45 Insanely Cute Summer Nail Ideas You’ll Fall in Love With
Looking for some trendy and cute summer nail ideas to rock this summer?! You’re in the right place!!
Summer is here, and it’s time to switch up your nail game!
Whether you’re hitting the beach, attending a summer wedding, or just want to add some fun and flair to your everyday look, cute summer nail ideas are the perfect way to do it.
From bold colors to intricate designs, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect summer manicure.
In this round-up post, we’ve gathered some of the cutest and most creative summer nail ideas to inspire your next trip to the nail salon.
In this post, you will find cute summer nail ideas, bright summer nails, short summer nails, simple summer nails, elegant summer nails, and more!!!
So whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered with the latest nail trends to rock all summer long. Get inspired and spice up your nail game with our top picks!
This post is all about cute summer nail ideas.
Related Post: 53 Insanely Cute Summer Outfit Ideas For When You Have Nothing To Wear
45 Super Cute Summer Nail Ideas To Get Inspired By
1. Animal Print Nails
Image via: @magdula.es
Unleash your wild side this summer with animal print nails! They’re a playful trend that’s perfect for the season.
Whether you choose classic leopard, cool cheetah, or something more unexpected like zebra stripes, you can add a touch of fierce fun to your fingertips. Animal prints go with all sorts of summer styles, from breezy dresses to swimwear, letting your claws be the eye-catching detail of your summer style.
2. Mix and Match Nails
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Ditch the decision fatigue and embrace the vibrant chaos of mix-and-match nails this summer! It’s the ultimate way to express your unique personality and match your ever-changing summer mood.
Play with a rainbow of brights, create a cool-toned oasis with pastels and blues, or go bold with metallics and neons. The possibilities are endless!
Mix and match doesn’t have to be random – you can create color stories, alternate finishes, or even throw in a fun nail art design on an accent finger.
3. Rainbow French Tips
Image via: @brushedbyb_
Want to add a touch of playful whimsy to your summer look? Short almond nails with rainbow French tips are the perfect solution!
This adorable trend combines the elegance of the almond shape with a vibrant pop of color. Imagine a tiny, perfectly curved rainbow gracing the tips of each nail, with the colors alternating beautifully from one edge to the other.
It’s a subtle yet eye-catching way to embrace summer’s fun and carefree spirit, all while keeping your nails polished and sophisticated.
4. Minimalist Summer Nails
Image via: @amanda.sudolll
For a summer mani that’s both effortlessly chic and undeniably modern, consider minimalist nails with a nude base and pops of neon.
This understated approach lets your nails shine without being over the top. Imagine a barely-there nude base coat topped with just two, thin neon lines in complementary summery hues.
It’s a refreshing take on minimalist nails, perfect for those who want a touch of personality without overwhelming their natural elegance.
5. Glittery Fun
Get these nails on Etsy
Dive into summer with an ocean-inspired nail design that shimmers and blooms! Imagine a base coat of crisp white, like the sand meeting the turquoise shore.
Over this, a layer of blue glitter is artfully smudged, creating a mesmerizing effect that mimics the sun dappling on ocean waves.
The magic doesn’t stop there – delicate white hibiscus flowers bloom on top, their pristine petals a beautiful contrast to the glittery ocean beneath. This design is the perfect blend of glittery fun and sophisticated elegance, capturing the essence of a tropical paradise right on your fingertips.
6. Short Orange Nails
Image via: @nailsbypaulin
Short sassy nails won’t disappoint this summer! Take it up a notch with two accent nails featuring an abstract take on the French tip. Ditch the clean lines and opt for a free-flowing, artistic design in the same shade of orange.
To add a touch of dimension, a double line in a lighter orange shade sits just below this playful French tip, creating a subtle separation and highlighting the artistry.
It’s a manicure that’s both bold and chic, perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd with a summery twist on classic nail art.
7. Rainbows and Fluffy Clouds
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Calling all sunshine seekers! Why not consider a manicure that’s as cute as a summer day – rainbows, fluffy clouds, and twinkling stars!
