With the warm months now with us, it’s time for you to experiment with some fresh summer nails to celebrate all things sunshine and all things color! We’re not sure what it is about this year but we have seen more wild nail art throughout this year than almost any other. Our Instagram feeds are filled with shimmering summer nails and it seems like absolutely no one is afraid that their designs are going to be “too loud.” We love to see such self-expression through nail art!
We wanted to get a better sense of the different summer nails and designs that are super hot right now and trending across social media. So we explored a variety of hashtags on social media to get a better understanding of what’s popping. We encountered some truly wild and innovative styles that we think will appeal to anyone who loves color and isn’t afraid to show it! Check out these smoldering summer nails to get those claws right this sunny season.
Discover Bright Summer Nails That Celebrate the Colors of the Season Below:
Mangonada Checkers
Have you ever had the Mexican sweet treat Mangonada? It’s a frozen mango beverage with a sweet and spice syrup that delivers the sweet heat we all crave on summer days. These nails look like a celebration of the beverage that is colored bright orange and red. For your bright summer nails, turn to sweet treats like ice cream and snow cones for nail inspiration!
Lime Time
We were not kidding when we told you bright summer nails are all about the sweetness of summer. In this example, we find lime-inspired nails with lime wedges and rounds painted in electric, lime green. Turn to citrus for inspiration and you will not regret it. Oh, so juicy!
I Scream, You Scream
We promise we’re not trolling you with food-inspired bright summer nails. It’s just the thing to do this summer. How fun are these little popsicles done in orange, pink, and green? The sweet colors really pop on that matte, lilac background. There’s a little sparkle here for good measure and we’re all for it.
Pastel Melon
How darling are these bright summer nails that look like tiny little watermelons? Going pastel with the pale green and pink really works well for this design. If you’re looking for an easy nail look to pull off at home, only two of the ten nails have detail on them. The rest are just painted a single shade. How delicious!
Golden Hour
If you’re looking for a way to go monochromatic with your bright summer nails, we urge you to consider gold. We find a buttery lemon color next to some golden, glittery nails that offer a slight contrast while still reading warm and sunny for both. If you don’t want your bright summer nails to upstage you, something similar would be the way to go.
Mix and Match That Set
Do you want your bright summer nails to look like a collage of warm weather delights? Mix it up a bit! By choosing contrasting colors and unique designs for each nail, you can create a one-of-a-kind set that celebrates summer in a style that’s totally your own. Throw caution to the wind and get creative for a fun and youthful look like this.
Be a Pastel Punk
Similar to the last set of bright summer nails we shared with you are these even wilder mix-and-match nails that look like punk rock with a playful twist. Smiley faces, neon flames, a monster eye, and some sparkle all come together thanks to a purple, pink, and green color scheme that makes each nail look singular while also acting in harmony.
Abstract Art
Dancing brushstrokes of vibrant color grace these nails and contrast with elegant black elements that really make those bright hues pop. For understated yet fun bright summer nails, consider an abstract scheme that finds colors that look great with each other and you could end up with a little masterpiece on each nail.
Intentional Flower Power
Take a close look at those nails with little white flowers on them. Now, zoom out and look at the color on the other nails. Only three colors (red, green, and yellow) and white have been used to create these bright summer nails. The same colors used to compose the flowers are also featured on the less-busy nails for a look that’s very put together.
Pink Sunset
These bright summer nails look like the evening sky as it transforms from pale blue to pink as the sun sets. What a dreamy ombré effect on those center nails that also contain a very subtle sparkle. Little white hearts are the icing on the cake with these beautiful babies.
Get On This Wavelength
A mellow orange and a coral pink marvelously marry in these bright summer nails. Organic wave shapes course through these nails with the colors flipped for contrast on each hand. If your looking for nails that make an impact but don’t take your spotlight, something with just two colors like this is going to look fun and youthful but also chill and cool.
Neon Marble Nails
If, however, you are looking for bright summer nails that make the biggest impact possible, consider going neon with your colors and to use a whole bunch of them to create a marble effect. Thes nails are turned all the way up to a 10 and we’re sure you can spot them from across a room. For statement nails, you could find no better way to make those claws glow.
