Are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of nail colors for Summer 2024? What trends will dominate this sunny season? From fresh pastels to electrifying neons, discover which hues will make your hands stand out as you sip your beachside cocktails. How do the latest gel and dip nail colors adapt to both everyday wear and special summer occasions? Keep reading to uncover the popular nail colors summer 2024, and get inspired with DIY tips to recreate these stylish trends at home.
Deep Teal Elegance
The rich, deep teal showcased in this manicure is a testament to summer’s depth and versatility. This shade, a perfect blend between blue and green, resonates with the vibrant energy of ocean depths, making it one of the popular summer nail colors. Accentuated with a matte finish and a singular, gold-embellished nail, this design adds a touch of luxury to an otherwise bold color choice.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Teal Nail Polish: Essie’s “Go Overboard”
- Matte Top Coat: Sally Hansen Matte Finish
- Gold Leaf Accents: Kara Beauty Gold Leaf
- Ring Finger Accent: OPI “Alpine Snow”
DIY Instructions:
Begin by applying a base coat to protect your nails. Paint two coats of Essie’s “Go Overboard” for that deep teal allure. For the ring finger, apply a white base and delicately place gold leaf pieces once dry. Finish all nails with a matte top coat to achieve that chic, modern look.
Sunny Yellow and Ocean Blue
Embodying the playful spirit of summer, this nail design features a sunny yellow and a serene ocean blue, which are surely on the list of popular summer gel nail colors. The use of a glossy finish enhances the brightness of the hues, perfect for sunny days. This contrast evokes the essence of summer skies and sandy beaches.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat
- Yellow Nail Polish: CND Vinylux in “Banana Clips”
- Blue Nail Polish: Gelish “Mali-Blu Me Away”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
Start with a clean, dry nail before applying your base coat. Alternate nails with the yellow and blue polishes, applying two coats for opacity. Once dry, seal with a fast-drying top coat to enhance the shine and longevity of your manicure.
Sparkling Mermaid
This glittering design captures the magical look of a mermaid’s tail. The blend of pink, blue, and silver glitter makes it a captivating choice for popular summer dip nail colors. This look is not only enchanting but also reflective, perfect for both day and night summer events.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat
- Pink Glitter: Deborah Lippmann “Some Enchanted Evening”
- Blue Glitter: OPI “Last Friday Night”
- Silver Glitter: Essie “Set in Stones”
- Dip Powder: Kiara Sky Dip Powder in “Ocean Voyage”
- Top Coat: OPI Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
Prepare your nails with a base coat and apply a thin layer of pink glitter polish. Before it dries, sprinkle a mix of blue and silver glitter over the wet polish for a textured effect. To achieve the dip look, apply a coat of clear polish and dip into “Ocean Voyage” dip powder, then seal with a top coat for a smooth finish.
Neon Burst
Professional Opinion and Description:
Neon colors make a powerful statement, and this bright pink manicure screams summer fun. The vivid neon pink is not only eye-catching but also reflects the energetic vibe of summer parties and night outs. It’s a staple for the popular summer gel nail colors, making any outfit pop with a touch of daring boldness.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- Neon Pink Polish: China Glaze “Pool Party”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Nail Strengthener (optional): OPI Nail Envy
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Once dry, layer two coats of “Pool Party” to achieve that intense neon look. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, enduring shine. For those with brittle nails, a layer of nail strengthener before the base coat can help maintain nail health.
Soft Ombre Glow
Professional Opinion and Description:
Ombre nails continue to be a beloved trend, and this soft pink to orange gradient is perfect for a subtle yet stylish summer look. This color transition mirrors the beautiful summer sunsets, making it a fantastic choice among the popular summer dip nail colors.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
- Pink Polish: Essie “Muchi, Muchi”
- Orange Polish: Sally Hansen “Sun Kissed”
- Sponge for Ombre Effect
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door
DIY Instructions:
Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply a light pink base color. Once dry, use a sponge to dab on the orange polish, blending it halfway down the nail to create the ombre effect. Repeat until the desired gradient is achieved. Seal with a top coat for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Vivid Splatter Art
This design is a stunning example of art meeting fashion. The combination of bold black and vibrant pink splatter over a glossy base captures the essence of creative freedom and is perfect for those looking to make a statement. As a popular summer gel nail color, this design evokes the energetic vibe of art festivals and summer night outs.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Black Nail Polish: Sally Hansen “Black Out”
- Pink Nail Polish: OPI “ElePhantastic Pink”
- Splatter Tool or Straw
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails. Use the black polish as the base color. Once dry, dip the splatter tool or a straw into the pink polish and blow gently to create the splatter effect over the black base. Seal with a glossy top coat for a durable, eye-catching finish.
