Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun and vibrant nail designs. Whether you prefer short nails, gel, or natural nails, there are countless summer manicure ideas to explore. Are you ready to discover some stunning summer nails that will make your hands pop? From gel art designs to short nails pink, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of summer manicures that are both stylish and easy to recreate at home.
Gel Rainbow Stripes
When it comes to bold and bright summer manicures, this gel design featuring rainbow stripes is a standout. The mix of vibrant colors and sleek lines creates a playful yet sophisticated look. The gold accents add a touch of luxury, making this manicure perfect for both casual beach days and summer parties.
Consumables:
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- Rainbow-colored gel polishes (e.g., OPI GelColor)
- Gold striping tape (e.g., Dashing Diva Gold Tape)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Start with a clear base coat to protect your natural nails.
- Apply a white base gel color and cure it under a UV lamp.
- Using a thin nail art brush, paint rainbow stripes diagonally across each nail.
- Apply gold striping tape along the edges of the stripes.
- Finish with a gel top coat and cure it again under the UV lamp.
Monochrome Leopard Print
This chic black and white leopard print design is perfect for those who love short nails with a bit of edge. The contrast between the white base and black leopard spots makes a bold statement while still being easy to achieve.
Consumables:
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- White gel polish (e.g., Gelish Arctic Freeze)
- Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
- Dotting tool (e.g., Makartt Dotting Tools Set)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with white gel polish and cure.
- Using a dotting tool, create leopard spots with black gel polish.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Pastel Swirls
These pastel swirl nails are the epitome of fun and cute summer nails. The soft, blended colors create a dreamy effect that’s perfect for any summer event.
Consumables:
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- Pastel gel polishes (e.g., Essie Gel Couture Pastel Collection)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Winstonia Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a clear base coat and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, blend pastel colors in a swirl pattern on each nail.
- Cure each nail under a UV lamp.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Green French
For a modern twist on the classic French manicure, try this neon green design. It’s bold, fresh, and screams summer fun.
Consumables:
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- Neon green gel polish (e.g., Kiara Sky Neon Green)
- White gel polish (e.g., Gelish Arctic Freeze)
- French tip guides (e.g., KADS French Tip Nail Guides)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Start with a base coat and cure.
- Apply white gel polish as the base color and cure.
- Use French tip guides to create a clean neon green tip on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Pink and Green Floral
This adorable short nails flowers design is perfect for a whimsical summer look. The pink and green color combination is both playful and elegant, making it ideal for any summer occasion.
Consumables:
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- Pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture Pink)
- Green gel polish (e.g., Gelish Garden Teal Party)
- Dotting tool and fine nail art brush (e.g., Makartt Dotting Tools Set)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails pink and cure.
- Using a dotting tool and nail art brush, create green floral designs on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Coral Swirls
This vibrant gel manicure features bold neon coral swirls against a nude base. The bright color is perfect for summer, and the fluid lines add a playful touch to the design. This look is ideal for those who want their nails to stand out and make a statement.
Consumables:
-
- Neon coral gel polish (e.g., Gelish Orange Creamsicle)
- Nude gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Winstonia Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with the nude gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create coral swirls on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Red and Zebra Stripes
This striking design combines bold red and black zebra stripes, making it perfect for a fun and fierce summer look. The contrast between the vibrant red and the monochrome stripes adds a dynamic and edgy vibe to your manicure.
Consumables:
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- Red gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Rock the Runway)
- Black and white gel polishes (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow and Arctic Freeze)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Gel Polish Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint half of your nails red and the other half white and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create zebra stripes on the white half with black gel polish.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Green Snake Skin
This unique gel manicure mimics the look of snake skin with a vibrant green and black pattern. The textured design is perfect for those who want a bold and adventurous nail look for the summer.
Consumables:
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- Green gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in I’m Sooo Swamped)
- Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
- Snake skin nail foil (e.g., Makartt Snake Skin Nail Foils)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with green gel polish and cure.
- Apply the snake skin foil over the cured polish and smooth out any bubbles.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Tortoiseshell Tips
These chic tortoiseshell tips bring a touch of elegance to any summer outfit. The rich brown and black pattern contrasts beautifully with the nude base, creating a sophisticated and timeless look.
Consumables:
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- Nude gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath)
- Brown and black gel polishes (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Model Clicks and Gelish Black Shadow)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Winstonia Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with the nude gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create tortoiseshell patterns with brown and black gel polishes.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Sunset Ombre
This long, gel manicure features a stunning neon sunset ombre that transitions from bright yellow to deep orange. Perfect for a summer beach party, this design is vibrant and eye-catching, embodying the essence of a summer sunset.
Consumables:
-
- Neon yellow, orange, and pink gel polishes (e.g., Gelish Neon Collection)
- Makeup sponge (e.g., Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Dab the neon yellow, orange, and pink gel polishes onto a makeup sponge and blend.
- Press the sponge onto your nails to create the ombre effect and cure.
- Repeat until you achieve the desired intensity.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Coral French Tips
These neon coral French tips with a hint of sparkle are perfect for a fun summer look. The bright coral color combined with the translucent base creates a vibrant and fresh design that’s ideal for both day and night.
Consumables:
-
- Neon coral gel polish (e.g., Gelish Orange Creamsicle)
- Clear gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Clear)
- Holographic glitter (e.g., Born Pretty Holographic Glitter)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with the clear gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create French tips with the neon coral gel polish and add a touch of holographic glitter.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Iridescent Lilac
This stunning iridescent lilac manicure shines with a holographic effect that catches the light beautifully. It’s a simple yet eye-catching design that’s perfect for any summer occasion.