RELATED: 30 Different Colored Nails That Are Perfect for the End of Summer
The Brights Next to Black
We know the topic of this list is bright summer nails but we can’t help to gawk at these nails that use black to contrast with the bright colors for a superior pop of brightness. High contrast nails are such a good idea and a great way to create drama with your nail designs with minimal effort.
Technicolor Tiger Stripes
How about some tiger stripes for those bright summer nails? We find a myriad of colors here with some fun accent nails that look like they’ve been painted with rainbow tiger stripes. It’s a very cool concept that’s worth exploring if you’re feeling a little wild this summer. Gow wild with them!
Make a Splash
These bright summer nails are a rainbow splash of color and energy. This sort of scheme results in designs that read as full of movement. The “drips” draw the eye up the nails and each color here is electric which just gives the whole look plenty of happy vibes.
Cherry Bomb
Where are the girls (and boys) who love pink? These bright summer nails are a celebration of the sweet fruit and this person has gone above and beyond with the pale pink base. They also didn’t go overboard with the little cherries and instead serve just a hint of them on two nails for each hand. What a sweet, summery treat!
Pink Lemonade
We’re sticking with pink with this next set of bright summer nails, electric pink that is. It totally radiates on top of a bright yellow color which reads like the classic colors for pink lemonade. Although there are only two main colors in play, each nail has painted differently and offers plenty of variety. So switch it up for a more playful and flirty look or keep things uniform for something that’s less busy but equally as energetic.
Blue Lagoon Nails
If summer means time spent on the beach or out on the ocean, bright summer nails inspired by the seas could be the perfect option for you. We find a palm tree at night, the bubbles of the ocean, an areal beach scene, and a nail that is scalloped with fish scales. Blue and green are not as popular as you might think among bright summer nails but it’s clear they really should be.
Double French
How about these double French bright summer nails? The color combinations here are truly excellent and this person has not been fearful of trying unconventional pairings. The end result is a classic yet distinct look that looks clean and measured. If you like your nails timeless and tidy, feel free to go in this direction.
Colorful Geometric Shapes
Similar to the abstract bright summer nails we shared with you earlier, these nails play with shape and color in such a visually interesting and inspired way. Pops of color are tempered and contrasted with bold black lines that run through each nail. If you want nails that read as pure summer but don’t like cutesy fruits and the like, an abstract look would be the best option for you.
Rainbow Twist
How about these rainbow tips? We understand that rainbow colors are nothing new among bright summer nails but we do really like the way these tips turned out. If you’re looking to show your pride or just have an affinity for rainbows, something similar could be the cheerful vibe for you.
Anchors Away!
Here’s another set of bright summer nails that’s all about the sea. We’re treated to a nautical theme here with red, white, blue, and shimmering gold colors. These nails look so whimsical and inspired without being over-the-top or kitsch. If you plan on spending some time on a boat this summer, you know what to do.
Aloha!
These bright summer nails look like a slice of paradise. Wow! We find different shades of pink, with varying degrees of sparkle and some botanical elements that should remind you of paradise. If you’ve got a Hawaiian vacation planned, we can think of no better way to get into the spirit than with cheerful nails like these.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to Elevate Your Old Manicure to Look New Without Removing or Repainting Your Nails
Bandana Nails
We’re living for these bright summer nails decorated with some thrilling paisley patterns. They look so joyful, playful, and unique. We can see something similar working in a variety of colors but we must admit that completing these will likely be a challenge. If you’ve got no fear (or no fear of asking your manicurist), you should most definitely give this look a shot.
There you go! We hope you feel inspired by these bright summer nails and will use some of these looks as inspiration this season. Summer is a time for fun in the sun and to celebrate all the vivid colors that make the season so electric. If you liked these bright summer nails, take a look at our other favorite nail looks for summer. If you did not find the right nail design in the above examples, we’re certain you’ll find the right look. Just keep scrolling for more!
Smile
Are you after a colored nails look that will make anyone smile? Try some smiley faces on your nails! We love the way a darker shade of the same color has been used for each smiley. What a fresh, happy look.
