Hey babe!
Can we just agree that summer and bright nails are a match made in hot-girl heaven? As soon as the sun comes out, something inside us wants to ditch the nudes and deep tones for something loud, playful, and a little rebellious. From popsicle pinks to neon greens, bright summer nails are the ultimate mood-filters.
Whether you’re heading to a cottage weekend in Ontario or catching rooftop vibes in NYC, this guide will have your nails on point. We dive deep into color trends, nail art, care tips, shapes, DIY hacks, and even how to watch your mani to your summer fit.
So grab your iced coffee (or rosé), and let’s get into it, sis.
Why Bright Nails Just Hit Different in Summer
Now, think of your nails as the cherry on top of your summer glow-up. You see, once colder months hit, we usually stick to neutral tones, deep reds, or elegant blacks. But then summer comes along, and once the weather warms up, color becomes our love language. But why are bright nail colors such a hit?
- They highlight your tan, even a subtle one, makes neons pop.
- Bright colors are the perfect accessory. You simply don’t need any jewelry when your nails glow.
- They match the mood, whether it’s sunshine, fruity drinks, or travel, color simply fits.
Besides, summer is always packed with events. Weddings here, a girls’ trip there, and festivals in between. With bright nails, you stand out in every selfie because it’s not just beauty, it’s vibes.
Top Bright Nail Colors that Scream Summer
Let’s be real: your nail color speaks volumes about your mood and who you are. This summer, it’s all about oozing bold, expressive, and unapologetically YOU. So, which colors should you go for this summer?
Neon Coral
For the fashionistas following trends on TikTok and runways, this is a familiar color. Coral blends the heat of orange well with the softness of pink; in short, coral will pour boldness without being too “in your face.” Plus, the best part is you don’t have to worry about skin tone match because it works perfectly while screaming vacation mode. And if you want to add a touch of bling, consider gold rings.
Hot Barbie Pink
Remember the hot barbie pink wave? Well, the wave is still on even after Nikki Minaj’s Pink Friday album. This vibrant pink is all about playfulness, femininity, and confidence. If you rock pink, hit the parties, brunches, and nights out. Plus, it matches half your summer wardrobe.
Electric Blue
For a slightly edgy, striking, and cool color, blue is your solution. It looks especially amazing against lighter summer outfits or denim, and if you’re afraid to make a statement, try the electric blue nails to bring out main character vibes.
Sunshine Yellow
Yellow can be intimidating and perhaps bright and shouting for a reserved person. But once you find the right shade, it’s pure happiness. For instance, you can try mustard, buttercup, or lemon to match different moods. It’s also a great backdrop for smiley face art or tiny daisies.
Tropical Teal
Are you looking for something vibrant but not in neon territory? How about teal? This color will remind you of Caribbean oceans and surfboards. Plus, you can pair it with gold or white nail art.
Juicy Orange
Orange is the one underrated girl who always delivers. Whether it’s tangerine, papaya, or the full-on pumpkin neon, this shade is all about fun, flirty, and fearless.
Pro tip:
Nail Art That’s All the Rage This Summer
Okay, sis, solid colors are cute and all, but nail art is where your personality steps out. You see, nail art is no longer just for celebs or salons. With the right tools, you can create a masterpiece right at the comfort of your dressing table at home.
Fruity Fresh Designs
Tiny pineapples, cherries, strawberries, and watermelons are EVERYWHERE this year. But what about these designs makes them stand out? It’s how they are playful and perfect for short nails, making them ideal for younger girls or the young at heart. If you wish to add something to add more style, consider a sheer base coat or a solid pastel.
Rainbow French Tips
Why stick with white tips when you can throw in a range of colors in the form of a rainbow? Just as the rainbow packs different colors, you can also layer these colors on your nail tips or even go gradient style from pinky to thumb. This style brings a fresh twist on the classic French manicure, and yes, it looks bomb on both long and short nails.
Smiley Faces and Doodles
How about throwing it all the way back to Y2K and carefree summer days? Doodles like peace signs, flowers, stars, and smileys bring back the old days. With this design, you can throw on pastel or nude bases as a great way to express your inner child.
Color Block Magic
Think graphic shapes, layered tones, or even angular patterns when talking about block magic. These artsy, bold looks are straight from editorial shoots, and you can DIY them at home with some nail tape and plenty of patience. But if you want the ultimate look, show a reference photo to your nail tech.
Trending Nail Shapes to Try in Summer
It’s always about the vibes when you step out or even the aura you send out to the world. And that’s where different nail shapes come in to offer that versatility. If you’ve been a sucker for square, summer is your excuse to try something new:
- Almond: Babes looking for a sleek and feminine look can opt for the almond shape. This shape elongates your fingers and works with every design, especially swirls and florals.
- Squoval: If you thought square and oval in one, you got it right. This hybrid is perfect if you love low-maintenance but still want shape. Plus, it’s clean, classic, and ideal for short nails. ‘
- Coffin (aka Ballerina): With this shape, you get acres of surface area for detailed art or ombre designs to give you that edgy and bold look. However, it’s not ideal for weak nails since they’re prone to breakage without gel or acrylics.
