Discover 23 trendy purple summer nail ideas 2024: inspiration, designs and colors

When it comes to summer nail trends, purple is set to dominate in 2024. But what makes purple nails so captivating for the summer season? Is it the versatility of shades or the endless design possibilities? In this article, we’ll explore some of the most stunning purple summer nails 2024 ideas, providing detailed descriptions and expert insights into each look. Whether you’re seeking inspo for your next salon visit or planning to DIY, we’ve got you covered with the hottest trends and practical tips.

The Vibrant Plum

For those who love a bold and vibrant look, this plum nail design is perfect. The rich, deep purple color stands out beautifully against any summer outfit, making it a favorite for 2024. The glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication, while the short length ensures practicality without compromising style.

Consumables:

• • Plum nail polish (e.g., OPI Infinite Shine in “Rich and Brazilian”)
  • Glossy top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat)
  • Base coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a clean, dry nail.
   2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   3. Apply two coats of the plum nail polish, allowing each layer to dry completely.
   4. Finish with a glossy top coat for a sleek finish.

Chic Lavender Chrome

Lavender chrome nails are a perfect blend of subtlety and shine. The light purple hue with a metallic finish gives a modern twist to a classic shade. This design is ideal for those looking to keep their nails elegant yet eye-catching.

Consumables:

• • Lavender chrome powder (e.g., Born Pretty Chrome Powder)
  • UV gel base (e.g., Gelish Foundation Base Gel)
  • UV gel top coat (e.g., Gelish Top It Off)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and cure under a UV lamp.
   2. Apply a layer of gel polish and cure.
   3. Rub the lavender chrome powder onto the nail using a sponge applicator.
   4. Seal with a gel top coat and cure again.

Iridescent Galaxy

This nail design brings the galaxy to your fingertips with an iridescent finish. The blend of light purple and blue hues creates a mesmerizing effect that’s perfect for those who love a bit of sparkle in their life. The almond shape adds elegance and elongates the fingers.

Consumables:

• • Iridescent purple polish (e.g., ILNP in “High Tide”)
  • Holographic glitter (e.g., Holo Taco Holographic Glitter)
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Zoya Naked Base and Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to prepare your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of the iridescent purple polish.
   3. While still tacky, sprinkle holographic glitter on the nails.
   4. Seal with a top coat for durability.

Ombré Perfection

Ombré nails never go out of style, and this purple gradient is no exception. Starting with a dark purple at the cuticle and fading to a lighter lavender at the tips, this design is both trendy and sophisticated, perfect for any summer event.

Consumables:

• • Dark purple polish (e.g., Essie “Dressed to the Nineties”)
  • Light lavender polish (e.g., Sally Hansen “Lacey Lilac”)
  • Makeup sponge for blending
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint the sponge with both the dark purple and light lavender polishes.
   3. Dab the sponge onto the nails, blending the colors to create an ombré effect.
   4. Finish with a top coat to smooth the gradient and add shine.

Marbled Elegance

Marble nails are a timeless classic, and this purple version is perfect for summer 2024. The mix of soft purple and white creates a sophisticated look that’s both unique and easy to achieve.

Consumables:

• • Light purple polish (e.g., OPI “Do You Lilac It?”)
  • White polish (e.g., Essie “Blanc”)
  • Fine detail brush
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of light purple polish.
   3. Using a fine detail brush, create white marble-like lines on the nails.
   4. Blend slightly with a brush dipped in acetone for a natural marble effect.
   5. Seal with a top coat.

Bold Geometric Purple

Bold geometric shapes in shades of purple create a striking and edgy look. This design features sharp lines and vivid colors that contrast beautifully, making it perfect for anyone wanting to stand out this summer. The mix of purple tones and clean lines gives a modern and artistic vibe, ideal for fashion-forward individuals.

Consumables:

• • Dark purple polish (e.g., Essie “Dressed to the Nineties”)
  • Light purple polish (e.g., OPI “Do You Lilac It?”)
  • White polish (e.g., Essie “Blanc”)
  • Nail tape for clean lines
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of light purple polish and let dry.
   3. Use nail tape to create geometric shapes and paint the exposed areas with dark purple polish.
   4. Remove the tape carefully and let dry.
   5. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Purple Waves

This playful design features swirling purple waves that add a fun and dynamic touch to your nails. The mix of light and dark purple shades with a touch of glitter makes this design perfect for summer, adding a bit of sparkle and movement to your manicure.

