Suns out, claws out. When the summer heat is on it’s time to take the layers off and show some skin. While winter nail art rarely gets a chance to shine in public (winter chill = mittens), summer is the season to pull out all the nail decorating stops.
From psychedelic tie-dye to smaller than bite size fruit, intricate lines or bold cow print, these are the hottest nail art trends of the summer. Feel free to shop the polishes and appliqués below if you’re in the mood for a little DIY, or send these images to your manicurist for your next nail appointment.
Abstract Tonal
Here’s a DIY that we are going to try ASAP! Since there’s no one way to make abstract art, no one will be able to tell if you mess up.
Get It! essie Gel Couture Sheer Silhouettes Nail Polish, $12; target.com
Long Lines
Want to make your short nails look longer? Give them some lengthening lines in varying widths.
Get It! Deborah Lippmann Beyond The Sea Gel Lab Pro Set, $36; sephora.com
Confetti Magic
This one takes a bit more patience (you need to apply each piece of glitter one-by-one) but the sparkle is so worth it.
Get It! Multicolor Manicure Glitter Confetti Mixed Shapes, $7; amazon.com
Til The Cows Come Home
It’s no surprise cowhide print is making it’s way into the fashion world with Western looks currently on-trend. White nails with a couple black splotches? Done.
Get It! Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish, $5; sephora.com
Neon Green
If you haven’t been able to commit to the slime green that’s been happening in fashion right now, a french tip can give you a fun taste of it.
Get It! essie Nail Polish Stencil Me In, $11; amazon.com
Totally Tie-Dye
You have this hippie print on your t-shirts, skirts, dresses, and scrunchies at this point, so why not your nails?
Get It! More than Magic Nail Polish Set, $7; target.com
Works of Art
Take your notebook doodles to your nails with crisp white line drawings over eye-popping base colors.
Get It! Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color, $6; amazon.com
In Stitches
All you need is a steady hand to complete this simple, statement nail art.
Get It! China Glaze Stripe Rite Paint It Black, $6; ulta.com
I Scream You Scream
Ah, the uncontested dessert of summer. Try the white tipped and sprinkle-covered designs on your own, and if you’re really talented, give the accent nails a go.
Get It! OPI Online Only Neons Infinite Shine 5pc Mini Pack, $25; ulta.com
Porcelain
You can buy the nail polish, let your nail technician do the rest.
Get It! Christian Louboutin ‘The Pops’ Nail Colour, $50; nordstrom.com
Wavy
Crisp, straight lines are hard. This color-blocked wavy design is your friend.
Get It! Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour, $28; nordstrom.com
Flower Power
Pssst! We found at home floral nail art stickers that will give you these nails instantly.
Get It! Olive & June In Bloom Nail Art Stickers, $8; target.com
Juicy Fruit
We’re thirsty for this mouth watering nail art!
Get It! Nails Inc. Kiss My Peach Duo Nail Set, $15; sephora.com
Rainbow Power
When you can’t decide on what polish to choose, pick them all.
Get It! Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Pride Nail Color Collection, $17; ulta.com
Sunny Side Up
Your favorite breakfast food, nail art edition.
Get It! Nails Inc. Life Hack Personality Nail Polish Collection, $11; sephora.com
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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