Start with a base coat in a nude or soft pastel shade, like baby blue or lavender. On this canvas, tiny, colorful rainbows can gracefully arch across some nails, while fluffy white clouds drift across others.
To finish the whimsical scene, a sprinkle of stars add a touch of nighttime magic. To make things more interesting, you can even add hearts on one of the nails and a french tip design on another.
This adorable design is bursting with summer charm and will definitely bring a smile to your face every time you look at your nails.
8. Crocodile Print Nails
Image via: @nail.vault.co
All long nail girlies will slay this summer crocodile print nail design! This design is perfect for those who want a statement mani with a touch of elegance, letting their long nails become the ultimate summer accessory.
This nude base allows the true star of the show to shine – a realistic crocodile print that runs from the very tip of your long nails all the way down to the cuticle.
The colorful scales exude a powerful and undeniably chic vibe.
9. Pretty and Simple
Get these nails on Etsy
This summer, ditch the traditional white tips and instead, opt for a vibrant explosion of color. Imagine a flawless nude base, showcasing the natural beauty of your nails.
But wait, the magic happens at the tips! Each fingertip boasts a different, dazzling hue – a pop of sunshine yellow on one, a cool mint green on another, a fiery fuchsia on the next. The possibilities are endless! This playful mix-and-match approach lets you express your unique personality.
10. Summer Dots
Image via: @magdula.es
Channel your inner pop art pro this summer with a manicure that’s all about playful dots! Play with a variety of sizes, letting tiny little dots mingle with their bigger, bolder cousins.
The beauty lies in the mix and match – incorporate a rainbow of summery colors, or keep it more subdued with a specific color palette. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
You can even arrange the dots in geometric patterns or playful clusters for an extra dose of personality. This cheerful and eye-catching design is perfect for summer, keeping your nails looking fun, fresh, and bursting with vibrant energy.
11. Marble Nails
Get these nails on Etsy
Neon marble nails are where it’s at this summer. This trend is the perfect marriage of bold color and effortless cool. Imagine a clean base coat acting as a blank canvas for a mesmerizing swirl of neon hues. Think electric pinks clashing with sunshine yellows, or cool blues dancing with fiery oranges.
The beauty lies in the marbling technique, where the colors blend and bleed into each other, creating a one-of-a-kind design on every nail. It’s like a miniature summer sunset trapped on your fingertips, radiating an undeniable energy and vibrancy.
12. Silver Chrome and Pink Nails
Image via: @gieos.room
Ignite your summer style with a manicure that’s both electrifying and chic – neon pink nails with dazzling silver chrome lines!
This bold combination lets you choose your level of drama. Want a full-on neon statement? Embrace a vibrant pink base coat on all your nails.
For a touch of sophistication, opt for the French tip approach, where silver chrome lines are added on top of a neon pink tip.
No matter your choice, the magic truly happens with the addition of silver chrome lines.
13. Simple Pastel Vibes
For a touch of summertime sweetness, swap the bolder brights and embrace the calming charm of pastel nails!
These soft, ethereal hues are perfect for those who prefer a more understated yet elegant look.
You can either go for a classic French manicure with a twist – imagine delicate pastel tips in colors like lavender, baby blue, or soft mint green, each finger boasting a different shade.
This playful mix-and-match approach adds a touch of whimsy without overpowering the clean lines of the French tip.
Alternatively, opt for a simple solid pastel color on all your nails. Think of soft peach, muted lilac, or a calming baby yellow. The beauty lies in the simplicity – these soft hues complement any summer outfit, from breezy sundresses to crisp white linen pants.
14. Summer Florals
Image via: @amanda.sudolll
As summer blooms, why not let your fingertips blossom too? Embrace the vibrant spirit of the season by incorporating stunning summer florals into your nail designs. The possibilities are endless!
For a classic and elegant look, opt for delicate hand-painted flowers on a clean nude base.
Choose your favorite summer blooms – vibrant sunflowers, romantic roses, or whimsical daisies – and let them take center stage on an accent nail or grace all your fingertips.
