Looking for some aesthetic summer nail designs? Try these cute summer nail colors and design inspo.
Summer is finally here—and you know what that means?
Sunshine, iced lattes, beach days… and a fresh set of nails to match the vibe.
There’s just something about switching up your manicure that makes you feel instantly more put-together (even if your hair is in a messy bun and you’re living in linen pants).
Whether you’re heading on vacation, lounging poolside, or just want to add a pop of color to your everyday look, summer nails are the ultimate accessory.
Let’s talk about the best shades to swipe on, how to make your mani last through the heat, and a few pro tips to keep your nail game strong all season long.
The Best Colors for Summer Nail Art Design
Summer is the season to go bold or go home. While your cozy winter neutrals and muted spring pastels had their moment, summer is all about turning up the brightness. Here are the top color trends making waves this season:
Sunshine Yellow: Bright, happy, and impossible to miss. Yellow is a fun way to bring the warmth of summer sunshine straight to your fingertips.
Tropical Aqua & Sky Blue: Cool-toned blues remind us of clear ocean water and cloudless skies. Perfect for vacay vibes or just pretending you’re on one.
Watermelon Pink & Juicy Coral: These shades scream picnic season. They’re playful, feminine, and pair beautifully with tanned skin and sundresses.
Zesty Orange: Don’t sleep on orange! From neon tangerine to softer peachy tones, orange is way more wearable than you think.
Milky White & Pearl Sheer: For a chic, clean-girl aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with soft whites. Bonus: they make your fingers look extra tan.
Rainbow Accents: Can’t pick one? Why not go for them all? Gradient, ombré, or mix-and-match colors are still going strong this season.
Best Summer Nail Designs to Try
Here are 30 summer nail design trends to slay and look glam this season.
(All images were sourced from Instagram, and the creators are duly referenced.)
1. Pink 3D Summer Frenchies
Summer nail inspo by @minea.nails
2. Short Orange Tip Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @nailsbypaulin
3. Porcelain Lemon Summer Nails
Summer nail design inspo by @nails_by_perrine
4. Fruity Tropical Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @nailsbyrobinandnicky
5. Butteryellow Glaze Chrome Summer Nails
Summer nail design art by @monika__nails
6. Pink Checkered Polkadot & Pearl Summer Nails
Summer nail design inspo by @nailsbybrooke___
7. Blueberry Coquette Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @amys.clients
8. Glazed Nude Nails for Summer
Summer nail inspo by @craftedbyaprince
9. Pink + Baby Bluey Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @nataliabalcerzaknails
10. Blooming Sunshine Mix & Match Summer Nails
Summer nail inspo by @thenaillologist
11. Lilo & Stitch-Inspired Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @veedidem
12. Pink Starfish Chrome Summer Nails
Summer nail design art by @nails.by.iz_
13. Coastal Summer Vibes Nails
Summer nail art by @thatglosssauce
14. Floral Summer Fun Nails
Summer nail inspo by @__mknails
15. Turquoise Ocean Dream Summer Nails
Summer nail design by @nailsbymarth_
16. Summer Pastel Ombre Nails
Summer nail art by @thenaillologist
17. 3D Floral Aura Summer Nails
Summer nail inspo by @__tn_nails__
18. Blooming Short Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @nailzbyissa
19. Ivory Coast Velvet Cat Eye Summer Nails
Summer nail design idea by @esvynails
20. Starfish Buttercream Frenchies Summer Nails
Summer nail art by @by_hannahtaylor
21. Baby Blue Hearts & Bows Summer Nails
Summer nail design inspo by @brittany_nailart
22. Fashion Icon Vibes Summer Nails
Summer nail design by @nailzkatkat
23. Summer Artsy Silver Nails
Summer nail inspo by @nails.x.jenna
24. 3D Floral Pastel Summer Nails
Summer nail design idea by @pearliepressed
25. Mystic Neon & Print Summer Nails
Summer nail art design by @maryzelenyak_mysticnails
26. Summer Bluey-Orange Swirl Nails
Summer nail inspo by @thenaillologist
27. Ocean Shell-Themed Summer Nails
Summer nail design by @__mknails
28. The Colors of Summer Vibe Nails
Summer nail art inspo by @cosmobeautybycass
29. Summer Buttercream Glaze Nails
Summer nail design idea by @glam.and.glowbeauty
30. Colorful 3D Summer Nails
Summer nail inspo by @nailsbyabigel
Best Tips for Cute Summer Nail Designs
Now that your polish palette is on point, let’s chat about keeping your summer nails looking cute and cared for—even in the heat.
Hydrate Your Cuticles
The sun and chlorine can dry out your skin, including your cuticles. Keep a cuticle oil or hand cream in your bag and swipe it on before bed.
Go for Gel (or DIY Gel-Like Topcoats)
If you’re swimming or vacationing, regular polish can chip fast. A gel manicure (or a long-wear topcoat) gives you a glossy finish and longer-lasting results.
Play with Texture
Matte polish, chrome finishes, or even jelly nail polish can totally transform a simple design into something fun and trendy.
Don’t Forget Your Toes
Flip-flop season is here! A quick pedi with a matching or complementary color keeps things feeling polished head to toe.
Try Press-Ons or Stickers for an Easy Glow-Up
Not into the salon? Cute summer nails are totally achievable at home. Today’s press-ons and nail stickers look so good and take less than 10 minutes.
In Summary: Try These Summer Nail Designs
Your summer nails should feel as fun and carefree as the season itself.
Whether you go neon and bold or soft and minimal, there’s no right or wrong—just what makes you feel fabulous.
So grab your favorite polish (or book that salon appointment), put on your favorite playlist, and treat yourself to a summer mani moment. Because honestly? You deserve it.
Looking for more fun activities for summer?
