Easy summer nails 2024: 24 best stylish and simple ideas

Ekaterina Zavalko 5 May 2024Last Updated: 7 May 2024

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Photo credit by: @nail_reyhanekazemi_rasht

Are you dreaming of the perfect summer manicure that captures the season’s vibrant energy without requiring hours at the nail salon? Whether you’re planning to hit the beach or just enjoy a sunny day out with friends, easy summer nails can add a splash of color and style to your look. What nail designs will help you stand out in 2024? Let’s dive into some of the hottest trends and tips that can be effortlessly achieved at home.

Subtle Sparkle for Summer

The beauty of subtle sparkle nails lies in their simplicity combined with a touch of elegance, perfect for any summer occasion. This design features a soft pink base with a sprinkling of fine glitter, capturing the essence of a serene summer sunset.

Photo credit by: @mariafarasiewicz_instruktor

Products and Brands:

- Base coat: Essie’s “Ballet Slippers”
- Glitter: Sally Hansen’s “Diamond Strength No Chip”
- Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Author’s Recommendation: The key to this look is a high-quality top coat to ensure the glitter stays in place throughout your summer adventures.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a thin base coat and let it dry.
2. Gently dab the glitter polish onto the tips and blend towards the middle.
3. Seal with a strong top coat for a long-lasting finish.

Classic Red: A Timeless Choice

Nothing says summer like bold, beautiful red nails. This glossy red manicure is both striking and universally flattering, making it a cute easy summer nail design choice for anyone looking to make a statement.

Products and Brands:

- Red polish: OPI’s “Big Apple Red”
- Base coat: CND Stickey Base Coat
- Top coat: OPI Top Coat

Author’s Recommendation: Opt for a creamy, high-pigment red polish for full coverage and a vibrant finish.

DIY Tips:

1. Start with a clean, dry nail surface.
2. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
3. Add two coats of red polish, allowing drying time between coats.
4. Finish with a glossy top coat for durability and shine.

Whimsical Watercolor Art

This nail design features playful watercolor strokes that are perfect for a creative summer look. The use of light blue and soft pink hints at clear skies and blooming flowers.

Products and Brands:

Light blue polish: Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny”
Pink polish: China Glaze’s “Something Sweet”

Detailing brush

Author’s Recommendation: Practice the watercolor technique on paper before attempting it on your nails to perfect your strokes.

DIY Tips:

Apply a light blue base coat.

1. While the base is slightly tacky, dab on pink polish with a small brush and blur the edges.
2. Use a top coat to seal the design.

Fierce Fuchsia with Metallic Accents

Fuchsia nails with a metallic twist give a modern vibe to traditional summer pink. This look is energetic and fun, reflecting the youthful spirit of summer festivals.

Photo credit by: @manicure_by_alina_bucha

Products and Brands:

Fuchsia polish: Sally Beauty’s “Fuchsia Power”
Metallic strips
Clear top coat

Author’s Recommendation: Metallic accents can elevate a simple manicure, adding a unique touch to your summer style.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply two coats of fuchsia polish.
2. Place metallic strips in a diagonal pattern.
3. Seal everything with a clear top coat for added shine and protection.

Elegant Minimalism

This minimalistic design with neutral tones and subtle accents is perfect for a sophisticated summer look. The nude base with tiny red fruit accents is perfect for cute summer nail ideas.

Products and Brands:

- Nude polish: Essie’s “Topless and Barefoot”
- Red and green nail art pens
- Top coat: Seche Vite

Author’s Recommendation: Keep the design simple for an elegant and clean look that’s easy to maintain.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a nude polish as the base.
2. Use nail art pens to draw small flowers.
3. Apply a top coat to protect your artwork.

Floral Elegance with a Matte Finish

Delicate floral accents on a soft pink base make this nail design both refreshing and stylish for summer. The matte finish gives it a modern touch that stands out in a subtle way, perfect for any summer occasion.

Products and Brands:

- Soft pink polish: OPI’s “Mod About You”
- Matte top coat: Matte Look by OPI
- Nail decals: Floral Nail Art Stickers

Author’s Recommendation: A matte top coat not only enhances the color but also provides a trendy flat finish that’s all the rage this season.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply two coats of the soft pink polish.
2. Place floral decals carefully on the nail.
3. Finish with a matte top coat to achieve a sleek, modern look.

Bold and Blue: Deep Sea Inspiration

This deep blue manicure draws its inspiration from the ocean’s mysterious depths, making it a cute easy summer nail design for those who love to make a statement with their style.

Products and Brands:

- Deep blue polish: Essie’s “After School Boy Blazer”
- High gloss top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast

Author’s Recommendation: This shade of blue is particularly flattering on shorter nails and helps to make them appear longer and more elegant.

DIY Tips:

1. Start with a base coat to protect your nails.
2. Apply two coats of deep blue polish for opaque coverage.
3. Add a high gloss top coat for a dazzling finish that lasts.

