Fun Summer Nails to Brighten Up Your Look (2024)

FAQs

What is the nail trend for summer 2024? ›

“Glass nails are a standout trend for summer 2024, echoing the stunning 'glass' makeup by Pat McGrath at the Margiela show,” says Choi. “This gel-like jelly polish offers an extraordinary, glossy finish, perfect for the season's fresh and modern aesthetic.”

Off-White. Another great neutral to turn to is a classic white. “[It's] perfect to rock from winter to summer as they go with everything and still feel so minimal, yet fresh,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. She recommends going towards an off-white shade for something a bit more unexpected.

Nude and pastel colors are a great choice for short nails, as they actively make them look longer. Because they visually appear like they're continuing your finger line, they make your fingers look thinner and slimmer. For best results, use a color that's a shade lighter than your skin tone.

Jelly Pink

Jelly nail polishes are an easy way to mimic the “popsicle-stained” effect and the formulas are especially pretty in pink. “The summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of all the different shades of pink… a soft pastel or maybe something neon but jelly pink will be the most popular,” says Janee.

The Glazed Donut look is the look that started the glazed nail trend. It was popularized by Hailey Bieber's nail look at the 2022 Met Gala, which featured a milky white polish with a chrome overlay — just like the look pictured here. Rose created this manicure using Leaf Gel 097 with a white chrome powder on top.

Per the List, we now know her favorite nail polish came from Revlon, and her iconic, go-to red shad is still available to buy! The best part? They're only $5.

Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.

Lighter Tones: Choose lighter shades of any color, such as pastels or light grays. Lighter tones help to brighten the hands and create a more youthful appearance. Sheer and Natural Finishes: Consider using sheer or natural finishes, like a sheer pink or a clear coat.

Dark polishes, particularly stark black, run the risk of making mature hands appear less youthful, especially when it comes to cool-toned shades like deep navy, bluish reds, and wine purples. These exacerbate any skin dullness or dark spots caused by sun damage that you might be worried about.

What is the summer nail trend in 2024? ›

“Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi. She speaks to the versatility of jellies, adding that they can be bright, neutral, or pastel. “The recent Met Gala showcased numerous stunning jelly nail looks, and I had the privilege of creating three out of four of them.”

White: White nail polish is a versatile and timeless choice that remains popular in 2024. Its clean and crisp appearance complements any outfit and is perfect for achieving a fresh and modern look. Yellow: Yellow nail polish is a vibrant and cheerful option that is trending this year.

OPI Buttafly

Pale yellow is trending for spring and summer, reminiscent of blooming wildflowers. Plus, it brings out any summer glow your skin has taken on.

“Apricot and peach hues evoke a sense of freshness and vibrancy, making this the perfect pedicure shade for the upcoming summer months,” she says. We like the subtle blush of Sienna Byron Bay in Carnation or Habit Nail Polish in 12 Bardot. For a riper fruit, opt for the juicy coral of Chanel Nail Color in Sun Drop.

There's nothing more soothing to wake up to than the colors of the spring sky: a palette of cream, blue and lilac shades like found in the Creamy Sky Trio, featuring the Manucurist colors: Crème, Light Blue and Lisa Lilas for an airy pastel manicure.

Think sunny yellows, sea foam greens, and sunset oranges and channel those warm-weather vibes. One great summer nail trend is 'Skittle Nails' - painting each nail a different, complementary shade or cute nail colour. Red is a timeless shade that will defy fleeting fashion trends and social media algorithms.

Trending nail shapes for 2024

2. Coffin: Coffin-shaped nails, also known as ballerina nails, feature a square shape with tapered and pointed tips. This shape provides a bold and trendy look that is popular among many fashion-forward individuals.