Trendspotting: Popular Summer Nails for 2024

As the warmth of the sun begins to grace our days with longer, lazier hours, one question stands out for fashion enthusiasts: What are the popular summer nails 2024 going to look like? This year, we’re talking about a resurgence of vivid colors and inventive art designs that reflect the joyous spirit of summer. Whether you’re lounging by the beach or crafting the perfect holiday ensemble, these nail ideas will not just complement your outfit but will be the conversation starters.

Soft Whispers of Light Pink and Wild Patterns

As a professional manicurist, I’m often asked about the perfect balance between elegance and edginess. The answer may well lie in this delightful design that combines light pink with bold patterns. At first glance, the nails present a delicate baby blue base, becoming a canvas for the expressive black zebra stripes and leopard spots. This combination is daring yet remarkably wearable.

Consumables Needed:

• Base coat: Choose a high-quality one to protect your nails.
• Baby blue polish: A creamy formula works best.
• Light pink polish: Opt for a pastel shade with a glossy finish.
• Black polish: For the intricate animal patterns.
• Top coat: A gel finish will add durability and shine.
• Detailing brush: Essential for the artwork.

To recreate this motif at home, start with a solid baby blue base. Once dry, alternate the light pink with animal patterns on different fingers using a fine detailing brush. Seal your art with a gel top coat for longevity. This design, while intricate, can be achieved with patience and a steady hand. Remember, the wild patterns don’t need to be perfect—embrace the unique imperfections!

Sunset Blooms: The Gel Short Square Canvas

Gazing at this design, one is reminded of sunsets seen from far-flung beaches. The warm colors for summer—yellows, oranges, and pinks—blend into each other like the horizon’s last light. This gel short square look is a tribute to the simple, understated beauty of nature.

Consumables Needed:

• Orange, yellow, and pink polish: Gel formulas for a lasting bloom.
• Dotting tool: To perfect those petal shapes.
• Gel base and top coat: For that enviable shine and strength.
• Cleanser: To keep the palette pristine.

For those eager to wear the sunset on their fingertips, start with a gel base in a gradient of sunset hues. Use a dotting tool to create the flower patterns, gently dragging the edges to form petals. A top coat seals the design. With a bit of practice, these blooms will flourish under your touch!

Azure Skies and Cherry Charms: The Oval Daydream

The third design evokes the clear baby blue skies of summer, accented by a single, whimsical cherry design. This look is refreshingly preppy, effortlessly trendy, and a nod to the playful side of the 2024 trends.

Consumables Needed:

• Baby blue polish: A pastel shade reminiscent of clear skies.
• Red and green polish: For the cherry accent.
• Gel top coat: To lock in the color and design.
• Fine brush: For detailing the fruits.

To recreate this, paint your nails in a soothing baby blue. Then, with a fine brush, add your cherry on an accent nail. It’s a simple yet impactful design that’s bound to gather admiring glances.

Ethereal Elegance: The Baby Pink Dreams

Embrace the soft touch of light pink that whispers elegance on these coffin shaped nails. Adorned with delicate golden accents and tiny florals, this design speaks to those who love a hint of fairy-tale in their style without veering away from the sophistication of simplicity.

Consumables Needed:

• Light pink polish: A sheer formula to achieve that dreamy base.
• Gold leaf or foil: For a touch of luxe.
• Nail adhesive: To ensure your tiny decorations stay put.
• Sealant: A gel top coat to protect your design.

To bring this design to life, begin with two coats of light pink polish. Carefully apply gold accents and press down your chosen adornments. A gel top coat will give it that glass-like finish. It’s a style that’s both grounded in subtlety and inspo from ethereal realms.

Frosty Mint and Crystal Embellishments

These almond shaped nails are a nod to the cool side of summer, with a frosty mint base that’s as refreshing as a scoop of your favorite sorbet. The crystal embellishments are the ice crystals on this delightful design, making for a trending summer look that’s as fresh as it is fancy.

Consumables Needed:

• Mint gel polish: To capture that icy cool base color.
• Crystals and studs: For that extra sparkle.
• Gel adhesive: To keep your jewels in place even on the hottest days.
• Finishing gel top coat: For a smooth, protective seal.

The DIY route for these nails is all about precision. Lay down your mint base, then carefully place your crystals in a pattern that speaks to you. Remember, it’s the subtle placements that often make the boldest statements.

Zesty Lime and Silver Flakes: The Short Square Sparkle

As a professional manicurist, I can attest to the refreshing zing that Colors 2024 green bring to the table—or in this case, to the nails. These short square nails are a statement with their bold lime green, punctuated by accents of silver flakes that catch the light like morning dew on summer leaves.

