Originally posted on May 30, 2022 @ 6:00 am
Last Updated on March 8, 2023 by inckredible
Summer is the perfect time to try something new with your mani. After all, it’s hot outside, and you’re not going to want to wear those same old polish colors, am I right?
If you’re looking to up your summer nail game, you need to check out these top-notch designs that you can copy for your next mani.
From simple, chic stripes to dramatic watercolor prints, there’s something for everyone here. So scroll through to see the top summer nail designs and find the perfect look for you.
Summer nails 2022:
1. Neon Nails
Get any summer party started with neon nails. Start with a basic white or light color, and then add colorful neon nail vinyl to make a statement. Add your choice of light-up studs or charms to complete the look.
Neon nails are trendy and can be incorporated into many different designs, so be sure to add these to your summer nail art collection.
2. Rainbow Nails
Rainbow nails have become a summer must-do, and the best part is that they’re straightforward to do! You can create this rainbow look at home with a nail art brush, a few different colors of acrylic paint, and a few minutes of your time. You’ve got the perfect summer mani for a few coats of topcoats.
3. Floral Nails
Floral nails are a great way to add much-needed color to your fingers this summer. From traditional white roses to more nontraditional floral patterns, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re looking to do a French manicure, you can skip the white tip and go directly to your color. You can also create a monochrome look with one accent color, such as salmon pink, for a feminine touch. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated look, you can go with a pastel blue or violet.
4. Cactus
Cactus nails are for you if you’re looking for a bold nail design. From the traditional red cactus to the modern-day aloe vera plant, cactus nails are a fun way to add some color and texture to your digits.
You can create several different styles with this design, from the more naturalistic to the abstract. If you’re feeling a little more creative, you can even try your hand at cactus nail art.
5. Sunflower
Sunflower is an excellent option if you’re looking for a more straightforward summer mani design. Thanks to its easy-to-do tapered shape, it’s a great design for beginners. Paint your nails with a base color, and then use a sunflower design brush to add details.
6. Lavender Nails
If you’re looking for a more feminine summer nail design, lavender is a great option. It is one of the most popular floral designs, but it’s also one of the most calming colors to wear.
Whether you choose to embrace the delicate beauty of the nail art flower or add in more intricate details, these lavender nails are perfect for relaxing on the couch with a book.
7. Pink Rose Nails
You can find rose nail designs in just about any color you could ever want, so there’s bound to be one that matches your personality. If you’re looking for a more romantic design, then a pink rose nail is just the thing. It’s as soft and feminine as a summer mani can get while maintaining that feminine flair.
8. Beach Nails
If you’re planning to spend your summer holed up at the pool, beach, or lake, you need beach nails. There’s just something about nails painted in the summertime that screams relaxation. This design has it all, from the gentle waves to the bright, beautiful sun.
9. Palm Tree
If you’re looking for a more traditional nail design, a palm tree is a great option. It’s a classic design that’s easy to do and equally beautiful. Palm trees are a summer staple, and for a good reason – they look great during the warm months (and the cold ones too).
10. Ball Nails (Nail Art)
If you’re looking for something more intricate, then a ball nail design is just the thing. This design is full of details that will surely get noticed, from the intricate leaves to the shiny sphere. You can find many great ideas for ball nail designs on Pinterest, and they make for excellent desk or bedside accents.
11. Seahorse Nails
If you love seahorses and want to incorporate them into your mani, then you’ll love this seahorse design. Add a white base to your nails with blue or greenish color for the seahorse’s mane and tail.
You can go with a brighter blue for the seahorse’s body and fins if you have a more tropical-inspired manicure. And if you have longer nails, you can always add some rhinestones for extra sparkle.
12. Flamingo Nails
Flamingo nails are super in this season. You can opt for a bright pink, neon green, or neon orange for the perfect summer mani. If you have shorter nails, you can always choose between a classic flamingo pose or one front-on.
But if you have longer nails, then you can go for a more creative angle that showcases the shape of the flamingo’s beak or tail. Either way, this is one design that’s sure to stand out.
13. Seashell Nails
If you love the ocean, then seashell nails are definitely for you. From the sea star to the starfish, there are so many different types of seashells that you can use for your mani. You can always go with a classic seashell manicure if you have shorter nails.
But if you have longer nails, you can add an extra layer to make your seashell design pop. And if you have more artistic tendencies, you can always paint or draw some designs on your nails.
14. Sunglasses Nails
If you love the summertime, then you’ll love these sunglasses nails. Everything about this design is perfect for the hot months ahead, from the color of your nails to the shape of your sunglasses.
Plus, the bold yellow color is sure to be noticeable. Just make sure that whoever you’re with can see your nails.
15. Sea Star Nails
If you’re looking for a more intricate design, sea star nails are for you. From the starfish’s arms to the waves crashing over it, sea star nails are a cinch to do.
The best part? Sea stars are pretty easy to spot if you look closely. So if you’re out on the town with your friends, you can show them those sea star nails with ease.
16. Sun Nails
If you have longer nails, you should try a sun design. Everything about this fun design is perfect for the summer months ahead, from the sun’s rays hitting your fingertips to your nail polish color.