Modern French Tip
A modern twist on the classic French manicure, this look uses a bold pink tip to add a playful and chic element to the traditional design. This style is both sophisticated and youthful, making it a hit among popular summer nail colors. It’s ideal for both office wear and casual outings.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- Nude Polish: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Pink Tip Polish: OPI “Hotter Than You Pink”
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door
DIY Instructions:
Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of “Ballet Slippers” for a clean nude look. Carefully paint the tips with “Hotter Than You Pink” to create the modern French tip. Finish with a fast-drying top coat to add shine and prolong wear.
Sweet Pink Gradient
Gradient nails are all the rage, and this sweet pink gradient is no exception. It transitions from a soft pink to a vibrant neon at the tips, reflecting the playful and carefree spirit of summer. This gradient is particularly popular in popular summer dip nail colors, perfect for beach days or any festive summer gathering.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
- Light Pink Polish: Essie “Fiji”
- Neon Pink Polish: China Glaze “Pool Party”
- Sponge for Gradient
- Top Coat: OPI Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Use “Fiji” as the base color. Once dry, apply “Pool Party” on a sponge and dab gently onto the nail tips, blending into the lighter pink. Repeat for intensity and finish with a glossy top coat for a smooth gradient effect.
Chic Leopard And Gold
Leopard nails are a sophisticated option for those who appreciate fine art on their nails. This design features a soft pink and cream base with swirled leopard effects accented with bright gold foil accents. This is an elegant choice among popular summer gel nail colors, a great option for weddings or summer evening events.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
- Pink Polish: OPI “Put it in Neutral”
- Cream Polish: Essie “Sand Tropez”
- Gold Leaf Sheets
- Marbleizing Tool
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions:
Start with a base coat. Apply the pink and cream polish in patches on the nail, then swirl together using a marbleizing tool. Before it dries, add small pieces of gold leaf for accent. Seal with a top coat for a glossy, elegant finish.
Iridescent Dream
This nail design features an iridescent sheen that captures the light beautifully, reminiscent of a dreamy summer sky. The subtle shifts in color make it an intriguing choice for popular summer nail colors. It’s perfect for those who prefer a minimalist yet enchanting nail look.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Iridescent Polish: ILNP “Birefringence”
- Top Coat: ILNP “Quick Dry Top Coat”
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Paint two coats of “Birefringence” to achieve the full iridescent effect. Finish with a quick dry top coat to enhance the magical color shift and ensure durability.
Matte Black with Animal Prints
This matte black manicure is elevated with chic animal print accents, making it a bold choice for popular summer nail colors. The matte finish provides a sophisticated backdrop for the glossy animal prints, creating a dynamic contrast that’s both stylish and daring.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Matte Black Polish: Essie “Licorice”
- Glossy Top Coat for Accents: Seche Vite Dry Fast
- Animal Print Stencils
- Glossy Black Polish: Sally Hansen “Black Out”
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Paint your nails with two coats of matte black polish. Using stencils, apply glossy black polish to create animal print designs on selected nails. Finish only the printed areas with a glossy top coat to keep the rest matte.
Serene Mint with Gold Flakes
Embrace the calmness of summer with this serene mint manicure decorated with delicate gold flakes. This look combines the refreshing feel of mint green with the luxurious touch of gold, making it a favorite in popular summer gel nail colors.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Revlon Quick Dry
- Mint Green Polish: China Glaze “Refresh Mint”
- Gold Flake Top Coat: ILNP “Easy Street”
- Sealing Top Coat: INM Out the Door
DIY Instructions:
Start with a protective base coat. Apply two coats of “Refresh Mint” for a solid mint background. Once dry, add a layer of gold flake top coat for a touch of elegance. Seal with a durable top coat to enhance the longevity and shine.
Tropical Artistry
This playful design is inspired by tropical moods: bright colors and fun patterns like toucan, leopard, crocodile and tiger. It’s perfect for those looking for popular summer nail colors that are bright and perfect for the vacations.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
- Pastel Polishes: Various shades from Essie and OPI
- Detail Brushes for Artwork
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions:
Prepare nails with a base coat. Apply pastel base colors as the background. Use detail brushes to hand-paint tropical designs such as flamingos and palm trees. Finish with a fast-drying top coat to protect your artwork.
Elegant Marble Swirls
This design features elegant marble swirls in shades of purple, accented with fine gold lines. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate detailed nail art. This style is trending among popular summer gel nail colors, perfect for both day and night events.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Light Purple Polish: Essie “Lilacism”
- Dark Purple Polish: OPI “Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?”