Pretty Pastels
It feels like pastels for colored nails are really having a moment. We stumbled across so many claws painted in baby blues, light pinks, and gentle yellows! Here’s just one example but there will be more on this list!
Do It with Daisies
How cute are these little daisies? We feel like these colored nails just scream summer. They make us think of lazy afternoons and tart lemonade. Sign us up!
Understated Drama
You can choose a color combination that does not look like a pack of highlighters and still be extremely happy with the outcome. Don’t these rich, understated colors look so perfectly matched? We’re here for it.
Embrace the Waves
We will share with you some patterned nail designs on this list but we wanted to show you how pleasing the organic shapes of these wavy lines look. By using a darker shade of the same color you really do get a gorgeous effect.
Contrasting Patterns
Here are some proper patterns! Do you think this is too busy or just right? We find these whimsical colored nails to be rather adventurous and ultimately well done. Get weird, and live a little bit with nails like these!
Complementary Narratives
How sweet are these colored nails? Notice how each finger has a corresponding finger on the opposite hand to match. This is such a fresh look that doesn’t overpower everything else which is nice for the right digits.
Just the Tips
These tips strike a perfect balance. On one hand you find a warm color palette and on the other a cool one. If you’re looking for a good way to balance the colors on each hand, you could do something similar!
Rainbow Bright
If you want straight-up rainbow-colored nails, you can go this route which finds mostly primary colors employed for that classic rainbow look. If you’ve got time to coordinate your toes too, why not?
Spin Art Bright Summer Nails
Have you ever seen anything like these nails? We’re not sure how the artist pulled this off but we imagine a needle raked through wet nail polish was how it was achieved. At any rate, these bright summer nails are truly a marvel. Each nail looks like a mini piece of spin art. We’re obsessed!
Variations on a Theme
We’ve some very bright-colored nails on this list, but you can still pull off the multi-colored look with more muted tones. We find black, gray, and light pink here for a nice, refined look.
Keep It Humble
Here’s another example that does not take things way over the top. Nice, muted colors that pair well together are going to be perfect for someone who doesn’t want their nails to be the focal point of their whole look.
Cover the Bases
The nice, nude base color looks marvelous here but it’s taken to the next level with these little bands of color near the nailbed. It’s still bright and playful but it does show some restraint.
Get Swirly, Girly
Here’s another way to give your colored nails some wavy lines that look so cool. These nails look like they’ve been candy-striped which is always a good thing in our opinion.
Dot Girl Summer
You can get a cute colored nails look by just applying many multi-colored dots. Don’t they look so fun? They almost look like eggshells or candy.
Express Yourself
If you’ve got an afternoon set aside for your colored nails project, you can really go to town. These nails are works of art, right? This person has chosen a summer theme and ran with it which we feel will work out beautifully for others who want to pull this off.
Lemon-Lime
A lemon-lime color theme along with a sherbert cloud of both really works well. You can go with any two colors and do a cool blending effect on your nails to make this look all your own!
Weightless Impression
These colored nails look as if they’ve been airbrushed on. Just a touch of color on those nails can really make a haunting impression. These are a blast!
RELATED: 50 Really Colorful Nails Designs
Get Lit
The person who shared this image explained that they were inspired by “smoke.” We love their take on smoke with each nail showcasing it in a different color. What a witchy, wonderful triumph!
Butterfly Kisses
If the color is not enough for you, take it one step further by employing a recurring shape like the butterfly on these nails. They make for the perfect little detail that makes these nails look extra special.
Some Sparkle Never Hurts
If colored nails aren’t giving you that spark that you’re after, you better sparkle, girl! These different colored sparkle polishes look so fantastic next to one another.
Make a Scene
If you can really paint, you can showcase your skills with a calm beach scene as you’ll find on these nails. Cute silhouettes of palm trees or birds, and even clouds would like great done in a similar style.
Pink & Then Some
The hot pink polish is carried through on every nail but a different, contrasting color has been added to each nail for even more visual interest. You could do this with only pastel polishes and also be very happy with it as well.
