60 Fun Summer Nail Designs for a Creative, Gorgeous Manicure

Bright summer nails

Warm weather is finally here, which means it's time for summer nails! Planning your summer manicure is a big task, from neon nail polishes (looking at you, hot pink!) to fun designs. Whether you're gearing up for a busy couple of months or simply unwinding by the water, Parade has gathered 60 cute summer nail designs to choose from. 

Few things rival the instant boost of confidence and style that comes with a simple fresh coat of nail polish. And while bright colors often steal the summertime spotlight, there are other designs to choose from—like ombre, pastel, gel and more. Who knows? Maybe, you'll try out dip nails or two-tone nails. Plus, there are tons of shapes to try out, from almond nails to short nails, square and beyond.

Before you dive in, a quick warning: choosing just one design may be challenging! Luckily, summer spans a few months, so be sure to bookmark your favorites for your future nail appointments. You'll have tons to choose from before the end of summer!

Related: These $14.99 Nails Look Just Like a Professional Manicure More than 3x the Price

60 Best Summer Nail Ideas

1. Mosaic Nails

Stay artsy with these bright and colorful mosaic-inspired nails.

2. Pink and Sparkly

Have a little fun this summer and add some sparkle to your nails! Even just one nail with sparkle nail polish will add a fun pop.

3. Diamond Bright

Is there any color that screams summer more than the color yellow? If sparkles aren't your thing, add some accent to a nail like these fun diamonds.

4. Wedding White

Simple and classy, you can't go wrong with a simple white nail polish in the summertime.

5. Two Hands, Two Colors

Go bold this summer. You've got two hands, why not enjoy two colors?

6. Third Eye Nails

Open up your chakras this summer with a spiritual third eye nail design.

7. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

You can never have enough diamonds! Add them to your nails for some extra sparkle.

8. Bubblegum Nails

Stay pretty in pink all summer long with these fun and simple bubblegum nails.

9. Black and White Criss Cross

If white feels too dull for you, add a fun accent design to one of your nails—like this white, black and silver criss-cross design.

10. Heart Smile Nails

Imagine looking down at your nails to see a cute heart smiling back at you! These bright nails are the perfect summer nail design.

Neon Bright Summer Nails

11. Bright Orange Nails

These neon orange nails are sure to light up any room you walk into.

12. Neon Yellow Nails

This electrifying yellow nail color not only draws attention but also exudes a confident vibe that's perfect for summer days and nights out.

13. Neon Pink

Neon pink nails are the epitome of fun and femininity, adding a burst of color that can elevate any look.

14. Electric Purple

Neon purple nails are a bold and electric choice, perfect for those who love to stand out!

15. Chrome Pink

Chrome is all the rage these days! And how fun are these pink chrome nails? The metallic sheen creates a dazzling, futuristic look.

16. Bright Pink

If you don't want your nails to shine under a blacklight but still want something that pops, try this bright pink.

17. Geometric Green

These geometric neon green nails are a bold and artistic choice, combining eye-catching color with modern design.

18. Sunset Orange

You'll match the sunset's vibe and essence with these neon sunset-orange nails

19. Yellow Pattern

Dare to be different with this yellow nail design. It's perfect for summer and sunshine!

20. Neon X Pastels

Get the best of both worlds by combining both neon nail polish colors with pastels.

Cute Summer Nails

21. Geometric Patterns

If you're not feeling like adding color, get a subtle gloss or neutral color and add some meaningful geometric patterns.

22. Neutral Hues

Choose a neutral color and stay within a few shades of it. Add substance by applying the hues to different nails.

23. Daisy Nails

Springtime rain brings summertime blooms! Stay in bloom with these fun daisy nails.

24. Freehand

Do you have a nail artist you trust nearby? Allow them to work their magic and bless your hands with a fun freehand pattern for summer.

25. Purple People Eater

Purple is bound to catch the attention of everyone. Be prepared, show-stopper!

26. Metallic Nails

Metallic nails definitely pop.

Related: 35 Stylish White Nail Designs That Are Classy and Fun for Summer

Popular Summer Nails

27. Blue Accent with Pink

Try out a warm and cool color together. The warm color can be the main event while the cool color adds a pop of color.