Summer Sunshine in Orange

Nothing screams summer quite like a vibrant orange manicure. This glossy, juicy orange is perfect for beach days and summer parties, embodying the essence of fun and freedom.

Products and Brands:

- Orange polish: OPI’s “A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find”
- Top coat: Seche Vite for extra shine

Author’s Recommendation: Orange is a versatile color that looks great on all skin tones, making it a must-try this summer.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a smooth base coat.
2. Layer two coats of the orange polish for a rich, vibrant color.
3. Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish and extended wear.

Sophisticated White with Purple Accents

This design is all about understated elegance. The crisp white base paired with subtle purple accents and sparkling gems offers a refined look for those special summer evenings.

Products and Brands:

- White polish: Sally Hansen’s “White On”
- Purple gradient polish: Essie’s “Play Date”
- Nail gems: Swarovski Crystals

Author’s Recommendation: Incorporating small gems can add a touch of glamour without overpowering the subtle elegance of the base colors.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply the white polish as a base.
2. Use a sponge to create a soft purple gradient at the tip.
3. Adorn with a few strategically placed gems to catch the light beautifully.

Contemporary Chic in Pink Gradient

A smooth pink gradient gives this design a contemporary edge, making it a stylish choice for easy summer nails. The seamless transition from a deep to light pink mimics the beautiful summer skies at dusk.

Products and Brands:

- Pink polishes: Starting with Essie’s “Muchi, Muchi” to “Fiesta”
- Top coat: Seche Vite for a smooth finish

Author’s Recommendation: Gradients are surprisingly easy to achieve with a sponge and can offer a stunning look with minimal effort.

DIY Tips:

1. Start with a light pink base.
2. Using a sponge, dab on a darker shade at the tip and blend towards the middle.
3. Seal with a top coat for a flawless finish.

Icy Shimmer and Sleek Lines

This manicure brings an icy cool touch with its white shimmering polish accented by a single silver stripe, making it a perfect choice for easy summer nails.

Products and Brands:

- White shimmer polish: China Glaze’s “Fairy Dust”
- Silver striping tape

Author’s Recommendation: Keep the design simple and elegant, letting the shimmer and sleek silver line speak for themselves.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply two coats of white shimmer polish for full coverage.
2. Place a thin line of silver tape at the nail’s center for a modern look.
3. Seal with a clear top coat to ensure longevity and shine.

Floral Softness with Lavender Accents

Soft pink serves as the perfect backdrop for delicate lavender floral accents, offering a cute easy summer nail design that’s both pretty and practical.

Photo credit by: @kolorowe.sylwianiewiarowska

Products and Brands:

- Light pink polish: Essie’s “We’re In It Together”
- Lavender floral stickers or decals

Author’s Recommendation: Floral accents on a subtle base color make for a timeless summer look that’s easy to achieve.

DIY Tips:

1. Paint your nails with a light pink polish.
2. Apply floral decals for an enchanting detail.
3. Finish with a glossy top coat to protect the design and enhance the colors.

Moody Blues with Matte Finish

From deep navy to soft sky blue, this matte ombre effect captures the essence of a stormy summer sky. The addition of subtle glitter offers a unique texture.

Products and Brands:

- Navy to light blue matte polishes
- Matte top coat

Author’s Recommendation: A matte finish can transform even the simplest color gradient into a sophisticated statement.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a navy blue polish at the nail base and blend into light blue towards the tips.
2. Sprinkle a small amount of glitter while the polish is still tacky.
3. Use a matte top coat to unify the look with a contemporary finish.

Green Swirls on White Gradient

This nail art features white and green gradients swirled together in a design that mimics summer vines. It’s a fresh take on summer easy nail art.

Products and Brands:

- White and green polishes
- Thin brush or dotting tool for swirls

Author’s Recommendation: This design is great for those who enjoy adding a creative twist to their manicures without much complexity.

DIY Tips:

1. Start with a white base and apply a light gradient of green from the nail’s tip.
2. While wet, swirl the green polish with a thin brush to create organic lines.
3. Finish with a top coat to enhance the design and add durability.

Modern Art Deco in Pink and Yellow

Pink and yellow polish merge in an art deco-inspired pattern, presenting an ultra-modern look for easy summer nail ideas.

Products and Brands:

- Pink and yellow polishes
- Tape for clean lines

Author’s Recommendation: Perfect for those looking to make a bold, artistic statement with their nail art.

DIY Tips:

1. Use tape to outline sharp geometric shapes on your nails.
2. Fill in the shapes with alternating colors of pink and yellow.
3. Carefully remove the tape and seal with a clear top coat for a sleek finish.

Sophisticated Geometry in Pink

This nail design features a sophisticated geometric contrast using pink and nude shades, creating a clean and elegant look perfect for any summer outfit.

