The girls and I love to have bright summer nails. There’s something about summer nail designs that are unlike any other season. Now is the perfect time to try out any bright colors or a different nail shape because it’s the most relaxed season! Vibrant colors with a tan are also stunning. If you want to go for pastel tones, we always think that’s a great summer manicure but I’d say try to step out of your comfort zone this season and test your personal style with different colors. The warm weather brings change and with that comes a fun twist. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite color! These are our top summer nail inspiration shades and designs!
Neon
Firstly, it’s the season of neon! Summer vibes are in full effect with neon nails. I’ve seen press-on options lately with this popular trend, so if you don’t want to fully commit to new colors, try those and they can be easily removed! If you’re going to dip your toe in, I’d say go all the way because you really can’t go wrong with the biggest nail trend of the summer. Neon color comes in many shades and the overall look is the perfect way to give your outfits a pop of color. It’s a great way to experiment with bright shades.
A Neon French Tip
On the neon trend, french tips have been all the rage for some time now. While a classic French tip is something to be admired and always classy, I think it’s fun to ditch the neutral shade for a summer nail look! Summer vacation is all about enjoying yourself, so try out a neon color instead of the traditional white!
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Bright Orange
On the talk of bright colors, a bright orange that is not Neon will scream summer! It’s refreshing and will really make your nails pop. I call this cool girl nails because it’s a trend that not many people try and looks superb with a tan.
Pastels
It’s never a bad time for pastels. Nail experts will tell you they always look good! Pastels are fun colors that are muted enough to be worn into the fall season and of course, begin in the spring. So these are around most of the year. They are so feminine and pretty and tones that tend to be fairly versatile. A pale pink, lavender or a pale sage green are all stunning for the summer months.
Hailey Bieber Inspired Brights
The glazed Hailey Bieber nails have been something the world has obsessed over for a couple years now. Typically, it’s done with a neutral pink or brown, but it’s the summer season and we are here to test out the perfect summer nails. I think it might be a better way to rock a yellow or even green nail polish. Essentially, it’s like the Hailey Bieber glazed nails, but using a bright yellow, green, neon pink or orange underneath. Any color that a citrus fruit would be! The glaze mutes it a little and acts like the milky nail trend, but less opaque.
Sheer Citrus
Another color to step out of your comfort zone with is orange! If you don’t feel like going for the neon look and maybe want a more clean girl energy for this trend, try a sheer orange. This could either be a pastel orange or one coat of a traditional orange to give a slight hint of color. Like a lipgloss for your nails! Short square nails would look really great with this and I suggest an orange, yellow or green here.
Ballet Pink
For a fresh mani for those of you who may have formal occasions to attend this summer, I’d recommend a paler pink. A lot of people swear by the one coat of funny bunny, two coats of bubble bath all from OPI for the perfect pale pink. It is pretty perfect, if I must say! And a great option for those of you who may be getting engaged with summer! This is a timeless choice for those who want a neutral tone.
Rose Gold
If I had to wear one color every day, I think it would be rose gold! Metallics are always cool to test out and this is just the pink version of a metallic, I think. Add a clear coat on top to seal it in and you are good to go!
Barbie Pink
Barbie came out last summer in theaters, but we’re pink girls! This shade is constantly on rotation for us and we think it rocks with a tan.
Bare
This is a polish that looks great with short nail designs. If you haven’t heard of this nail trend yet, it’s a tone that is close to your natural nail color. The cool thing about this is that it gives off an incredibly squeaky clean look and is polished. This is the most professional nail trend of the summer if you have certain work rules or special occasions coming up.
Jelly
This is another one that is exactly what it sounds like. It looks like strawberry jelly! It’s a translucent watermelon pink color that is basically one coat so you can still very much see your nail underneath. The almost-naked nail look is very on trend and I think it’s something we will see into the fall and winter. You can even opt for jelly nudes and try a neutral shade here with a cool bare and glossy look.
Holographic
I feel like this might be intergallactic or a cool way to test out negative space manicures. It’s the opposite of neon pinks and more of a sparkly sheen that looks like it’s from outer space. You can make any color work for this and it sparkles and shines like you’ve never seen. Anything sparkly is right up my alley! Fun designs on top of this could be cool, as well!
Floral Designs
Finally, I have to include some sort of floral or vintage-inspired nail design in this list! LoveShackFancy did a collaboration awhile back with Impress Nails to create some of the most dainty press-ons I’ve ever seen. They feature an ombré look with lavender and pink, which is my dream combination! The nails are finished off with botanical designs to create fun for your hands!
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