base color with various shapes and lines in different shades of blue and white, creating a unique and artistic effect.
To nail this look use a small brush to paint abstract designs in dark blue and white on your nails. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as circles or triangles, to make your design even more abstract.
36. Cherry Glitter Nails
Going for cherry glitter nails is a bold and glamorous move that will make you feel like a Hollywood starlet. This dazzling design features a bright red base color with glitter accents, creating a show-stopping and chic effect.
To create this look, start with a base coat in a bright cherry red color, then add glitter topcoat or clear gel polish with chunky glitter pieces. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as diagonal lines or glitter French tips, to make your design even more eye-catching.
37. Little Blue Flowers on the Tips
If you want something more delicate and subtle, try adding little blue flowers on the tips.
They will add a touch of whimsy to your fingertips. This beautiful design features a light base color with small blue flower accents on the tips of your nails.
Paint your nails in a neutral color, then use a small brush to paint tiny blue flowers or petals on the tips of your nails. You can also add small leaves or vines to complete the floral look.
38. Salmon Bright Summer Nails
Salmon nails are a fresh and sophisticated summer nail trend that will give your hands a chic and polished look.
To achieve this look, start with a base coat in a salmon color, then add a shiny topcoat or glitter accents for extra shine and sparkle. This subtle yet striking design pairs well with any outfit, from a flowy sundress to a sleek pantsuit, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to your overall look.
39. Yellow With Flowers
Yellow is the color of summer, that’s why playing with flowers is one of the best summer nail ideas. This design features a yellow base color with small flower accents, creating a playful and whimsical effect.
To achieve this look, start with a base coat in a bright yellow color, then use a small brush to paint tiny flowers in various colors on your nails. You can also add small dots or stripes to complete the floral look.
40. Neon Orange
When it comes to neon bright summer nails, orange is the way to go.
Neon orange nails are a bold and daring statement. This vibrant and eye-catching design features a bright orange hue that is perfect for those who love to stand out.
Choose neon orange as the base, then add a shiny topcoat or glitter accents for extra dimension and shine. You can also experiment with different shapes and designs, such as diagonal stripes or polka dots.