As the sun beats down and the beach beckons, there’s no better time to let your nails embody the essence of summer. The question is, what can a little creativity do for your overall look? Can clever nail art designs inject playfulness into our carefree summers? We think so! In this post, we’ll be exploring some refreshing and adorable ideas that are easy to replicate and sure to make a statement.
Bold and Wild: Embracing Animal Prints
Summer is the perfect time to get creative with animal prints on your nails. This groovy design takes inspiration from traditional black and tan patterns, but adds a fun twist with shots of pink and neon green. The badem tırnak (almond) shape adds a touch of elegance to the overall look. The random placement of the print reflects the carefree nature of summer, while the pink accents bring a playful and flirtatious vibe.
To achieve this look, start with a clear base coat, followed by two coats of tan polish. Use a dotting tool to create irregular black spots on all nails or as an accent on one or two. Add some neon flair by applying small dots in pink and green around each nail. For extra detail, use a fine brush to paint petal-like designs in pink around one or two nails. Finish the look with a glossy top coat to ensure everything shines bright and lasts long.
The gel finish of these polishes will keep your design looking fresh all summer long.
Playful Geometry: A Colorful Harmony
Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your nail art, and this design is a great way to do so. With its focus on pastel colours and geometric shapes, you don’t need to have long nails to make it work. In fact, short nails are ideal for this look because they provide a bold base for your artistic endeavors.
For this design, you’ll need the following products: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Pastels in various shades, Essie’s ‘Russian Roulette’ and ‘Blanc’, a detailing brush, and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. These polishes are great for creating vibrant colours and are easy to apply.
To get started, apply the base coat to each nail. Then, paint each nail a different pastel shade from the Sally Hansen collection.
Once these colours are dry – which shouldn’t take long – use your detailing brush to add simple shapes in contrasting colours. Don’t worry too much about making them perfect; instead, aim for a sense of aesthetic spontaneity.
Finally, seal everything off with a quick application of top coat and you’re done! This design is easy to create and requires minimal nail length, making it perfect for summer.
Citrus Twist: Neon Edges with a Dash of Elegance
Summer nails get a vibrant twist with this neon-acrylic overlay combo! The bold, sunny yellow accents frame the crisp white base, creating a fun and playful look that’s perfect for warm weather. The mix of elegant lines and vibrant pops adds an extra layer of visual interest, making your nails feel like a fashion accessory. The key to pulling off this design is combining gel and acrylic techniques.
Start by applying a base gel and building up the white acrylic powder to create a sturdy foundation. Once set, use a straight brush to paint on the neon yellow tips with precision. Then, add some modelleri flair with silver studs and caviar beads applied using nail glue. Finally, seal it all in with a top coat for shine, protection, and long-lasting wear.
Delicate Florals: Whisper of Summer
Imagine a serene summer scene where delicate cherry blossoms bloom against a crisp white canvas, their gentle beauty elevated by subtle hints of gold. This harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication can be effortlessly replicated on both short and long nails, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. The use of fake nails (protez tırnak) is elevated by the addition of artful gold accents and dainty flower details, resulting in a refined look that exudes elegance.
The nail art process begins with a breathable base coat from ORLY, followed by two coats of Gelish’s ‘Arctic Freeze’ white gel polish. Once cured, floral nail stickers from Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens are carefully placed using tweezers, and the design is highlighted with Born Pretty Nail Art Foil. To complete the look, OPI’s Gel Top Coat is applied to seal in the design and achieve a long-lasting, high-shine finish.
Vivid Pinks: Summer’s Bold Statement
As you venture into the realm of pale pastels, a pop of hot pink suddenly emerges, bringing an injection of vibrancy to the scene. This gel overlay not only boasts an attractive appearance but also provides stronger coverage, making it a staple in any nail enthusiast’s arsenal. The resulting look is simple yet elegant, as if inspired by the beauty itself.
The palette features Essie Gel Couture Base Coat as the foundation, LeChat Perfect Match ‘Hot Pink’ and ‘Baby Pink’ for the gradient effect, and Nails Inc. Nail Art Pen in ‘Green Park’ for added details. To complete the look, Gelish Top It Off seals everything with a glossy finish and protects the design from peeling off.
