15 Coolest Nail Art Trends for Summer

Summer 2024 is here, and it’s time to let your nails do the talking! I’ve scoured Instagram and consulted with top nail artists to bring you the 15 coolest nail art trends that are guaranteed to turn heads. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the pool or dancing the night away, these designs will make you feel like a total boss.

So, grab your favorite polish and let’s get started! Trust me, your nails will thank you.

Table Of Contents:

15 Coolest Nail Art Trends for Summer 2024

Summer 2024 is all about making a statement with your nails. And I’m not talking about your typical summer nail polish colors – although those are always fun. I’m talking about next-level nail art that’ll have everyone asking, “Where’d you get your nails done?”

As a self-proclaimed nail addict, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the trending nail designs for the upcoming season. And let me tell you, it’s going to be a summer of bold, daring, and straight-up cool nail looks.

French Mani with a Twist, Aura Nails, Neon Swirls, Retro Florals, Minimalist Dots

From a fresh take on the classic French manicure to psychedelic swirls and retro florals, there’s a summer nail trend for every style. And the best part? You can achieve these looks at home with a little patience and the right nail polish.

So, grab your favorite polish colors and let’s dive into the 15 coolest summer nail art trends you need to try in 2024.

1. French Mani with a Twist

The French manicure is a timeless classic, but for summer 2024, it’s getting a colorful upgrade. “We’re seeing the French manicure with a pop of color on the tip,” says Jan Arnold, nail expert and cofounder of CND. “It’s a fun way to add a twist to a traditional look.”

To get the look, start with a sheer base coat and then use a bold, bright color like hot pink or neon yellow for the tips. You can even mix and match colors for a playful, mismatched effect.

2. Aura Nails

Aura nails, with their blended, gradient effect, are like a mood ring for your nails. “It’s a dreamy, ethereal look that’s perfect for summer,” says Arnold. To DIY, use a makeup sponge to dab and blend different polish shades.

I tried this look using pale blue, lavender, and pink, and it gave me major cotton candy vibes. The key is to use colors in the same family and blend, blend, blend until you get a seamless gradient.

3. Neon Swirls

Neon colors are a summer staple, but this year, it’s all about incorporating them into psychedelic swirl designs. “The ’70s are back in a big way, and these groovy swirls are a nod to that retro vibe,” says Arnold.

If you’re not confident in your freehand skills, use nail stickers or press-ons to get the look. I found some great options on Etsy that gave me instant ’70s vibes without the hassle of trying to paint perfect swirls.

Key Takeaway: 

Summer 2024 nails are all about bold, statement-making art. Think colorful French tips, dreamy aura effects, and groovy neon swirls. Ready to turn heads? Grab your polish and dive into these trendy designs.

Retro Florals

Retro floral nails are making a major comeback this summer. Think bold, graphic flowers in earthy tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, and avocado green. It’s a throwback to the ’60s and ’70s, but with a modern twist.

I’m loving this trend because it’s so versatile. You can go all out with a full floral design on every nail, or keep it simple with just a few accent nails. And the best part? You don’t have to be a nail artist to pull it off. Nail wraps and stickers make it easy to get the look at home.

If you want to try your hand at nail art, start with a simple daisy or sunflower design. Use a dotting tool or a toothpick to create the petals, and then fill in the center with a contrasting color. It’s a fun way to dip your toes (or should I say fingers?) into the world of nail art.

Minimalist Dots

On the opposite end of the spectrum from retro florals, we have minimalist dots. This trend is all about simplicity and subtlety. Think tiny, delicate dots in neutral colors like white, black, and nude.

I love this trend because it’s so easy to do yourself. All you need is a dotting tool (or a bobby pin.) and a steady hand. Start with a base coat of your favorite neutral polish, and then add dots in a contrasting color. You can create a uniform pattern or go for a more random, abstract look.

If you’re feeling extra creative, try mixing and matching different dot sizes and colors. A few well-placed dots can take your mani from basic to chic in no time.

Ombré Glitter Gradients

Glitter is always a good idea, especially in the summer. And this year, it’s all about the ombré glitter gradient. Picture a base color that gradually fades into a glittery tip. It’s like a party on your nails.

To get the look, start with a base color of your choice. Then, using a makeup sponge, dab on a glitter polish, starting at the tip of your nail and working your way up. The key is to blend, blend, blend until you have a seamless gradient.

