24 Pretty Summer Nail Ideas That You Will Love

After my Spring nail ideas were so popular, I just had to share with you some of the best ideas for your nails this summer. I know it’s not yet summer. Here in the UK, it feels more like winter, we’ve had strong winds and even hail! Yup, hail in May! But that’s no reason not to get into the summer spirit, I mean summer will eventually come, won’t it?!

I’ve put together some of the most creative nail designs that are trending for this season. Summer is all about brighter and longer days, and these nails depict that! They are bright, they are colourful and they are plain and simple fun!

1. Summer Gingham Nails

Starting off this blog post with these cute and chic gingham nails. Easy to pull off, yet so effective. And if gingham is your thing, swap up the colours and these nails will pass for any season and occasion!

2. Pink Dreams

Beautiful sunsets with pink skies and glistening stars. There’s nothing that sums up the summer more than long beautiful nights spent watching the sky change colours!

The little gold detail on these nails ties up the look beautifully giving the nails so much added sparkle and fun! Match your nails to your eyeshadow with these pink eyeshadow looks!

3. Yellow sunflowers

These sunflower nails overlap with spring, but I simply couldn’t pass on them! They’re beautiful and elegant nails, that will get you out of your comfort zone when recreating them!

4. Pineapple Fun

summer pineapple nails — @banananails_chicago

While these nails have a bit more detail and will require a more steady hand, I think they’re well worth the effort, don’t you?

Although pineapples are available all year round, they still equal summertime. Add some gorgeous gold stones and pretty leaves to complete the look!

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5. Pink Swirls

Swirls never go out of style! Swap out the colours, add some sparkle and they work for any season and occasion. They happen to be darn pretty too:)

6. White Swirls

Since we’re already on the topic of swirls, I couldn’t leave these nails out. These nails actually work for every season, because white is well, white! Beautiful for winter and summer they are classics that are timeless!

7. Rainbow French Mani

Love a french mani but want to spruce it up a little? Add some rainbow tips for extra fun and colour. They may be simple to recreate, but the look they give is anything but simple!

8. Aqua Sparkles

Aqua isn’t my usual go-to colour, but these nails give the colour a whole new meaning. Add a little sparkle to give them some extra wow factor.

9. Ocean Waves

Love the ocean? Then marbelised nails are for you! They look like the waves of the ocean crashing on the beach. A work of art indeed, they remind me a lot of a Monet painting!

10. Ombre Rainbows

rainbow nails — @emmacourtney_coco_rose_beauty

Ombre nails are all the rage at the moment. Spice yours up with a rainbow gradient of all the colours of summer!

11. Bright Leopard Nails

A leopard doesn’t change its spots, but you can. Add some summer colours to the classic leopard print.

12. Colourful Clouds

colourful paint nails — @banananails_chicago

Let your creativity loose and go for some bold splatters in rich bright shades. This nail look is one you can’t mess up and it’s fun too!

13. I See, Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot summer day? Bring your favourite flavours to your nails to get in the full summer spirit!

14. Shell Shards

One of the most beautiful nails yet! Inspired by seashells, use shimmery shell pieces to get the full look. Try it out with any colour, and my bet is it will look just as fab!

15. Candy Floss

For me, candy floss brings back memories of summer evenings spent at the funfair going on all the rides and buying delicious candy floss. I have since acquired a more sophisticated taste, but those memories are some of the best! Bring the candy floss to your nails with these candy floss-inspired nails.

16. Printed French Manicure

Printed Frech Manicure — @the_detailed_nail

The versatility of a French mani is endless! fun prints. Combine a French manicure with a fun print to get a creative new nail look!

17. Candy Swirls

Get your favourite candy swirl lollipop on your nails. You may need to remind yourself that your nails won’t taste quite as sweet as your favourite treat!

18. Elmer-Inspired

These nails would be my kid’s favourite choice! Well, at least my 2-year-olds. Many of us grew up with Elmer the Elephant and I’m sure I’m not the only one with fond memories!

Keep those memories alive with these Elmer-inspired nails. With their bright happy colours, they are perfect for summertime!

19. Two-Toned Pink Gold Leaf

two toned pink gold nails — @nailnestbymanali

Can’t decide on which shade of pink? You don’t have to, combine both shades to create these gorgeous nails. Add some gold and silver to complete the look and sophistication!

20. Ice Cream Swirls

Mmm… soft ice cream! Aside from being delicious, looking at soft ice cream is just as enjoyable. There’s just something about those swirls! These nails have nailed it too!

21. Sunset at the Beach

If you can’t get to the beach, bring the beach to you with these beach-inspired nails. You gotta love a beach sunset, and now you can by looking at your nails!

22. Pink Perfection

Does it get more perfect than this? These nails are perfect to a T! Choose your favourite shades of pink to recreate your own pink perfection nails!

23. Ombre Sunset

Another sunset-inspired nail look! Yep, that’s because we can’t get enough of the summer sunsets. I’m not the only one, am I? Add some white branches and leaves to complete the look!

24. Accent Lines

Keep it simple and understated with a colourful accent line. Perfect for those who like simple and classy, but want a touch of colour. Choose your favourite shades and tones to customise this look.

For more summer inspo, check out summer eyeshadow looks, and yellow eyeshadow looks!

NEXT UP: The Best Collection of Easter Nail Art Designs

Hollie xx

About Hollie

Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.

Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look ✨