Popular Nail Colors Summer 2024 26 Ideas: A Guide to Your Seasonal Manicure
Have you ever looked at your nails and thought, “It’s time to shake things up”? As we embrace the warmth of summer 2024, our nails become our personal billboards, showcasing our style and mood. But with so many options, how does one choose the perfect polish? From the sandy beaches to the cozy nooks of our homes, this season’s popular nail colors summer 2024 have something for everyone. Are you ready to find your summer signature?
The Cheerful Charm of Sky Blue
As a professional manicurist, the refreshing sky blue immediately takes me to cloudless summer skies. The nail presents a vibrant backdrop for creative expression – a perfect example of summer trends. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Professional Opinion: The blue is playful yet sophisticated, a versatile choice that suits any nail shape, from short to stiletto.
- Color Accents: A solid sky blue is enhanced by the occasional nail with a smiley face and abstract patterns, adding a touch of whimsy.
Consumables:
- Sky blue polish: “Azure Escape” by Gelish
- Black and white polish for details: “Piano Keys” and “Snow Drift” by Sns
- Topcoat for shine and durability
DIY Tips: Start with a base coat on clean, buffed nails. Apply two coats of “Azure Escape,” letting each layer dry. Use a fine brush for the smiley and patterns, sealing with a topcoat for that beachy gleam.
Bold Fuchsia with a Twist of Zebra
The photo shows that bold colors like fuchsia will never go out of style, especially when combined with modern zebra stripes for the 2024 short gel design.
- Professional Opinion: The juxtaposition of the matte and glossy finishes provides a textured look, while the zebra print adds an unexpected edge.
- Color Accents: Fuchsia against the creamy backdrop illustrates how contrasting textures can coexist beautifully.
Consumables:
- Fuchsia polish: “Summer Fling” by Gel
- Matte topcoat: “Velvet Matte” by Shellac
- Glossy topcoat for stripes
DIY Tips: Apply “Summer Fling” on all nails. For the zebra nails, use a matte topcoat as a base, then gloss for the stripes. Finish with a glossy topcoat on the fuchsia nails for a two-textured effect.
Neon and Nude – A Symphony of Summer
Neon is the spirit of summer, neon green stands out against nude in a bold, bright and trendy combination perfect for almond gel nails 2024.
- Professional Opinion: This design screams confidence. The neon speaks to the bold, while the nude and gold provide a classy balance.
- Color Accents: Neon green paired with soft nude, elevated with gold glitter for a touch of luxury.
Consumables:
- Neon green polish: “Electric Lime” by Gel
- Nude polish: “Barely There” by Natural Gel
- Gold glitter accents
DIY Tips: Alternate between “Electric Lime” and “Barely There” on each finger. For the glitter, use a sponge to dab lightly for an even, sparkly coat.
Green French Tips on a Pink Base
We see a classic with a twist: the French manicure reimagined with a pop of tropical green on a soft pink base.
- Professional Opinion: It’s a fresh, pretty, and simple approach to the French tip, suitable for medium to long nails, bringing a bit of the beach to your fingertips.
- Color Accents: The vibrant green tips add a youthful and unique flair to the plain pink base.
Consumables:
- Pink base polish: “Petal Soft” by Gelish
- Green tip polish: “Tropical Jungle” by Gel
- Topcoat for a seamless finish
DIY Tips: After your pink base, use tape as a guide for the green tips. Finish with a topcoat to blend the line between the colors smoothly.
Elegant Purple with Geometric Flair
The nails feature an elegant deep purple color with a geometric design that is perfect for a 2024 summer party.
- Professional Opinion: The color is regal and the geometry adds a contemporary edge. It’s perfect for an evening event or a stylish day at the office. Such bold and unique designs are quickly becoming a staple in trending summer manicures.
- Color Accents: Deep purple combined with white and silver geometric details exudes sophistication and a modern vibe.
Consumables:
- Deep purple polish: “Royal Nights” by Gelish
- White polish for details: “Snow Canvas” by Sns
- Silver striping tape or polish
DIY Tips: Apply “Royal Nights” as your base color. Once dry, use striping tape to outline your geometric shapes, fill in with “Snow Canvas,” and carefully peel away the tape before the polish dries. A steady hand and patience are your best friends here.
Lush Teal with Golden Flakes
The deep teal paired with gold gives off an almost oceanic vibe with a touch of luxury, perfect for 2024 summer festivities.
