24 Pretty Summer Nail Ideas That You Will Love

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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:)

SHOP THE SUMMER NAIL LOOK

Here are the products I’d use to recreate these looks at home:

Pastel Gel Polish Set: A multi-shade pastel set covers the majority of looks in this post in one purchase.
Watermelon Nail Art Stickers: The easiest shortcut to perfect watermelon nails. Press them onto your base colour for an instant fruity summer finish without any freehand skill needed.
Aqua and Blue Gel Polish: For the aqua shells and sparkles and ocean wave designs. A true aqua blue with good pigmentation is what gives those coastal looks their fresh, summery feel.
Dotting Tool Set: For the watermelon seeds, the dot details in the aqua sparkle nails and the flower centres throughout. One of the most beginner-friendly tools you can own and brilliant for fruit nail art specifically.
Nail Striping Tape: The secret to perfect gingham nails and clean accent lines. Lay the tape across your base colour, paint over it and peel while still wet for crisp straight lines every time. No steady hand required!
Nail Glitter Set: For the aqua sparkles, the ombre rainbow shimmer and any of the glittery accent looks throughout the post. A set that includes fine glitter in multiple shades gives you the most flexibility across the different designs.
31pc Nail Art Brush Set: Essential for the swirl designs, the gingham lines, the ombre sunset branches and the accent line nails. A fine liner brush is the one tool that makes detailed summer nail art achievable at home and you will reach for it constantly once you have it.
UV/LED Nail Lamp: If you’re doing gel at home, you need a lamp to cure it. This is the one trusted by professionals and it works with every gel brand.

Ready to try these? Grab everything you need above- I’ve linked all my picks so you can get started straight away.

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. Watermelon Nails

Bright and fresh- these watermelon nail designs are perfect for the summer! The classic pink and green combination instantly puts you in holiday mode, and the black seed details is what makes this look so fun. Try them on an accent nail for a subtle nod to the trend, or go all out with a full watermelon set for maximum summer vibes!

12. Strawberry Lemonade

How sweet are these! Strawberry lemonade nails are the ultimate summer mood, combining gorgeous pinks and cute yellows for a look that’s as refreshing as the real thing. They work beautifully as a skittle set with each nail in a different shade and design!

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. Aqua Shells & Sparkles

Aqua nails just got a serious upgrade! These aqua shell-and-sparkle nails combine the prettiest ocean-inspired tones with shell details and shimmery glitter that’s bringing sand vibes. They’re perfect for a holiday, a beach day or just when you want your nails to do the talking.

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!

Want to recreate these at home? This nail art practice sheet makes it much easier✨

Create stunning nail decals, press-ons, and wraps with this easy-to-use Nail Shape Template Set designed to make nail art faster, cleaner, and more professional. Perfect for nail techs, salons, and DIY artists. Print and practice as many times as you like!

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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 ✨