Are you ready to dive into the vibrant world of summer short acrylic nails? Whether you’re a fan of sleek, simple styles or you’re looking to sprinkle a little extra sparkle into your look with some glitter, this guide is packed with fresh, trendy ideas to elevate your summer nail game. What makes square pink or black nails a versatile choice for any occasion? How can you incorporate gems and bright colors into your nail designs for that perfect beach vibe? Let’s explore some stunning nail shapes and color patterns that are sure to turn heads this season!
Vibrant Red Elegance
As a professional manicurist, the first image showcasing vibrant red acrylic nails captures the essence of summer trends. This striking design is perfect for anyone looking to make a bold statement. The glossy finish and the flawless application demonstrate a classic choice that transcends seasons but feels especially right in summer.
- Consumables for this design:
- Essie Gel Couture in ‘Spiked with Style’
- Seche Vite top coat for a lasting glossy finish
- Orly Bonder rubberized base coat
Creating this look involves applying two coats of Essie’s ‘Spiked with Style’, followed by Seche Vite top coat for that enviable shine and durability. Start with a clean, buffed nail surface and the Orly Bonder to ensure maximum adherence and a smooth canvas.
Soft Lavender with a Sparkle Accent
The second image features soft lavender nails with a sparkling accent nail, making it a cute and classy choice for those who prefer a subtler hint of glamour. The lavender color exudes a soft, natural vibe, while the accent nail adds just the right amount of bling.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI in ‘Do You Lilac It?’
- Swarovski crystals for the accent
- Revlon Quick Dry base coat
For the lavender base, apply two coats of OPI’s ‘Do You Lilac It?’. Use a fine-tip brush to place Swarovski crystals on the accent nail. Seal everything with a top coat for added shine and protection. The key here is precision in crystal placement to maintain an elegant look.
Neon Dream
Embracing the fun of summer, the third image shows off neon pink nails that are nothing short of show-stopping. This design is perfect for summer parties and nights out, combining hot pink with a fearless attitude.
- Consumables for this design:
- China Glaze in ‘Pool Party’
- INM Out the Door top coat for fast drying
- Nail adhesive for embellishments
Start with a base coat, then apply two coats of ‘Pool Party’ for that vibrant neon look. Finish with a quick-dry top coat to keep everything in place. This look is all about making a bold, unapologetic statement.
Deep Burgundy Shine
The deep burgundy nails showcased offer a luxuriously rich vibe, perfect for anyone looking to convey sophistication and depth. The glossy finish on these square simple nails not only enhances the color’s intensity but also adds a touch of elegance to any look.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI ‘Malaga Wine’ for the deep burgundy color
- High-gloss top coat for a reflective shine
- Base coat for nail protection
Start with a base coat to protect the nails. Apply two coats of ‘Malaga Wine’ to achieve this deep, rich burgundy color. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to ensure the nails look shiny and new longer.
Monochrome Animal Print
This image features an edgy monochrome animal print, interspersed with a playful purple pop on one nail. This design is perfect for making a bold statement, blending classic black with a hint of color for a trendy and fun look.
- Consumables for this design:
- Black gel polish for the base
- White acrylic paint for the animal print
- Purple polish for the accent nail
- Matte top coat for a contemporary finish
Apply black gel polish as the base for all nails. Use white acrylic paint to hand-paint the animal print on selected nails. Paint one nail purple for a vibrant pop of color. Finish with a matte top coat to contrast the glossy black base and enhance the texture of the print.
Blue Floral Dream
The blue floral design on a white base in the first image is a testament to the summer short acrylic nails trend. The detailed petal strokes and the soft gradient of blue hues evoke a fresh, bright and airy feel, ideal for summer. The semi-transparent background enhances the depth, making the floral patterns stand out as true art.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI Alpine Snow as the base color
- Blue acrylic paint for the floral designs
- Fine detail brush for intricate strokes
- Glossy top coat for a vibrant finish
Begin with an opaque layer of OPI Alpine Snow. Using a fine brush, create the floral patterns with blue acrylic paint. Once dry, apply a glossy top coat to protect the design and add shine. This design is perfect for those who appreciate elegance and artistry in their manicures.
Chic Leopard Print
Leopard prints are eternally stylish and represent a trendy choice that transitions perfectly from casual day wear to glamorous night outings. This design uses a nude base with black and brown spots, offering a versatile and classy look that complements any outfit.
- Consumables for this design:
- Essie Topless and Barefoot for the base
- Black and brown acrylic paints for the spots
- Dotting tool for perfect spot shaping
- Matte top coat for a modern finish
Apply two coats of Essie Topless and Barefoot as the base. Use a dotting tool dipped in black and brown acrylic paints to add leopard spots. Finish with a matte top coat to emphasize the edgy texture of the leopard print.
Neon Zebra
This image showcases a striking combination of neon yellow and black zebra stripes, a perfect embodiment of fun and extra boldness for summer. The neon adds a modern twist on the classic zebra pattern, making it a super eye-catching statement.
