Red Summer Nails 25 Ideas: Shades & Designs

Ready to elevate your summer style with the hottest red nail shades and designs? From bold cherry hues to intricate nail art, red nails are a must-have for the season. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of trendy and chic designs perfect for summer. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next manicure or eager to try something new, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the latest trends, expert tips, and DIY instructions for achieving stunning red nails this summer.

Elegant Red And Gold Heart Nails

These red and gold heart nails are the perfect blend of elegance and romance. The red nails are complemented by a nude accent nail adorned with a small red heart and gold foil, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching look.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., Essie “Forever Yummy”)
Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI “Bubble Bath”)
Gold foil flakes
Nail art brush
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint most of your nails with red polish, and one or two nails with nude polish.
Using a nail art brush, apply a small amount of nail glue to the nude nails and place gold foil flakes around a red heart accent.
Finish with a gel top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Apply cuticle oil to keep your nails hydrated.

Short Red And Gold Nails

These short red nails with gold accents are a chic and sophisticated choice for any occasion. The deep red polish is beautifully contrasted with subtle gold detailing around the edges, adding a touch of luxury.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Red Hot Rio”)
Gold nail polish or gold foil
Nail art brush
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of red polish, letting each coat dry completely.
Using a nail art brush, apply gold polish or gold foil along the edges of each nail for a luxurious touch.
Finish with a gel top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Use cuticle oil to maintain nail health.

Red And White Damask Nails

These nails feature a stunning red base with intricate white damask patterns, creating a classic and elegant design. Perfect for those who love detailed nail art, this look is both sophisticated and eye-catching.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., Essie “A List”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI “Alpine Snow”)
Nail stamping plate with damask pattern
Stamper and scraper
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of red polish, allowing each coat to dry.
Using a nail stamping plate, stamper, and scraper, apply white polish to the damask pattern and transfer it onto your nails.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Red And Black Animal Print Nails

These nails combine red, black, and white polishes with various animal prints, creating a bold and trendy look. The mix of leopard and cow prints makes this design perfect for fashion-forward individuals.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Black nail polish (e.g., Essie “Licorice”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI “Alpine Snow”)
Nail art brushes for detailed painting
Top coat
DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with a combination of red, black, and white polishes.
Using a nail art brush, create animal print patterns (leopard and cow prints) on designated nails.
Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Orange And Gold Leaf Nails

These vibrant orange nails with gold leaf accents are perfect for making a bold statement this summer. The combination of bright orange and metallic gold creates a striking and unique design.

Consumables:
Orange nail polish (e.g., China Glaze “Orange Knockout”)
Gold leaf foil
Nail art brush
Top coat
UV/LED lamp

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of orange polish, allowing each coat to dry.
Using a nail art brush, apply a small amount of nail glue to the tips and place gold leaf foil.
Seal with a top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Finish with cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy and shiny.

Glossy Red Square Nails

These glossy red square nails are perfect for a sleek and sophisticated look. The deep red polish has a high-shine finish that exudes confidence and elegance. This classic design is ideal for any occasion, adding a touch of glamour to your ensemble.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp
Nail file and buffer

DIY Instructions:

Shape your nails into a square shape using a nail file.
Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of red polish, allowing each coat to dry.
Seal the look with a gel top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Finish with cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy and shiny.

Red And Zebra Print Nails

These red and zebra print nails combine bold red polish with striking animal print accents. The combination of red and black stripes on a nude base creates a trendy and eye-catching design that is perfect for those who love unique and fun nail art.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., Essie “Forever Yummy”)
Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI “Bubble Bath”)
Black nail polish for stripes
Nail art brush
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint most of your nails with red polish, and a couple with nude polish.
Using a nail art brush, paint black zebra stripes on the nude nails.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design and add shine.

Red And Pink Glitter Nails

These red and pink glitter nails are perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your summer look. The combination of red polish and pink glitter accents creates a fun and glamorous design that is sure to stand out.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., China Glaze “Ruby Pumps”)
Pink glitter polish
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your nails with a combination of red polish and pink glitter polish.
Apply a gel top coat to seal the design and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Use cuticle oil to keep your nails moisturized and healthy.