15. Bright Neon Glitter Summer Dreams
Get these nails on Etsy
Channel your inner summer queen with a manicure that screams sunshine and fun – bright neon glitter nails! These dazzling digits are the perfect way to embrace the carefree spirit of the season.
Imagine a base coat in a vibrant neon hue, like electric pink, neon orange, or a shocking blue. Don’t be afraid to go bold – summer is all about making a statement!
16. Simple Summer Blooms
Image via: @brushedbyb_
Embrace a symphony of summer colors with a manicure that’s as unique as you are! This playful design features a base coat where each finger boasts a different solid color.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Each solid base is adorned with delicate flowers painted in a complementary color.
This delightful mix-and-match approach allows for endless creativity, ensuring your nails are a true conversation starter. It’s a manicure that celebrates the vibrant spirit of summer, with a touch of artistic whimsy that’s guaranteed to turn heads!
17. Summer Swirls
Get these nails on Etsy
Swirly summer nails are perfect for those who want a statement look that’s both fun and artistic, guaranteed to be the center of attention wherever you go. To Start it off, a clean base coat acts as a blank canvas for a mesmerizing dance of vibrant hues. Think sunshine yellow swirling with a cool ocean blue, or a fiery coral combined with a softer green.
18. Pink and Orange
Image via: @nailed_by_kenna
Sunshine and sunsets captured on your fingertips? Look no further than the perfect summer duo: pink and orange!
This color combo is as cute as a popsicle on a hot day. To pull off this look, alternate between pink and a bright coral orange on each hand. You can even make this look more fun by alternating the two colors on each finger.
19. Abstract Nails
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Dive into the world of artistic expression with abstract summer nails! This season is all about embracing the unexpected, and abstract nail art lets you do just that.
Forget perfectly straight lines or intricate patterns – this is your chance to unleash your inner artist.
Use a variety of colors to create playful squiggles, geometric shapes, or even tiny abstract flowers. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with textures – incorporate metallic accents, a touch of glitter, or even a matte finish for a unique contrast.
20. Mix and Match French Tips
Image via: @ajsnailss
This summer, swap the traditional French manicure with mix-and-match French tips! This trend lets you turn your nails into tiny canvases for a burst of creativity. Imagine a clean, nude base coat that allows your artistic flair to shine.
Now, the fun begins! Each fingertip boasts a unique French tip design in a vibrant summer palette. Think geometric shapes in contrasting colors adorning the tips, tiny hand-painted flowers blooming on one nail and playful polka dots dancing on another.
Let your imagination run wild – you can even incorporate metallic accents or a touch of glitter for added oomph
21. Short Neon Green French Tip Nails
Image via: @nailsbypaulin
Embrace the best of both worlds with short, sassy square nails featuring a playful mix of French and reverse French tips!
This adorable design is perfect for summer and adds a touch of unexpected charm to a classic look.
Short square nails are perfect for this design, offering a clean canvas without sacrificing practicality. It’s a manicure that’s both cute and sophisticated
22. V French Tips
Get these nails on Etsy
You’ll obsess over this playful twist on the classic French manicure – V-shaped French tips in pink and yellow! This design is perfect for adding a touch of sunshine and personality to your fingertips. Start with a clean, crisp base coat that allows your natural nails to shine through.
Now comes the fun part! Instead of the traditional straight line across the tip, a vibrant pink or yellow polish creates a sharp V-shape at the very edge of each nail.
To add a touch of dimension, a second line, this time in a different color, sits directly below the pink or yellow tip, mimicking the V-shape and creating a cool double outline.
23. Minimalist Summer Frenchies
Image via: @magdula.es
Sunshine and sandals aren’t the only things screaming summer – your nails can too!
Instead of the usual French manicure, embrace the season with negative space French tips in vibrant colors.
Imagine your natural nails peeking through like sunshine under sheer curtains, with a pop of color outlining the tips. Think watermelon pink or sunshine yellow – anything that screams poolside fun!