If you’re not a fan of glitter, you can still get in on the ombré trend. Try a gradient with two or three complementary colors, like pink and orange or blue and green. It’s a fun way to add some dimension to your mani.

Geometric Shapes and Lines

Geometric shapes and lines are a classic nail art trend that never goes out of style. And this summer, they’re getting a modern update with bold colors and unexpected placements.

One of my favorite ways to wear this trend is with a half-moon design. Start with a base color, and then use a contrasting color to create a curved line at the base of your nail. You can keep it simple with just one accent nail, or go all out with a different design on each finger.

Another fun option is to create a grid pattern with thin lines. Use a striping brush or a piece of tape to create clean, crisp lines, and then fill in the spaces with different colors. It’s a bit more time-consuming than some of the other trends on this list, but the end result is totally worth it.

Key Takeaway: 

Dive into summer with these nail art trends. From the throwback vibes of retro florals to the sleek simplicity of minimalist dots, there’s something for everyone. Try ombré glitter gradients for a sparkly statement or play with geometric shapes and lines for a modern twist. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, these styles are sure to turn heads.

Tie-Dye Inspired Designs

Tie-dye nails are having a moment this summer and I’m here for it. The swirls of bright colors bring a fun, nostalgic vibe that’s perfect for the season.

Get the Look at Home

Want to recreate the tie-dye trend on your own nails? It’s easier than you might think. All you need is a few of your favorite nail polish colors and a makeup sponge. Paint each color onto the sponge, then dab it onto your nails in a random pattern. Layer the colors until you achieve your desired look. Finish with a glossy top coat and voila – groovy tie-dye nails.

Endless Color Combos

The great thing about tie-dye nail designs is that the color combinations are virtually endless. Go bold with neons, keep it classic with primary colors, or opt for pastels for a softer take on the trend. I’ve been loving neon pink, yellow and orange together lately for a bright summer look.

Fruit-Themed Nail Art

Fruit nail art is a playful and seasonal trend that’s perfect for summer. From watermelons and lemons to cherries and oranges, there are so many fun ways to incorporate fruit designs into your manicure.

Cute & Quirky

I recently got a set of nails with tiny lemons painted on them and I couldn’t stop smiling every time I looked at my hands. There’s just something so cheerful and quirky about fruit nail art. It’s a great way to express your personality and add a pop of whimsy to your look.

Mix & Match

You don’t have to commit to one fruit design on every nail. Mixing and matching different fruits is a fun way to create a unique and eye-catching manicure. I love the look of alternating watermelon and kiwi slices or cherries and oranges. The possibilities are endless.

Iridescent Chrome Finishes

Iridescent chrome nails are a mesmerizing trend that I can’t get enough of. The way they shift colors in the light is just so captivating. It’s like having a mini light show on your fingertips.

Futuristic Vibes

There’s something futuristic and edgy about chrome nails that I love. They add an unexpected element to any look, whether you’re going for something casual or glam. I recently rocked a set of iridescent chrome nails to a music festival and got so many compliments. They really stood out in the sunlight.

Accent Nails

If you’re not ready to commit to a full set of chrome nails, try incorporating them as an accent. Paint one or two nails with an iridescent chrome finish and keep the rest a solid color. It’s a subtle way to try out the trend without going all in.

Negative Space Designs

Negative space designs are a chic and modern take on nail art. By leaving parts of the natural nail exposed, you create an artistic, minimalist look that’s perfect for summer.

Geometric Shapes

One of my favorite ways to incorporate negative space is with geometric shapes. Paint a few triangles or squares on each nail, leaving the rest of the nail bare. It creates a cool, graphic effect that’s easy to DIY at home. I love using contrasting colors like white and black or pastels and neons for maximum impact.

Half Moons

Half moon designs are another fun way to play with negative space. Paint a crescent shape at the base of each nail, leaving the tips exposed. You can keep it simple with a solid color or add some nail art on top for a more intricate look. I recently did a half moon mani with tiny stars and it turned out so cute.

Key Takeaway: 

Dive into summer with tie-dye nails and fruit-themed art for a fun vibe, or go futuristic with iridescent chrome finishes. Play around with endless color combos and negative space designs to create unique looks that pop.