Red, Black, And Zebra Print Nails

These nails feature a bold combination of red, black, and zebra print designs. The mix of colors and patterns creates a striking and trendy look that is perfect for making a fashion statement.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Black nail polish (e.g., Essie “Licorice”)
White nail polish for zebra stripes
Nail art brush
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with a combination of red, black, and white polishes.
Using a nail art brush, create zebra stripes on the white nails.
Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Red And Nude Swirl Nails

These red and nude swirl nails are a perfect blend of elegance and modern design. The vibrant red polish is beautifully complemented by the nude base with swirling accents, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching look. The added touch of glitter on one nail adds a bit of sparkle, making this design perfect for both day and night events.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Nude nail polish (e.g., Essie “Ballet Slippers”)
Fine glitter polish or loose glitter
Nail art brush for swirls
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp

DIY Instructions:

Start by shaping your nails into an almond shape using a nail file.
Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint most of your nails with red polish, leaving a couple for the nude base.
Using a nail art brush, create swirling patterns with red polish on the nude base nails.
Add glitter polish or loose glitter to one nail for a sparkling effect.
Seal the design with a gel top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Finish with cuticle oil to keep your nails moisturized and healthy.

Zebra Print And Red Nails

These nails feature a stunning combination of red, black, and white zebra print designs. The mix of solid colors and intricate patterns creates a bold and trendy look that is perfect for making a fashion statement.

Consumables:

Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Black nail polish (e.g., Essie “Licorice”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI “Alpine Snow”)
Nail art brush for zebra stripes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with a combination of red, black, and white polishes.
Using a nail art brush, create zebra stripes on the white nails.
Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Red And Leopard Print Accent Nails

These nails combine the classic red polish with a fun and trendy leopard print accent. The contrast between the solid red nails and the detailed leopard design on a nude base makes this manicure both stylish and playful.

Consumables:

Red nail polish (e.g., Essie “A List”)
Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI “Bubble Bath”)
Black and red nail polish for leopard spots
Nail art brush
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Paint most of your nails with red polish and one with nude polish.
Using a nail art brush, create leopard spots with black and red polish on the nude nail.
Seal the design with a top coat for a glossy finish.

Red And White Heart Nails

Celebrate love and summer with these adorable red and white heart nails. The mix of red polish and white heart accents creates a fun and playful look, perfect for beach days and summer parties.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., Essie “A List”)
White nail polish (e.g., OPI “Alpine Snow”)
Heart nail stickers or nail art brush
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with red polish.
Using heart stickers or a nail art brush, add white heart accents to two nails.
Seal the design with a top coat.

Red And Black Leaf Nails

This design features a bold red base with intricate black leaf accents. The combination of colors and patterns creates a unique and sophisticated look that stands out.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Black nail polish (e.g., OPI “Black Onyx”)
Nail art brush for leaf design
Gold glitter for extra detail
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with red polish.
Using a nail art brush, paint black leaves on one or two nails.
Add gold glitter accents for a touch of sparkle.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Dark Cherry Almond Nails

If you’re looking for a bold yet sophisticated look, these dark cherry almond nails are perfect for you. The deep, rich color exudes elegance and is ideal for any occasion. The almond shape enhances the classic appeal while maintaining a modern edge.

Consumables:
OPI Nail Lacquer in “Black Cherry Chutney”
Almond-shaped nail tips
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp for curing
Nail file and buffer

DIY Instructions:

Shape your nails into an almond shape using a nail file.
Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails.
Paint your nails with two coats of OPI Nail Lacquer in “Black Cherry Chutney,” letting each coat dry completely.
Seal with a gel top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Finish with cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy and hydrated.

Red And Crystal Embellished Nails

These nails are the perfect blend of simplicity and glamour. The vivid red polish is complemented by a single crystal-embellished nail, adding just the right amount of sparkle for a trendy look.

Consumables:
Red nail polish (e.g., OPI “Big Apple Red”)
Clear rhinestones
Nail glue or clear polish for adhering rhinestones
Gel top coat
UV/LED lamp

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint all but one nail with red polish.
On the remaining nail, apply clear polish and place rhinestones in a desired pattern.
Finish with a gel top coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
Use cuticle oil to moisturize your nails.

Strawberry Nail Art

These fun and fruity strawberry nails are perfect for adding a playful touch to your summer look. The cute strawberry design on a nude base creates a whimsical and eye-catching effect.

Consumables:
Nude nail polish (e.g., OPI “Samoan Sand”)
Red, green, and black nail polish for the strawberries
Nail art brushes for detailed painting
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to all nails.
Paint your nails with a nude polish.
Using a nail art brush, paint small red strawberries on each nail, then add green leaves and black seeds.
Seal the design with a top coat to add shine and protect the art.

Red Heart And Glitter Nails

These nails feature a combination of red polish, glitter, and heart accents, creating a romantic and glamorous look. The mix of textures and embellishments makes this design perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of sparkle to your everyday style.