Consumables Needed:

• Lime green polish: The star of the show, make it gel for durability.
• Silver flake accents: To add a hint of shimmer.
• Gel base and top coat: To prep and seal your masterpiece.

At home, start with a strong gel base, layer on that vivid lime, and then with a gentle touch, add your silver flakes. A final gel top coat, and you’re ready to rival the summer sun.

Golden Gusto on a 2024 Gel Square Foundation

This nail design takes the vibrancy of summer to the next level. The daring combination of the 2024 green with metallic gold creates a bold statement piece. These gel almond nails serve not just a splash of the trendy Colors 2024 summer, but a full-on wave of style.

Consumables Needed:

• 2024 Colors green gel polish: Choose a vibrant, bold shade.
• Gold leaf or metallic decals: To create those opulent touches.
• Gel top coat: To ensure a glossy, protective finish.
• Tweezers: To handle and apply gold elements with precision.

Begin with a solid green base, then apply gold leaf or decals to accentuate the bold color. The contrast between matte green and shiny gold is not just visually striking; it’s a fashion statement ready for summer soirées.

Minimalist Chic

In the realm of nail designs, sometimes less truly is more. Here we see white gel short square nails making a minimalist statement, with sleek black and gold decals adding a contemporary edge. This style is not just a nail design; it’s an accessory that complements any summer wardrobe.

Consumables Needed:

• White gel polish: For that crisp, clean base.
• Black decals or fine-line tape: To create the minimalist art.
• Gold nail stickers: To add a pop of luxury.
• Gel top coat: To seal in your design.

To achieve this look, patience is your virtue. Apply your decals carefully after the white base has cured, and then finish with a top coat for a manicure that’s as enduring as it is elegant.

The Sophistication of Gel Short Almond in Muted Taupe

Taupe is the new black in the 2024 trends. It’s a sophisticated, muted color that plays well with both casual and dressy looks. The matte finish on these gel short almond nails gives an understated yet profound nod to modernity.

Consumables Needed:

• Taupe gel polish: Matte for a modern twist.
• Gel base and top coat: To prep and perfect the nails.
• Embellishments: For a personalized touch of glamour.

Apply two coats of your matte taupe polish, and don’t be shy about adding a personal touch with embellishments. Keep it simple, or go bold—the choice is yours, but the statement will be unmistakable.

Spiderweb Elegance on Gel Long Nails

This design intertwines the edge of a dark aesthetic with the intricacy of a spider’s web. The black and blush contrast on these gel long coffin nails is hauntingly beautiful, perfect for those who want to carry a bit of the night’s mystery into the summer sun.

Consumables Needed:

• Blush gel polish: For that perfect skin-toned base.
• Black gel polish: To create the webbed artwork.
• Gel top coat: For a lasting, high-gloss finish.
• Thin nail art brush: To draw those fine, delicate lines.

Start with a blush base, use a thin brush to create your web, and finish with a gel top coat. This design is not just about the aesthetic; it’s about weaving a story at your fingertips.

Crystal Clear Elegance

These nails are like wearing chandeliers at your fingertips. The long coffin design is bold and dramatic, while the clear base filled with reflective gold flakes is pure sophistication. It’s the epitome of inspo gel—a design that is as much about what you can see as it is about what you can’t.

Consumables Needed:

• Gel base coat: To ensure a smooth canvas.
• Clear gel polish mixed with gold leaf flakes: For the bedazzled effect.
• Gel top coat: To encapsulate the design with a glossy finish.
• UV or LED lamp: To cure the gel polish properly.

To recreate this look, apply your gel base, then mix your gold flakes into clear gel and apply to the nails. Cure under a lamp and seal with a top coat for a durable and luxurious finish.

Floral Finesse: The 2024 Gel Almond Artistry

This design captures the essence of a summer garden. The translucent pink base adorned with splashes of metallic pink and gold is reminiscent of flowers in full bloom. These gel almond nails are perfect for those who want to carry a piece of floral beauty with them.

Consumables Needed:

• Translucent pink gel polish: For a barely-there base.
• Metallic pink and gold polish: To create the floral art.
• Gel top coat: For a finish that lets your art shine.
• Detail brush: For those delicate floral strokes.

Paint your nails with the translucent pink base, then use your detail brush to add the metallic floral details. Finish with a gel top coat for a lasting manicure that’s sure to be the centerpiece of any summer outfit.

Pop Art Perfection: Short Square and Playful

Who says nail art can’t be a canvas for your personality? These short square nails are a tribute to pop art. The white base acts as the perfect backdrop for the playful orange and black designs that are sure to spark conversations.

Consumables Needed:

• White gel polish: For a bright, bold base.
• Orange and black gel polish: For the pop art figures.
• Gel top coat: To protect your miniature masterpieces.
• Detail brush: To achieve the precise lines and curves.