- Professional Opinion: The boldness of the teal combined with the shimmer of gold flakes is a statement of opulence. It’s perfect for those looking to bring a bit of unique flair to their nail look.
- Color Accents: The gold flakes provide a rich contrast against the lush teal background, creating a look that’s both bold and pretty.
Consumables:
- Teal polish: “Ocean’s Deep” by Gelish
- Gold leaf flakes: “24K Elegance” by Dip Powder
- Sealing topcoat: “Crystal Clear” by Gel
DIY Tips: After applying two coats of “Ocean’s Deep,” gently place “24K Elegance” flakes on the nail while still tacky. Seal with a robust topcoat to ensure the golden flakes stay in place as you enjoy the beach vibes.
Sky Blue Elegance and Lavender Lace
Showcases a playful sky blue paired with delicate lavender patterns, ideal for a fresh 2024 gel almond look.
- Professional Opinion: This combination speaks to the essence of a tropical summer with its airy and cute aesthetic. It’s a breath of fresh blue summer air on your fingertips.
- Color Accents: The intricate lavender lace design adds a unique and feminine touch to the bright blue base.
Consumables:
- Sky blue polish: “Clear Skies” by Gel
- Lavender lace polish: “Lilac Lines” by Sns
- Glossy topcoat for a seamless finish
DIY Tips: Paint your nails with “Clear Skies.” Once dry, use a fine brush to draw the lace patterns with “Lilac Lines.” A steady hand and a bit of patience will result in a cute, pretty outcome.
Fiery Orange – A Bold Summer Statement
We see a bold, bright hue that captures the vibrant energy of summer perfectly for those favoring a gel short square look.
- Professional Opinion: The matte orange speaks to the adventurous spirit of summer, making it a trending choice for anyone looking to make a statement.
- Color Accents: The uniformity of the color on each nail makes for a simple, yet striking presentation.
Consumables:
- Matte orange polish: “Tangerine Blast” by Dip Powder
- Matte topcoat for a velvety finish
DIY Tips: Two coats of “Tangerine Blast” followed by a matte topcoat will give you this sun-kissed look. Ensure each layer is completely dry to avoid smudges.
Sparkling Sapphire – A Night Sky on Your Nails
The sparkling sapphire of brings the glamour of a starlit night to a short but chic nail style.
- Professional Opinion: The glitter within the deep blue is reminiscent of a celestial event, perfect for evening events or a day when you’re feeling extra bold.
- Color Accents: The sparkle adds dimension, making the color more dynamic and eye-catching.
Consumables:
- Sapphire glitter polish: “Starry Night” by Gel
DIY Tips: For a full-coverage glitter, apply three thin coats of “Starry Night.” For a subtler effect, one coat over a solid blue base will do the trick.
Neon Green with a Touch of Art
Showcases the popularity of neon green and the added flair of nail art for a unique and tropical summer vibe.
- Professional Opinion: This neon green with black crackle art offers a bold, bright, and trending option for a fun summer look.
- Color Accents: The contrast between the vivid green and the black crackle effect is a conversation starter.
Consumables:
- Neon green polish: “Lime Light” by Gelish
- Black crackle polish
DIY Tips: Apply “Lime Light” as your base. Once it’s dry, add a thin layer of black crackle polish and watch the magic happen as it splits to create this trending design.
Timeless Red – The Classic Reimagined
The deep red in ’11.jpg’ is a testament to timelessness, with a lustrous finish that transcends seasonal trends and is perfect for a gel short square look.
- Professional Opinion: This shade offers a profound depth of color, reminiscent of red wine, lending an air of sophistication to any look.
- Color Accents: The high-gloss finish provides a seamless surface that reflects light beautifully, making each nail a statement piece.
Consumables:
- Deep red polish: “Vintage Merlot” by Gelish
- High-gloss topcoat for shine
DIY Tips: After the base coat, apply two coats of “Vintage Merlot.” Use a clean brush to remove any polish from the cuticles before it dries, finishing with a high-gloss topcoat.
Nude Elegance with Wild Accents
Accentuate a delicate natural gel look with a twist: square shape with leopard print accents.
- Professional Opinion: The soft nude base creates an understated elegance, while the leopard spots are a nod to the animal prints dominating this season’s trends.
- Color Accents: The bold, unique pattern is strategically placed, providing a dynamic contrast to the simple background.
