22 Hottest Summer Nail Ideas: Trendy Designs and Colors for the Season

When it comes to summer, nail designs can be just as important as your outfit. Whether you’re hitting the beach or enjoying a summer soirée, having the perfect nails can make all the difference. So, what are the hottest summer nails this year? From vibrant colors to intricate designs, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the top nail trends and how to achieve them at home.

Neon Green Perfection

As a professional manicurist, I can confidently say that neon green is making a bold comeback this summer. The vibrant hue of this Atomic Polish neon green nail polish is perfect for those who want their nails to stand out. The bright, electric green color is ideal for both short gel nails and longer acrylic designs. This shade is not only eye-catching but also versatile enough to match with various summer outfits.

Must-Have Items:

• Atomic Polish Neon Green Nail Polish
• Base coat (e.g., OPI Nail Envy)
• Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
• UV/LED lamp for curing gel polish

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a clean, dry nail surface. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
2. Apply two coats of Atomic Polish Neon Green Nail Polish, curing each layer under the lamp.
3. Finish with a top coat to seal the color and add shine. Cure under the lamp once more.
4. For a longer-lasting manicure, avoid using your nails as tools and apply cuticle oil daily.

Artistic Swirl Design

Swirl designs are another hot trend this summer. This intricate combination of colors and patterns creates a visually stunning effect that is sure to turn heads. The mix of white, pink, teal, and gold with an artistic swirl makes this design both unique and fashionable.

Must-Have Items:

• White nail polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Pink Flamenco)
• Teal nail polish (e.g., Zoya Wednesday)
• Gold nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Gold Rush)
• Thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to clean nails and let dry.
2. Paint each nail with your chosen base color (e.g., white for some nails, pink for others).
3. Use a thin nail art brush to create swirl designs with the remaining colors, ensuring each swirl is distinct and clean.
4. Once dry, seal the design with a top coat for durability and shine.

Leopard Print with a Twist

Leopard print never goes out of style, and this summer, it’s all about adding a twist with bright colors like teal and pink. This design combines classic leopard spots with a modern color palette, making it perfect for anyone looking to make a statement.

Must-Have Items:

• Teal nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Aquadelic)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Mod Square)
• Black nail polish (e.g., Revlon Knockout)
• Dotting tool or thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat and let it dry completely.
2. Paint half of your nails with teal and the other half with pink.
3. Use a dotting tool or thin brush to create black leopard spots on each nail.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect your design and add a glossy finish.

Multicolor French Tips

French tips are timeless, but this summer, it’s all about adding a splash of color. The multicolor French tip design features vibrant tips in shades like yellow, purple, and pink, giving a fresh and playful twist to the classic French manicure.

Must-Have Items:

• Sheer pink or nude base polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Yellow nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
• Purple nail polish (e.g., OPI Do You Lilac It?)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., Sinful Colors Pink Forever)
• Top coat
• Thin nail art brush

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a sheer pink or nude base coat and let it dry.
2. Using a thin nail art brush, paint each nail tip with a different color.
3. Allow the tips to dry completely, then apply a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Bold Orange and Black Waves

Orange is another hot color this summer, and pairing it with black waves creates a striking and sophisticated look. This design is perfect for those who love bold and edgy nail art.

Must-Have Items:

• Orange nail polish (e.g., Essie Tangerine Tease)
• Black nail polish (e.g., OPI Black Onyx)
• Thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat and let it dry completely.
2. Paint your nails with orange polish and allow them to dry.
3. Use a thin nail art brush to create black wave patterns on each nail.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Bold Pink Nails

Pink nails are a summer staple, and this bold shade is perfect for making a statement. The vibrant pink color is both eye-catching and feminine, making it ideal for any summer occasion. This design features a glossy finish that adds a touch of sophistication to the bold color, ensuring your nails look polished and chic.

Must-Have Items:

• Bright pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Hotter than You Pink)
• Base coat (e.g., Essie All in One Base)
• Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
• UV/LED lamp for curing gel polish

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a clean, dry nail surface. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
2. Apply two coats of bright pink nail polish, curing each layer under the lamp.
3. Finish with a top coat to seal the color and add shine. Cure under the lamp once more.
4. Maintain the manicure by applying cuticle oil daily and avoiding harsh activities.

Pink and White Swirl Design

The pink and white swirl design is perfect for those who love a soft and elegant look. The delicate swirls of pink and white create a beautiful, marble-like effect that is both subtle and sophisticated. This design works well on both short and long nails, making it versatile for any nail length.

