85 Fun Summer Nails Featuring A Variety Of Playful Styles

Ahhh, my favorite season! Summer’s arrival brings a wave of excitement and the perfect excuse to switch up your nail game. There’s something undeniably fun about matching your manicure to the season’s vibrant energy, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a great-looking set of nails?

From the sun-kissed beaches to the laid-back barbecues, your nails are ready to showcase your summer spirit. Whether you’re into the glossy high-shine of gel polishes or you’re curious about the latest trends like mirror chrome and fruit-inspired designs, there’s a world of options waiting for you!

85 Fun Summer Nails Ideas

Summer is all about vibrant hues, sunny days, and having fun. It’s the perfect time to experiment with your nail game. With an array of summer nail designs to choose from, you’ll never run out of inspiration. Let’s jump into some trendy, fun summer nails ideas that will undoubtedly add that extra pop to your summer vibe.

Classic French Manicure With A Twist

Who doesn’t love French manis?! However, gone are the days of the simple white-tipped French manicure. This summer, nail artists are getting creative by adding a twist to the classic French tips with vibrant nail colors, glitter, abstracted design, and even tiny, detailed art on the tips. It’s all about elevating the classic to something more playful and summery.

Bright Neon Nails

Neon colors scream summer mani. They’re bold, they’re vibrant, and they perfectly capture the energetic vibe of the season. Whether you opt for neon green, electric blue, or hot pink, these bright colors are guaranteed to stand out.

Orange Nails

Orange nails are like a summer sunset; they have a warm, inviting vibe that’s hard to resist. From soft peach shades to vibrant tangerines, orange nails offer a range of options that can fit any mood or event and will for sure get you compliments. Pair them with a little golden shimmer or coral undertones for a truly summery look.

Hot Pink Nails

Hot pink is another color that fits the summer like a glove. It’s fun, feminine, and bold. Opt for a solid hot pink for a statement look, or combine it with other designs like abstract shapes, glitter, or squiggles for a more intricate style. A pink mani is perfect for channeling those tropical summer vibes.

Rainbow Nails

Celebrate the summer with nails as colorful as a rainbow. This design can range from soft pastels to vibrant hues, applied in stripes across each nail or in different shades for each finger.

Rainbow nails celebrate color and the LGBTQ+ community, perfect for adding a playful touch or a supporting statement to any summer outfit.

Aura Nails

Aura nails, with their soft, flowing colors that mimic the natural aura around us, are all the rage this summer. Think soft pastels blending seamlessly into one another, creating a tranquil, soothing vibe on your nails.

They’re perfect for those who prefer a more subtle yet undeniably summery manicure. However, these examples show that you can create your bright aura nails as well for the ones that want that pop of color!

Gradient Nails

Gradients are a beautiful way to blend different shades, creating an effect that looks like ombré but is different. You can go from a deep ocean blue at the base to a soft baby blue at the tip, pastel hues, or mix up any colors you feel represent your summer mood. They offer a smooth transition between your favorite summer shades and look extra pretty on long nails.

Bold Geometric Shapes

For those who love a more graphic look, bold geometric shapes are the way to go. Play around with squares, triangles, and lines in different colors, or pick one bright shade for a look that’s both striking and playful. Whether you prefer soft pastels or bright neon, geometric designs are a way to make your nails stand out.

Fruit Inspired Nails

We saw them pop up last summer, but they belong between this year’s summer nail trends as well! Nothing says summer like fruit-inspired nails. 

Watermelons, pineapples, and cherries are not only delicious but also make for adorable nail inspo. They’re fun, colorful, and perfect for beach days, picnics, parties, or basically all summer manicures. Find yourself a good nail tech, and the fruit possibilities are endless!

Blue Wave Nail Design

Channel the ocean’s tranquility with blue wave designs. Use different shades of blue to create waves that remind you of the sea. Add a touch of glitter or chrome to mimic the sunlight dancing on the ocean’s surface for a mesmerizing effect.

This might be a little hard to DIY but I’m sure that a local nail salon near you will know exactly what to do to fix these stunning nails for you!

White Nails

White nails offer a clean, minimalist look that’s both elegant and summery. They’re like a blank canvas; simple on their own and perfect as a base for adding fun summer designs, like tiny florals or geometric shapes.

Pastel Nails

Soft pastels are a summer staple. Lavender, mint, pale yellow, and baby blue offer a soft, dreamy vibe that’s perfect for the sunny season. Use them in a gradient, as a base for detailed designs, or on their own for a subtle nod to summer.

Yellow Nails

Yellow, the color of sunshine, is perfect for brightening up your summer days. From neon lemon to soft buttercream, yellow nails add a cheerful touch to any look. Pair them with a little sparkle or white accents for a sunny, summery mani.

Mermaid Nails

The trend started last year because of the Little Mermaid movie, but that doesn’t mean the trend is over. Mermaid nails are perfect for capturing the essence of summer.

Dive into aquatic blues and greens embellished with glitter or tiny pearls to mimic ocean treasures. It’s a cute choice that screams beach vibes!

Ombré Nails

Ombré nails are not just a trend; they’re a summer mani must-have. The blend from one color into another offers a beautiful, sunset-like effect that’s both eye-catching and sophisticated. Go for a classic pink to white ombré or experiment with your favorite summer colors for a personalized touch.

Chrome Nails

The trend that keeps on trending: chrome nails! They bring a sleek, futuristic vibe to your summer style. You can basically choose every color as a base for an eye-catching effect. Ideal for adding a touch of glamour to any outfit!

Colorful Swirls

Swirl nails add a playful twist to your summer look. Choose vibrant hues or pastels for a whimsical effect, and don’t shy away from combining multiple colors in one swirl design. Perfect for beach days, summer nights out, or how about your next mani?!

Frequently Asked Questions

What color nails for summer?

For summer, go for vibrant hues like coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow. Pastels and neon shades are also popular choices to brighten up your nails.

What is the most attractive nail color?

This definitely depends on personal preference, but overall, classic red is a timeless winner. Nude shades and soft pinks also rank high on the attractiveness scale.

What color toenail polish goes with everything?

A versatile nude or sheer pink works well with any outfit and complements all skin tones. It’s a safe bet for any occasion. If you’re more into colors, I personally love a bright pink as my summer nail polish shade.

What color should I paint my nails for the beach?

Opt for fun, beachy shades like aqua blue, palm tree green, or sandy beige. However, I also love pigmented white nails (they make you look tanner!) for summertime in general.