Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to dive into the vibrant world of nail fashion! Have you wondered what the freshest short summer nails designs trends for 2024 are? What colors and styles will make you stand out at the beach parties and summer night soirees? Let’s embark on a colorful journey through the top trends that will define this sunny season’s manicure magic.
Tender Mint Freshness
Imagine the first sip of a cool mint mojito on a scorching summer day – that’s the vibe tender mint nails are going for in 2024. This refreshing hue is not just a nod to nature’s greens but a full embrace of summer’s zest. The soft pastel green delivers an elegant, yet playful punch, perfect for short nails that prefer subtlety over extravagance.
Consumables:
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- Pastel mint nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Mint Candy Apple)
- Base coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat)
- Top coat for a glossy finish (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
Crafting these summer short square nail designs begins with a clean, prepped nail, followed by a base coat to protect the natural nail. Two coats of the mint polish will give that opaque, summery look. Seal it with a top coat for durability and shine that lasts.
Sunset Ombré Splendor
The dazzling transition from a tangerine orange to a hot pink mirrors the summer sunset, bringing the sky’s twilight drama to your fingertips. These gel short nail designs summer are a playful twist on the classic French tip, with a bold gradient that’s made for the summer adventurer.
Consumables:
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- Orange gel polish (e.g., Gelish Mango Tango)
- Pink gel polish (e.g., DND Pinky Promise)
- A fine-tip brush for precision
- UV/LED lamp for curing gel polish
Begin with a base coat of gel polish, cured under a lamp. Then, apply the orange polish halfway up the nail, blending into the pink at the midpoint with a fine brush. Cure it, and you’ll have a sunset worthy of any summer evening.
Candy Floss Whimsy
This delightful pink gradient conjures images of sweet, fluffy candy floss at a summer fair. The pink hue transitions from a deeper shade at the cuticle to a lighter one at the tip, making it one of the most cute nail designs for short nails summer.
Consumables:
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- Pink gradient polish set (e.g., Orly Breathable Treatment + Color)
- Sponge for gradient effect
- Protective cuticle oil (e.g., CND SolarOil)
To achieve this whimsical effect, apply a light pink base, then use a sponge to dab on a darker shade near the cuticle, blending as you move outward. Finish with a top coat for a seamless gradient.
Cookies and Cream Dream
For those who fancy a touch of the unconventional, these speckled nails are a tribute to our favorite cookies and cream dessert. The flecks of black scattered across a white base make for a playful yet sophisticated look, perfect for summer nail art designs for short nails.
Consumables:
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- White nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen White On)
- Black glitter or speckle top coat (e.g., Nails Inc. Black Speckle)
- Matte top coat for an edgy finish (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)
After a white base coat, sprinkle on the black speckles or use a speckled top coat. A matte finish transforms it from a glossy treat to a chic, modern art piece on your nails.
Gilded Elegance
Who says short nails can’t be luxurious? These summer nail designs for short nails are dipped in gold, with an ornate, metallic pattern that feels both regal and modern. It’s a perfect choice for a sophisticated evening or a fancy brunch.
Consumables:
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- Nude nail polish (e.g., Zoya in Chantal)
- Gold leaf or gold metallic polish (e.g., China Glaze in Passion)
- Thin brush for intricate designs
- High-shine top coat (e.g., INM Out the Door)
Start with a nude base, then carefully place gold leaf or paint on the metallic patterns with a thin brush. A shiny top coat will ensure your nails are the crown jewels of any summer event.
Sprinkles of Joy
A nail design that looks delicious enough to eat! These nails, speckled with colorful confetti, are reminiscent of a festive birthday cake. It’s a fun and youthful look that’s perfect for those summer birthday parties or just when you want to celebrate life’s little moments.
Consumables:
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- White nail polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
- Multicolored confetti polish (e.g., FUN Lacquer Confetti)
- A glossy top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter Top Coat)
For this fun-filled look, start with a solid white base and follow with a layer of confetti polish. Each speckle acts like a burst of joy, and a top coat adds the perfect finish to this party on your nails.
Classic Sheer Elegance
There’s beauty in simplicity, and these sheer white nails are proof. They provide a clean, polished look that’s versatile for any summer outfit. It’s a timeless choice that exudes elegance and a sense of pristine summer calm.
