Naillie
19 looks

Summer Nail Ideas

Bright summer and vacation manicures: coral, hot pink, turquoise and sunset orange, with jelly, aura and chrome finishes.

Summer nails at a glance

What the 19 looks in this collection are made of — tap one to see an example.

Top colors

Finishes

Shapes

How to wear summer nails

Summer nails are bright, juicy and a little playful: coral, turquoise, sunset orange, hot pink and lemon yellow, plus fruit and shell details.

Sun, chlorine and sunscreen wear polish down quickly. Gel or a good top coat reapplied every few days keeps bright colors from fading.

  • Neon brights look best on short, rounded shapes.
  • Sunscreen can stain white polish — wash hands after applying it.
  • A bright French tip gives you color with half the upkeep.

Summer nail trends by the numbers

Top colors, finishes and shapes for summer · updated Sep 25

Colors

  1. coral100
  2. hot pink95
  3. turquoise80
  4. sunset orange75
  5. peach70
  6. milky white60

Finishes

  1. jelly100
  2. french tip90
  3. glazed90
  4. aura90
  5. swirl90
  6. chrome80

Shapes

  1. almond100
  2. short square90
  3. oval80
  4. coffin70
  5. squoval65
  6. stiletto40

Designs to watch: Fourth of July Nails · Tropical Fruit Nails · Mermaid Shell Nails

Summer Nail Ideas: FAQ

What are the most popular summer nail colors?

In this collection the most-saved shades are butter yellow, coral and hot pink, followed by peach and sunset orange. Open any look to see the exact shade and similar polishes.

Which nail shape is best for summer nail ideas?

Short square is the most common shape here (7 of 19 looks) — it is the most chip-resistant shape and suits long, slim fingers and anyone who works with their hands. You'll also find almond and oval looks.

How long do these manicures last?

French tip lasts 2–3 weeks with gel, about a week with polish; Marble lasts 2–3 weeks with gel. Capping the free edge and daily cuticle oil add days to any manicure.

Can I do summer nail ideas at home?

Yes — 9 looks are medium, 7 looks are advanced, 3 looks are easy to recreate. Every idea page has step-by-step instructions, the shades and the tools you need.

Any tips for wearing summer nail ideas?

Neon brights look best on short, rounded shapes. Sunscreen can stain white polish — wash hands after applying it. A bright French tip gives you color with half the upkeep.

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