24. Holographic Ombre Nails
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Sunshine, sandals, and sparkly things – that’s the summer vibe, right? Well, your nails can join the party too with holographic ombre! Pinks and purples blend into fiery oranges and blues, all shimmery and eye-catching.
No two nails will be exactly the same, which is kind of cool.
25. Elite Color Combo
Image via: @ajsnailss
Get ready to slay this summer with a vibrant mix-and-match nail design! Burnt orange, lavender, blue, and yellow create an unexpectedly cool color combination that’s perfect for the season.
Don’t be afraid to get creative – a skilled nail artist can turn these unique hues into a stunning design that will have everyone asking where you got them done. So go bold, embrace the sunshine, and rock a mani that’s just as fun and colorful as summer itself!
26. Elegant Summer Mani
Image via: @nailsbypaulin
Craving an elegant summer mani with a twist? Look no further than the unexpected pairing of neon yellow and black! This bold color combo can be surprisingly sophisticated when executed with clean lines. It’s a minimalist statement that’s both eye-catching and perfect for the sunny season.
27. Play With Multiple Colors
Get these nails on Etsy
If you can’t choose one color for your summer mani, why not give all of them a try?! Forget the limitations of a single shade and unleash your inner artist with a vibrant, multi-colored design.
These nails are a perfect example of how letting loose with your polish collection can create a truly outstanding look.
Gone are the days of picking just one shade – the possibilities are endless! You can create a rainbow effect with a pop of color on each finger, or use a color blocking technique for a bold, graphic statement.
28. Colorful Tips
Image via: @nail.vault.co
Take the classic French manicure to a whole new level with a playful twist! Instead of the same old white French tips, go for a vibrant mix of colors and designs on a chic nude base.
Let one nail have a fierce zebra print tip, another rocking a purple with a smiley face design, and the rest adorned with vibrant geometric patterns.
This unexpected take on French tips allows you to mix and match your favorite colors and playful designs, creating a unique and eye-catching summer mani that’s all your own.
29. Orange Nails
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Channel the sunshine itself with a dazzling orange manicure this summer! Orange is a naturally captivating color that embodies the season’s vibrant energy.
Whether you choose a fiery coral, a mellow peach, or a bold tangerine, an orange mani is guaranteed to turn heads.
The beauty of orange is its versatility – it complements all skin tones and can be dressed up or down.
30. Short Mix and Match Almond Nails
Image via: @nailed_by_kenna
Ugh, picking just one summer color is impossible, right? That’s why I’m obsessed with short, almond-shaped nails that let you rock a whole rainbow!
It’s like having tiny works of art on your fingertips. Plus, the almond shape is super flattering, elongating your fingers and making your hands look amazing.
Imagine each nail being a different beach adventure – a bright coral for that sunset cruise, a shimmery teal for that snorkeling trip, and a sweet pastel pink for those lazy days by the pool.
It’s the perfect way to express your summer spirit and have a little fun with your mani.
31. Abstract Tips Design
Image via: @amanda.sudolll
This playful design takes the popular V French tip and gives it a cool twist, creating a vibrant V-shaped accent in a wide range of summery colors.
The combination of bold and pastel colors definitely gives these nails somewhat a “Comic nails” feel! The little stars sprinkled here and there make this mani even more magical.
32. Abstract Vibes
Get these nails on Etsy
Forget boring solids and predictable patterns, summer is your chance to unleash your inner artist with a head-turning abstract mani! The beauty of abstract is its boundless freedom. It’s like all of these vibrant colors are dancing across the fingertips in a mesmerizing symphony.
33. Simple Colorful Lines
Image via: @_nailsbybethany
Summer vibes don’t always have to scream for attention. If you’re craving a more understated look with a touch of personality, then consider this: simple nude nails with a single, playful line in a bright summery color.
The nude base keeps things elegant and effortless, while the single, wiggly line (think a carefree wave or a playful squiggle) adds a pop of fun and lets your personality shine through.
Plus, the best part? This design is surprisingly easy to achieve at home!
34. Gradient Nails
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
As the sun dips low, casting long shadows and painting the sky in vibrant hues, why not capture that magic on your fingertips with summer gradient nails?