Products and Brands:

- Nude polish: OPI’s “Bare My Soul”
- Pink polish: Essie’s “Mod Square”

Author’s Recommendation: The precision of geometric patterns requires patience and a steady hand, or alternatively, use tape for perfect lines.

DIY Tips:

1. Paint the base of your nails with nude polish.
2. Once dry, use tape to create sharp geometric shapes and paint over with pink.
3. Carefully remove the tape and finish with a glossy top coat to seal the design.

Ocean-inspired Glitter and Art

Channel the vibrant energy of the ocean with these glittery, seaweed-inspired nails featuring green and blue hues with intricate detailing.

Products and Brands:

- Glitter polish: Sally Hansen’s “Mermaid’s Tale”
- Detailing brush or fine-tip nail art pen

Author’s Recommendation: This dynamic look is great for summer parties by the beach or poolside gatherings.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a base of clear polish mixed with green glitter.
2. Once set, use a fine brush to add delicate blue patterns resembling seaweed or ocean waves.
3. Apply a clear top coat for a sparkling finish.

Cool Tones with Marble Accents

This design showcases a soothing palette of cool blues with marble-like detailing, ideal for a relaxed yet stylish summer vibe.

Products and Brands:

- Light blue polish: Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny”
- White polish for marbling: OPI’s “Alpine Snow”

Author’s Recommendation: Marble effects are surprisingly simple to achieve with a dabbing technique that requires a sponge or plastic wrap.

DIY Tips:

1. Paint your nails with a light blue base.
2. Dab on white polish lightly with a crumpled piece of plastic wrap for the marble effect.
3. Finish with a matte top coat for a chic, frosted look.

Pastel Pink Perfection

Elongate your fingers with this stunning pastel pink manicure, giving a clean and minimalistic summer look that’s both timeless and elegant.

Products and Brands:

- Pastel pink polish: Essie’s “Muchi, Muchi”

Author’s Recommendation: Long, uniform nails enhance the simplicity and beauty of pastel colors.

DIY Tips:

1. Ensure your nails are evenly shaped and smooth before you start.
2. Apply two coats of pastel pink for opaque coverage.
3. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to add a luxurious shine.

Wild Stripes with a Touch of Green

This daring design combines zebra stripes with a touch of green for a bold summer statement. The mixed matte and glossy finishes add depth and interest.

Products and Brands:

- Green polish: Essie’s “Mojito Madness”
- Black striping polish or pen
- Matte top coat

Author’s Recommendation: Striped patterns are perfect for expressing personality and flair, ideal for adventurous summer days.

DIY Tips:

1. Start with a base of matte green polish.
2. Using a striping brush or pen, draw black zebra stripes.
3. Alternate between matte and glossy top coats on different nails for a varied texture effect

Playful Color Block

This look combines bright yellow and tranquil blue with a touch of nude, creating a stunning color block effect that’s both eye-catching and playful for summer.

Products and Brands:

- Blue polish: Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny”
- Yellow polish: OPI’s “Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet”
- Nude polish: OPI’s “Samoan Sand”

Author’s Recommendation: Color blocking is a fun way to use contrasting colors for a bold look. Using painter’s tape can help achieve those crisp lines.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a base coat of nude polish and let it dry completely.
2. Place tape to section off where you want the blue and yellow.
3. Paint the sections, let them dry, then remove the tape carefully.
4. Finish with a clear top coat to seal and shine.

Classic French with a Twist

A modern take on the classic French manicure, this style uses an off-white base with a stark white tip, making it a sophisticated choice for any summer occasion.

Products and Brands:

- Off-white polish: Essie’s “Tuck it in My Tux”
- White polish for the tips: Essie’s “Blanc”

Author’s Recommendation: For a flawless French tip, use a flexible tip guide sticker or a fine-tip brush for precision.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply the off-white base and let it dry completely.
2. Create the white tips using a brush or tip guides.
3. Apply a glossy top coat for a smooth finish.

Summer Sky and Cherry Blossoms

This design captures the essence of a clear summer sky with a blue gradient and adds a touch of whimsy with delicate cherry blossom art on a pink base.

Products and Brands:

- Light blue polish: Essie’s “Salt Water Happy”
- Pink polish for the base: Essie’s “Muchi, Muchi”

Author’s Recommendation: Using a thin brush for the blossom details will add precision and elegance to your nail art.

DIY Tips:

1. Start with a pink base, then gradient to blue on select nails.
2. Use a fine brush to paint small cherry blossoms.
3. Finish with a clear top coat to protect the design.

Vibrant Green Energy

Bright, neon green nails bring a vibrant burst of energy, perfect for standing out during summer activities.

Products and Brands:

- Neon green polish: China Glaze’s “I’m With the Lifeguard”

Author’s Recommendation: Neon colors are perfect for summer—they reflect light and add a pop of fun to your look.

DIY Tips:

1. Apply a white base coat to make the neon color pop.
2. Add two coats of neon green for vivid color.
3. Seal with a high-gloss top coat for durability and extra shine.