This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Erika Gay. Find her on Instagram at @erikag0503. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Whether you are planning your summer vacations, graduation plans, or just warm weather fun, getting your nails done is something to definitely consider when making these plans.When the sun comes out and the temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to refresh your beauty routine starting with your nails. Summer nail designs are all about bright colors, playful patterns, and creative self-expression. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading to a music festival, or enjoying weekend getaways, your nails can be the ultimate accessory to show off your summer spirit. If you’re looking for new inspiration, I have gathered the top trends, tips, and ideas to keep your manicure on point all summer long. If you can take time away from work and all your other responsibilities, you might as well go all out and treat yourself. Summer naturally brings out a more relaxed, fun you. With lighter clothes, brighter colors, and an overall shift in style, your nails are the perfect place to experiment with new trends. Plus, showing off a stunning manicure adds that polished finishing touch to any summer outfits from swimsuits to sundresses.You can go bold, minimalist, or tropical. It’s the season to try something new, vibrant, and fun without hesitation.
Bright and Bold Colors
Nothing screams summer quite like vivid, eye-catching colors. This season, we’re seeing a return of neon pinks, electric blues, zesty oranges, and bright greens. These shades instantly elevate your look and bring the heat to any summer event.Try combining different bold shades for a two-tone manicure or create an ombré effect blending from one bright color to another. A simple but striking idea? A bright-colored French tip switches out the classic white tip for neon or pastel tones for a fresh twist on a timeless look. If you are taking a fun trip to a destination like Miami where things are vibrant and fun this is the perfect nail choice for you! For my Miami trip I look for inspiration on Pinterest and combined the ideas together to find the perfect fit for me. Another great thing is Bright nails look especially stunning against a sun-kissed tan which will also stand out in your Instagram photos!
Tropical Vibes
Let’s be honest if we had the option to be at the beach at any time, most of us would totally be there. Summer is a great excuse to book a tropical beach trip so here are some nail ideas for that destination. If you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation, why not bring paradise to your fingertips? Tropical nail designs are a summer staple, featuring palm leaves, hibiscus flowers, pineapples, flamingos, and sunsets.
For an easy DIY tropical look, use a pastel background like mint green or baby pink and add a few palm tree silhouettes using nail stickers or simple stamping tools. Want to go bold? Try a full tropical landscape across all your nails for an artful, cohesive design. I think fashion and accessories are great places to get inspo for nails as well. For example, Staud’s stunning embroidered bags scream tropical vibes.
Minimalist Nail Art
If bright and bold isn’t your style, minimalist nail art is still incredibly popular and perfect for summer. Think delicate lines, subtle metallic accents, and tiny designs like stars, moons, or minimalist florals. Most recently the chrome trend has been very popular, which is just adding a shimmer top coat to your nail designs that can really elevate it. A sheer nude base with a fine white stripe, a tiny gold dot at the base of each nail, or even a single tiny daisy on each fingertip creates a chic, understated look that pairs beautifully with any outfit.Minimalist summer nail designs are a great option for those who want a fashionable, low-maintenance look that still feels special.Soft lilac, mint green, pale yellow, and baby blue create a dreamy, candy-colored effect that’s hard not to love. It’s a subtle yet stylish way to embrace multiple colors without feeling over-the-top. With minimalist nails, it gives you an excuse to make your outfits and accessories pop. For this nail design if you don’t want to go to the salon and break the bank on a new set there are some cute press-on options you can buy from Amazon. As someone who has used press ons many times, they definitely work and can last a long time if you prep your nails correctly!
Tips for Long-Lasting Summer Nails
So you’re getting your nails done for your trip, event or just for fun, this means you want them to last! Summer means activities like swimming, sunbathing, outdoor sports which can be tough on your manicure. So here’s how to keep your summer nail designs looking fresh longer:
- Always use a base coat: It prevents staining (especially with bold colors) and gives your polish something to adhere to, making it last longer. This one from Amazon is a great choice and very affordable.
- Apply a top coat: Seal your design with a high-quality top coat for extra shine and protection against chips.
- Use sunscreen: UV rays can cause your nail polish to fade or yellow. Apply sunscreen around your hands and nails, or use a UV-protectant top coat. This is also essential to keep your skin healthy.
- Stay hydrated: Healthy nails start from within. Drink plenty of water to keep your nails strong and less prone to breakage.
- Moisturize regularly: Hot weather and chlorine can dry out cuticles and nails. Use a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream daily to maintain moisture.
Summer nail designs are all about embracing joy, color, and creativity. Whether you prefer minimalist chic or wild, colorful art, there’s a perfect design waiting for you. So why not treat your nails to a seasonal upgrade? It’s an easy, fun way to express your style and celebrate everything you love about summer. So are you ready to dive into these summer trends? Grab your favorite polish, some fun nail art tools, and let your creativity shine! Share your favorite nail designs in the comments below!
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