Hey bestie! Let’s talk summer nails.
You know that feeling when the sun’s out, you’re sipping on an iced drink, maybe even chilling at one of the Best Beaches in Spain (ugh, the dream 🏖️), and your nails are just ✨giving✨? If your nails aren’t summer-ready, are you really living your best life?
As someone totally obsessed with nail art (guilty 🙋♀️), I’m here to spill all the tea on what’s actually trending in the world of summer nails. So grab your fave polish (or your press-ons—we don’t judge), and let’s get into the good stuff.
🌈 What Makes a Nail Design Summer Trendy?
Alright, before we deep dive into colors and patterns, let’s clear up what we mean by “summer trendy.”
☀️ It’s all about:
- Bright & bold colors: Think neon pinks, sunshine yellows, and pool blues.
- Minimalist accents: For the clean girl aesthetic lovers.
- Playful themes: Like flowers, fruits, waves, smileys, even beach towel stripes.
- Short nails slay too: You don’t need claws to be trendy this season.
And IMO, summer nails are your chance to express your vibe—whether that’s chill and coastal or loud and electric. Let’s break down the hot trends!
💛 1. Neon Pop Is BACK (and bolder than ever)
Not to be dramatic, but neon nails never truly left us.
🔥 Trending neon combos:
- Electric pink + green (hello watermelon vibes)
- Sunset orange + lemon yellow
- Lime green + white accents for a zesty twist
Pro tip: If you’re going full neon, keep the nail shape clean (almond or squoval) for balance.
🌸 2. Floral Nail Art – Not Just for Spring
Flowers in summer? Groundbreaking. (But really—this year’s florals are next level.)
💐 What’s hot right now:
- Tiny daisies on a clear base (super minimal, super cute)
- Retro blooms in bold colors (think 70s wallpaper vibes)
- 3D floral charms for that Y2K pop
FYI: Pair it with pastel backgrounds for that soft summer girl vibe.
🌊 3. Beachy Vibes – Straight From Costa Del Sol
Even if you’re not actually at the Best Beaches in Spain this summer, your nails can pretend for you. 😉
🌴 Design inspo:
- Ocean wave patterns in blues & whites
- Shell or pearl accents
- Palm tree silhouettes
- Ombre nails fading from sand beige to ocean blue
Hot Tip: Add a glossy topcoat to mimic water. Trust me, it’s the vibe.
🍓 4. Fruit-Themed Nails (Cutest Trend Alert)
Who knew strawberries and lemons could be the IT girls of nail art?
🍒 Ideas to try:
- Cherry decals on pastel pink
- Lemon slice tips (like French tips but fruity)
- Watermelon glitter ombré
- Pineapple art on a bright base
🍓 Bonus points if your beach outfit matches your fruit theme!
🌈 5. Color Block & French Twist
Classic French tips? Meh. Colored French tips? Obsessed.
🎨 Versions everyone’s trying:
- Rainbow French (each tip a different color)
- Diagonal blocks using pastel tones
- Two-tone split nails (like top half pink, bottom half orange)
Minimal effort, major wow.
✨ 6. Glazed Donut Nails… but Make It Summer
Yes, Hailey Bieber’s fave is still here—but this summer it’s more fun.
🧁 How to do the summer-glazed look:
- Use iridescent chrome powders over light pastel bases.
- Try sheer lavender, baby blue, or butter yellow.
Add a swirl design if you want extra ✨energy✨.
🎨 7. Graphic Lines & Abstract Swirls
Want something artsy but not too extra? Swirls and lines are calling your name.
🔷 What’s trending:
- Negative space swirls in neon tones
- Black & white abstract lines
- Rainbow waves on a nude base
They’re like little paintings on your fingers. 👩🎨
🧊 8. Cool-Toned Nails – For the Ice Queens
Everyone’s doing warm tones, so cool-toned nails are the underrated summer flex.
❄️ Cool combos to try:
- Mint + silver foil
- Periwinkle + light gray
- Icy blue + matte topcoat
So chic. So fresh. So different.
💅 9. Short Nails Are Stealing the Show
Long nails are iconic, but shorties are the moment this summer.
🖐️ Style tips for short nails:
- Go for solid brights or micro nail art (tiny hearts, dots, smileys)
- Try rounded edges for a softer, more flattering look
- Matte finishes make short nails look super polished
Best part? They’re low-maintenance and trendy. Win-win.
🧽 10. DIY Nail Tips (Because Not All Of Us Live in a Nail Salon)
Can’t hit the salon every week? Same. But here’s how to keep those summer nails on point at home:
💡 Nail Care Musts:
- File in one direction – no back and forth!
- Use a base coat to avoid staining from bright colors
- Apply topcoat every 2–3 days to keep that shine and prevent chips
- Cuticle oil = your BFF – especially after swimming
Pro DIY trick: Use striping tape for perfect lines and French tips. Game. Changer.
📍 Bonus: Match Your Nails With the Best Beaches in Spain?
Okay, hear me out. What if your nails matched your vacation vibes? 😍
Here’s a fun little idea if you’re planning a trip to the Best Beaches in Spain (or just daydreaming):
| Beach | Matching Nail Vibe |
|---|---|
| Playa de Ses Illetes | Pearly whites + pastel blues (like waves) |
| La Concha Beach | Golden glitter + sandy neutrals |
| Playa de Bolonia | Rustic orange + shell-inspired accents |
| Cala Macarella | Turquoise ombré + white tips |
| Playa de Rodas | Leafy greens + floral decals |
So aesthetic. So Pinterest board-worthy. 📌