Consumables:

• • Light purple polish (e.g., Sally Hansen “Lacey Lilac”)
  • Dark purple polish (e.g., OPI “Viking in a Vinter Vonderland”)
  • Purple glitter polish (e.g., China Glaze “Fairy Dust”)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of light purple polish and let dry.
   3. Use a thin brush to create wave patterns with the dark purple polish.
   4. Add accents with the purple glitter polish.
   5. Seal the design with a top coat for durability and shine.

Royal Glamour

Royal Glamour nails bring together deep purples and sparkling gems for an opulent look. The combination of glossy and matte finishes, along with the intricate jewel accents, makes this design perfect for those who love a touch of luxury.

Consumables:

• • Dark purple polish (e.g., Zoya “Belinda”)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)
  • Nail gems and rhinestones
  • Nail glue
  • Base coat and glossy top coat (e.g., Zoya Naked Base and Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of dark purple polish and let dry.
   3. Apply the matte top coat to half of the nails for a mix of finishes.
   4. Use nail glue to attach gems and rhinestones for added glamour.
   5. Seal the design with a glossy top coat on the glossy sections only.

Sparkling Purple

This design features a sparkling purple hue that’s perfect for adding some glam to your summer nails. The deep purple shade with fine glitter creates a dazzling effect that catches the light beautifully, ideal for both day and night looks.

Consumables:

• • Glitter purple polish (e.g., ILNP “Mega”)
  • Base coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of the glitter purple polish, allowing each layer to dry.
   3. Finish with a top coat to seal the glitter and add extra shine.

Elegant Lavender Tips

Elegant lavender tips offer a subtle yet sophisticated look. The design features a nude base with lavender French tips, creating a clean and elegant manicure perfect for any occasion. The touch of shimmer in the lavender polish adds just the right amount of sparkle.

Consumables:

• • Nude base polish (e.g., Essie “Ballet Slippers”)
  • Lavender polish with shimmer (e.g., China Glaze “Tantalize Me”)
  • French tip guides
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of the nude base polish and let dry.
   3. Use French tip guides to create the lavender tips.
   4. Apply the lavender polish to the tips and let dry.
   5. Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Royal Purple Gloss

This royal purple gloss design is both elegant and bold. The deep, rich purple color is perfect for summer, providing a touch of luxury that stands out. The glossy finish enhances the depth of the color, making the nails look vibrant and eye-catching.

Consumables:

• • Royal purple polish (e.g., OPI “Purple with a Purpose”)
  • Glossy top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)
  • Base coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of royal purple polish, allowing each layer to dry completely.
   3. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the shine and durability of the manicure.

Marble Purple

Marble purple nails bring an artistic touch to your manicure. The swirling patterns of light and dark purple mimic the natural look of marble, creating a sophisticated and unique design. This look is perfect for those who want their nails to be a conversation starter.

Consumables:

• • Light purple polish (e.g., Essie “Lilacism”)
  • Dark purple polish (e.g., OPI “Lincoln Park After Dark”)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of light purple polish.
   3. Using a thin brush, create marble patterns with the dark purple polish.
   4. Blend slightly with a brush dipped in acetone for a natural marble effect.
   5. Seal with a top coat.

Glitter Accent Purple

Add some sparkle to your summer with this glitter accent purple design. The combination of a solid purple polish with a single glittery accent nail is simple yet striking. It’s perfect for those who want to add a bit of glamour to their everyday look.

Consumables:

• • Solid purple polish (e.g., China Glaze “Grape Pop”)
  • Purple glitter polish (e.g., Essie “A Cut Above”)
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of solid purple polish, leaving one nail bare for the glitter accent.
   3. Apply two coats of the glitter polish to the accent nail.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Lavender Flames

Lavender flames are a bold and edgy design perfect for making a statement. The soft lavender color contrasts beautifully with the sharp, flame-like shapes, creating a look that is both fierce and feminine.

Consumables:

• • Light lavender polish (e.g., OPI “Do You Lilac It?”)
  • Nail art brush
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of light lavender polish and let dry.
   3. Use a nail art brush to create flame shapes with a darker shade of lavender.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for a lasting finish.

Jewel-Toned Purple

This jewel-toned purple design is rich and luxurious. The deep purple color is complemented by small jewel accents, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Perfect for both casual and formal occasions, this design will keep your nails looking fabulous all summer.

Consumables:

• • Jewel-toned purple polish (e.g., Zoya “Belinda”)
  • Small nail jewels
  • Nail glue
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of jewel-toned purple polish and let dry.
   3. Use nail glue to attach small jewels near the cuticle for added elegance.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat to secure the jewels and add shine.

Floral Embellished Purple

This floral embellished purple nail design is the epitome of summer elegance. The long, sleek nails feature a stunning lavender shade with delicate 3D floral decorations. The flowers, adorned with tiny gems, add a whimsical touch that is perfect for special occasions or just adding a bit of glamour to your everyday look.