28. Gold and Marble

Marble and gold are the epitome of class, and you'll take it there with this nail design. You'll wow anyone that looks at your manicure!

29. Neutral Designs

It's the summer for fun nail designs. Choose some patterns or icons that speak to you and let them do the talking on your nails.

30. Colorful French Tips

This is a great way to incorporate eye-catching color into your manicure.

31. Red Tips

We're a big fan of the twist on a classic French manicure. This chic and sophisticated style is perfect for making a statement.

32. Black Lines

Allow your nails to be a canvas and freehand some intricate black lines across your nails for a unique summer nail design.

33. Black and Tortoise

Whether you're dressing up for a night out or adding flair to your everyday look, black and tortoise nails are sure to make a stylish statement.

Summer Ombre Nails

34. Greyscale Ombre

Just because it's summer doesn't mean you have to be bright. Ombre nails are fun, and this greyscale ombre design can be a nice contrast in the summertime!

35. Deck of Cards

These red and black ombre nails are giving serious playing card energy. Go fish!

36. Frozen-Inspired

If blue is your color, you can't go wrong with these frozen-inspired nails for the summer. It's truly giving Elsa.

37. Magenta Mani

Pink nails are a summertime staple, and adding magenta-pink ombre nails to the mix just levels everything up a notch.

38. French Ombre

French tips can fade quickly, but French ombre? No way! Try it out next time you're at the nail salon.

Summer Acrylic Nails

39. Dark Green

Taking a camping trip? Planning on having a wholesome, nature-filled summer? These dark green acrylic nails are the perfect match.

40. Sparkler Red

4th of July is right around the corner. As the staple holiday of the summer, it's the perfect time to get some fun nails for it! Try out these sparkler red acrylic nails.

41. Blue Tips

If white tips don't do it for you, why not add a pop of color? These blue tips are optimal for summertime.

42. Heart Nails

If you're not falling in love with a person, fall in love with the summertime! These heart acrylic nails are both cute and classy.

43. Pretty Peach

Peach nails are fun because even though they're simple and elegant, they still feel equally bright and fun! All about the balance.

Summer Hot Pink Nails

44. Neon Geometric Design

Why have one shade of pink when you can have a few? This neon pink geometric design will catch everyone's attention.

45. Metallic Pink

Whether you're attending a formal event or simply elevating your everyday style, metallic pink nails are sure to steal the spotlight.

46. Sparkly Neon Pink

Not a fan of metallic? Try out sparkly neon pink nails instead!

47. Neon Claws

If you're willing to walk on the wild side of life, dare to grow your nails out or try longer acrylic nails. Cover them up with bright neon pink for extra fun!

Simple Summer Nails

48. Funny Bunny

"Funny bunny" has been a trending nail polish color on social media for quite some time now—and for good reason. It offers a simple, sleek and elegant look perfect for any occasion.

49. Red Slay

If you haven't done red nails in a while, this is your sign. Red nails = bold confidence.

50. French Manicure

French manicures will never go out of style!

51. Pride Perfection

Perfect for Pride, or just showing off cute rainbow designs!

Related: 42 Rainbow Nails That Are Perfect for Summer and Pride Month

52. Sky Blue

If blue is your color but you'd rather keep things on the lighter side, try a sky blue nail polish.

53. Maroon

When people think of maroon, they may first think of fall or winter. But maroon is always in style—adding a touch of elegance and depth to your summer looks.

Short Summer Nails

54. Floral Fun

Add a pop of floral for a super fun mani.

55. Galaxy Purple

We love a metallic moment! Something about a metallic, chrome purple really resembles a galaxy design—without all of the work.

56. Pride Design

Pride month is officially here! Light your nails up with the colors of the rainbow.

57. Polka Dots

Simple, but effective—these polka dot nails are wholesome and cute.

58. Neutral Grey

Can't decide on your next nail color? Sometimes, neutral truly is best—and that's why this grey hue nail color is perfect in the summertime.

59. Black Widow

Sometimes, we're feeling moody, and that's when short black nails suit us best. Stay sassy.

60. Bright Red

If dark red isn't your vibe in the summertime, brighten things up with these short, bright red nails.

Next: 30 Green Nail Ideas