After laying down your white base, use a detail brush to create the playful designs. Seal everything with a gel top coat, and you’ve got a look that’s both fun and fabulously summer-ready.

Modern Minimalism

Minimalism meets modern art in this gel long coffin design. The white base is crisp and clean, while the bold orange stripe gives it an edge. It’s a look that’s undeniably contemporary and perfect for those who want to make a subtle yet striking statement.

Consumables Needed:

• White gel polish: For that ultra-clean base.
• Orange gel polish: To add that striking contrast stripe.
• Gel top coat: For a smooth, enduring finish.
• Striping tape: To get those perfect straight lines.

Apply your white base, then use striping tape to section off where you want your orange stripe. Paint, cure, and then peel away the tape. Finish with a gel top coat to keep everything in place from the city to the sand.

Bold and Abstract with a Splash of Neon

Daring and absolutely eye-catching, this short almond design is a testament to the adventurous spirit of 2024’s nail art trends. The singular neon orange nail is a standout statement, while the black abstract patterns on the white background are modern art at its finest.

Consumables Needed:

• White gel polish: For a sharp, clear base.
• Neon orange gel polish: For that vivid, show-stopping pop of color.
• Black gel polish: To draw the bold abstract designs.
• Fine-tip brush: For the intricate details.
• Gel top coat: To secure and shine.

To recreate this abstract expression, start with a clean white base. Dedicate one nail for the neon splash and use a fine brush to freehand the abstract art on the others. Seal your miniature gallery with a gel top coat.

Short Round with a Touch of Nature

Inspired by the earthy tones and textures found in natural stone, this short round nail design features a marbled effect that is sophisticated and grounding. The contrast of the natural stone-like pattern with the solid color nails makes this a versatile style for both day-to-day wear and special summer events.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude and white gel polish: For the marbled base.
• Black paint: To add the vein-like details of the marble.
• Soft green gel polish: For the accent nail.
• Gel top coat: To protect and perfect.

Creating the marbled effect requires a bit of artistic freedom. Swirl together nude and white gel polish, then use a thin brush to add the marble veins. Choose one nail for the green highlight, reminiscent of leaves against stone.

Romantic Whispers with Delicate Hearts

This long stiletto design is for the romantics, the dreamers. The sheer base with subtle red hearts speaks to the tenderness of summer flings and whispered sweet nothings. It’s a design that says love is in the air—and on the nails.

Consumables Needed:

• Sheer pink gel polish: For that blush of color.
• Red gel paint: To craft the tiny hearts.
• Detail brush: To draw each heart with care.
• Gel top coat: For a lasting romantic finish.

With a steady hand, draw miniature hearts on each nail, playing with placement for an organic feel. A top coat over the sheer pink base captures the essence of love’s gentle touch.

Monochromatic Chic: Medium Square with a Spark of Crystal

Monochrome gets a luxurious twist in this medium square nail design. The clean white base accented with black stripes and a touch of crystal is the epitome of chic simplicity with an edge—a look that will complement any ensemble, from beachwear to evening gowns.

Consumables Needed:

• White gel polish: For that pristine base.
• Black striping tape or paint: For the sleek lines.
• Crystals: To add a hint of glamour.
• Gel top coat: For a finish that commands attention.

Apply your white base, then carefully place striping tape or paint your black lines. Embellish with crystals for that spark of luxury, and then seal it all with a top coat for a style that’s as timeless as it is modern.

Sunset Blush Ombre

The beauty of a sunset is captured on these long stiletto nails, where a soft ombre of blush and red mimics the sky’s natural gradients at dusk. The fine silver lining adds a horizon-like detail, framing the artwork masterfully.

Consumables Needed:

• Red and blush gel polish: To blend the perfect sunset.
• Silver striping tape: For that crisp horizon line.
• Gel top coat: To protect and enhance the ombre effect.
• Sponge: For a flawless gradient application.

Start with a blush base, then use a sponge to dab on the red, creating a seamless transition. Place the striping tape at the smile line for that silver detail, and then finish with a top coat to lock in the design.

Crystal Elegance

These long coffin nails are the very definition of elegance. The use of negative space paired with intricate crystal detailing creates an opulent look. It’s perfect for those summer nights when you want to shine.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude gel polish: For a natural, elegant base.
• Small crystals: For a touch of sparkle.
• Gel top coat: To ensure a glossy finish and hold the crystals in place.
• Nail glue: To securely attach each crystal.

Apply a nude base coat, arrange your crystals with precision, and then cover with a top coat for a refined and luxurious nail design that’s sure to catch every light in the room.

Soft French Fade

A classic French manicure gets a soft, modern update on these medium coffin nails. The delicate fade from the natural pink base to the white tips is timeless, while a single sparkling stone on each nail adds a contemporary twist.