Imagine a seamless transition of color, melting from bold brights at the tips to soft, ethereal shades at the base.
The beauty of gradient nails is their versatility – you can choose any color combination that speaks to your summer spirit.
It’s a design that’s both eye-catching and surprisingly flattering, elongating your fingers and adding a touch of effortless cool.
35. Get Creative With the Tips
Image via: @ajsnailss
This summer, go all out and get creative with your French tips! Play with color combinations and don’t be afraid to mix textures too!
Imagine a glossy tip contrasting with a chic matte, or a shimmery pink tip adding a touch of glam to a classic cream base. The possibilities are endless! It’s the perfect way to express your unique style and have some serious nail art fun.
So go wild with your French tips – your nails will be the most eye-catching accessory of the summer!
36. Watermelon Nail Art
Image via: @nailsbypaulin
Sizzling summer days call for refreshing manis, and what’s more refreshing than watermelon? Embrace the juicy vibes with watermelon nail art! It’s playful, colorful, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home – a few polishes and some dotting tools, and you’re good to go! It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer and bring a little slice of sunshine to your fingertips.
37. Polka Dot Abstract Nails
Get these nails on Etsy
Slay hard this summer with a totally cute and summery symmetrical polka dot nail design!
Plus, polka dots are surprisingly versatile. You can go for a minimalist look with just a few dots on each nail, or create a full-on polka-palooza! It’s the perfect summer mani that’s both fun and effortlessly stylish.
38. Cow Print Nails
Image via: @amanda.sudolll
Don’t let the name fool you, these spotted beauties are anything but farmyard frumpy. They’re playful, unexpected, and perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your summer look.
Imagine a chic black and white cow print adorning your tips, or a fun twist with pops of pastel pink or baby blue mixed in.
The beauty of cow print is its versatility – you can keep it classic or get creative with unexpected shapes and color combinations.
39. Short Summer Nail Inspo
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
How cute are these nails? If you’re a short nail girlie, you will eat with these nails for real! All of the individual designs are super cute but combining them makes this set stand out even more.
40.
Image via: @ajsnailss
Summer is all about embracing the wild side, and what’s wilder than colorful crocodile French tips? Forget the classic white – this season, channel your inner beach goddess with a fierce mix of color and texture.
41. Neon Drip
Image via: @magdula.es
Sunshine, popsicles, and neon lights – that’s the energy short summer nails with dripping neon French tips scream! Plus, the short nail length keeps things practical for summer activities, while the dripping neon adds a touch of artistic flair. It’s a conversation starter guaranteed to turn heads and have everyone asking where you got your nails done.
42.Green and Purple
Get these nails on Etsy
Summer isn’t just about bright, bold colors – there’s room for cool tones too! Dive into a refreshing and unexpected color combo with a green and purple mani.
It’s playful yet sophisticated, perfect for those who love a touch of whimsy with a touch of elegance. Imagine soft lavender tips accented with a sprig of mint green nail art
43. Rainbow Swirls
Image via: @amanda.sudolll
This season, let two accent nails be transformed into miniature canvases showcasing a mesmerizing dance of summer hues. The beauty lies in the freedom – there are no wrong swirls, just endless possibilities to unleash your inner artist. These accent nails will be the stars of your mani.
44. Short Mix and Match Nail Inspo
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Ditch the matchy-matchy mani this summer and embrace the playful freedom of mix and match nails!
It’s the perfect way to express your unique style by combining different colors, patterns, or even textures on each fingertip.
From a burst of citrus hues to a touch of metallic glam, the possibilities are endless.
45. Pink Negative Space Frenchies
Get these nails at Shein (Super affordable!)
Short nails are having a major moment this summer, and what better way to show them off than with a chic negative space French manicure?
This twist on the classic combines a clean nude base with delicate pink French tips that don’t fully cover the nail. It’s a subtle yet eye-catching design that’s perfect for those who love a hint of color without going overboard.
The negative space adds a modern touch and keeps the look light and airy, perfect for the warm summer months.
This post was all about cute summer nail ideas.
