Trendy short summer gel nails 2024: 23 stylish ideas

As the sunny season approaches, it’s time to explore the latest short summer gel nails 2024 trends. Whether you’re looking for trendy or simple designs, this guide will help you find the perfect nail shape and color to complement your summer style. From pink and blue to white and bright hues, we’ve gathered the best ideas for you to try. Ready to dive into the world of cute and bling summer nails? Let’s get started!

Classic Pearly Elegance

For a timeless and sophisticated look, this pearly design is perfect. The subtle shimmer adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy, making it ideal for any occasion. The soft, pearlescent finish is both trendy and cute, perfect for those who prefer a more understated style.

Consumables:

• • Pearlescent gel polish (e.g., OPI Pearl of Wisdom)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite)
  • Small pearls for accent (optional, e.g., Kiss Nail Art Pearls)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a clean, filed nail base.
   2. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
   3. Apply two coats of pearlescent gel polish, allowing each coat to cure under a UV lamp.
   4. Add small pearls as accents using a dotting tool and nail glue.
   5. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect your design.

Lavender Dream

Lavender nails with delicate gold foil accents create a dreamy and whimsical look. This design is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your summer days. The combination of blue and lavender hues with subtle bling details ensures your nails stand out.

Consumables:

• • Lavender gel polish (e.g., Essie Lilacism)
  • Gold foil flakes (e.g., Born Pretty Gold Foil)
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Miracle Gel)

Instructions:

1. 1. Begin with clean, shaped nails and a base coat.
   2. Apply two coats of lavender gel polish, curing each layer under a UV lamp.
   3. Carefully place gold foil flakes on the desired areas while the polish is still tacky.
   4. Cure under a UV lamp and finish with a top coat.

Bold Ombre Glam

For a bold and eye-catching design, try this pink and black ombre with gold accents. The bright and cute color gradient is perfect for summer, while the gold details add a touch of luxury and bling.

Consumables:

• • Pink gel polish (e.g., Gelish Pink Smoothie)
  • Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
  • Gold glitter (e.g., IN.HYPE Gold Glitter)
  • Top coat (e.g., CND Shellac Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your prepped nails.
   2. Use a sponge to create a pink to black ombre effect, curing each layer under a UV lamp.
   3. Add gold glitter accents while the last layer is still tacky.
   4. Cure and seal with a top coat.

Ocean Blue Delight

Embrace the summer vibe with this ocean blue gel nail design. The blue shade evokes a refreshing and calming feel, perfect for beach outings and sunny days.

Consumables:

• • Ocean blue gel polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Pacific Blue)
  • Top coat (e.g., Gelish Top It Off)
  • Light blue accent polish (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a clean nail base and apply a base coat.
   2. Apply two coats of ocean blue gel polish, curing each layer.
   3. Add light blue accents if desired.
   4. Finish with a top coat.

Wild Leopard Print

Get wild with this leopard print design. Perfect for those who love to make a statement, this trendy nail art combines a natural base with bold animal prints.

Consumables:

• • Nude gel polish (e.g., OPI Samoan Sand)
  • Black and brown gel polish (e.g., Essie Licorice, Essie Mink Muffs)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Zoya Armor Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a nude base coat to your nails.
   2. Using a thin nail art brush, create leopard spots with black and brown gel polish.
   3. Cure each layer under a UV lamp.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat.

Playful Pink Zebra and Leopard Print

This vibrant short summer gel nails 2024 design features a playful combination of pink zebra stripes and leopard spots, accentuated with dazzling bling. The mixture of bold patterns and shiny gems creates a standout look that is both trendy and fun.

Consumables:

• • Pink gel polish (e.g., Beetles Pink-A-Boo)
  • Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
  • White gel polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Nail gems (e.g., Swarovski Crystals)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter)

Instructions:

1. 1. Begin with a base coat on clean, filed nails.
   2. Apply a pink gel polish and cure under a UV lamp.
   3. Use a thin brush to create zebra stripes and leopard spots with black and white gel polish.
   4. Add nail gems using a dotting tool and nail glue.
   5. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Bright Flower Power

This cheerful floral design features bright green and pink hues, perfect for adding a pop of color to your summer look. The matte finish and playful flowers make these nails cute and simple, yet eye-catching.

