40 Best Summer Nail Designs of 2024

Rainbow Cateye

According to celeb nail pro Julie Kandalec, you’re looking at a “cateye rainbow Sno-cone” manicure. We love the festive take on Pride nails, for June and beyond.

Summer Sunsets

Get transported to Venice Beach with sunset nail art complete with palm trees in silhouette.

Snake-Print

These metallic green “snakeskin” nails were actually created using tiny bubbles—watch the Instagram video for the mesmerizing technique.

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Soothing Jade

An outlined French looks so cool against sheer, milky jade green (JINsoon Charm, in this case).

Unexpected French

This cool French mani from Betina Goldstein takes inspo from the season’s big jelly nail trend. Sheer orange is a fun, juicy base, while lavender is a surprising contrast for the tips.

Bright Angles

@paintboxnails//Instagram

Baby blue nails get a jolt of summery energy when contrasted with a hot pink stripe.

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Gradient French

@essie//Instagram

Sherbet Ombré

@stephstonenails//Instagram

For those days you can’t decide between two shades.

All of the Flowers

@kimkimnails//Instagram

Retro dotted flowers are super easy to create with a dotting tool, and they’re even more fun when every nail looks a little different.

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Neon Aura

@julieknailsnyc//Instagram

As if the aura design isn’t enough, tiny gems give this trend even more eye-catching interest.

3-D Squiggles

@julieknailsnyc//Instagram

Neon against a negative-space backdrop always looks fresh; add 3-D design details and it’s even more fun for the season.

Rainbow Swirl

@hannahroxit//Instagram

This is the nail polish version of that ice cream flavor you loved so much as a kid.

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Mermaid Sparkles

Instagram / @nailsbymh//Instagram

Metallic blue gives instant Ariel vibes, while added rhinestones bring out your inner kid.

Pink Aura

@theestallion//Instagram

If you love a longer set, take inspiration from Megan Thee Stallion and try a hot pink aura design on lipstick-shaped tips.

Grecian Goddess

@chaunlegend//Instagram

Gold and turquoise instantly call to mind the Greek isles. A matte finish lets the gold polish shine (literally).

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Dip Dye

@natalieminervanails//Instagram

Addison Rae’s fuchsia nails call to mind a melting popsicle, in the best way.

Berry Nice

@nailsbydiem//Instagram

It’s a food-mani summer, so strawberries, tomatoes, or any other juicy fruits are fair game.

Jade Marble

@nailartbyqueenie//Instagram

Marble is oddly easy to DIY, but gel will give it that extra shiny finish.

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A Milky French

@nailsbymei//Instagram

Classic French tips like Dua Lipa’s are gorgeous 365 days a year, and feels extra fresh in summer.

Dark Florals

@vanityprojects//Instagram

Summer may be largely associated with lighter shades, but why not be subversive? A black base with glittery florals feels summery, without being overtly sunny.

Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.

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