You can always add some tiny stars to the sun’s rays for a more intricate design. But if you’re in a hurry, you can always go with a more straightforward, less complex design.
17. Gradient Nails
Now is the time if you’ve been holding off on doing a gradient design. From the gradient nails themselves to the gradient design, this is one summer mani that’s as pretty as easy to do. Choose a color for your nails, and then choose a complementary shade for your nail polish.
You can always go with a more toned-down gradient if you have shorter nails. But if you have longer nails, you can get up the drama with more saturated shades.
18. Fruit Nails
If you have a more artistic side, you should try out a fruit design for your nails. From the slice of watermelon nails to the strawberry daisy nails, there are so many different designs that you can choose from.
The best part? Fruit designs are super easy to do yourself, so you shouldn’t be afraid to try something new. Plus, fruit designs are great for any occasion. So you can use them for both special events and everyday wear.
19. Strawberry
Strawberries are the ultimate summertime fruit, and they look amazing on nails too. You can always paint the strawberries on your nails for a more artistic take on this design instead of adding a few simple dots.
You can go with a classic red or orange for your base color and then add some white dots or a halo around the strawberry to give it some extra oomph.
20. Bananas
If you have long nails, you need to try out this banana design. This design is spot-on for the summer months, from the perfect yellow banana to the brown spots.
You can always choose between a banana peel or individual banana nails if you have shorter nails. But if you have longer nails, you can definitely up the banana ante with a whole banana design.
21. Watermelons
If you and your friends love watermelon, you need to check out this neon watermelon design. The design, created with three different neon polishes, is easy to duplicate at home.
Use a bright yellow, red, and neon green glow to complete the look. Add a holographic polish to the mix for an even more vibrant color.
22. Lemon
A super-simple summer nail design is a lemon. It’s one of the most popular fruit designs, and there’s a reason for that. The bright yellow color of the lemon is perfect for summer, and the design is so easy to do at home.
Just apply one coat of yellow polish and then add a decorative lemon dot or a wooden stick to complete the look.
23. Lime
Another classic summer design is the lime. The perfect shade of green for this time of year, limes are the ideal way to add some color to your nails.
The design is super easy to do, and all you need is a lime-colored polish and some decorative twine. So, why not douse your nails in lime for a refreshing summer manicure?
24. Pineapple Nails
If you love pineapple, you need to check out this fun and colorful design. The design, which can be done with two different shades of polish, is perfect for summer because it incorporates a tropical fruit.
The design is also easy to copy at home because it doesn’t use particular elements. A couple of polishes and some nail art brushes will do the trick.
25. Birds Nails
Birds are always a good idea for summer nails. This is because they are bold, bright, and fun. So, why not do a fun design that incorporates a bunch of different birds?
This is a great design to use if you love tropical prints. It can be created with just two other polishes. So, grab your favorite shades and get to work.
26. Hummingbird
If you love the hummingbird, you’re going to love this design. The design is a recreation of the hummers’ feathers, which is simple to create.
So, as the plastic sheeting dangles from a nail, it makes the illusion of shimmering wings on your fingertips. You need a light blue polish, a fine brush, and some plastic wrap.
27. Food Nails
If you love food, you’re going to love these food-inspired nails. From grapes to donuts, this design has something for everyone.
To create the design, start by painting your nails a base color. Then, using a toothpick, draw the donut shape on your nails. Once the donut is dry, add a grape nail to complete the design.
28. Donuts
If donuts are your jam, you need to check out this design. The donut design incorporates a light-colored nail with a darker donut dot.
You’ll first need to polish your nails a light color to create this design. Next, draw a donut shape on your nails and fill it with a darker color. Once the darker color is dry, add the donut dots for a perfect finish.
29. Ice Cream
The design, which can be created with just one nail polish, is perfect for summer because it incorporates an icy treat. The only nail art brush you’ll need for this design is a toothpick. So, as you eat your ice cream, you can enjoy this summery design.
30. Nautical Nails
If you’re a fan of nautical decor, this design is for you. The design, which can be created with nail polish and a nail file, is straightforward.
All you need to do is file off the nail on the back of your hand so that it’s perfectly smooth. Once the nail is soft, place it on a table and apply a navy blue polish to it. Then, once it’s dry, add the rope design.
31. Anchor Nails
Anchor nails are the perfect mix of nautical and modern. The nautical nail art design is classic, but the use of an anchor as an accent makes this design super trendy.
It’s the perfect summer nail design when you’re looking to add some nautical flair to your mani.
32. Waves Nails
These waves’ nails are bright, cheery, and perfect for summer. The design is a simple wave, but the colors and the way the waves curl at the edges make this design super enjoyable.
It’s the perfect nail design for those hot summer days when you want something a little more interesting than your usual polishes.
33. Compass
A compass is another easy summer design that you can copy with nail polish and a craft stick. Start by painting your nails with a neutral base color, then use a craft stick to add a few dots on each nail.
On a clean sheet of paper, trace a circle and connect the dots. Cut out the shape, and then use nail polish to draw on the circle’s outline when you’re finished.
