Summer nails are the best nails because they’re colorful, fun, and easy. Do press-on nails (trust us, the quality has gotten so much better) decals, gel nails to last through all the pool and beach time, or just go with natural nails. The trends for 2021 summer nails ranges from bright '80s neon colors to soft pastels. With those colors it's possible to DIY simple nail looks, try nail art, interesting textures, and funky color combinations to keep those nails on-trend. The options are endless, really.
For those who want some mani inspiration, we’ve rounded up the most eye-catching nail designs to inspire those summer nails. Check out these ideas to find colors and styles to try at home or for the next salon appointment. A summer manicure awaits!
Neon
These nails by Indigo Nails Lab combine two summer 2021 nail trends: ombre and neon colors. For those looking to stand out, this is the manicure to choose. Of course, this would work on shorter nails as well. Bring back the '80s and cure those feelings of nostalgia with this mani.
French Twist
French manicures are coming back strong, but not in the traditional nude and white we remember. How cute are these neon orange French nails by BaseCoatStories? There’s something about minimal designs that can be more eye-catching than the complicated designs. These fiery orange nails look great in matte, but they’d be just as nice glossy.
Marble & Gold
For those less into color and more into length, these nails by ShkurtaNails may be the nails. The shine is what makes this manicure stunning, but we can't take our eyes off the ring fingers, which feature a marble effect accented with gold flake. These may not be the most practical for everyday nails, but they’d be perfect for a wedding.
Red & Floral
Bright nails are everywhere! This manicure from PinkandBloom combines solid red nails with a complementary hand-painted floral design that can easily be replicated at home with nail decals. The short and square style is easy to wear and perfect for a summer vacation look.
Alternate French
This wavy design is called alternate French and we’re definitely obsessed. It's a variation of the negative space nail trend. This version by TheNailRoomManchester has two different colors on each nail, but this look can also be done with a single color or a bright white on the “French” design part. Love!
Easy Glittery Nails
Here’s a manicure that’s easy to replicate at home. All it takes is a bottle of light pink polish, a chunky glitter polish, and clear polish. Soup Nail Salon did a pale pink shiny base with glittery accents in the middle of the nails. The length is short, but these cute summer nails are big on style.
Matte gray drama
We’re loving the drama of these coffin nails by AmazingNailss1. This length and shape isn't easy to do at home, so it might be best left to a professional to get the details just right. The gray matte finish nails with alternating sparkle nails is so different from the pops of color we’re seeing. It’s a classic and clean style — especially if worn on a shorter nail.
Art & Design
These nails are artsy and fun. They remind us of an abstract painting because they're hand painted, so it can be replicated at home using a custom color combination. Have fun with this freestyle design by TheElysianBoutiqueHeights or find another work of art to be inspired by, even if it's just the color palette.
Boomer Nails
This is a great summer nail look for those who want something neutral with a little pop. They're usually called Boomer nails, and the gentle ombre classically fades from white to pink or nude. A touch of shimmer and some variation makes them look fresh. This is another manicure would look just as lovely in a shorter length. Merlin Nails did these beauties with gel polish.
Refined French Mani
Another play on the French manicure is this set by 1000_manicure, shared by NailsMagazzine. The square shape, the pink matte base, and the ring finger accent design all combine for this perfect summer nail idea. This is a beautiful everyday nail look, but it also works for special occasions.
Fruity and fabulous
For that summertime watermelon sugar high, these nails by TheBeautyClub are the perfect complement. The watermelons here are hand drawn, but a fruit decal will do just as nicely. After adding the decal, polish over them with a coat or two of clear so the decal will stay put longer.
Get Inspired & Freestyle
This is another summer nails look from TheElysianBoutiqueHeights that can be freestyled at home. Just layer a few favorite summer colors at the tip of the nail, then add gold foil. The nails are all the same, but still have unique details to them. This would be a fun look for a birthday party or any celebration this summer.
