20 Best Summer Nail Ideas That’ll Bring the Heat

Cool, creative designs like the ones on this list are great for when you want to experiment, but you can’t go wrong with a classic red manicure in the summer! Opt for a bright red hue with hints of orange for a pop of color while you lounge at the pool or beach.

If you can’t decide between summer blooms and rainbows, choose them both with this cute and colorful take on the French manicure! Each nail features a different shade of the rainbow plus delicate flowers for an intricate upgrade to the classic French.

Upgrade your typical French manicure with a hot pop of color! This simple and fun nail design swaps the neutral white tip for hot pink—or any bright shade you desire. It’s the perfect way to show your love for neon without committing to the color on your entire nail.

There’s no harm in cherry-picking your summer nails—especially when it comes to this cherry-inspired manicure! Whether you opt for a fun, contrasting French tip or a blank nail as your base, the tiny cherry graphics painted on top are so sweet.

Channel the whimsy and beauty of a summer siren with an iridescent mermaid mani! Simply paint a light teal or green metallic shade on your bare nail, or layer it over a bright purple or blue for a dichromatic design.

Barbie may have premiered last summer, but we’re still not over all things Barbie pink! This pretty pink mani features glittery French tips alternated by solid nails of the same hot pink shade for the perfect, girly summer mani.

If you love the neutral look of a classic French manicure but want to add a fun flair to it for summer, try out this whimsical white swirl design! This manicure features the same versatile light pink and white shades you know and love but with a twist, thanks to the abstract swirls covering each nail.

If you can’t let go of your signature dark mani, even in the summertime, opt for an edgy chrome shade that reflects different colors in the light! This purple chrome coat looks like a dark plum from afar but shimmers green depending on the angle for endless fun and variety.

Ahoy, matey! Whether or not you expect to sail the seas this summer, there’s no harm in taking inspiration from the nautical color palette for your nails. This fun mani alternates orange and navy tips, underscored by a pretty sky-blue line.

Summer is the time to show off bright, fun colors like this stunning fuchsia shade! This play on pink features ombré coloring that fades from hot pink to a natural light pink base shade toward the cuticle.

There’s no need to chase summer rainbows when you’re wearing them on your nails! These rainbow squiggle nails feature overlapping, abstract shapes in a variety of different shades over a clear base for the perfect summer nail design.

If you’re anything like Ree Drummond, cowgirl-chic style is acceptable all year round. This cute cow-print French tip nail design is a fun option that’s sure to turn heads this summer.

If those breezy nights staring at the night sky are your favorite part of summer, why not wear the stunning scene on your nails? Stick iridescent moon and star stickers to your nails before sealing them with a clear coat for a manicure that rivals the beauty of a summer sky by night.

Take the tropical vibes beyond the beach with these vacay-inspired nails! Go for a neutral shade or a bright color as the base of this manicure to contrast with the delicate flowers and plant accents.

Animal prints are making their rounds once again, and what better way to hop on the trend than by wearing your favorite print on your nails? This fun leopard-print nail design covers only half of the nail while leaving negative space on the other half for the perfect balance of fierce and fresh.

The ocean won’t be the only thing getting wavy if you rock this retro-inspired nail art this summer! It features monochromatic, abstract swirls that differ in shape and size on each nail.

Like a freshly mowed lawn, these glowing, grass-green nails practically scream summer. Add a chrome coat to your ring and pinky fingers for a shimmery summer accent!

Look as fly as a butterfly with these gorgeous blue butterfly-printed nails! Each light pink nail features part of a cobalt blue butterfly that appears to be flying off one nail and onto the next.

Take a page from the ocean with a sea foam-inspired manicure. Each nail features a gradient shade of light green, going from a foamy white to bright teal. Add a gold shimmer top coat to add even more magic to your mermaid-core mani!

Everyone knows a healthy bronze glow is the telltale sign of a summer spent well. Take that concept to your nails with a shimmering, copper nail polish. It’ll match your fresh tan, and the gorgeous flecks of glitter will reflect off the sunl