As someone with a weekly date with myself to just paint my nails, being on top of nail art trends is a task I do not take lightly. While looking for nail inspiration this summer, I found really cute and minimal nail art ideas that are super easy to recreate at home – especially if you already have a stash of nail paints and tools already (guilty!). In 2024, super glossy nails and statement retro styles are showing up all across red carpets and social media. It is also the perfect time to play with colours and go all out with bright shades that evoke the sunny weather.
The colourful nail trend is timeless and isn’t going anywhere, and what better season than summer to play around with bright, pastel, and funky colours? Whether you live in a tropical country or are headed for a vacation to a sunny destination, you cannot go wrong with these cute styles. So, let’s get right into it and learn how to create 8 curated chic, easy, and summery nail art designs. We’re also revealing all the best nail paints and tools you will need, so even beginners can get some inspiration. Let’s get started!
8 Trendy Summer Nail Art Designs
1. Retro Pastels
The negative space nail art style is gaining popularity and paired with this retro heart design, this is a must-try for the summer.
Steps:
- Use a sheer polish that matches the natural base of your nails.
- The Insight Cosmetics Purely Pastel Set includes all the colours you need to create this colourful design. We recommend using the top-rated Bronson brush set to draw the perfect swirls.
- Ensure the design is dry and finish with a glossy clear top coat to protect the nails.
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2. Sheer Glass
This is the ultimate IT-Girl nail design – chic, stylish, and minimal. The sheer glass nail trend was actually inspired by the viral porcelain doll makeup and we love the minimal look.
Steps:
- Begin with a cuticle trimmer and pusher to remove the dead skin around the nails for a clean look.
- Apply an ivory white nail polish like the vegan lacquer from Colorbar. Ensure smooth application and let it dry completely without creases – there’s no hiding here.
- Finish with the O.P.I Nature Strong Nail Paint Top Coat, which is long-lasting and adds a natural glossy shine.
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3. Popsicle Core
Imagine how your fingers look just after you’ve had a popsicle. Well, it's a viral nail trend in 2024! It is super cute and easy to do at home.
Steps:
- The best part of this trend is that you can pick any candy-like colour. The most popular choice is a pink-hued red like the Nykaa Nail Enamel Polish in the shade Strawberry Tart.
- Apply a second coat of your nail polish for a high-gloss finish.
- Dark nail colours tend to make the skin around your nails appear dull. Apply cuticle oil after your nails are dry and continue using it throughout the week. We recommend the Vaadi Herbal jojoba oil, which protects the skin and can also be used to nourish the nails after applying a nail polish remover.
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4. 80s Neon
If this pattern instantly gives you flashbacks or feels nostalgic, I can probably guess your age! So let’s dive right into how you can recreate this 80s-inspired masterpiece on your nails.
Steps:
- The Faces Canada Splash Nail Combo has all the shades you will need for this design. Begin with the pink and apply it on all nails.
- Start creating the colourful parts of the designs. The Veoni Belle Nail Art Liner Painting Brush Set has the fine brushes you will need to create these designs.
- Use the black and white polishes to add shadows and highlights. The best part? Even if you mess up you can pass it off as an abstract design (wink).
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5. Bedazzled But Minimalist
Love sparkles but no too much? This nail trend was made for you. It is perfect for parties and weddings but won’t look outrageous if you have to wear it to work the next day. Talk about multi-tasking!
Steps:
- You need to begin with a shade similar to your natural nail colour. The Elle 18 Nail Pops Nail Color in the shade 178 is perfect for most skin tones.
- Whether you’re using gems, crystals, or rhinestones, the Dotting Pen from Bronson Professional is all you need for the perfect application. Apply 2 to 3 depending on your nail length.
- Finish with a top coat to secure the gems and lock in the nail colour.
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6. Lilac Goodness
A super simple nail art that won’t take more than 15 minutes. Plus, you can mix and match with so many colours. The only limitation is your imagination!
Steps:
- Apply a thin layer of the base coat. Let it dry for 30 seconds. Then apply two coats of the lavender shade to any three fingers and let it dry completely.
- Now use a lighter polish and apply it on the remaining two fingers. If you want, you can create a guide using tape. Just cut a piece of tape and place it diagonally. Now stick on the rhinestones or gems of your choice on the top part of your middle finger.
- Seal the manicure with a matte or shiny top coat – truly make it your own.
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7. Pool Party
You can’t say no to this nail art. A cute nail look which sports all things beautiful – from trendy stripes to polka dots. The aqua shade is also perfect for summer pool parties.
Steps:
- Apply a thin layer of the base coat. Let it dry for 30 seconds. Then apply two coats of the mint blue shade on all the fingers except the middle and the ring finger and let it dry completely.
- Paint your middle and ring fingers with white nail polish. Now, on your middle finger create blue dots with the dotting tool set from Gorgio Professional with different sizes.
- On your ring finger, paint stripes using the mint blue polish leaving equal space. Seal the manicure with a top coat.
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8. Bling It On
This is my favourite manicure, and it’s so easy and quick. It is just right for the summer, bright white with a hint of glitter.
Steps:
- Apply a thin layer of the base coat. Let it dry for 30 seconds.
- Then apply two coats of the white shade on all your fingers, except the ring finger.
- Paint your ring finger with silver nail polish. Seal the manicure with a top coat.
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Conclusion
Nail art trends in 2024 are leaning toward minimalism with solid nail colours being quite popular. Jelly and sheer finishes are a cult favourite, along with shimmers and metallic glitter polishes. Bright red, pink, purple, yellow, and blue are preferred shades as they evoke the sunny feel of the summer. Similarly, floral designs and nature-related details are a top choice in summer 2024. The summer nail trends are also highly influenced by the 80s ad 90s retro vibe, with abstract neon details and polka dots or stripes being the most trendy designs.
FAQs
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What are the best nails for summer?
Bright colours and vibrant shades are the best option for nail colours in the summer as these colours exude the feel of the season.
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What is the summer nail trend in 2024?
Retro 80s ad 90s inspired nail art is quite popular in 2024. This includes bright colours, chevron and other geometric details, and pop-art style designs.
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Are white nails for the summer?
Yes! White nails look super chic and classy with summer outfits. Plus, they suit all skin types and can be easily elevated with shimmer top coats or nail decals.
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Is red a summer colour for nails?
Red is a timeless shade and can be worn in all seasons. For the summer 2024, opt for the trendy jelly and sheer finish polishes.
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Are chrome nails in for 2024?
Chrome nails have become a classic and keep making a comeback every season. In summer 2024, sheer chrome nails that give a lipgloss-like finish to the nails are quite popular.
Try this : Lakme Ultimate Glam Chrome Nail Paint - Champagne
