Top Summer Nail Trends to Try This Season 28 Ideas

Summer is here, making it the perfect time to update your nail game with the hottest trends. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring new cities, or simply soaking up the warm weather, a flawless manicure is essential. Curious about the top summer nail trends this year? Want to recreate these stunning looks at home? Dive into this guide for the season’s best and trendiest nail designs, perfect for any mood and occasion.

Zebra Stripes And Orange Accents

One of the hottest summer nail trends this year is the bold combination of zebra stripes and vibrant orange accents. This design features a striking contrast between the black and white zebra stripes on a couple of nails and a bright orange color on the others. The pattern creates an eye-catching look perfect for summer.

Consumables:

Bright orange polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Tangerine Tease”)
Black and white polishes for zebra stripes (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” and “Black Onyx”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Start with a clear base coat to protect your nails.
Paint your selected nails with the bright orange polish.
Use black and white polishes with fine nail art brushes to create the zebra stripes on the accent nails.
Seal with a top coat for added shine and durability.

Neon Ombre With Geometric Lines

Neon ombre nails are perfect for making a statement this summer. This design features a gradient effect from bright yellow to orange, complemented by intricate white geometric lines. The blend of colors creates a vibrant and eye-catching look.

Consumables:

Neon yellow and orange polishes (e.g., China Glaze in “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” and “Sun Worshiper”)
White polish for geometric lines (e.g., Essie in “Blanc”)
Makeup sponge for the ombre effect
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Use a makeup sponge to dab the yellow and orange polishes, creating a gradient effect.
Once dry, use a fine nail art brush to paint the geometric lines with white polish.
Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Confetti Glitter And Pink Tips

For a fun and festive look, try this confetti glitter and pink tips design. The nails feature a clear base with vibrant pink tips and a playful confetti glitter accent nail. It’s perfect for adding a touch of celebration to your summer style.

Consumables:

Clear base polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in “Fairy Tailor”)
Pink polish for tips (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Hotter than You Pink”)
Multicolored confetti glitter polish (e.g., China Glaze in “Glitter Me This”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a clear base coat to your nails.
Use a fine nail art brush to paint the pink tips.
Apply the confetti glitter polish to the accent nail.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Peach And Nude French Tips

French tips are a timeless classic, and this summer, they’re getting a peachy twist. This design features elegant nude nails with soft peach tips, creating a sophisticated and trendy look. It’s perfect for both casual and formal summer occasions.

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Ballet Slippers”)
Peach polish for tips (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Crawfishin’ for a Compliment”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat to your nails.
Use a fine nail art brush to paint the peach tips.
Seal with a top coat to ensure the design lasts.

Bright Pink French Tips

Add a pop of color to your summer look with these bright pink French tips. This design features a nude base with vibrant pink tips, creating a fresh and lively manicure that’s perfect for summer.

Consumables:

Nude base polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Mademoiselle”)
Bright pink polish for tips (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Pink Flamenco”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a nude base coat to your nails.
Use a fine nail art brush to paint the bright pink tips.
Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Marble Red Design

Marble designs are making a comeback this summer, and this red marble look is both bold and elegant. This manicure features a mix of red and white swirls, creating a marble effect that stands out. The design is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your summer style.

Consumables:

Red polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Big Apple Red”)
White polish (e.g., Essie in “Blanc”)
Nail art brushes and a dotting tool
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a clear base coat to your nails.
Use a nail art brush to apply the red polish in swirls, then add white polish to create a marble effect.
Blend the colors gently with a dotting tool.
Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Tropical Vibes

This tropical-inspired manicure is perfect for beach vacations. Featuring bright colors like pink, black, and yellow, along with palm tree silhouettes and a flamingo design, this look captures the essence of a summer getaway.

Consumables:

Bright pink polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Fiesta”)
Black polish (e.g., Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in “Blacky O”)
Yellow polish (e.g., China Glaze Nail Lacquer in “Happy Go Lucky”)
Rhinestones for extra sparkle
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint each nail with the different base colors as shown.
Use fine nail art brushes to draw palm trees and flamingo designs.
Apply rhinestones for added sparkle.
Seal with a top coat to protect the design.

Soft Blue Elegance

Soft blue nails are a timeless choice, especially for summer. This manicure features a solid light blue color that’s both serene and stylish. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events.

Consumables:

Light blue polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “It’s a Boy!”)
Base coat
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with the light blue polish, applying 2–3 coats for full opacity.
Finish with a top coat for added shine and durability.

Pastel French Tips

For a playful yet elegant look, try these pastel French tips. The nails feature a clear base with pastel tips in shades of pink, yellow, purple, and blue. Small rhinestones add a touch of glamour to this design.

Consumables:

Clear base polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in “Fairy Tailor”)
Pastel polishes for tips (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “Mod About You”, “Lemonade Stand By Your Man”, “You’re Such a Budapest”, and “No Room for the Blues”)
Rhinestones
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a clear base coat to your nails.
Use fine nail art brushes to paint the pastel tips.
Apply rhinestones at the base of each tip.
Seal with a top coat to ensure the design lasts.

Bright Green Nails

Make a bold statement this summer with bright green nails. This solid color design is vibrant and eye-catching, perfect for those who love to stand out. It’s an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to any summer outfit.

Consumables:

Bright green polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Shake Your Money Maker”)
Base coat
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with the bright green polish, applying 2–3 coats for full opacity.
Finish with a top coat to protect the design.

Orange Waves

Orange wave designs are perfect for a vibrant summer look. This manicure features a mix of soft yellow and bright orange with wavy patterns. The accent nail, adorned with a pearl chain, adds a unique touch to the overall design.

Consumables:

Soft yellow polish (e.g., OPI Nail Lacquer in “How Does Your Zen Garden Grow?”)
Bright orange polish (e.g., Essie Nail Polish in “Tart Deco”)
Pearl chain embellishments
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a base coat to your nails.
Paint your nails with soft yellow polish.
Use a fine nail art brush to create wavy patterns with the bright orange polish.
Attach the pearl chain to the accent nail using nail glue.
Seal with a top coat to protect the design.

White Netting

This white netting design is perfect for those who prefer a subtle yet intricate look. The design features a clear base with white netting patterns, creating a delicate and elegant effect.

Consumables:

Clear base polish (e.g., Essie Gel Couture in “Fairy Tailor”)
White polish for netting (e.g., Essie in “Blanc”)
Fine nail art brushes
Top coat

DIY Instructions:

Apply a clear base coat to your nails.
Use a fine nail art brush to paint the white netting patterns.
Finish with a top coat to ensure longevity.

Black Fishnet

For a bold and edgy look, try this black fishnet design. The nails feature a bright orange base with black fishnet patterns, creating a striking contrast that’s perfect for summer nights.