Consumables:

• • Lavender nail polish (e.g., OPI “Do You Lilac It?”)
  • 3D floral nail art decorations
  • Small rhinestones
  • Nail glue
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of lavender polish and let dry.
   3. Use nail glue to attach 3D floral decorations and rhinestones.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for added shine and durability.

Purple Leopard Print

Add a touch of wild to your summer nails with this purple leopard print design. The combination of solid purple nails and accent nails featuring a bold leopard print creates a fun and stylish look. Perfect for those who love to experiment with their nail designs.

Consumables:

• • Solid purple polish (e.g., Essie “Play Date”)
  • White polish for the base (e.g., Essie “Blanc”)
  • Black and purple nail art pens for the leopard print
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint the accent nails with two coats of white polish and the rest with purple.
   3. Use black and purple nail art pens to create the leopard print on the accent nails.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Purple Gradient Ombre

This purple gradient ombre design features a beautiful transition from a deep purple to a lighter lavender at the tips. The smooth blend of colors is both sophisticated and trendy, making it a great choice for any summer event.

Consumables:

• • Dark purple polish (e.g., Essie “Dressed to the Nineties”)
  • Light lavender polish (e.g., Sally Hansen “Lacey Lilac”)
  • Makeup sponge for blending
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint the sponge with both the dark purple and light lavender polishes.
   3. Dab the sponge onto the nails, blending the colors to create an ombre effect.
   4. Finish with a top coat to smooth the gradient and add shine.

Pastel Polka Dots

This playful design features a mix of purple hues with pastel polka dots. The combination of glossy and glitter finishes adds depth and interest, making it a perfect choice for a fun and youthful look this summer.

Consumables:

• • Light purple polish (e.g., OPI “Do You Lilac It?”)
  • Pastel polka dot stickers or nail art pens
  • Glitter top coat (e.g., China Glaze “Fairy Dust”)
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of light purple polish.
   3. Add pastel polka dots using stickers or nail art pens.
   4. Apply a glitter top coat for added sparkle.
   5. Finish with a regular top coat to seal the design.

Classic Short Purple

For a classic and elegant look, these short purple nails are perfect. The rich, deep purple color is timeless and versatile, suitable for both casual and formal settings. The glossy finish adds a sophisticated touch, making these nails perfect for any occasion.

Consumables:

• • Deep purple polish (e.g., Zoya “Belinda”)
  • Base coat (e.g., Essie Here to Stay Base Coat)
  • Glossy top coat (e.g., Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of deep purple polish, allowing each layer to dry completely.
   3. Finish with a glossy top coat for a sleek and polished look.

Glitter Purple with Floral Accents

This glittery purple nail design is a stunning mix of sparkle and floral accents. The long nails are painted in a beautiful lavender shade with a glitter finish, complemented by small white flowers and rhinestones at the cuticle line. The overall look is both whimsical and elegant, perfect for making a statement this summer.

Consumables:

• • Lavender glitter polish (e.g., China Glaze “Let’s Jam”)
  • 3D floral nail art decorations
  • Small rhinestones
  • Nail glue
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of lavender glitter polish and let dry.
   3. Use nail glue to attach 3D floral decorations and rhinestones.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat for added shine and durability.

Lavender and Crystal Elegance

This design features a delicate blend of lavender polish and crystal embellishments. The long nails are painted in a soft lavender shade with glittery French tips and adorned with crystals. The central accent nail boasts a vertical line of flowers and crystals, adding an intricate touch to this elegant look.

Consumables:

• • Soft lavender polish (e.g., Essie “Lilacism”)
  • Lavender glitter polish for tips (e.g., OPI “Show Us Your Tips”)
  • Small crystals and 3D floral nail art decorations
  • Nail glue
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., Seche Clear and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your nails.
   2. Paint your nails with two coats of soft lavender polish.
   3. Add glitter tips using the lavender glitter polish.
   4. Attach crystals and floral decorations with nail glue.
   5. Seal with a top coat to secure the embellishments and add shine.

Minimalist Silver Lines on Purple

For a more understated yet sophisticated look, these minimalist nails feature a solid purple base with subtle silver lines. The short nails are painted in a vibrant purple shade, with delicate silver lines added to a few accent nails. This design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist style with a touch of elegance.

Consumables:

• • Solid purple polish (e.g., Essie “Play Date”)
  • Silver nail art pen or striping tape
  • Base coat and top coat (e.g., OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
   2. Apply two coats of solid purple polish and let dry.
   3. Use a silver nail art pen or striping tape to create delicate lines on the accent nails.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.