Consumables:
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- Sheer white polish (e.g., Zoya in Loretta)
- Glossy top coat (e.g., Butter London Hardwear Shine UV Topcoat)
Apply two coats of sheer white polish for a delicate veil of color, and finish with a shiny top coat to enhance the clean, fresh look. This manicure is all about understated beauty.
Rosy French Twist
This design breathes new life into the classic French manicure with a row of tiny, delicate roses. The soft pink base gives a nod to the traditional French look while the floral design adds a romantic summer twist.
Consumables:
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- Pale pink polish (e.g., Essie’s Ballet Slippers)
- Green and red nail art pens (e.g., Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pens)
- A top coat for protection (e.g., Glisten & Glow Top Coat)
Paint your nails with the pale pink polish, then draw your mini roses and leaves at the tips. This design requires a steady hand and a touch of artistic flair, but the results are simply enchanting.
Oceanic Swirls
Dive into the depths of the ocean with these swirling blue designs. They’re reminiscent of the waves and the play of sunlight on water – a perfect theme for summer. Adding a white floral accent turns this design into a wearable piece of art.
Consumables:
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- Sky blue polish (e.g., ILNP in Blue Lagoon)
- White nail art pen (e.g., Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen)
- Clear top coat (e.g., Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat)
Apply the blue polish in swirling patterns, mimicking the ocean’s movements. Use the white nail art pen to draw a small floral design, capturing the essence of summer blooms.
Pastel Sunset Glow
As if painted with the softest shades of sunset, these nails are a whisper of color. The pastel ombré effect from purple to a golden beige is a subtle nod to the end of a perfect summer day.
Consumables:
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- Lavender polish (e.g., Orly’s Kiss The Bride)
- Golden beige polish (e.g., OPI’s San Tan-tonio)
- A sponge for the ombré effect
- A long-lasting top coat (e.g., INM Out The Door)
To achieve this gradient, apply the lavender polish at the base and beige at the tip, blending the colors with a sponge for a soft transition. A top coat will give it a lasting finish.
Lavender Dreams and Sparkling Schemes
This nail design takes you through a whimsical journey with its dreamy lavender swirls and strategic placement of sparkles. It’s like a fairytale on your fingertips, reflecting the playful spirit of summer.
Consumables:
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- Lavender nail polish (e.g., China Glaze in Sweet Hook)
- Clear polish mixed with fine glitter (e.g., OPI in Princesses Rule)
- Rhinestones of various sizes
Apply a light lavender base, then while it’s still tacky, swirl in a drop of clear glitter polish. Carefully place rhinestones to catch the light and add dimension. This design requires patience, but it’s well worth the effort.
Neon Pop
Short nails can carry off neon with an undeniable punch. This nail design takes the classic French manicure up a notch with a bold, neon pink border. It’s a statement look that’s all about fun and flair.
Consumables:
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- Sheer pink base polish (e.g., OPI Bubble Bath)
- Neon pink striping polish (e.g., Orly’s Beach Cruiser)
- Glossy top coat (e.g., China Glaze No Chip Top Coat)
Begin with a sheer pink base, followed by a steady hand to paint the neon tips. A top coat adds shine and longevity to this summer favorite.
Blue Ripples
Channeling the essence of rippling water, these blue and white wavy lines are a minimalist’s nod to the sea. This design is both serene and stylish, ideal for a laid-back summer day.
Consumables:
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- White nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen White On)
- Blue nail art pen (e.g., Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen)
- Matte top coat (e.g., Matte About You by Essie)
The key to this aquatic design is to first lay down a solid white base, then with a blue nail art pen, draw freehand ripples. A matte top coat will give this design a contemporary edge.
Sweetheart Accent
A single, tiny heart on a field of soft pink delivers a message of love and simplicity. It’s a sweet, understated design that speaks volumes with just a touch of color.
Consumables:
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- Soft pink polish (e.g., Zoya in Bela)
- Red nail art pen (e.g., Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen)
- Clear top coat (e.g., Rimmel London Super Gel Top Coat)
After your soft pink base, take the red nail art pen and carefully draw the small heart. This design is perfect for a summer date or just when you want to wear your heart on your… nails.
French Twist with a Hint of Mint
Updating the classic French mani, this design introduces a cool mint accent along with a touch of elegance from the tiny rhinestones. It’s a fresh take that’s perfectly aligned with summer short nail designs.
Consumables:
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- Nude polish (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
- Mint nail polish (e.g., Essie Mint Candy Apple)
- Small rhinestones
- A glossy top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
Start with a nude polish base, then carefully paint a thin mint line at the tip. Adorn with rhinestones for a dash of glamour. Finish with a top coat to seal in the design.