Get Groovy
Are you feeling the flower power this summer? Be a little flower child and go full hippy with some groovy colored nails like these. We find pastels again but they look so sweet and feminine in this application that you can’t even be mad about it.
Let’s Play
How do you feel about these checkerboard nails? We like how playful they are but we admit the execution is a little lacking. You could do something similar and carry that pattern over to all of your fingers for a very playful look.
Feeling Floral
Another great way to plan your colored nail theme is to pick a focal nail and then paint the others to help make it truly shine. We find the same orange, pink, and purple from the floral nail repeated on other nails for a very put-together and classy look.
Not Mod About It
We know we’re supposed to be celebrating the colors of summer but we just can’t get over these moody colored nails done in neutral tones. If you’re looking for something different that’s a touch scaled back, you should try something similar!
Or Go Neon
Okay, we’re back on track with these neon orange nails that look like those orange tic tacs that you’re now craving. Contrast all of that neon orange with a soft abstract rainbow of color and you’ve got yourself some spectacular claws!
Subtle Is Chill
These cool colors remind us of ice cream and other cool, creamy desserts that we all get to enjoy all summer long. If you’re hot and tired of sweating, similar colored nails like these are going to look refreshing and chill.
Some Dots
You can never have too many dots, okay? We find the tips of these nails splashed with fun colors that have been punctuated with some cute dots in varying colors. These look like little candy wrappers!
Neon Watermelon
Here are some of our favorite summer nails that feature your favorite summer treat, watermelon. These juicy-looking nails are just so full of energy and life that they seem to capture that thriving feeling we feel during the summer months. If you’re looking for flirty summer nails that don’t disappoint, something similar could be the way to go for you.
Sweet Strawberry Goodness
Delectable! Delicious! These summer nails have a strawberry theme and as you’ve already seen, we’re all about some fruity summer nails. This is such an inspired look with that green and red theme running through each unique piece of art per nail. Think of your favorite summer treats to inspire your summer nails and you won’t regret it!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Dip Nails at Home? This Is How Mamas Uncut Does It
Watercolor
We really fell for these watercolor-looking colored nails. Aren’t they divine? That crisp, white base coat topped with floating colors looks amazing! Nails that mimic watercolor or even tye die really feel like the essence of summer has been applied to your nails. Go for it!
Okay! You’ve seen dozen summer nails and we hope you’ve found the best options to try all summer long. If you’re really looking to “nail it” this summer, you could do no better than any of the inspired looks we shared with you. Now, go get some paint and get to work, mama! If you’re looking for the next steps, perhaps we can interest you in the hottest fall nail looks that you’ll want to try when the leaves start to turn and the air goes crisp.
Get Inspired by These Enchanting Fall Nails!
Nude Half-Moons
For a time of year that feels so obsessed with the phases of the moon, fall nails can really lean into all things lunar. We find these gorgeous nude nails with half-moons for tons of fun!
Paint Your Mood
As we transition from the last days of summer to fall, you might be feeling a certain type of way. Express your feelings about the changing seasons with your fall nails.
A Symphony of Nudes
One trend you will quickly catch onto with these fall nails is a whole lot of nude. We find them beautifully paired in these nails that range from pink to cream.
Shades of Jade
Green is another huge trend for fall nails this year. Go with muted greens on your tips for a similar look that kisses summer goodbye.
Do It for Bambi
These nails are certainly over-the-top but we did like the idea of using the colors scheme from Bambi. You find a warm brown paired with yellow for a truly exquisite color scheme that screams autumn!
Transitional Fall Nails
Is it still 90 degrees outside where you live? You’re not alone! If you’re itching for fall but the weather is not cooperating, choose a muted color scheme for your floral nails for a sophisticated look that doesn’t look like you’re wishing warm days away.
Pumpkin Shimmer
You don’t have to sport the most elaborate fall nails all season long. No, instead, find yourself some truly evocative colors and cycle through them throughout. We find a lovely burnt orange here that also has shimmer to add life to the look.