To achieve this striking look, begin by applying a base coat to ensure a smooth canvas.
Next, use two shades of pink gel polish to create a gradient effect by sponging them on. Allow the color to set before adding small leaves using the green nail art pen for added depth and dimension. Finally, seal everything with top coat to give your nails a glossy finish and prevent the design from peeling off easily.
Soft Pastels: Featherlight Elegance
This summer-inspired design features a soft blue matte background paired with playful pink heart accents. The simplicity of this look makes it perfect for short nails, combining delicate pastel tones and an elegant shape that’s suitable for both daytime and evening wear at glamorous events.
Credit: @ideal_nails_kolpino
To achieve this look, start by applying a matte top coat to give your nails a trendy non-gloss finish.
Then, paint your nails with the blue polish and let them dry completely. If you’re using a stencil, place it on the nail before adding the pink polish; if using stickers, simply adhere them in place. Finish off the design with another layer of matte top coat for a velvety smooth finish.
Petal Pink Blossoms: Delicately Daring
The simplicity and charm of this nail art design are undeniable, with a harmonious blend of two pink shades taking center stage. A soft, delicate matte shade is paired with a brighter, more vibrant glossy finish, creating a visually appealing contrast that adds playfulness to the overall look. The addition of white petals and small gemstones evokes the whimsy of summer flowers, making this design suitable for both daytime and evening events during the warmer months.
Whether you have short or longer nails, this design embodies an effortless, refined beauty that’s perfect for showcasing a carefree summer state. To achieve this look, start by applying a base coat. Then, paint every other nail with a soft pink polish, followed by a vivid pink shade on alternating nails. Use a white nail art pen to add petal designs to the matte nails. For an extra touch of glamour, add rhinestones as desired.
Finish the design by applying a matte top coat over the light pink painted nails, but not over the bright pink ones, to create a multi-dimensional effect.
Glossy Pink Elegance: A Touch of Shine
The combination of a clear glass-like appearance, pink roots that radiate a healthy glow, and a glittering frontal nail creates a chic yet understated manicure. The simplicity is elevated by the subtle sparkle, making it perfect for summer. This look can be achieved with a few easy-to-use products.
To recreate this look, start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply two coats of pink gel polish on all nails, followed by two coats of glitter polish on one accent nail.
Finish the look with a top coat for a glossy and professional finish. You can achieve a subtle biab effect while also strengthening and lengthening your natural nails thanks to the use of gel.
Citrus Charm: Zesty and Sweet
Summer vibes are infused into these vibrant nail art designs, bringing the citrusy joys of the season to life. The crisp white base provides a clean canvas for the bold orange and green hues to pop against, evoking the freshness of summertime. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, these nails also serve as a great conversation starter. To achieve this look, start by applying Zoya’s Anchor Base Coat, followed by China Glaze’s ‘White on White’ foundation color.
Use Essie’s ‘Meet Me At Sunset’ and ‘Off Tropic’ to create the orange fruit designs, with smaller detailing brushes for stems and leaves. Finish off with a coat of Zoya’s Armor Top Coat to seal in the design and add a glossy finish perfect for those sunny days.
Pastel Dreams: Abstract and Sleek
Elevate your summer style with a beautifully understated gel manicure that combines soft pastel hues with bold, abstract lines. The dreamy lavender and muted peach shades are perfectly balanced by stark black accents that add a touch of sophistication to this effortless look. For the ultimate in chic simplicity, pair this design with any outfit for a stylish finish.
The key to recreating this look is in the layering: start with one coat of base coat followed by two coats of each pastel polish, applying the polish evenly using the brush provided in each bottle. Then, use a black nail art liner to create a unique abstract pattern across the center of each nail plate – the wavy line should be thin and deliberate. Finally, seal everything in place with one generous layer of top coat for a long-lasting gel-like shine.
