Is there anything better than nail day? A trip to the salon and a fresh set of nails brings me instant joy, whether I’m opting for a neutral manicure or going all out with nail art. In fact, a simple DIY nail polish mani in a bright hue is enough to get me in the mood for the summer season. For this reason, you’ll find me with one eye on the trending summer nail colours and summer nail trends that are dominating the season, and the other eye on the best nail polishes for the job. The thing that really gets this beauty editor’s heart racing? Summer nail art.
While in the autumn and winter months, I tend to lean towards timeless nail colours, during the summer, however, I’m far more experimental with nail art and bright nail colours. Because when else can you experiment with tiny daisy micro nail art or a citrus orange French manicure if you’re heading away on holiday?
However, I know that when it actually comes down to the day of your nail appointment, you sometimes need a bit of summer nail art inspo. Ahead, I’ve shared the contents of my IG saved folder which has plenty of chic summer nail art ideas and designs to get you inspired.
This striking tie-dye-inspired design is actually so easy to recreate. Simply paint a couple of lines of bright-coloured polish, and while it’s still wet, you can use an orange stick to drag the colour from the middle outwards. Genius.
I’m obsessed with all of the nail art from manicurist Iram Shelton, however this pretty green French tip nail art is next on my list to try.
All of the fashion girls are swapping there gold jewellery for silver, so naturally, I’m feeling the sleek metallic look for our nails too. This angular French captures the sunlight in a really beautiful way.
Mermaidcore has reached our nails, and I love this subtle nod on the seaside theme with tiny shell nail art.
Daisy nail art is ideal if you want something subtle and dainty.
These alternating orange reverse French tips just scream summer.
These colourful dotty French tips are so fun.
This pink-and-red French manicure is a chic nod to the Barbiecore trend right now.
A neutral base and minimalist gold nail art are always a chic pairing, no matter the season.
Nail embellishments are big news in 2023, and these seashell additions are so pretty.
I can practically hear the beach when I look at this wave nail art.
Unexpected colour combinations often work best when it comes to summer nail art, like this pink and lilac pairing (bonus points for Chanel nail stickers).
Pastel tones work so well in this alternating French manicure design.
Tiny floral nail art? Always a winner.
How joy-inducing are these clashing colours? Proof that sometimes brighter is better.
If you’re colour-shy, then a hint of vibrancy in the form of a French tip is a chic way to tap into the brights trend.
I’m in love with this lavender abstract nail art.
This tiny lemon nail art is so adorable.
This bright blue minimalist reverse French manicure makes a bold statement.
Pastel perfection.
These tiny blue dots are so easy to do at home. simply take a nail-dotting tool or cuticle stick and dot polish onto the nail and seal with a top coat.
The subtlety of this French tip nail art is beautiful.
I’m seeing olive green everywhere right now.
Can’t decided on a colourful French tip colour? Why not go for a different shade on each finger?
I’m green with envy for this manicure.
Nothing says summer like sky blue nail art.
Pastel blue French tips are a pretty take on colour.
Dopamine in nail art form.
I love the block colours and delicate nail art in this design.
White and lilac are a perfect match in abstract nail art designs.
Petal nail art looks great at the base of the nails.
How fun are these mix-and-match nail art designs?
Accent nail art is a simple way to switch up your usual mani.
I love the placement of this swirling nail art.
Blush nails are big news right now—perfect if you’re a manicure minimalist.
Aura nails look amazing in bright summer hues.
These jelly tones with dew droplets look good enough to eat.
Milky nails have ben given a summer update with tiny floral nail art.
This monochrome French is so chic.
The glazed nail trend looks great paired with a classic French manicure.
This abstract design lives rent-free in my mind.
Freshly squeezed orange nail art? I’m obsessed.
Malachite gemstone nails feel luxe.
These floral decal French tips are so incredibly pretty.
Pistachio nails are everywhere right now, and I love this minimalist take on the trend.
Green nails might just be the hue of the summer, and I love the shades included within this nail art design.
This colour combination feels so fresh.
There’s something so chic about this understated nail art design.
This swirly nail art design feels retro.
So. Colourful.
White nail art looks great on a neutral or sheer base.
Look closely and you’ll spot these cute vegetable micro nail art designs. So cute.
Endless colour combinations are possible with this nail art design.
These colours work so well together.
These highlighter hues work so well for summer.
I’m really into this blue nail art design.
This nail art design gives me all the holiday feels.
How cute is this gingham and floral combo?
If cottagecore was a nail art design, this gingham French would be it.
Another negative space nail art design I’ve saved.
I’m mesmerised by this design.
I’m taking this rainbow ombre design straight to the salon.
This might be the chicest floral nail art design I’ve seen.
Pastel green perfection.
Tortoiseshell works well across all seasons.
A different design and colour on each nail keeps thing interesting.
A glazed French manicure is the perfect nail art design for those who like their mani understated.
Sizzling neon orange French tips are so fun for the summer months.
I’m into this French Riviera red nail art vibe.
And it looks great in orange too.
Just dreamy.
I’m dreaming of silver French tips this summer.
Last but not least, how amazing is this pink and orange ombre nail art? I’m in love!