Consumables:
- Nude polish: “Bare Beauty” by Gelish
- Black and gold polish for leopard spots
DIY Tips: Apply a nude base, then for leopard spots, dab small blobs of gold polish and outline them imperfectly with black. It’s a cute, playful design that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
Sunny Yellow – The Brightest Trend
The sun-kissed yellow of encapsulates the spirit of summer with its energetic and bright presence, ideal for a gel medium length.
- Professional Opinion: This sunny shade is perfect for making a cheerful statement during the summer months.
- Color Accents: The solid, vibrant yellow is a head-turner and is sure to complement sun-kissed skin.
Consumables:
- Bright yellow polish: “Sunbeam” by Gelish
DIY Tips: To achieve this look, start with a base coat followed by two coats of “Sunbeam.” A topcoat will ensure your nails stay pretty and chip-free.
Abstract Blue Waves – Artistic and Fluid
Illustrates the creativity of summer with abstract blue patterns over a white base, fitting for the short round nail trend.
- Professional Opinion: This design is both unique and artistic, perfect for someone looking to showcase their personality through their nails.
- Color Accents: The flowing blue lines give the impression of waves, tying in the beachy theme of the season.
Consumables:
- White polish: “Polar White” by Sns
- Blue polish for the waves: “Ocean Ripple” by Gel
DIY Tips: Paint your nails with “Polar White.” Once dry, use a fine brush to draw wavy lines with “Ocean Ripple.” Finish with a clear topcoat for longevity.
Retro Swirls – A Nostalgic Twist
Presents a playful take on retro swirls with bright turquoise and orange, an ideal choice for a gel stiletto look.
- Professional Opinion: This manicure brings a touch of nostalgia with its 70s-inspired swirls, making it both fun and trendy.
- Color Accents: The playful swirls in contrasting colors offer a unique and eye-catching look.
Consumables:
- Turquoise polish: “Retro Turquoise” by Gelish
- Orange polish for the swirls: “Groovy Tangerine” by Sns
DIY Tips: Use “Retro Turquoise” as the base, then paint freehand orange swirls or use a stencil for more precision. Seal with a topcoat for a durable, bold finish.
Serene Green – A Touch of Zen
The soothing shade of green speaks of tranquility and freshness, making it an ideal choice for a gel almond shape, reflecting the natural hues of the summer season.
- Professional Opinion: The seamless, solid color application creates a sense of harmony and balance, perfect for those looking for a minimalist yet trending look.
- Color Accents: The uniform color is sophisticated and natural, embodying the simple beauty of summer.
Consumables:
- Serene green polish: “Zen Garden” by Gelish
DIY Tips: Apply two even coats of “Zen Garden” and finish with a clear topcoat for a serene, glossy effect.
Hot Pink Speckle – Bold and Playful
Showcases a vibrant hot pink speckled with black, offering a playful and bold choice for a gel long style.
- Professional Opinion: The bright pink provides a lively backdrop for the black speckles, reminiscent of a summer party.
- Color Accents: The speckles give a modern twist to the classic pink, adding texture and depth.
Consumables:
- Hot pink polish: “Party Pink” by Gelish
- Black speckle polish: “Night Specks” by Sns
DIY Tips: After the pink base, apply the speckle polish with a light hand for a cute and quirky effect.
Lavender Marble – Elegantly Whimsical
The marble effect using shades of lavender is a perfect blend of elegance and whimsy for a gel stiletto look.
- Professional Opinion: The swirls of lavender create an artistic and bespoke look, perfect for those wanting to express their creativity.
- Color Accents: The gentle variation in the lavender hues provides a soft yet dramatic visual appeal.
Consumables:
- Lavender polish: “Lilac Whirls” by Gelish
- Marbleizing tool
DIY Tips: Swirl different shades of lavender with a marbleizing tool while the polish is still wet. Work quickly and seal with a topcoat.
Pastel Ombre Dream – A Gradient of Serenity
Presents a pastel blue and purple ombre, an ethereal combination for a gel coffin nail that’s trending in summer 2024.
- Professional Opinion: The ombre effect mirrors the summer sky at dawn, offering a peaceful and trending look.
- Color Accents: The soft gradient is visually soothing and pairs well with both casual and formal summer wear.