Modern Artistry: Bold Lines and Pops of Color
This modern summer nail art design is a fresh take on traditional manicures. To achieve this look, start with a creamy white base, then use bold black lines to create wavy patterns. Add pops of hot pink and purple to give your nails an artistic flair. This unique gel design makes a statement while still being aesthetically pleasing. The combination of colors and textures creates a funky vibe that’s perfect for anyone who wants their nails to stand out.
For the best results, use high-quality polishes that will last through the summer heat. To get started, apply a base coat followed by two coats of white polish to create a blank canvas. Next, use a striping polish to paint large, irregular waves across each nail, leaving some areas bare. Fill in these gaps with alternating blocks of pink and purple polish. Finally, seal your design with a glossy top coat for a smooth, shiny finish.
Festival of Flowers: Joyous and Vibrant
As we raise our glasses in toast to the vibrant hues and floral patterns that embody the essence of summer festivals, this nail art design takes center stage. The fusion of gentle pink and neon tips, punctuated by scattered flowers, embodies the carefree spirit of the season. Each nail serves as a canvas for telling its own tale of summertime fun, making this design an absolute must-have for beach trips or summer soirees.
Credit: @naildesign_ideas
To achieve this masterpiece, start by applying ORLY Bonder Rubberized Basecoat as your base coat. Next, paint Zoya ‘Jordan’ pink polish over the entire nail surface. Use a dotting tool to precision-place China Glaze ‘Pool Party’ and ‘Highlight of My Summer’ neon polishes at the tips, adding visual interest with delicate flower decals. Finally, seal in your design with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, ensuring it withstands the rigors of summer’s sun-kissed days.
Groovy Waves: Retro Vibes and Modern Twist
This retro-inspired design combines the laid-back vibes of the 1960s with modern flair, featuring groovy waves in shades of mint and light yellow. To achieve this fun and easy gel design, start by applying two coats of Essie’s ‘Mint Candy Apple’ as your base color. Next, use a fine brush to paint wavy lines with CND Shellac’s ‘Banana Clips’ on top of the mint base. Finish off the look with OPI’s GelColor Top Coat for a long-lasting, neon-like effect that’s perfect for summer.
Striped Harmony: Bold Contrasts
This design is a masterclass in contrasting elegance with boldness, marrying classic white with vibrant neon pink and the intricate zebra print. It’s a statement of unapologetic confidence that embodies the carefree spirit of summer nail art.
The look owes its inspiration to @iriska_nailstudio. To achieve this unique blend of styles, start by applying ORLY Bonder Rubberized Base Coat as your foundation. Next, paint on Sally Hansen Insta-Dri ‘White Pick It Fence’ for a crisp white base.
For the neon pink accents, use China Glaze ‘Pool Party’ and carefully paint sharp lines onto the tips of each nail.
To add some visual interest, use Nails Inc Nail Art Pen in ‘Black’ to create zebra stripes across the nails. Finish off the look with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.
Neon Ombré: Summer Sunset
The neon ombré design, reminiscent of a vibrant summer sunset, is characterized by lively yellows and pinks that seamlessly blend together around an intense black line. This funky, bright color scheme embodies the warmth and comfort of the season.
Credit for this stunning nail art goes to @junova. nails. To achieve this look, start with a base coat from Essie – their ‘Here To Stay Base Coat’ is a great choice.
Next, use Orly’s ‘Neon Heat’ and ‘Hot Shot’ polishes to create the ombré effect.
Apply these neon shades using a sponge, allowing each layer to dry before adding more color. This will give your nails a gradient-like appearance.
Once the neon colors are in place, use Stripe Rite’s black polish to draw an intense line around the edges of your nail. This adds depth and dimension to the overall design.
Finally, seal everything with INM’s ‘Out The Door Top Coat’, which dries quickly to prevent smudging and gives your nails a gel-like shine.
Pink Stripes and Silver Studs: Bold and Edgy
Elevate your summer style by combining boldness and edginess through a gel manicure that demands attention. A vibrant pink backdrop, punctuated by silver studs, exudes confidence and an air of rebelliousness. This design doesn’t simply make a statement – it screams it out loud.