Must-Have Items:

• Light pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Fiji)
• White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
• Thin nail art brush or dotting tool
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with a light pink base color.
3. Using a thin brush or dotting tool, create white swirls on each nail.
4. Blend the swirls slightly to achieve the marble effect.
5. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Sunset Ombre Nails

Nothing says summer like a beautiful sunset, and this ombre design captures that perfectly. The gradient from yellow to orange to pink mimics the colors of a summer sunset, making your nails a work of art. This design is perfect for adding a touch of summer to any outfit.

Must-Have Items:

• Yellow nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
• Orange nail polish (e.g., Essie Tangerine Tease)
• Pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Pink Flamenco)
• Makeup sponge for blending
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with a white base color to make the gradient colors pop.
3. Use a makeup sponge to apply the yellow, orange, and pink polishes in a gradient pattern.
4. Dab the sponge onto your nails to blend the colors.
5. Finish with a top coat to smooth out the design and add shine.

Floral French Tips

Floral designs are always a hit in the summer, and these floral French tips are no exception. The delicate flowers add a touch of femininity to the classic French tip, making it perfect for any summer event. This design combines elegance with a bit of fun, ideal for those who love to experiment with their nails.

Must-Have Items:

• Nude or light pink base polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• White nail polish for tips (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
• Assorted colors for flowers (e.g., orange, pink, green)
• Thin nail art brush or dotting tool
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a nude or light pink base coat and let it dry.
2. Paint the tips of your nails with white polish for a classic French tip look.
3. Use a thin brush or dotting tool to create small flowers on the tips.
4. Add green dots for leaves and other details.
5. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Classic Blue Nails

Blue is a refreshing color for summer, and this classic blue shade is both bold and sophisticated. Perfect for those who want a pop of color without going too bright, this shade is versatile enough for both casual and formal settings. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance, making your nails look polished and stylish.

Must-Have Items:

• Blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Butler Please)
• Base coat (e.g., OPI Nail Envy)
• Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
• UV/LED lamp for curing gel polish

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a clean, dry nail surface. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
2. Apply two coats of blue nail polish, curing each layer under the lamp.
3. Finish with a top coat to seal the color and add shine. Cure under the lamp once more.
4. For a longer-lasting manicure, avoid using your nails as tools and apply cuticle oil daily.

Purple and Green Nails

This bold and sophisticated combination of purple and green nails is perfect for those who love to experiment with colors. The glossy purple contrasts beautifully with the matte green, and the gold accent adds a touch of luxury. This design is ideal for making a statement and showing off your unique style.

Must-Have Items:

• Glossy purple nail polish (e.g., OPI Purple with a Purpose)
• Matte green nail polish (e.g., Zoya Wyatt)
• Gold nail striping tape or gold polish for accents
• Base coat
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Paint half of your nails with glossy purple polish and the other half with matte green polish.
3. Use gold striping tape or a thin brush to add gold accents to the green nails.
4. Finish with a top coat on the purple nails for extra shine. Leave the green nails matte for contrast.

Ocean-Inspired Encapsulation Nails

These stunning encapsulation nails bring the beauty of the ocean to your fingertips. The clear tips with embedded shells and glitter create a mesmerizing underwater effect. This design is perfect for summer and beach vacations, giving your nails a unique and enchanting look.

Must-Have Items:

• Clear acrylic or gel for the base
• Shell pieces and glitter for encapsulation
• UV/LED lamp for curing
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Start with a clear base using acrylic or gel and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
2. Apply shell pieces and glitter to the clear tips before the final layer of acrylic or gel.
3. Encapsulate the design with a clear layer and cure again.
4. Finish with a top coat for a smooth, glossy finish.

Pink and Leopard Print Stiletto Nails

This bold design combines bright pink with leopard print and rhinestone accents, making it perfect for those who love a daring and glamorous look. The stiletto shape adds extra drama, ensuring your nails stand out in any crowd.

Must-Have Items:

• Bright pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Mod Square)
• Nude or beige nail polish for the base (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
• Black nail polish for leopard spots (e.g., Sally Hansen Black Out)
• Rhinestones and nail glue
• Thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat and let it dry.
2. Paint some nails with bright pink polish and others with nude or beige polish.
3. Use a thin brush to create leopard spots on the nude nails with black polish.
4. Add rhinestones to one or two nails using nail glue.
5. Finish with a top coat to secure the design and add shine.

Purple Wave Design

This creative wave design in purple and silver is both modern and chic. The metallic accents add a futuristic touch, making this manicure perfect for those who love innovative and stylish designs.

Must-Have Items:

• Nude or pink base polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Purple metallic polish (e.g., OPI Turn on the Northern Lights!)
• Silver striping tape or silver polish for accents
• Thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a nude or pink base coat and let it dry.
2. Use a thin brush to paint purple waves on each nail.
3. Add silver accents along the edges of the waves using striping tape or silver polish.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Neon Flower Nails

Bright and vibrant, these neon flower nails are perfect for summer. The combination of orange and yellow with intricate flower details and rhinestone centers makes this design eye-catching and fun.