Consumables:
- Pastel blue polish: “Morning Sky” by Gelish
- Pastel purple polish: “Lavender Mist” by Sns
DIY Tips: Apply the blue base, then sponge on the purple from the tip, blending towards the middle. Finish with a topcoat for a dreamy gradient effect.
Deep Plum – A Bold Evening Choice
The rich plum of is a luxurious and bold color choice for those summer nights out, suitable for a gel square shape.
- Professional Opinion: The deep hue is all about sophistication and is a pretty alternative to the classic black or red.
- Color Accents: The solid, deep color is captivating and makes for an effortlessly chic look.
Consumables:
- Deep plum polish: “Evening Plum” by Gelish
DIY Tips: Two coats of “Evening Plum” followed by a glossy topcoat will ensure your nails are the talk of the town.
Creamsicle Delight – Fresh and Fruity
Offers a creamsicle orange that is as delicious on the eyes as it is trendy for a short round nail design, perfect for those who love a bright and cheerful look.
- Professional Opinion: This color is like a breath of fresh air, adding a pop of summer fun to any outfit.
- Color Accents: The solid, creamy orange is simple, cute, and pretty, ensuring your nails stand out in the sunniest way.
Consumables:
- Creamsicle orange polish: “Orange Sorbet” by Gelish
DIY Tips: Apply two coats of “Orange Sorbet” for opaque coverage and finish with a topcoat for a sweet, shiny look.
Neon Wave Fantasy – A Splash of Vibrance
The stunning mix of neon colors creates a bold statement perfect for gel long nails, reflecting the playful spirit of summer.
- Professional Opinion: This design is all about making a splash with vibrant colors and fluid patterns.
- Color Accents: The interplay of neon hues creates an square hypnotic effect, reminiscent of the 80s disco era.
Consumables:
- A selection of neon polishes
- A thin nail art brush
DIY Tips: After a white base coat, use a thin brush to layer and swirl the neon polishes. Work quickly as gel polish sets fast under a lamp.
Red and White Elegance – Classic with a Modern Twist
The red and white combination offers a modern twist on classic French tips, ideal for a gel short square nail design.
- Professional Opinion: This design reimagines the traditional French manicure with a bold red and soft white curve.
- Color Accents: The red tips on a white base are bold, simple, and exude a chic elegance.
Consumables:
- White polish: “Arctic Snow” by Gelish
- Red polish for tips: “Scarlet Fever” by Sns
DIY Tips: Paint the base with “Arctic Snow.” Once it’s dry, carefully add “Scarlet Fever” to the tips, using tape if necessary for a crisp line.
Sky Blue Sophistication – Cool and Collected
Showcases a mesmerizing sky blue that’s perfect for a gel coffin look, exuding sophistication and a cool summer vibe.
- Professional Opinion: The matte finish on this bright blue is unexpected and adds a contemporary touch.
- Color Accents: The addition of a crystal accent elevates the look, making it unique and suitable for special summer occasions.
Consumables:
- Sky blue polish: “Clear Skies” by Gelish
- Matte topcoat
- Crystal accents
DIY Tips: Apply the blue polish, then the matte topcoat. Add the crystal accent while the topcoat is tacky to ensure it adheres well.
Pastel Artistry – Soft and Artistic
This soft pastel artwork, perfect for medium sized gel nails, showcases a range of trendy summer colors with an artistic twist.
- Professional Opinion: This design combines pastel colors with creative designs, suitable for anyone looking to add a touch of art to their nails.
- Color Accents: The mix of colors and patterns is playful yet pretty, offering a fresh look for the summer.
Consumables:
- A variety of pastel polishes
- Nail art brushes and tools
DIY Tips: Choose a pastel color scheme and use nail art brushes to create your designs. Use a light touch and seal with a topcoat for longevity.
Crimson Whispers – A Dance of Elegance on Nails
The design is a vibrant dance of crimson adorned with delicate white botanical illustrations, perfect for a bold and elegant shape.
- Professional Opinion: The rich crimson serves as a passionate backdrop for the white details that whisper elegance and sophistication.
- Color Accents: The botanical illustrations bring a soft and unique touch to the overall design, turning each nail into a miniature canvas of art.
Consumables:
- Crimson polish: “Deep Romance” by Gelish
- White polish for the art: “Porcelain” by Sns
- Fine detail brush
DIY Tips: Paint your nails with the crimson polish, then use a fine brush to create the white illustrations. Seal everything with a glossy topcoat to ensure the design lasts through all your summer adventures.