The key to achieving this look lies in the careful combination of products. Begin by applying a base coat to shield your nails from damage.
Next, paint on a bold pink polish in evenly spaced stripes, leaving just enough time for it to dry before adding silver studs with nail glue. This will prevent them from falling off prematurely.
To seal everything in place and add an extra layer of shine, apply a top coat. The result is a mani that’s equal parts sassy and sophisticated.
Dainty Fruit: Whimsical and Delicate
Imagine a gel manicure that embodies the sweet and simple charm of summer days. The base of pale pink color, reminiscent of ripe strawberries, provides a soft backdrop for delicate flowers and juicy fruits to bloom. This effortless yet elegant design is sure to captivate anyone who lays eyes on it. Perfect for warm weather getaways or just a pick-me-up during a gloomy winter day. When you want your nails to radiate sunshine without being too bold, this gel manicure is the perfect choice.
To achieve this look, start by applying a base coat, followed by a layer of pale pink gel polish. Using a fine brush, add pops of red, green, and white to create strawberries and flowers. Cure the design under UV light before sealing it all off with another layer of top coat for a long-lasting finish.
Modern Almond: Abstract and Trendsetting
Beat the heat this summer with a refreshing gel manicure that’s both elegant and playful. The combination of soft almond shapes in white and green hues, elevated by luxurious gold accents, is sure to turn heads. The simplicity of this design belies its sophisticated charm. For a professional-looking finish, start by applying a Gelish Foundation Base Gel as your base coat. Once cured, add a layer of white gel polish for a crisp base.
Next, use green gel polish to paint on delicate almond shapes, followed by the addition of gold accents via foil or polish. To lock in the design and add shine, seal with Gelish Top It Off Sealer Gel under either a UV or LED lamp.
Folkloric Elegance: A Touch of Tradition
Embrace the effortless elegance of people art-inspired gel polish manicures with this charming design. A soft nude base sets the stage for delicate blue flower motifs, reminiscent of hand-painted brushstrokes. This whimsical combination is not only visually appealing but also evokes a sense of nostalgia, making it perfect for sparking conversations at summer gatherings. The photo credit goes to @traciethetech.
To achieve this look, start by applying a base coat followed by a layer of ‘Café au Lait’ nude gel polish as your background color. Using Nails Inc.’s ‘Baker Street’ blue polish and a fine brush, paint on the floral designs. Add details with dotting tools where necessary, then cure under a lamp. Finish the look with OPI’s GelColor Top Coat for long-lasting results.
A base coat from CND Essentials, along with fine brushes and dotting tools, will help you achieve the desired level of detail in your nail art.
Playful and Bold
The nail design presented here embodies the adventurous spirit of summer with its rich, dark purple hue reminiscent of a June night sky. The innovative use of gel droplets creates a 3D effect that plays with light and shade, transforming an ordinary manicure into a stunning work of art. The credit for this breathtaking design goes to @gelbynicole_. To replicate this look at home, start by applying the Sally Hansen Miracle Cure base coat.
Next, apply the Gelish ‘Plum and Done’ purple gel polish while it’s still sticky, making sure to place the clear Gellen Top Coat gel in areas where you’d like the droplets to appear. Finish off the design with a glossy topcoat from Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat for an added layer of shine.
Lavender Whimsy: Delicate and Daring
A mesmerizing gel manicure boasts a soft purple hue, setting the stage for bold black and white leopard spots that evoke a carefree summer spirit. This design seamlessly blends understated elegance with wild abandon, making each nail a unique statement piece. Credit: @lady_style_nailsBase coat: Essie Strong StartLavender polish: OPI “Do You Lilac It?
”Black and white polishes for spots: Sally Hansen “Black Out” and “White On”Rhinestones and nail glueTop coat: Essie Good To GoTo achieve this look, begin by applying a base coat. Next, paint on the lavender polish, allowing it to dry before adding the leopard spots using a thin brush. For an added touch of glamour, dot on rhinestones. Finally, seal with top coat for long-lasting wear.
