The 14 Coolest Summer Nails to Try in 2024

Photo Credit: @nailsbydiem

Are you ready to kick off your "hot girl summer" with a marvelously magnificent manicure? You deserve to enjoy your beach days and sun rays with the hottest trends of 2024 on your fingertips!

From mermaid-esque metallics to translucent jade marble, we'll give you some of the best ideas for cool, chic, and cute summer nails. Keep reading!

See Related: What's A Russian Manicure: Everything You Need To Know

#1. Cherry French Tips

Photo Credit: @heygreatnails

This juicy look adds a simple splash of color and a handful of dainty designs to your classic French manicure. We love the beautiful combination of creamy white and deep wine. Additionally, the tiny cherries add a special touch! If you're a lover of the coquette aesthetic, then these are the summer nails for you.

#2. Mermaid Metallics

Photo Credit: @pop_polished

If you haven't yet tried your hand at a mermaid manicure, then this metallic-y version should be at the top of your to-do list. The emerald green, baby blue, and lilac create an opulent ombre that's beautifully complemented by the metallic finish.

#3. Butter Yellow

Photo Credit: @tombachik

Not all summer nail designs need to feature chunky details and vibrant colors. This buttercup yellow is super sweet and soothingly simple, making it an exceptional choice for the minimalists out there.

#4. Sparkling Crystals & Celestial Sweets

This nail art look was made from our M489 nail plate in collaboration with @fauxjacat, the ultra-talented nail tech from Denver. This mystical nail plate features a buffet-style selection of designs ranging from sparkling crystals to celestial sweets to cosmic galaxies.

#5. Milky French Tips

Photo Credit: @nailsbymei

Just because summer is the perfect opportunity to experiment with dazzling designs and vivid colors doesn't mean you need to neglect the classics. This timeless French manicure was made with a creamy coconut shade instead of a bright white, putting a soothing and simple spin on a classic look.

Bonus: 10 Red, White, And Blue Nail Ideas For The Fourth Of July

#6. Pink French Jell-O

Photo Credit: @jauntyjuli

If you want a set of stunning Barbie-esque French tips, these pink Jell-O nails are for you. The mix of pastel and neon pink puts a fun twist on classic French tips. You don't even need a particularly steady hand to pull it off; all it takes is our "Pardon My French" nail stamping plate!

#7. Fruit Salad

This complex mix of details and designs might seem like a lot, but it's easy to recreate with our M509 nail stamping plate.

#8. Turquoise

Photo Credit: @lolo.nailedit

This is the color of summer 2024, trust us!

#9. Blue Tie Dye

Photo Credit: @jackiegiardina & @kelly.yan.nails

We're always on board with a throwback to the 1960s!

#10. Fire Red

Photo Credit: @paintboxnails

For days spent suntanning on the beach or lounging by the pool, these are the summer nails for you.

#11. Jade Marble

Photo Credit: @tessa.lyn.nails

If you're seeking sleek and sophisticated summer nails, then go with this gorgeous jade marble manicure. The glossy finish and gold details really pull it all together.

#12. Aperol Spritz

Photo Credit: @naileditbeauty

When the summer sun hangs heavy, these juicy, citrus-y nails will keep you refreshed.

#13. Minimalistic French Tips

Photo Credit: @lauren_beautyby

Micro French tips are one of the hottest trends of 2024, so why not carry that energy with you into the summer?

#14. Lavender Bubbles

This calming and soothing mix of baby blue, lavender, and pastel orange pairs perfectly with the dainty white details. These bubbles are courtesy of our MXM132 nail stamping plate, which comes with this month's Mani X Me nail art subscription box!

Each month, we pack our subscription boxes full of tools and goods that will make your DIY nail art sessions a breeze. Each month, you'll get the following hand-picked products for the low price of $30 a month:

• (2) exclusive nail stamping plates
• (2) early access nail polishes
• (1) bonus gift
• (1) free silicone stamper with your first box
• Access to exclusive nail art tutorials

Do you want a taste of what to expect with your Mani X Me subscription? Watch this unboxing video where we explore the goodies that came in our May 2024 Mani X Me box, "Furever Friends"!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Popular Nail Color for Summer?

You don't need to go all-out with your summer manicure. If you're low on time, a simple coat of bright and bubbly nail polish is enough to transform your fingertips.

So, what colors are topping the summer nail trends this year?

• Sheer pink (P165). Pink is a summertime staple - you can't finish off summer '24 without it! Our seaside sunset shade features subtle shimmers that leave your fingertips gorgeous and glistening.

• Mint green (B366). Mint green pairs perfectly with blue skin undertones. It adds a simple splash of color to any everyday look.

• Poppy orange (B194). Bright summer nails in shades of red and coral are truly to die for. If you have a sun-kissed tan, this color will really pop!

• Metallics (NA008). From deep gunmetal to pearlescent chrome, anything metallic-y is going to be a hit this year. Summer 2024 nail trends are dominated by pink, yellow, and iridescent silver-based metallics.

• Aqua (B414). Anything oceanic blue or aqua green is a go this summer. It's the perfect way to cool down when the summer heat becomes too much.

• Buttercup yellow (B341). If you're burnt out on bright and bold colors, buttercup yellow will soften your at-home manicure. This muted color works for all skin tones and feels oh-so comforting.

• Nude peach (B325). If you want to embrace the clean girl aesthetic, then you need fresh nude peach nail polish. This versatile color can be easily worn with super short nails or dagger-like stilettos.

What’s Popular in Nails Right Now?

If you're looking for some can't-miss summer 2024 nail trends, we've got you covered.

• Glazed and glossy. Pearlescent powders and translucent jellies are easily at the top of the biggest nail trends for summer 2024. Now is the time to try out Hailey Bieber's iconic glazed donut mani!

• Pastel hues. Soft and delicate colors like baby blue, buttercup yellow, and pastel pink are the best go-to colors for this season. These lighter shades showcase elegance, femininity, and sophistication.

• Vibrant neons. Bold and eye-catching colors are all the rage in 2024. If you want to make a statement this summer, you need to experiment with some vibrant neons.

• Metallic finishes. Metallics and chromes are easily an excellent choice for the summer. A bit of shimmer and sparkle can effortlessly elevate your at-home manicure.

• Classic reds. Classic red nail polish never goes out of style, so why not capitalize on it?

• Bright white. From bright white to creamy coconut, ivory-colored nails are a timeless and versatile choice for a summer mani. This crisp and clean finish is ideal if you're after a fresh and modern look.

• Earthy tones. Whether you're drawn toward olive green or dark chocolate, it's hard to go wrong with natural and earthy tones. These muted and understated shades feel organic and relaxing, offering a nature-inspired alternative to bold and bright colors.

What Nail Shape Is Best for Summer?

If your summer plans are filled with beach days and sun rays, you need to sport short nails in an almond, coffin, or rounded shape. This will minimize the amount of sand that accumulates under your nails.

Alternatively, you can also use this time to don some inch-long acrylic nails, as the warmer weather provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your individualism, creativity, and self-expression through your nail art!

Keep Reading: A Beginner’s Guide To The Self-Care Wheel

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At Maniology, we believe your nails are opportunities for adventure, fun, and unrestrained artistic expression. Our nail stamping plates and nail accessories are here to help foster your self-expression in the hopes of building a community of individuality. For more nail tutorials, subscription box updates, and designs, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.