Must-Have Items:

• Neon orange nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy)
• Neon yellow nail polish (e.g., Orly Glowstick)
• Thin nail art brush for flower details
• Rhinestones and nail glue
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with neon orange and yellow polish.
3. Use a thin brush to create flower details with the opposite color.
4. Add rhinestones to the center of each flower using nail glue.
5. Finish with a top coat to secure the design and add shine.

Glossy Yellow Nails

Bright and cheerful, these glossy yellow nails are perfect for summer. The vibrant color is both playful and stylish, making it an excellent choice for any summer activity. The smooth, glossy finish ensures that your nails look polished and chic, adding a pop of sunshine to your look.

Must-Have Items:

• Yellow nail polish (e.g., Essie Sunny Business)
• Base coat (e.g., OPI Nail Envy)
• Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to clean, dry nails and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with two coats of yellow nail polish, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
3. Finish with a top coat to seal the color and add shine. Reapply the top coat every few days to maintain the glossy finish.

Pastel Ombre Shimmer Nails

These pastel ombre nails with a shimmering finish are both delicate and enchanting. The gradient from purple to yellow, combined with the subtle shimmer, creates a magical look perfect for summer evenings and special occasions.

Must-Have Items:

• Pastel purple nail polish (e.g., OPI Do You Lilac It?)
• Pastel yellow nail polish (e.g., Zoya Jacqueline)
• Fine shimmer powder or shimmer polish
• Makeup sponge for blending
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry.
2. Use a makeup sponge to blend pastel purple and yellow polishes on your nails, creating a gradient effect.
3. Apply a fine shimmer powder or shimmer polish over the gradient for added sparkle.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Yellow and Rhinestone Nails

These elegant yellow nails with rhinestone accents are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to your summer look. The rhinestones add a sparkling detail that makes your nails stand out, perfect for special events and parties.

Must-Have Items:

• Yellow nail polish (e.g., Essie Yellow Gold)
• Clear rhinestones and nail glue
• Thin nail art brush for precise application
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with yellow polish and allow it to dry thoroughly.
3. Use nail glue to apply rhinestones in a wavy pattern across your nails.
4. Finish with a top coat to secure the rhinestones and add a glossy finish.

Colorful Leopard Print Nails

This playful design combines bright teal, orange, and hot pink with a leopard print accent, making it a fun and bold choice for summer. The mix of colors and patterns is perfect for those who love to experiment with their nail art.

Must-Have Items:

• Teal nail polish (e.g., Essie Turquoise & Caicos)
• Hot pink nail polish (e.g., OPI Kiss Me on My Tulips)
• Orange nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Orange Knockout)
• Black nail polish for leopard spots
• Thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry.
2. Paint each nail with a different color (teal, hot pink, orange).
3. Use a thin brush to create black leopard spots on one or two accent nails.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.

Pink and Black Wave Nails

This striking pink and black wave design is perfect for making a bold statement. The contrasting colors and fluid wave patterns create a dynamic and eye-catching look, ideal for summer nights out.

Must-Have Items:

• Pink nail polish (e.g., Essie Big Spender)
• Black nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Black Out)
• Thin nail art brush
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with pink polish and allow it to dry completely.
3. Use a thin brush to create black wave patterns on each nail.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Red and Nude Stiletto Nails

For those who love dramatic and edgy nail designs, these red and nude stiletto nails are perfect. The sharp, pointed shape combined with the bold red tips creates a fierce and fashionable look.

Must-Have Items:

• Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
• Red nail polish (e.g., Essie Really Red)
• Thin nail art brush for precise application
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry.
2. Paint your nails with nude polish as the base color.
3. Use a thin brush to carefully paint the tips of your nails with red polish, creating a sharp stiletto effect.
4. Finish with a top coat to protect the design and add shine.

Blue and Yellow Gradient Nails

These blue and yellow gradient nails are perfect for capturing the essence of summer. The smooth transition from blue to yellow creates a vibrant and refreshing look, ideal for sunny days.

Must-Have Items:

• Blue nail polish (e.g., Essie Butler Please)
• Yellow nail polish (e.g., China Glaze Lemon Fizz)
• Makeup sponge for blending
• Top coat

DIY Steps:

1. Apply a base coat to your nails and let it dry.
2. Use a makeup sponge to blend blue and yellow polishes on your nails, creating a gradient effect.
3. Dab the sponge onto your nails to achieve a smooth transition between colors.
4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.