Consumables:

• • Green gel polish (e.g., Essie Mojito Madness)
  • Pink gel polish (e.g., China Glaze Shocking Pink)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)
  • Dotting tool

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your prepped nails.
   2. Apply two coats of green gel polish, curing each layer under a UV lamp.
   3. Use a dotting tool to create pink flowers on each nail.
   4. Cure and finish with a matte top coat.

Abstract Neon Swirls

For a bold and artistic look, these abstract neon swirls are perfect. The combination of neon orange and blue hues creates a striking contrast, making these nails a fun and bright choice for summer.

Consumables:

• • Neon orange gel polish (e.g., Gelish Orange Crush)
  • Neon blue gel polish (e.g., Gelish Blue Hue)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a clean nail base and apply a base coat.
   2. Use a thin brush to create abstract swirls with neon orange and blue gel polish.
   3. Cure each layer under a UV lamp.
   4. Finish with a top coat to seal and protect the design.

Rainbow French Tips

These chic and colorful French tips add a modern twist to the classic manicure. The subtle pink base with vibrant rainbow tips makes this design both elegant and trendy.

Consumables:

• • Nude pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Multi-color gel polish set (e.g., Beetles Rainbow Set)
  • Top coat (e.g., Sally Hansen Miracle Gel)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a nude pink base coat to your nails.
   2. Use a thin brush to create colorful French tips with various gel polishes.
   3. Cure each layer under a UV lamp.
   4. Seal the design with a top coat.

Sparkling Gradient Glam

This sparkling gradient design combines soft pastels with a touch of glitter, creating a dreamy and glamorous look. Perfect for those who love a bit of bling, this manicure is both cute and sophisticated.

Consumables:

• • Pastel gel polish set (e.g., Modelones Pastel Set)
  • Glitter top coat (e.g., ILNP My Private Rainbow)
  • Top coat (e.g., CND Shellac Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with clean, shaped nails and a base coat.
   2. Apply pastel gel polish in a gradient effect, curing each layer.
   3. Add a glitter top coat for extra sparkle.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

Marble Pink Delight

The soft and elegant marble design in this manicure exudes a sophisticated charm. Featuring shades of pink with subtle white veins, these nails are perfect for a trendy and cute summer look. The glossy finish adds a touch of luxury to this short summer gel nails 2024 idea.

Consumables:

• • Light pink gel polish (e.g., Gelish Go Girl)
  • White gel polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., OPI Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat on clean, filed nails.
   2. Apply two coats of light pink gel polish, curing each layer under a UV lamp.
   3. Use a thin brush to create marble veins with white gel polish.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Chic Black French Tips

This modern twist on the classic French manicure features sleek black tips against a nude base. The minimalistic yet trendy design makes it perfect for those who love an elegant and understated look.

Consumables:

• • Nude gel polish (e.g., CND Romantique)
  • Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat to your prepped nails.
   2. Apply two coats of nude gel polish, curing each layer.
   3. Use a thin brush to create precise black French tips.
   4. Cure and seal with a top coat.

Vibrant Daisy Accents

Brighten up your summer look with these vibrant nails featuring orange and yellow French tips adorned with cute daisy accents. This cheerful design is both playful and bright, perfect for adding a splash of color to your style.

Consumables:

• • Nude pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Orange gel polish (e.g., OPI Juice Bar Hopping)
  • Yellow gel polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
  • White gel polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Dotting tool
  • Top coat (e.g., CND Shellac Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and two coats of nude pink gel polish, curing each layer.
   2. Use a thin brush to create orange and yellow French tips.
   3. Add white daisy accents using a dotting tool.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Futuristic Green Chrome

This striking green chrome design is perfect for those who want a futuristic and bold look. The reflective surface creates an eye-catching effect, making these nails ideal for making a statement.

Consumables:

• • Chrome gel polish (e.g., Born Pretty Chrome Powder)
  • Black gel polish (optional, for base)
  • Top coat (e.g., Gelish Top It Off)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and two coats of black gel polish, curing each layer.
   2. Rub chrome powder onto the nails using an applicator.
   3. Seal with a top coat and cure under a UV lamp.

Playful Geometric Pastels

Combine elegance and fun with these geometric pastel nails. The delicate blend of light pink, blue, and white hues creates a cute and simple design that’s perfect for summer.