Chilly Sunset
This peach to blue ombre makes us think of chilly fall sunsets. Even if that’s not the sense you get from these, you can still experiment with color all season long!
Fall Florals
Here’s another example of design you might find during summer that looks completely appropriate thanks to the color polishes chosen. Peachy creams and nudes are having the biggest moment for fall nails!
How Much Longer?
If it makes you happy, it’s never too early to bust out your Halloween-inspired fall nails. These cute electric orange claws with a jack-o’-lantern detail are a spooky dream!
Stay Vibrant
If you want something with much more life, consider sticking to a warm color scheme as it always feels very on-theme for fall. We find cute cartoon characters here done in red, orange, and yellow. They look so playful!
Marble Is Warm
Just look at the veining in the marble nails! Notice all of those warm browns and ochre tones? It’s the perfect, subtle nod to fall!
Chocolate Dreams
These nails legit look like chocolate truffles that you’d find in a luxury chocolate shop. We’d say that was pretty appropriate thanks to Halloween approaching. Why not let your nails be candy too!
A Preview of Fall
Here’s an example of fall nails that look like they’re in transition. This and similar designs make for the perfect vibe for late summer and early fall. We find both muted and bright colors here but all are associated with autumn.
Get Excited with Fall Patterns
Plaid and animal prints are a blast all year long but they’re especially fun to play with in autumn as it is the flannel season. Mess around with different patterns and colors for your plaids to achieve a look that feels appropriate for you!
Fire Claws
Are you getting witchy vibes from these nails? We certainly think that something creepy is happening and that’s not an insult! Take a look at the dramatic ombre from orange to red. Looks like fire, right?
Look to the Turtles
Tortoiseshell is such a naturally beautiful material from one of the greatest animals ever. We find this person’s fall nails trying to capture the colors and magic found in those ancient shells. It looks quite right for fall!
It’s Still Time to Sparkle
No matter if you are choosing a bunch of neutrals and browns for your fall nails, they can still shimmer! Take a look at these sparkling gems to understand just how energetic fall colors can feel.
Autumn, But Make It Magic
The colors of these nails make us think of Halloween candy. Yum! That was already appealing but with the addition of the little stars and moons, they are downright magical.
The Jewels
Again, if you want to go for a muted color you absolutely should. But, don’t let that color keep you down for your fall nails. Jazz things up with some crystals and really shine your way through the chilly days.
Crimson & Gold
Red and gold look so regal together. We find them paired on these fall nails that look like they’re covered in antiqued gold leaf. Keep it warm and you won’t regret it this fall!
Not a Thing Boring About Fall
Aren’t these fall nails covered in gold to die for? Shimmering gold tones will help you keep things warm and bright no matter how cold those late fall days get.
Chocolate Milk
Don’t these fall nails look like chocolate milk? We find them absolutely irresistible. With wavy lines that coordinate you can see currents of beautifully warm browns running through the neutral nude. What a dream!
Rock the Earth Tones
You can do almost anything with your fall nails but if you stick to a color pallette that is heavy with earth tones, it will serve you well. We find brown, orange, clay, blue, and green here but none stand out too much.
Brown Cow
Animal prints are always an option and going with a brown cow instead of a black one will give you a bit more of an autumnal cowgirl vibe. We love the way the pattern has been applied to the tips.
RELATED: 30 Different Coloured Nails That Are Perfect for the End of Summer
Hot & Matte
If a monochromatic look without shimmer feels appropriate to you this autumn, consider going matte. You can choose a really vibrant orange as this person has done or look for darker colors as well.
More Fall Florals
Again, the earthy tones are the ones you want the most of for fall. We find a deep forest green, a burnt orange, and a muted floral pattern all working in concert beautifully here.
Inspired by Turquoise
Flowers are not the only natural element to draw inspiration from. Consider turning to earth materials like gems, crystals, and stones to get a one-of-a-kind look like these fall nails inspired by turquoise.
Black, White & Nude
Black and white is the most classic color combination but throw in a little nude in the mix and you’ve got fall nails that look sophisticated and understated. We imagine this would also look smart with a ruddy orange or a forest green.