Consumables Needed:

• Sheer pink gel polish: For a healthy, natural look.
• White gel polish: For the tips.
• Rhinestones: For that focal point of sparkle.
• Gel top coat: For a smooth, protective layer.

For the perfect French fade, apply the sheer pink base and then gently brush white polish onto the tips, softly blending the two. Add a rhinestone to each nail for that special touch, and seal with a top coat.

Minimalist Modernity: Square with a Touch of Pink

These short square nails are a nod to modern minimalism with a playful touch. The stark white base creates a clean canvas for the pink geometric accents and tiny sparkling details, encapsulating the crisp, fresh vibes of summer.

Consumables Needed:

• White gel polish: For a sharp, minimalist base.
• Pink gel polish: For the geometric accents.
• Rhinestones: To subtly catch the light.
• Gel top coat: For a final touch of shine and durability.

Paint your nails with the white base, add geometric details in pink, and then strategically place a rhinestone on each nail for a minimalist design that speaks volumes. A top coat gives a long-lasting finish that’s as practical as it is stylish.

Long Square Dreams

Diving into a winter wonderland, these long square nails embody the essence of a frosty morning with their glittery white tips that transition into a clear base. This design captures the stillness and sparkle of snow without the cold touch.

Consumables Needed:

• Clear gel polish: For the see-through base.
• White glitter: To create the frostbitten tips.
• Gel top coat: For an icy smooth finish.
• Sponge: To dab on the glitter evenly.

Begin with a clear base, then sponge on the white glitter towards the tips, creating a gradient reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. Seal with a gel top coat for that glistening frosted effect.

Natural Leopard Luxe: Medium Almond Cozy Chic

The medium almond nails here present a stunning play of natural hues and leopard print, bringing a bit of the wild into the cozy confines of a sweater-weather setting. The addition of crystals adds a touch of luxury to the earthy tones.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude gel polish: For a warm, natural base.
• Brown and black gel polish: For the leopard spots.
• Crystals: To elevate the look.
• Gel top coat: For a durable, shining finish.

Paint a nude base, then hand-paint your leopard spots for a custom wild pattern. Accent with crystals for a look that says cozy and chic can coexist beautifully.

Swirls of Sky and Sea:

These medium oval nails are a serene blend of sky blue and white swirls, invoking images of gentle waves and clear skies. It’s a design that brings a moment of calm to the hustle of summer days.

Consumables Needed:

• Sky blue and white gel polish: For the base of the swirls.
• Gel top coat: To lock in the serene design.
• Detail brush: To swirl the colors together with precision.

With a base of white, use a detail brush to swirl in the blue, creating a fluid, airy design. The top coat gives a smooth finish like the calm surface of water.

Glittery Marble Elegance

This long stiletto nail design is a luxurious take on marble, with a nude pink base swirled with white and accented with glittering lines. It’s an elegant choice for any summer evening event.

Consumables Needed:

• Nude pink gel polish: For a soft, feminine base.
• White gel polish: To create the marble effect.
• Glitter strips: To add that line of glamour.
• Gel top coat: For a polished, protective finish.

Layer the nude pink base with white to marble, then strategically place glitter strips to add a linear sparkle. Finish with a top coat for a lustrous look that’s chic and sophisticated.

Playful Pink Abstract: Short Round Summer Fun

Perfect for a summer day out, these short round nails are a burst of fun with their bold pink hue and playful abstract designs. It’s a look that’s full of joy and perfectly captures the playful spirit of the season.

Consumables Needed:

• Bright pink gel polish: For a pop of summer color.
• White gel polish: For the base of the abstract design.
• Various colors of gel polish: For the decorative details.
• Gel top coat: To seal in the fun.

Coat your nails with a bright pink, then use white to create a canvas for your abstract art. Add colorful details, and finish with a top coat to preserve your playful creation.

FAQ

Q: Can these designs be modified for different nail shapes?

A: Absolutely! Whether you have oval, almond, or stiletto nails, these designs can be tailored to suit your style. The key is to adapt the pattern sizes accordingly.

Q: What are some trends for those with very short nails?

A: Short nails can enjoy the same stylish designs! Opt for simpler patterns and lighter colors to avoid overwhelming the small canvas.

Q: Are there any tips for making my manicure last longer during the summer?

A: Yes, apply a gel top coat to shield against the elements, and consider a UV protective layer to prevent color fading from sun exposure.

As you embark on your nail art journey, remember that each stroke of the brush is a reflection of your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of a single light pink tone or the intricate art of a marbled effect, your nails are a canvas for your creativity. This summer, let your fingertips do the talking with designs that are as trending as they are timeless. Get inspired, get creative, and let your nails be your very own summer fashion statement.