Consumables:

• • Light pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Fiji)
  • Light blue gel polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Babe Blue)
  • White gel polish (e.g., OPI Alpine Snow)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and two coats of light pink gel polish, curing each layer.
   2. Use a thin brush to create geometric patterns with blue and white gel polish.
   3. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Delicate Pink Roses

These nails feature a delicate pink rose design that exudes a romantic and feminine charm. The intricate detailing of the roses, set against a soft, translucent base, makes this manicure both elegant and trendy for short summer gel nails 2024.

Consumables:

• • Light pink gel polish (e.g., Gelish Pink Smoothie)
  • White gel polish (e.g., Essie Blanc)
  • Green gel polish (e.g., OPI Green Come True)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat on clean, filed nails.
   2. Apply two coats of light pink gel polish and cure under a UV lamp.
   3. Use a thin brush to paint roses with white and pink gel polish, adding green leaves for detail.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Colorful Kitty Faces

This fun and playful design features colorful kitty faces, perfect for animal lovers. The mix of pastel colors and adorable cat faces makes these nails cute and bright for summer.

Consumables:

• • Pastel gel polish set (e.g., Modelones Pastel Set)
  • Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Dotting tool
  • Top coat (e.g., CND Shellac Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Start with a base coat and two coats of a neutral base color, curing each layer.
   2. Use a thin brush and pastel gel polish to paint the kitty faces.
   3. Add details with black gel polish using a dotting tool.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Bold Matte Pink

These bold matte pink nails are perfect for making a statement. The vibrant color is eye-catching, and the matte finish adds a modern twist to this trendy summer look.

Consumables:

• • Matte pink gel polish (e.g., Beetles Gel Polish Neon Pink)
  • Matte top coat (e.g., OPI Matte Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat on clean, filed nails.
   2. Apply two coats of matte pink gel polish, curing each layer under a UV lamp.
   3. Finish with a matte top coat for a smooth, non-shiny finish.

Dreamy Sunset Gradient

This dreamy gradient design blends shades of pink, purple, and orange to create a stunning sunset effect. Perfect for summer, this design is both trendy and bright.

Consumables:

• • Pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Fiji)
  • Purple gel polish (e.g., OPI Do You Lilac It?)
  • Orange gel polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Sun Kissed)
  • Sponge
  • Top coat (e.g., Gelish Top It Off)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and a light base color, curing each layer.
   2. Use a sponge to apply the gradient effect with pink, purple, and orange gel polish.
   3. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Floral Band Accents

These nails feature pastel colors with a delicate floral band accent. The combination of soft hues and intricate floral detailing makes this design both elegant and trendy for summer.

Consumables:

• • Pastel gel polish set (e.g., Modelones Pastel Set)
  • Floral nail stickers or decals (e.g., Born Pretty Floral Stickers)
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and two coats of pastel gel polish, curing each layer.
   2. Apply floral stickers or decals across the center of each nail.
   3. Cure and finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Colorful Jungle Vibe

This vibrant and bold design features a mix of green, yellow, and pink with leopard spots. Perfect for those who want to stand out, this trendy manicure is both fun and bright.

Consumables:

• • Green gel polish (e.g., OPI Green Come True)
  • Yellow gel polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
  • Pink gel polish (e.g., Essie Mod Square)
  • Black gel polish (e.g., Gelish Black Shadow)
  • Thin nail art brush
  • Top coat (e.g., Essie Gel Setter)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat on clean, filed nails.
   2. Paint each nail with green, yellow, or pink gel polish, curing each layer.
   3. Use a thin brush to create leopard spots with black gel polish on the pink nail.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Minimalist Rainbow Tips

These minimalist nails feature subtle rainbow French tips with tiny embellishments. This design is cute and simple, perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.

Consumables:

• • Nude gel polish (e.g., Essie Ballet Slippers)
  • Multi-color gel polish set (e.g., Beetles Rainbow Set)
  • Dotting tool
  • Top coat (e.g., OPI Top Coat)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat and two coats of nude gel polish, curing each layer.
   2. Use a thin brush to create colorful French tips with various gel polishes.
   3. Add small dots or accents using a dotting tool.
   4. Cure and finish with a top coat.

Soft Yellow Elegance

These soft yellow nails are perfect for a subtle and elegant summer look. The smooth, glossy finish and delicate color make this trendy design both sophisticated and bright.

Consumables:

• • Soft yellow gel polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow)
  • Top coat (e.g., Seche Vite)

Instructions:

1. 1. Apply a base coat on clean, filed nails.
   2. Apply two coats of soft yellow gel polish, curing each layer.
   3. Finish with a top coat for a glossy finish.