Consumables:
-
- Lilac gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Dress Call)
- Holographic powder (e.g., Born Pretty Holographic Powder)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with the lilac gel polish and cure.
- Apply holographic powder to the cured polish for the iridescent effect.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Green and Gold Leaf
This bold design combines neon green with gold leaf accents for a striking and luxurious summer manicure. The combination of bright color and metallic shine makes this design stand out.
Consumables:
-
- Neon green gel polish (e.g., Kiara Sky Neon Green)
- Gold leaf flakes (e.g., GellyFit Gold Leaf)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with the neon green gel polish and cure.
- Apply gold leaf flakes to the nails using a nail art brush.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Matte Fruit Nails
This adorable design features tiny fruit decals on a matte white base. It’s a fun and cute way to celebrate summer with a playful touch.
Consumables:
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- White gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Alpine Snow)
- Matte top coat (e.g., Essie Matte About You)
- Fruit nail decals (e.g., Olive & June Fruit Nail Stickers)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
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- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with white gel polish and cure.
- Apply fruit decals to the nails.
- Finish with a matte top coat and cure.
Pink and Blue Swirls
These vibrant pink and blue swirl nails are perfect for making a statement. The bold colors and dynamic design add a fun and playful touch to any summer outfit.
Consumables:
-
- Pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Model Clicks)
- Blue gel polish (e.g., Gelish Garden Teal Party)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Gel Polish Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint your nails with a nude base gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create pink and blue swirls on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Matte Pink and Purple Ombre
This matte pink and purple ombre manicure is a perfect blend of bold colors and subtle textures. The gradient effect transitions smoothly from pink to purple, accented with a touch of sparkle at the cuticle line, making it a chic and eye-catching design.
Consumables:
-
- Pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Model Clicks)
- Purple gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Do You Lilac It?)
- Matte top coat (e.g., Essie Matte About You)
- Rhinestones (e.g., Swarovski Nail Rhinestones)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with the pink gel polish at the tips and purple at the base, blending the colors in the middle and cure.
- Apply the matte top coat and cure.
- Add rhinestones at the cuticle line using a small amount of clear gel and cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Pink Heart Tips
These stiletto nails with neon pink heart accents create a bold and playful look perfect for summer. The translucent base makes the hearts pop, adding a whimsical touch to your manicure.
Consumables:
-
- Clear gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Clear)
- Neon pink gel polish (e.g., Gelish It’s a Lily)
- Heart-shaped nail stickers or decals (e.g., Olive & June Neon Hearts)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with the clear gel polish and cure.
- Place the neon pink heart stickers or decals on the nails.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Peach Perfection
This simple yet elegant manicure features a peach-colored gel polish that is perfect for a natural and sophisticated summer look. The smooth finish and glossy shine make it ideal for everyday wear.
Consumables:
-
- Peach gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Looks to Thrill)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with the peach gel polish and cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Neon Abstract French Tips
These neon abstract French tips add a modern twist to the classic French manicure. The vibrant colors and geometric shapes make it a fun and trendy design for the summer.
Consumables:
-
- Neon gel polishes (e.g., Gelish Neon Collection)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Winstonia Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with a nude base gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create abstract neon French tips on each nail.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Blue and Nude Floral Design
This elegant design combines a soft nude base with blue floral accents and rhinestones for a delicate and sophisticated summer look. The intricate details make it perfect for special occasions.
Consumables:
-
- Nude gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath)
- Blue gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in First View)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Beetles Gel Polish Nail Art Brushes)
- Rhinestones (e.g., Swarovski Nail Rhinestones)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with the nude gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create blue floral designs on each nail.
- Add rhinestones at the cuticle line using a small amount of clear gel and cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Green and Pink Gem Accent
This elegant manicure features a mix of soft green and pink shades, accented with sparkling gemstones. The combination of colors and the placement of the gems create a sophisticated and luxurious look that’s perfect for special occasions.
Consumables:
-
- Green gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Stay Off the Lawn)
- Pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in Fairy Tailor)
- Nail gemstones (e.g., Swarovski Crystal Pixie)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint three nails with the green gel polish and cure.
- Paint the remaining two nails with the pink gel polish and cure.
- Apply gemstones along the cuticle line of the pink nails using a small amount of clear gel and cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Pink Glitter and Black Tips
This manicure combines pink glitter and black tips for a striking contrast. The glitter adds a touch of sparkle while the black tips create a bold and edgy look, making it perfect for those who love a glamorous yet daring style.
Consumables:
-
- Pink glitter gel polish (e.g., DND DC Gel in Glitter Pink)
- Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with the pink glitter gel polish and cure.
- Use the black gel polish to create French tips on each nail and cure.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
Blue and Gold Wave
This stunning design features blue and gold waves on a nude base. The combination of colors and the fluid wave pattern create a chic and modern look that’s perfect for summer.
Consumables:
-
- Nude gel polish (e.g., OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath)
- Blue gel polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in First View)
- Gold striping tape (e.g., Dashing Diva Gold Tape)
- Nail art brush (e.g., Winstonia Nail Art Brushes)
- Base and top coat gel (e.g., Gelish Foundation and Top It Off)
Instructions:
-
- Apply a base coat and cure.
- Paint the nails with the nude gel polish and cure.
- Using a nail art brush, create blue waves on each nail.
- Apply gold striping tape along the edges of the waves.
- Finish with a top coat and cure.
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