- Consumables for this design:
- China Glaze in Celtic Sun for the neon yellow
- Black striping tape or paint for the stripes
- Protective glossy top coat to seal the design
Start with a vibrant layer of Celtic Sun, then carefully place black striping tape or paint thin lines for the zebra effect. Apply a top coat for durability and a high-gloss finish, ensuring your bold nails stay flawless.
Neon Green Crack
This design with its crackled neon green on black base is perfect for those looking to combine edgy textures with vibrant colors. It’s an excellent choice for a night out or a baddie style summer look.
- Consumables for this design:
- Black gel polish for the base
- Neon green crackle polish
- High-gloss top coat
Apply a black gel polish as the base. Once it’s set, overlay with neon green crackle polish. The crackle effect will naturally occur as it dries. Finish with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the neon’s vibrancy and protect the design.
Subtle Elegance
This last image features classy deep purple nails, embodying a more subdued yet elegant summer style. The glossy finish on a rounded nail shape is both modern and sophisticated, making it a great choice for both work and leisure.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI in Vant to Bite My Neck? for the deep purple
- High-shine top coat for a sleek finish
- Cuticle oil for a neat, healthy nail bed
Apply two coats of Vant to Bite My Neck? ensuring full coverage. Finish with a layer of high-shine top coat to make the color pop and last longer. Regular application of cuticle oil will keep your nails and cuticles healthy, complementing your beautiful manicure.
Emerald Simplicity
This vibrant green set is a bold, yet minimal choice, embodying the essence of summer short acrylic nails with its rich color and sleek finish. The uniformity of color and square simple shape provides a modern, yet timeless look, perfect for those who value elegance in simplicity.
- Consumables for this design:
- CND Shellac in ‘Lush Tropics’
- Essie Gel Setter top coat
- OPI Natural Nail Base Coat
To achieve this look, start with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat for a smooth application. Follow with two coats of ‘Lush Tropics’ to get that deep, vibrant green. Finish with Essie Gel Setter top coat for a durable, glossy finish that enhances the green’s depth.
Gradient Summer Fun
This image showcases a delightful gradient of sky blue and hot pink, interspersed with bright yellow accents, creating a playful and fun summer vibe. The square summer nails provide a clean canvas for the color pattern, making each nail a piece of art.
- Consumables for this design:
- Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in ‘Mauve It’, ‘Lively Lilac’, and ‘Lemon Rush’
- Sponge for the gradient effect
- Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat
Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply the lightest color as a base, then use a sponge to dab on the other colors, blending as you go to create a smooth gradient. Seal the design with Seche Vite top coat for a quick-drying finish.
Elegant Floral Accent
Featuring a soft pink base and a floral accent on the finger, this design is quintessential summer with a touch of sophistication. It’s perfect for those who prefer stylish, understated nail art that makes a statement with natural beauty.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI Bubble Bath for the base
- Acrylic paints for the floral design
- Fine detail brush for precision
- Glossy top coat to seal the art
Apply two coats of OPI Bubble Bath as a gentle, neutral base. Use fine detail brushes and acrylic paints to carefully paint the floral design. Finish with a glossy top coat to protect your artwork and enhance the overall shine.
Playful Pattern Mix
This design mixes patterns and colors for a vibrant, eclectic look that screams summer fun. From polka dots to floral, each nail offers something unique, making this set a conversation starter and perfect for those who love to experiment with their look.
- Consumables for this design:
- China Glaze polishes in various colors
- Dotting tools and striping tape for pattern creation
- High-gloss top coat for protection and shine
Use different China Glaze colors to create the base for each nail. Utilize dotting tools and striping tape to add various designs. Apply a high-gloss top coat to ensure each nail is vibrant and durable through your summer adventures.
Glittering Minimalism
This understated design with a soft gray base and glitter top offers a hint of sparkle, making it ideal for both day and night occasions. The simple elegance of this design is perfect for those who prefer a classy, natural look with a touch of glamour.
- Consumables for this design:
- Essie in ‘Master Plan’ for the base
- Silver glitter top coat
- Protective base coat for longevity
Begin with a protective base coat to prepare the nails. Apply two coats of ‘Master Plan’ for a solid, neutral base. Finish with a layer of silver glitter top coat to add that special sparkle that catches the light beautifully.
Sweet Strawberry Touch
This charming nail design features a soft pink base with adorable strawberry accents, perfect for a cute and playful summer look. The simplicity of the design combined with a pop of fun from the fruit accent nails makes it a delightful choice for any sunny day.
- Consumables for this design:
- Essie ‘Muchi, Muchi’ for the pink base
- Green and red acrylic paints for the strawberries
- Fine detail brush for the accents
- Glossy top coat to seal and protect
Start with two coats of ‘Muchi, Muchi’ for a smooth, soft pink base. Use fine detail brushes to add tiny strawberries, painting red bodies and green tops. A clear glossy top coat over the design ensures durability and adds a beautiful shine.