12. Pastel Marble Nails

Pastel marble nails are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your summer manicure. This trend has been taking over Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards, and it’s easy to see why. The soft, dreamy swirls of pastel hues create a mesmerizing effect that’s both subtle and eye-catching. I’ve been experimenting with this trend myself, and I’ve found that the key to achieving the perfect pastel marble look is all in the technique.

How to DIY Pastel Marble Nails at Home

To create your own pastel marble nails at home, you’ll need a few key tools:

  • A base coat and top coat
  • Two or three pastel nail polish colors of your choice
  • A small cup of water
  • A toothpick or dotting tool

Start by applying a base coat to your nails and letting it dry completely. Then, fill a small cup with room-temperature water. Choose your pastel polishes and carefully drop a few drops of each color into the water, one at a time. Use a toothpick to swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect. Dip your nail into the water, allowing the polish to adhere to your nail. Use a cleanup brush dipped in acetone to clean up any excess polish around your cuticles. Repeat this process on each nail, adding more drops of polish to the water as needed. Once you’ve achieved your desired marble effect, seal it in with a top coat. And voila. You’ve got a stunning set of pastel marble nails that are sure to turn heads.

13. Holographic Accents

If you’re looking to add some serious sparkle and dimension to your summer nail game, holographic accents are the way to go. This trend has been everywhere lately, from the red carpet to music festivals, and it’s not hard to see why. Imagine adding some dazzle to your look with a variety of holographic details – think sparkly glitter, shiny foil, sleek chrome powders, or even those captivating iridescent flakes. Picking a holographic detail that not only matches your main color but also throws in an eye-catching, layered look is the secret. One of my favorite ways to incorporate holographic accents is by adding a single statement nail to an otherwise simple manicure. For example, you could paint your nails a soft pink or nude shade, then add a holographic glitter accent nail on your ring finger. Another option is to create a gradient effect using holographic chrome powder. Start with a black or dark base color, then use a makeup sponge to dab on the chrome powder, concentrating more at the tips of your nails and fading it out towards the cuticles.

14. Textured 3D Embellishments

Textured 3D embellishments are a fun and playful way to add some serious wow factor to your summer nails. From studs and chains to raised designs and tactile elements, the possibilities are endless. One trend that’s been taking over the nail art world lately is the use of dried flowers and botanicals as 3D embellishments. You can use tweezers to carefully place delicate dried flowers onto your nails, then seal them in with a clear top coat for a romantic, garden-inspired look. Another option is to use 3D nail charms to create a whimsical, kawaii-inspired manicure. Look for charms in the shape of stars, hearts, bows, and other cute designs, then use nail glue to adhere them to your nails. If you’re feeling extra daring, you could even try your hand at creating your own 3D designs using nail art molds and acrylic powders. This technique takes a bit of practice, but the results are truly one-of-a-kind.

15. Mix and Match Patterns

Can’t decide on just one nail art trend? Why not mix and match them all? Playing with the mix and match trend means blending various patterns, hues, and textures on each nail for a look that’s eclectic and full of personality. To really make this style work, aim for a mix of patterns and hues that vibe with each other rather than clash. For example, you could pair a floral design with polka dots, or stripes with animal prints. One of my favorite ways to rock the mix and match trend is by using nail stickers and decals. These make it easy to create intricate designs without any artistic skill required. Simply choose a variety of stickers in different patterns and colors, then mix and match them on each nail. Another option is to use a nail stamping kit to create a variety of designs. Look for plates that feature a range of patterns, from geometric shapes to lace and floral designs. Then, use different colored stamping polishes to create a mismatched effect on each nail. The beauty of the mix and match trend is that there are no rules – you can let your creativity run wild and create a manicure that’s totally unique to you. So go ahead and experiment with different patterns, colors, and textures – the sky’s the limit.

Key Takeaway: 

Rock this summer with pastel marble nails for a touch of elegance, add sparkle with holographic accents, play up your look with 3D embellishments, or mix and match patterns for a unique vibe. Let your creativity shine and make those nails pop.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks – the 15 coolest nail art trends for summer 2024! From minimalist dots to bold tie-dye, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, experiment with colors, and let your personality shine through.

Remember, your nails are an extension of your style. They’re a way to express yourself and have fun with fashion. So go ahead, book that salon appointment or break out your DIY kit. Your summer nails are waiting!

Which of these trends will you be rocking this season? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a pic of your fabulous manicure. Happy polishing!

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