Playful Patterns: Colorful and Creative
A vibrant summer look is brought to life with a crisp white background, where playful animal prints and bold colors come together in perfect harmony. The design’s carefree spirit allows you to mix and match different patterns to reflect your mood or outfit of the day.
Fluid Art: Red and Refined
Imagine a gel manicure that seamlessly blends artistry and elegance. The fusion of bold red hues and soft nude tones evokes the mesmerizing patterns found in liquid art. A delicate balance of funkiness, coolness, and sophistication is achieved through the marbling design’s flowy strokes, reminiscent of summer’s vibrant atmosphere. Whimsical floral accents add a playful touch to this seasonally-inspired nail art, brightening up your overall look.
Citrus Zest: A Splash of Vitamin C
Summer’s citrusy vibes infuse this gel manicure, where vibrant lemon and lime designs pop against a warm yellow backdrop – think neon fruit salad nails instead of a fruit platter. The @paiwaloves’ photo captures the essence. To replicate this look, begin with Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat as your base coat. Next, apply Gelish’s ‘I’m Brighter Than You’ for the sunny yellow foundation.
For the design details, grab Essie’s ‘Mojito Madness’ and ‘Blanc’ to create green and white slices resembling lemons and limes. Use a detailing brush to add these finishing touches. Seal everything with Gelish Top It Off, not only adding gloss but also protecting the design from chipping.
Pink Passion: Hearts Aflutter
Summer’s sweet charm is perfectly captured by this whimsical gel design that celebrates all things hearts. A soft pink canvas serves as the backdrop for each nail, where playful heart shapes in a slightly deeper hue bring a touch of warmth and personality. This delightful look is not only easy to achieve but also perfect for making a statement on summer nights or special dates.
Photo credit: @nahonanails
To recreate this adorable design, begin with your base coat followed by a light pink gel polish application. While the polish is still wet, use a dotting tool to create heart shapes by dropping in dots of deeper pink and gently dragging them out. Seal the look with a top coat and get ready to spread some love.
Koi Creativity: Tranquil and Artistic
Imagine a tranquil koi pond on your nails, where vibrant fish swim amidst serene surroundings. This unique gel art treatment combines subtle elegance with whimsical charm. The understated beige base allows the hand-painted koi to take center stage, creating an eye-catching and quirky visual that’s sure to spark conversations at any summer gathering.
Inspiration for this aquatic-inspired design comes from the serene beauty of a still pond, where the simplicity of nature is elevated by the vibrant colors of the fish. The same harmony is achieved on your nails with the blend of matte beige and pops of bright orange, black, and white. The result is an adorable and playful look that’s perfect for the warmer months.
To achieve this look, start by applying a base coat followed by a layer of nude polish.
Use a fine brush to paint the orange as the foundation for your fish design, then add details with black and white polish.
Credit: @abbinail
Tropical Pink and Yellow: Summer in Bloom
Step into the carefree essence of summer with a gel polish design that bursts forth in shades reminiscent of tropical blooms. The radiant pink and sunny yellow meld together in perfect harmony, punctuated by delicate floral accents that evoke the spontaneity of the season. It’s a lively, playful, and utterly charming color combination that embodies the laid-back spirit of summer.
As captured by @nailsbylydiette, this vibrant look is achieved using a tried-and-true formula: start with a base coat for added protection, followed by alternating coats of pink (OPI’s ‘Strawberry Margarita’) and yellow (OPI’s ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’). Add white floral accents with Essie’s ‘Blanc’ for a delightful contrast. Seal the deal with a glossy top coat – in this case, Essie’s Gel. Setter Top Coat – to maintain that radiant shine as long as the sun lingers on the summer solstice.
Freshly Picked Strawberries: Sweet and Stylish
Imagine a refreshing summer day, where the sweetness of ripe strawberries meets the charm of a whimsical design. The delicate pink base provides a delightful contrast to the vibrant red and green hues, reminiscent of a sun-kissed garden. This playful nail art is perfect for outdoor gatherings or summertime celebrations when you want to add a touch of fun and playfulness to your look.