- Stiletto: Not the high-heels but the stiletto shape makes a statement. It’s no wonder they are high maintenance. And for that reason, it’s best to rock them when you have a special trip or big event, but you may want to slow down your texting.
What Should You Go For? DIY vs. Salon
Now that you know which colors bring the vibes this summer and the nail art to amplify your personality, the real question that comes to mind is: should you go the DIY route or should you take the safe option and leave the job to the professionals at the salon? Both options have their perks as described below:
DIY Nails
For the explorers looking to test their artistic skills, DIY offers the following advantages:
- The freedom to make last-minute changes
- Budget-conscious babes can save on nail-tech fees
- It’s great for girls who love a bit of experimenting
What you’ll need:
As a DIYer, you will need tools to bring your creativity to life. So, here are some tools you’ll need to get:
- Bright nail polishes
- A good nail file and buffer
- Dotting tools and brushes for art
- Base & top coat
- Optional: Gel lamp + gel polish for longer wear
Tips:
Once you have all your tools ready, it’s time to get down to the actual work. For that, follow these tips to get the best results:
- Soak your hands in warm water, but add a drop of oil before you start shaping
- Next, apply a sticky base coat to prevent any chipping
- Now, add polish in thin layers and ensure they are even
- Let everything dry completely between coats (or you can use a drying spray).
Going Pro with Salon Appointments
If you prefer a pro-level glam, a nail tech at your preferred salon will offer:
- Intricate art or shaping
- Acrylics or gel extensions
- Extra-long wear
Nail Care 101: How to Keep Your Nails Cute All Summer Long
Listen, your polish is only as good as your nail health, and there are plenty of elements that can wreck your nails. From hot weather, chlorine, and sand to even hand sanitizer. So, how do you keep them strong, shiny, and hydrated?
Daily Nail Care Tips:
- Hydrate with cuticle oil every morning and night to make your polish last longer.
- Always moisturize your hands with a lightweight lotion after washing.
- Don’t skip your hands when applying sunscreen. UV rays fade polish and age your skin.
- Harsh detergents cause dry and brittle nails. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to wear gloves when cleaning.
Weekly Care Tips:
- File your nails in one direction to prevent any splits
- To achieve a smooth canvas, buff the surface gently
- Give your nails time to breathe between gel sets
Remember, healthy nails translate to longer-lasting manis, and no one wants yellow-stained nails when the polish comes off.
Nail Accessories to Take Things Up a Notch
You have a preferred nail shape in check, nail color popping, and nail art screaming your personality. But there’s something missing to complete your overall look. How about some nail accessories to bring everything together?
- Nail stickers & wraps: For a quick glam up, nail stickers and wraps are perfect. Plus, you can go for the waterproof and heat-activated ones.
- Gems & Rhinestones: A little shine and sparkle will go a long way in elevating your look. You see gems and rhinestones sparkle under the sun, perfect for the festival-packed season.
- Metallic foils: You can also go for these thin sheets of gold or chrome to bring some editorial edge to your nails. Simply apply the foils over the polish and seal with a top coat.
Matching Bright Nails with Your Summer Wardrobe
Outfit coordination can be a tough puzzle, especially if your matching skills are a bit off. Thankfully, you have this guide to help you get the best mix and match:
- Neons + neutrals: Since neons can be quite screaming, pairing them with neutral colors forms the perfect blend.
- Pastels + brights: How about a pastel dress with hot pink nails? You guessed it, a chef’s kiss.
- White outfits + anything: Just like a piece of canvas, white allows you to go wild with any other color and still rock that perfect combo.
- Swimwear matching: Summer and water go hand in hand, and that means you have a chance to match your mani to your bikini or cover-up for the ultimate poolside slay.
And remember, it’s okay for toes and fingers to be different. Contrasting colors are totally in this year.
When Bright Gets Boring, Remix Your Nail Routine
It’s inevitable to end up bored with a certain color at some point. You may even end up trying every color twice. Time to get creative, and summer is the best time to tap into that experimental side of you. Take a look at some of the options you can try to spice things up:
- Matte top coats are great if you wish to achieve a soft and velvety finish.
- Negative space nails allow you to display a part of your natural nail for a modern twist. Generally, it’s about painting some sections and leaving others plain.
- Accent nails, on the other hand, is a technique where you paint two different nails per hand for a different kind of pop.
- Skittle nails take advantage of the rainbow realness by applying a different bright hue on every nail.
Your Summer Nail Era is Here
So, there you have it. A complete guide on how you can use bright summer nails to turn heads and boost your overall mood this season. A DIY dva? Check. Perhaps a saloon loyalist? Also check. This summer is your ultimate chance to go full color and express your style with every brushstroke.
It doesn’t matter whether you choose juicy oranges, funky nail art, bold shapes, or even minimal accents; there’s no wrong way to wear summer on your hands.
So grab your fave polish, tag your nail bestie, and let’s make this the brightest, boldest, and most beautiful nail season yet.