Understated Chic with a Touch of Gold
This look elevates the idea of minimalism with a matte gray finish, punctuated by delicate gold studs. It’s a sophisticated choice that marries the modern with classic grace.
Consumables:
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- Matte gray polish (e.g., OPI’s Matte Top Coat over a neutral shade)
- Small gold studs
- Nail glue
Paint your nails with the chosen neutral shade followed by a matte top coat. Once dry, apply a tiny dot of nail glue where you want to place the gold stud. This subtle but striking design can accompany you from day to night.
Tangerine Tango
Bright, bold, and undeniably cheerful, these nails are a celebration of summer’s vibrancy. The rich tangerine polish is a perfect match for the sunny days and warm nights.
Consumables:
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- Tangerine nail polish (e.g., Essie’s Braziliant)
- Glitter top coat (optional for a shimmer effect)
- High-shine top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat)
A solid coat of the vivid tangerine is all you need to make a statement. Add a glitter top coat if you’re feeling extra festive, and seal it with a glossy top coat for a lasting finish.
Abstract Skyline
Innovative and artistic, these nails feature an abstract design resembling a city skyline against a pastel sky. It’s a playful yet refined look for the urbanite summer soul.
Consumables:
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- Pastel blue polish (e.g., China Glaze’s Rain Dance The Night Away)
- Black nail art pen
- Matte top coat for an artistic finish
First, lay down your pastel base. Using the nail art pen, draw abstract lines and shapes to mimic buildings—a few straight lines and rectangles will do the trick. Finish with a matte top coat for an edgy look.
Pop of Pink
These nails scream summer fun with their vibrant pink hue. It’s a full-coverage look that’s sure to turn heads and brighten up any summer ensemble.
Consumables:
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- Bright pink polish (e.g., OPI’s Strawberry Margarita)
- Base coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat)
- Top coat for shine and protection (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
To get this bold color, apply a base coat, two layers of the pink polish, and a top coat to protect your summery masterpiece. It’s simple, it’s bold, and it’s utterly joyful.
Sunny Swirls
Here’s a nail design that captures the dynamic, creative spirit of summer. With swirls of yellow, red, and blue, it’s like a tiny canvas depicting the season’s energy on each nail.
Consumables:
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- Yellow nail polish (e.g., Sally Hansen’s Mellow Yellow)
- Red and blue nail art pens
- Clear top coat for a smooth finish
Apply the yellow polish as a sunny base. Use the art pens to swirl in red and blue, creating a freeform pattern unique to each nail. A clear top coat will smooth everything out for a flawless look.
Deep Cherry Elegance
As we transition from bright summer days to the subtle coolness of late summer evenings, a deep cherry nail color offers a sophisticated and timeless look. It’s a shade that speaks of evening soirees and the first hint of autumn’s richness.
Consumables:
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- Deep cherry polish (e.g., Essie’s Bordeaux)
- High gloss top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Mega Shine)
- Nail polish remover for clean-up
A base coat followed by two coats of this sumptuous cherry polish creates a depth of color that’s both striking and classic. A glossy top coat brings out the best in this luscious hue, ensuring your nails are nothing short of stunning.
Iridescent French Fantasy
The timeless French manicure gets a whimsical twist with an iridescent finish that catches the light in a spectrum of colors. Perfect for those who desire a hint of magic on their fingertips.
Consumables:
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- Sheer pink base coat (e.g., OPI’s Bubble Bath)
- Iridescent top coat (e.g., ILNP The Magician)
- White tip polish (e.g., ORLY White Tips)
Begin with a sheer pink base, adding just a hint of color. Paint the tips white and once dry, apply the iridescent top coat for a finish that is simply enchanting in any light.
Lime Green Streak
This bold lime green with streaks of darker tones is for the daring at heart. It’s reminiscent of the vibrant life found within summer’s lush gardens and tropical escapes.
Consumables:
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- Lime green polish (e.g., China Glaze’s Lime After Lime)
- Dark green striper (e.g., Sally Hansen’s I Heart Nail Art Striper)
- A clear top coat for lasting wear
Apply two coats of the lime green polish as your vibrant base. Use the striper to add organic lines for a streaked effect, mimicking the natural patterns of leaves and vines. Finish with a clear top coat to seal in the design and add a beautiful shine.
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