Credit: @nailsbyfrancesca_x
To create this delightful design, start by applying a light pink base coat using OPI’s Natural Nail Base Coat. Then, use China Glaze’s ‘Rose Among Thorns’ for the red strawberries and ‘In the Limelight’ for the green leaves. Add some white dots with a dotting tool to represent the seeds, and finish it off with a clear top coat from OPI.
The steps are simple: first, paint your nails with the light pink polish, followed by drawing strawberry shapes using red nail polish. Next, add little leaves in green around each one, and finally, put white dots on top of them to represent seeds. And just like that, you’ll have a summer-perfect manicure that’s sure to brighten up anyone’s day.
Enchanted Doodles: Whimsical Charm
As the sun shines brightly during summer, whimsy and fantasy come alive on our nails. This delightful gel manicure embodies the carefree essence of the season through its playful illustrations. Tiny bees, abstract patterns, and other whimsical designs dance across each nail, creating a truly enchanting look that’s sure to add a touch of magic to your everyday summer style.
For this spellbinding design, @brydiedoesnails combined Zoya Anchor Base Coat with OPI’s ‘Put it in Neutral’ soft pink polish as the base. The neutral background provides the perfect canvas for the black detailing polish from Nails Inc.’s ‘Black Taxi’ to bring the doodles to life.
To achieve this whimsical design, start by applying a coat of Zoya Anchor Base Coat. Then, use OPI’s soft pink polish as the base color.
Once dry, grab your fine brush and dotting tool to meticulously draw the desired doodles. Finally, seal it all with Zoya Armor Top Coat for a finish that’s simply spellbinding.
Wild Luxe: Exotic and Daring
Indulge in the sultry essence of a leopard-print gel manicure, where the sophistication of red accents and metallic charms come together in perfect harmony. This bold design exudes confidence and glamour, as if taken straight from an exotic summer night. To achieve this show-stopping look, begin by applying a base coat, followed by a single layer of nude polish.
Use your black and red polishes to create intricate leopard spots and striking accents, blending seamlessly with the underlying color scheme. Next, adorn your nails with gold charms using nail glue for an added touch of luxury. Finally, seal in your masterpiece with a glossy top coat, not only enhancing the overall appearance but also ensuring a long-lasting finish that will leave onlookers mesmerized.
Abstract Elegance: Modern and Chic
This modern gel nail art combines simplicity and elegance, featuring abstract lines adorned with gold accents on a monochrome base. The understated design makes it perfect for those who prefer subtle yet stylish expressions. As seen in the photo credit @manicure._wow, this look can be achieved by applying white polish as the base coat, followed by thick black stripes created with striping polish and finished with gold accents from Essie’s ‘Good as Gold’.
Seal the design with topcoat for a glossy finish that exudes luxury. To get started, begin with a Sally Hansen Miracle Cure base coat, followed by China Glaze’s ‘White on White’ white polish. Use Stripe Rite in Black to create bold black stripes, then add gold accents from Essie’s ‘Good as Gold’. Finally, apply Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat for a high-gloss finish. For those new to nail art, don’t worry – it’s easy to master!
Start with simpler designs and gradually work your way up to more intricate patterns. You can use dotting pens, fine brushes, or striping tape to create detailed designs. As for the longevity of gel manicures, a properly applied and cared-for design can last around two weeks or more. To extend the life of your gel polish, avoid activities that may cause chips and take good care of your nails. Some people might be concerned about the comfort level of charms and decorations on their nails.
Rest assured, when done correctly, they should not be painful. The strong adhesive used to secure them should keep them firmly in place. For those wondering how to remove gel polish, you can use a specific gel remover or acetone. Soak your nails in the solution, then gently scrape off any remaining bits using a wooden stick – this method prevents damage to your natural nails. Lastly, don’t worry about nail art harming your real fingernails.
As long as you take proper care when applying and removing polish, your natural nails will remain healthy. Simply use base coats for protection, handle polish removal with care, and give your natural nails some rest from gels now and then.