34. Boats
Boat nails are the perfect summer nail design when you’re looking to add some nautical flair to your mani. The design is simple enough, yet it’s interesting enough to catch the eye of anyone who sees your nails.
You can change up the colors in this design to match the colors of your boat, or you can go with the traditional nautical colors of red, white, and blue for a more modern look.
35. Sunset Nails
This nail design is simple at its finest. All you have on your nails is a pretty sunset design with a small boat in the center. This design is great for summer because it’s not too busy and goes with almost any outfit.
You can change the colors in the design to match your outfit or go with more neutral colors, so it looks like you’re relaxing at the nail salon instead of going out.
36. Aqua Nails
Aqua nails are the perfect summer nail design for those hot summer days. The bright blue color of the water contrasts wonderfully with the nails’ white and light blue design.
You can change the colors in the design to match your outfit or go with more neutral colors, so it looks like you’re relaxing at the nail salon instead of going out. This is an excellent design for those who like to wear nail polish but don’t want their nails to be too busy.
37. Pool Water
To create pool water nails, start painting your nails with a light blue or white nail polish. Then, using a toothpick, draw a line along with your nail and add a few drops of darker blue nail polish onto it.
To create the splashes, add dots of paint to the water, and then using the same toothpick, draw waves and other small designs in the splashes. Finish it off with a top coat to protect your nails from chipping.
38. Sea
The sea is a beautiful summer design that you can create using a nail art brush, nail polish, and a clear basecoat. To create the sea, paint your nails with a clear base coat, and then using the nail-art brush, draw the waves.
To make it look more realistic, use a fine paintbrush to paint the sea rocks and add more waves to your nails with the nail art brush.
39. Under The Sea
This design is for you for those who like nail art a little more complicated. The under the sea nails design has a lot going on, but it’s done beautifully. The bright green sea contrasts beautifully with the dark blue and purple waves, and the scallop on the waves adds an interesting texture.
You can change the colors in the waves to match your outfit or go with more neutral colors, so it looks like you’re relaxing at the nail salon instead of going out.
40. Cocktail Nails
This is the perfect finish to any drink-themed mani. The design is simple enough-a martini glass filled with red drink-but the addition of a cherry on top adds a lot of personality to the nails.
This is another one of those designs that goes great with any outfit and would look great for any occasion, from a casual drink with friends to a more formal night out on the town.
41. Stripes And Dots Nails
You’ve probably seen striped nail designs on the internet, but how about painting your nails in a bunch of tiny dots? This summer, go for stripes instead of solid color nails.
You can get creative and paint your nails in many different designs or stick to simple solid stripes for a more classic look. Striped nails look great with light summer colors like pastels or whites but are also incredibly flattering on darker complexions.
42. Animals Nails
If you’re looking for a more detailed nail design, animals are perfect for you! From elephants to monkeys and everything in between, there are many animals to choose from.
These designs are fun to paint, but they also give your nails some much-needed character. If you love to match your outfits, you will love using animal prints on your nails.
43. Dolphine
If you’re looking for a more professional nail design, the dolphin might be what you’re looking for. And if you’re looking for a design that’s a bit more coastal, then you need to try out this dolphin mani. This design is super simple.
You just need two colors: one light and one dark. Then, you’ll need a toothpick to draw the shape of a dolphin on each thumb. Easy as pie.
If you don’t have toothpicks lying around, a nail art pen will also work. And, you can always use your handwriting to draw the dolphin shape instead.
44. Whale
Whales are big, beautiful, and majestic. They’re also straightforward to draw on your nails. All you need is one color for your nails and whale nail art!
The best part about whale nails is that they go great with almost any outfit. You can pair them with a summer dress or your favorite sweater and boots.
If you’re feeling exceptionally creative, why not paint your nails in the shape of a sailing boat and add some waves behind your nails? You’ll be ready to take on the beach in style.
45. Turtle
If you’re looking for a more aquatic-themed mani, then a turtle design is perfect. You can paint your nails in various colors to get a more accurate turtle design or stick to two or three colors to create a more simplistic look.
If you don’t have any sea turtles lying around, a tortoise design would also look great. And, you can always add some sand behind your nails for an extra finishing touch.
46. Fish Nail Art (Koi Fish, Fishbowl, Fish Hook)
If you’re feeling extra creative, why not try creating some fish nail designs. This is another excellent mani for kids because it’s so easy. It would help if you had a koi fish nail art pen, a koi fish, and some fake (fake!) leaves, and you’re ready to go.
This design features a koi fish in a glass bowl, with a few decorative nails and some twine below. If you love a good ole fashioned fish nail design, this is your design.
47. Crab
Crab is another easy nail art design because it uses just one color. If you don’t have any crabs lying around, a more venomous poisonous-themed mani would be the crab. This is one you’ll want to do outside because it’s sure to frighten your fingertips!
48. Bugs (Ladybug)
Last but not least, let’s talk about bugs. Ladybugs are nutritious and beneficial for the environment, so why not add them to your nails. You can stick to one ladybug per nail or go for a free-form design where they fly freely around your fingers.
You’ll need black nail polish and some ladybugs for this design. This summer nail art is adorable when paired with pastel colors or white nails.
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