ummer may just be one of the best seasons for nail trends. Not only are the nail colors bright and bold, but we’re also deep into sandal season, meaning our toes can get in on the fun too. If you want to add a nail design to your summer manicure, you’ve come to the right place. We rounded up 40 of the best summer nail designs to consider for your next mani, courtesy of celebs, pro nail artists, and more.
Pucci Prints
INSTAGRAMA take on Barbiecore, inspired by Margot Robbie and nail pro Tom Bachik.
Bright Angles
@PAINTBOXNAILS//INSTAGRAMBaby blue (a.k.a. “blueberry milk”) nails get a jolt of summery energy with a H๏τ pink stripe.
Gradient French
@ESSIE//INSTAGRAMBlending soft shades is the take on the colorful French manicure we didn’t know we were missing.
Sherbet Ombré
@STEPHSTONENAILS//INSTAGRAMFor those days you can’t decide between two shades.
Barbiecore Glitter
@TOMBACHIK//INSTAGRAMNeon + Metallic
@NAILSBYZOLA//INSTAGRAMNot even Hailey Bieber, Queen of the Glazed Donut Nail, can resist a neon green set for summer. Her nail artist Zola Ganzorigt even added veins of gold for an unexpected twist.
All of the Flowers
@KIMKIMNAILS//INSTAGRAMRetro dotted flowers are super easy to create with a dotting tool, and they’re even more fun when every nail looks a little different.
Neon Aura
@JULIEKNAILSNYC//INSTAGRAMAs if the aura design isn’t enough, tiny gems give this trend even more eye-catching interest.
3-D Squiggles
@JULIEKNAILSNYC//INSTAGRAMNeon against a negative-space backdrop always looks fresh; add 3-D design details and it’s even more fun for the season.
Rainbow Swirl
@HANNAHROXIT//INSTAGRAMThis is the nail polish version of that ice cream flavor you loved so much as a kid.
Mermaid Sparkles
INSTAGRAM / @NAILSBYMH//INSTAGRAMMetallic blue gives instant Ariel vibes, while added rhinestones bring out your inner kid.
Pink Aura
@THEESTALLION//INSTAGRAMIf you love a longer set, take inspiration from Megan Thee Stallion and try a H๏τ pink aura design on lipstick-shaped tips.
Grecian Goddess
@CHAUNLEGEND//INSTAGRAMGold and turquoise instantly call to mind the Greek isles. A matte finish lets the gold polish shine (literally).
Dip Dye
@NATALIEMINERVANAILS//INSTAGRAMAddison Rae’s fuchsia nails call to mind a melting popsicle, in the best way.
Berry Nice
@NAILSBYDIEM//INSTAGRAMIt’s a food-mani summer, so strawberries, tomatoes, or any other juicy fruits are fair game.
Jade Marble
@NAILARTBYQUEENIE//INSTAGRAMMarble is oddly easy to DIY, but gel will give it that extra shiny finish.
A Milky French
@NAILSBYMEI//INSTAGRAMClassic French tips like Dua Lipa’s are gorgeous 365 days a year, and feels extra fresh in summer.
Dark Florals
@VANITYPROJECTS//INSTAGRAMSummer may be largely ᴀssociated with lighter shades, but why not be subversive? A black base with glittery florals feels summery, without being overtly sunny.
Accent Petals
@TENOVERTEN//INSTAGRAMIf you don’t want to go overboard with the florals, just doing a nail or two gets the seasonal energy across.
Cherry on Top
@HAILEYBIEBER//INSTAGRAMAnother Bieber mani to try: A classic French with teeny-tiny cherries hidden on one nail.
Mermaid Scales
@TOMBACHIK//INSTAGRAMIf you need more mermaid inspo, try this shimmery look seen on Hailee Steinfeld.
Vintage Print
INSTAGRAM/ COURTESY OF @NAILSBYMEINail artist to the stars Mei Kawajiri created this gorgeous vintage-inspired toile print for Parker Kit Hill.
Check, Mate
@MINILUXE//INSTAGRAMAny color combo works, but a berries-and-cream pairing is fresh and seasonal.
Pink Glazed
@LECHATNAILS//INSTAGRAMGlazed donut nails get the summer treatment in petal pink.
Coral Reef
@NAILTOPIABEAUTY//INSTAGRAMNext time you’re having trouble choosing a color, remember this: Cheery coral and bold fuchsia are a match made in mani heaven.
Color Swap
@LEMINIMACARON//INSTAGRAMOn one hand, pair cream with pink wavy lines on top; on the other, swap the shades.
In Your Teals
@VANITYPROJECTS//INSTAGRAMAnother moodier option, a deep teal and shimmery turquoise offers an under-the-sea feel.
Pink Tips
@PEARNOVA//INSTAGRAMWhen in doubt, a punchy colorful French is always a good option.
Airbrush Details
@NAILS_BY_YOKO//INSTAGRAMNo polish, no problem. Marsai Martin’s airbrush hearts and sparkles are whimsical heaven.
Night Sky
@OHMYNAILSNYC//INSTAGRAMChannel the glow-in-the-dark star stickers you had as a kid with pastel stars on a neutral base.
Gallery Girls
INSTAGRAM/ COURTESY OF @MADNAILSNails are your canvas, right? Different details on each nail show off your personality and are total conversation starters.
Float On
@AKIKONAILS_NYC//INSTAGRAMWhen better to showcase the pretty insects than the season when they’re fluttering around?
Clear Tips
@NAOMINAILSNYC//INSTAGRAMAt first glance, this may look like a regular French. But upon further review, these nails have transparent tips that are oh-so-summery.
Pride 365
@BYJUANALVEAR//INSTAGRAMThe time for Pride nails doesn’t end in June. These metallic rainbow nails are worth wearing throughout the summer and beyond.
Colorblock Half Moons
@SAMROSENAILS//INSTAGRAMYou can create this look with two contrasting colors, or mix and match three shades like the look seen here.
Lemon Squeeze
@VIVIANMARIEWONG//INSTAGRAMCanary yellow makes a nice warm-weather alternative to white for simple nail art.
Coquette Dreams
@VIVIANMARIEWONG//INSTAGRAMTranslucent pink gets even girlier with the addition of bows, hearts, and glitter. Lean into it!
Easy Swirl
@JINSOON//INSTAGRAMFor something simple yet eye-catching, use white nail polish and a skinny nail brush to paint on an abstract design.
’80s Shades
@JOELYOCEANNAILS//INSTAGRAMSaturated highlighter hues that call to mind South Beach and the 1980s are especially applicable to summer. Wear them accordingly.
Milk Bath Nails
@NAILARTBYQUEENIE//INSTAGRAMThis soothing nail trend has been worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian, and it feels right at home alongside summery light blue polish.