- Gold Striping Tape
- Marbleizing Tool
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat. Use “Lilacism” as the base color. Create a marble effect by swirling “Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?” while still wet. Accentuate with gold striping tape. Seal with a top coat for a glossy finish.
Vibrant Neon Orange
Neon orange is a hot trend for the summer, radiating energy and fun. This shade is a standout for its vibrancy and is perfect as one of the popular summer nail colors. Ideal for those who love to make a bold statement.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
- Neon Orange Polish: Orly “Melt Your Popsicle”
- Matte Top Coat: Essie Matte About You
DIY Instructions:
Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of “Melt Your Popsicle” for a bright neon look. Opt for a matte finish with a matte top coat to modernize the glossy neon into a trendy, velvety appearance.
Mystical Purple Shimmer
This stunning purple shimmer manicure captures the essence of mystical summer nights. Its deep purple hue paired with a shimmering finish makes it a magical selection among popular summer nail colors. This look is both enchanting and perfect for evening gatherings.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Purple Shimmer Polish: Essie “Sexy Divide”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Paint two coats of “Sexy Divide” to achieve a deep, shimmering purple. Seal with a fast-drying top coat to enhance the shimmer and ensure durability.
Soft Pastel Ombré
Soft pastel tones blend beautifully in this ombré design, reflecting the serene colors of summer sunrise. This design is ideal for those who prefer a subtle yet stylish nail, making it a popular choice for popular summer dip nail colors.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- Pastel Yellow, Pink, and Purple Polishes: Essie “Pale to the Chief,” “Muchi, Muchi,” “Lilacism”
- Sponge for Ombré Effect
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door
DIY Instructions:
Start with a base coat for protection. Apply a pale yellow as the base. Using a sponge, gently blend pink and then purple towards the tips, creating a smooth gradient. Finish with a top coat for a seamless transition and durability.
Sleek Metallic Silver
This sleek metallic silver manicure brings a futuristic touch to summer styling. It’s a standout look that pairs well with any outfit, making it one of the most versatile popular summer gel nail colors.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Silver Metallic Polish: Sally Hansen “Silver Sweep”
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Paint two coats of “Silver Sweep” for a full metallic effect. Seal with a top coat to enhance the metallic sheen and prolong the manicure’s life.
Rainbow Stiletto Nails
Embrace the full spectrum of summer with these vibrant stiletto nails, featuring a rainbow gradient. This bold look is perfect for making a statement at summer festivals or parties, aligning well with popular summer nail colors.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: China Glaze Strong Adhesion
- Rainbow Polishes: Various shades from OPI and Essie
- Top Coat: OPI Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
Start with a base coat to protect the nails. Apply each color in sections starting from the nail base to the tip, blending slightly where the colors meet to create a gradient. Finish with a top coat to seal and smooth the design.
Spring Flowers on Coral
This nail design features lovely white spring flowers over a vibrant coral base, embodying the joy and freshness of summer. It’s a playful and charming look, perfect for day outings and one of the cutest popular summer gel nail colors.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Sally Hansen Double Duty
- Coral Polish: Essie “Tart Deco”
- White Polish for Flowers: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Detailing Brush
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat. Paint two coats of “Tart Deco” as the base color. Use a detailing brush with “Alpine Snow” to hand-paint flowers. Finish with a top coat to protect your design and add shine.
Ethereal Wing Design
This nail design resembles the delicate wings of a butterfly, making it a mystical choice for the season. The iridescent blue and black detailing offer a captivating look, perfect for those who appreciate intricate nail art. This design will certainly be among the popular nail colors summer 2024, particularly for evening events where it can truly shine.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
- Iridescent Blue Polish: ILNP “Birefringence”
- Black Nail Art Pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black
- Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
DIY Instructions:
Begin with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of “Birefringence” for a deep iridescent base. Use the black nail art pen to draw the delicate wing patterns. Seal with a top coat for a smooth, lasting finish.
Classic White French Manicure
A timeless choice, this classic French manicure exudes elegance and sophistication. The crisp white tips are a perennial favorite, perfect for any summer occasion, from casual outings to more formal gatherings. As a popular summer nail color, this style remains a staple due to its simplicity and beauty.
Materials Needed:
- Base Coat: Essie Here to Stay
- White Tip Polish: OPI “Alpine Snow”
- Sheer Pink Base: Essie “Ballet Slippers”
- Top Coat: INM Out the Door
DIY Instructions:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails. Use “Ballet Slippers” for a subtle pink sheen on the entire nail. Carefully paint the tips with “Alpine Snow” to achieve the perfect French tip. Finish with a top coat to enhance durability and shine.
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