Wild Zebra Stripes
The second design features striking zebra stripes over a neon yellow gradient, reflecting an extra bold and trendy approach to summer styles. The wild pattern paired with a vibrant color background gives it an eye-catching look that’s perfect for those who love to stand out.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’ for the neon base
- Black striping polish for the zebra pattern
- Sponge for the gradient effect
- High-gloss top coat for a seamless finish
Apply ‘Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet’ as a base. Use a sponge to create a soft gradient effect at the tips. With black striping polish, draw thin zebra stripes for that wild, dramatic effect. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the vibrancy and longevity of the manicure.
Eclectic Artistry
This design is a fantastic display of color and pattern, featuring orange, green, and white hues with a fun, spotted cow print on one nail. It’s a great example of fun and art in nail design, ideal for those who embrace a vibrant and eclectic style.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI ‘A Roll in the Hague’, ‘Green-wich Village’, and ‘Alpine Snow’
- Dotting tools for the spots
- High-gloss top coat for a bright finish
Use ‘A Roll in the Hague’ for the orange nails, ‘Green-wich Village’ for the green, and ‘Alpine Snow’ for the base of the cow print. With a dotting tool, add black spots over the white base to create the cow pattern. A final coat of high-gloss ensures each nail pops with color and shine.
Floral Elegance
The fourth image presents a deep pink manicure adorned with delicate floral accents. This design balances simplicity with elegance, perfect for a classy summer garden party or a stylish day out.
- Consumables for this design:
- Essie ‘Watermelon’ for the pink base
- Pink glitter and tiny floral decals
- Glossy top coat for a sophisticated finish
Apply two coats of ‘Watermelon’ for a lush, vibrant base. Carefully place pink glitter and floral decals on the accent nails for a subtle yet stunning effect. Finish with a glossy top coat to ensure your nails look freshly done all day long.
Playful Pastels
This final design features a lovely array of pastel shades with a speckled accent nail, perfect for those who prefer a pretty, understated look with just a hint of whimsy. The soft colors make it an excellent choice for a refined yet fun summer appearance.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI ‘Coney Island Cotton Candy’ for the pink
- Pastel polishes in various colors
- Black and white speckle polish for the accent
- Matte top coat for a modern touch
Apply a base coat followed by your chosen pastel polishes on each nail. Use a black and white speckle polish on one nail for a playful contrast. A matte top coat over all the nails ties the look together with a contemporary, soft-focus finish.
Glitter and Blush
This design showcases a sophisticated blend of soft pink and rich gold glitter, providing a luxurious and classy look. The dual-tone approach adds depth and interest, making it perfect for both formal events and casual outings.
- Consumables for this design:
- OPI ‘Tickle My France-y’ for the pink base
- Gold glitter polish for the accent nails
- Glossy top coat for a seamless finish
Apply two coats of ‘Tickle My France-y’ to achieve a clean, soft pink base. For the accent nails, apply a thick layer of gold glitter polish. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the sparkle and ensure durability.
Frosty Lilac
This nail design features a frosty lilac shade with a subtle shimmer, perfect for conveying a sense of calm and coolness. The added glit
ter gives it a gentle sparkle, suitable for a trendy yet understated summer style.
- Consumables for this design:
- Essie ‘Lilacism’ for the base color
- Silver glitter top coat
- High-gloss top coat for durability
Begin with two coats of ‘Lilacism’ for a solid base. Add a layer of silver glitter top coat for a touch of sparkle. Seal with a high-gloss top coat to ensure the nails stay chip-free and shiny.
Summer Sunset
This design captures the essence of a summer sunset with a warm orange base and delicate pink glitter overlay. It’s perfect for those summer evenings and adds a bright and cheerful vibe to any outfit.
- Consumables for this design:
- China Glaze ‘Orange Knockout’ for the base
- Pink glitter polish for the overlay
- Protective glossy top coat
Apply ‘Orange Knockout’ as the base. Once dry, gently apply a layer of pink glitter polish, focusing on the tips for a gradient effect. Finish with a protective glossy top coat for a vibrant and durable manicure.
Bold Blue Zebra
This striking design features a vivid blue color with bold zebra stripes, making a dramatic statement. It’s a fun and artistic choice for those who love to express their style through vibrant colors and patterns.
- Consumables for this design:
- Sally Hansen ‘Pacific Blue’ for the base
- White striping polish for the zebra stripes
- High-gloss top coat for a bold finish
Start with two coats of ‘Pacific Blue’ for a deep, rich base. Use white striping polish to carefully draw zebra stripes on the accent nails. Seal everything with a high-gloss top coat to enhance the color’s intensity and protect the design.
Neon Leopard Edges
This nail design uses vibrant neon green with bold black leopard spots around the edges, creating an edgy and eye-catching look. This design is perfect for making a baddie statement and standing out in a crowd.
- Consumables for this design:
- Neon green polish for the base
- Black acrylic paint for leopard spots
- Thin brush for detail work
- Glossy top coat for protection
Apply a neon green polish as the base. Use a thin brush and black acrylic paint to add leopard spots around the edges of each nail. Finish with a glossy top coat to ensure the design stays vibrant and chip-free.
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