This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure here.
As summer comes, we get so excited to wear fun, vibrant colors on our nails again—especially when we’re tan and they pop against our skin. With the new season comes so many cute neon colors and nail designs we can’t wait to try..
If you’re looking to make a decision on what summer nail look to take to your next manicure appointment or diy nail session. We’ve rounded up 18 of the best summer nail ideas from you’ll want to pin to the top of your boards this summer. They are perfect for bright sunshine, blue skies and your next summer beach vacations.
P.S. make sure you bookmark this page for later. That way you can easily come back to it to get ideas throughout the summer.
Popular Nail Polish Shades for Summer
- Tangerine Orange
- Neon Colors: neon pink, neon orange, neon yellow, neon green, neon purple, neon blue
- Neutral Pink
- Periwinkle
- White Pearl Nails
- Colorful French Tip Combo
- Colored Chrome Nails
- Royal Blue
- Lavender
- Butter Yellow
- Metalic Nails
The Best Summer Nail Ideas
1. Pink & Orange Neon French Nails
Neon nails are always a go-to look in the summer. This idea is fun twist on the French nail. The layered neon pink and orange French tip is so cute.
2. Bright Royal Blue Nails
Looking for a cute blue nail polish color for summer? This electric blue is so stunning for the season.
3. Pink and Orange Aura Nails
Aura nails are super trendy right now. Plus, I can’t stop obsessing over this pink and orange color combo for summer. It’s such a vibe!
4. Colorful Floral Nails
How adorable are these floral print nails?! I love that each finger nail is a different neon color.
5. Bright Neon Orange French Tips
Growing up, neon orange was always my favorite color to pick out at the nail salon. This layered orange French tip design is something I’m totally into today. It’s a more elevated take on a simple nail polish look from the past.
6. Neon Green Chrome Nails
You can never go wrong with a chrome gel nail. This neon green chrome look is so fun for summer.
7. Orange and Blue Mix Match Nails
Sometimes you just have to takes ricks and have fun with your nail combos. While this nail design lacks the uniformity of a traditional manicure, this is what makes it so unique. It’s playful and unexpected.
8. Chrome Classic French Tip
Whether you’re a summer bride, or looking for a minimalist look to wear this summer, a chrome classic French manicure is always a good idea.
9. French Nails with Cherries
Summer cherries are a classic design. It’s nostalgic, but always seems to be in style for the season. This nail design is easy to try at home too. First, create the white French tip, let it dry and go in with a dotting tool to create the red cherry design.
10. Barbie Pink Nails
Channel your inner Barbie with these pink nails this summer. This look is so simple for your manicurist to create, or you can totally diy this look at home.
11. Striped Strawberry Nails
It’s officially strawberry season! This nail design is so festive on trend for June and July. I just love how cute and girly this manicure is.
12. Natural or Nude Nail Polish
If you’re like me and always outside in the summer, a natural nail polish will be your go-to. It’s a subtle way to keep your nails looking fresh and put together, even when you’re super active.
13. Pool Water Nails
How stunning are these pool water nails? I’ve never seen a summer design that makes more sense than this one. It makes you want to beat the summer heat and take a swim, just by looking at them.
14. Colorful Polka Dot Nails
Polka dot nails have been all over my Pinterest boards. I can’t imagine a more fun way to add color to your nails this summer. I’m obsessed!
15. Chrome Butter Yellow Nails
Butter yellow is one of the trending colors of the year, so it just makes sense to make it a nail moment as well. Plus, the chrome style is super trendy this year too.
16. Pastel Green Flower French Nails
These green pastel nails are so whimsical for summer. They are just a classic, square-shape French nail with a dotted floral design and finished with a clear top coat.
17. Pink Squiggle Nails
I love a good abstract nail art moment. The squiggle design is to unique and the neon pink and orange color palette makes this the a great manicure option for the season.
18. Pastel Green French Nails with Blue Squiggles
Add some squiggles to your classic French tip nail design. To make your design even more fun opt for contrasting colors — like lemon-lime green and lavender or cobalt blue and bright orange.