Falling Leaves
You can get right to the point! With these fall nails, we find maple leaves falling in those wonderful browns, oranges, and reds we all love. However, we find those same colors mimicked in a shimmering nail that is borderline genius.
Still, Do You
We find rather organic-looking spots in dark orange on top of a peach one with these nail tips. The gold bands beneath really do aid in warming things up even further for these fall nails.
Waves of Nude
Get into the waves! These nails are similar to the fall nails we compared to chocolate milk a little earlier on this list. Mix in a shimmering neutral for added visual interest and sparkle!
Really Into It
These nails really reminded us of the Halloween decorations in elementary school. We find brightly colored nails with fall themes like plaid and a cute little pumpkin for good measure. How sweet!
Get Glam
Feel free to glam it up but stay away from neons for a more subdued look with your fall nails. This lovely greenish-blue really works well as it is dark enough to bring drama without looking too lively for autumn.
Dots Still Got It
If you really just want some polka dots, you better give yourself some polka dots. Orange and fuchsia look excellent together on these little claws. We imagine they would look rather cute poking out of a chunky sweater.
Glitter & Be Gold
Deep orange and gold are just thrilling for fall nails. These very sharp nails look just like stilettos! Nails like this will look so luxurious this season.
A Study In Contrasts
We find a sparkling deep green next to a more matte one. You can get a similar light VS dark look that feels thematically appropriate for fall by doing something similar with any other moody color.
Unconventional Combinations
The person who shared this image remarked that the time of year when summer transitions to fall is the perfect excuse to mess around with unconventional color combinations. We’d say they achieved that but it still works! Mess around until you find some things that look great together!
Feeling Groovy
These slightly muted swirls of color still feel vibrant but without the overt happiness of more summery tones. If want to get a little groovy this fall, choose colors like these.
Mix-n-Match
Animal print and shimmer? Why not! As we mentioned, fall is a great time to experiment with different patterns and styles as long as they look fashionable together.
Neutral Animal Prints
We can’t get enough animal print when it comes to fall nails. We got zebra on these tips done in some lovely neutrals. You could do the same with just about anything else and be happy with the result.
Dark, Dark Chocolate
No, these nails are not black. Instead, they are deep chocolate brown. The rich color is made even more apparent by plenty of gold that contrasts beautifully.
Femme Fall
You might not be ready to part ways with your hot pinks and neons. Work them into your fall designs like this and they definitely won’t look out of place.
Retro Inspiration
These nails remind us of vintage china. In the 70s and 80s browns, oranges, and yellows dominated graphic design. We find them here sweetly paired with some pretty flowers.
Fall Is for Flirts
How whimsical and fun are these winking eye nails? While they do not scream “fall nails!!!!” they definitely look inventive and not too colorful for fall. Do you think this would be cute in a black, orange, and white color scheme for Halloween?
Power of the Sunflower
Sunflowers really are some of the most appealing blossoms on the planet. Instead of going full yellow, this person has chosen to mute the yellows and oranges and lay them on top of maroon which just looks like magic.
Plaid All Season
If you’re already itching to start painting those Halloween nails, start in a more subtle fashion like this. We find orange, black, and cream here but the nails aren’t immediately Halloween-y. Plaid for the win!
Mix It Up with Pastels
If you’re looking for other muted colors to try aside from nudes and neutrals, consider pastels. Baby blue, blush and many more will give you a more subdued look for autumn.
Fall In Love
Okay, so these fall nails would actually work year-round but we loved how well-done they were we had to share them with you. A blush pink topped with white hearts is just so sweet!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Dip Fall Nails at Home? This Is How Mamas Uncut Does It
Green with Envy
We came across many fall nails that incorporated green. It feels like it will be a huge color again this fall season. We find a dark olive here next to a pinkish nude with some added green sparkle. How glamorous and cool!
There you go! What did you think of these fall nails? We hope you are super excited to try some of these styles that are kissed by autumn and feel like they should be dazzling next to a camp fire or in a pumpkin patch! Your fall nails can go in just about any direction you want them to go but just stay true to yourself and your own personal style. Have fun with those claws!
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.