Are your nails summer-ready to flaunt the hottest trends? As a professional manicurist, I’ve seen the wave of summer 2024 styles ready to make a splash. Will neon fun outshine classy almond this year, or will the timeless charm of French designs reign supreme? Stick around as we reveal the chicest summer gel nails designs & colors trends 2024, from the bold and bright to the simple and sublime.

A Hint of Midnight Sparkle

As the sun sets, let your nails capture the night’s allure with this enchanting design.

Professional’s Insight

The first image reveals a sultry, deep universe on your fingertips. Each nail is a canvas showcasing a unique blend of midnight black and a sprinkle of cosmic dust. It’s more than just color; it’s a celestial dance between shadow and light, perfect for those balmy summertime nights.

Consumables List

• Deep black gel polish
• Holographic glitter
• Top seal coat
• (Placeholder Brand) UV lamp

DIY Steps

Start with a solid black base. Once cured, gently pat on the holographic glitter onto the tacky layer. Cure again and seal with a glossy topcoat for a durable, starry finish.

Classic Redefined

Nothing says “classic” quite like a vibrant red, but this summer, it’s all about the gloss.

Professional’s Insight

The second look takes classy to a new level with a vivacious red that’s both bold and empowering. It’s a full coverage, high-gloss finish that speaks of confidence, making it a go-to for any summer 2024 event.

Consumables List

• Bright red gel polish
• High-gloss topcoat
• (Placeholder Brand) Nail cleaner

DIY Steps

Apply two coats of your favorite red gel polish, curing between layers. Finish with a high-gloss topcoat for that glass-like sheen. Remember, perfection is in the prep – ensure your nails are clean and oil-free before starting.

Playful Geometry

Who said summer can’t have a touch of sophistication?

Professional’s Insight

This playful geometric design contrasts bright orange with crisp white, separated by clean, precise lines. It’s a unique short nail look that’s modern and surprisingly versatile, representing a blend of fun and order – a reflection of a well-balanced summertime.

Consumables List

• White and bright orange gel polish
• Striping tape
• Matte and gloss topcoat
• (Placeholder Brand) Precision brush

DIY Steps

Paint your nails with a white base and cure. Use striping tape to map out your design, then fill in with bright orange polish. For a twist, alternate between matte and glossy finishes on different nails.

Neon Coral Shimmer: A Summer Night’s Dream

The Scene: Imagine your nails capturing the mystical glow of a summer sunset. This design does just that with its neon coral base, radiating warmth and playfulness.

Materials:

• Neon coral gel polish
• Fine iridescent glitter
• High-gloss top coat

DIY Tips: Start with a base coat, then layer on the neon coral polish until you achieve full coverage. While the second coat is still tacky, gently pat on the glitter with a fan brush for a dispersed shimmer. Seal with a high-gloss top coat for a dazzling finish.

Classy Square Blossom: Delicate Florals Meet Elegance

Idea: These nails speak of the delicacy of spring and the brightness of summer, while the stylish square shape serves as a canvas for intricate floral art.

Materials:

• Soft pink gel polish
• White and gold detailing polish
• Matte and glossy top coat for contrast

DIY Approach: Apply two coats of the soft pink gel as your foundation. Use a fine brush to hand-paint the floral design, alternating petals in white and gold. Experiment with matte and glossy finishes on different nails to add depth and interest.

Soft Elegance with a Touch of Whimsy

Delving into the essence of what makes a nail design both Classy and Unique, this look is a delightful ensemble of soft pink hues adorned with delicate embellishments. A manicure that’s not just a statement but a narrative of feminine grace, perfect for Summer 2024.

Materials:

• Soft pink gel polish
• Clear gel for 3D effect
• Silver glitter
• Rhinestones and delicate nail charms
• Matte top coat for a sophisticated finish

DIY Tips: Paint a foundation of soft pink. For the accent nails, apply a layer of clear gel, not yet cured, to affix the rhinestones and charms. Sprinkle silver glitter over the wet polish on other nails for a subtle sparkle. Finish with a matte top coat to bring out the sophistication.

Vibrant Pink with Silver Swirls

This design screams Bright Pink with a capital ‘B’. The vibrant pink base is given an edge with swirls of metallic silver, ideal for those looking for Art Ideas 2024 that are bold yet refined.

Materials:

• Vibrant pink gel polish
• Silver nail art paint
• Small nail art brush
• High-gloss top coat for shine

DIY Tips: Lay down your vibrant pink base, two coats should do. With a fine brush, swirl on the silver paint in whatever pattern feels right—let creativity lead. A generous layer of high-gloss top coat will make the design pop and last through any summer adventure.

Classic French with a Neon Twist

The French manicure is timeless, but add a strip of Neon Yellow, and it’s catapulted into Summer 2024. This combo marries tradition with a trendsetting pop of color, proving that Classy Simple designs can still turn heads.

Materials:

• Nude gel polish for the base
• Neon yellow polish for the tips
• Striping tape for precision
• Glossy top coat for a seamless finish

DIY Tips: Apply the nude base and let it cure. Then, use striping tape to get that crisp line and apply the neon yellow polish. Carefully remove the tape while the polish is still wet. Finish with a glossy top coat for a seamless transition from nude to neon.

Neon Yellow Splash

Neon Joy Personified

As I gaze upon this lively expression of Neon yellow and Bright blue, it’s like a burst of sunshine paired with the depth of the ocean. The smile-inducing Neon fun yellow is brilliantly bold, speaking volumes of a carefree summer day. Coupled with an accent nail featuring playful characters, it’s an Art piece that encapsulates the spirit of Summer 2024.

• High-quality UV gel polish in neon yellow
• Sky blue acrylic paint for accent designs
• Fine detail brush for intricate Art ideas 2024
• My tip: Use a dotting tool to create precise and vivid details on the accent designs.

Creating this look at home requires patience and a steady hand. Start with two coats of neon yellow gel polish, curing between each. For the accent, hand-paint your design with acrylic paint, let it dry, and seal it with a topcoat.

Classy Metallic Mermaid

Shimmering Underwater Fantasy

The allure of the mermaid’s tail is alive in this Classy beautiful almond design. The metallic sheen dances with light, creating a delicate iridescence reminiscent of seafoam and shells. It’s a sophisticated nod to Summer gel nails designs & colors trends 2024, perfect for both day and night.

• Metallic gel polishes in shades of pink, blue, and purple
• Top-quality no-wipe gel top coat
• My tip: For an even shimmer, apply the metallic polish using a sponge technique for a gradient effect.

At home, apply a base coat and cure. Sponge on the metallic polish in layers, cure, and seal with a glossy topcoat. This design requires finesse to achieve the gradient look.

Romantic Blue Ombre

Blue Skies and Love

This design is a love letter to summer skies with its Bright blue and Soft white ombre. It’s a Simple, yet Unique expression, ideal for those who adore the Short natural look. The heart detail is a sweet touch, symbolizing love that’s as endless as the summer sky.

• Light blue and white gel polish for the ombre
• Clear gel polish for the encapsulated heart
• My tip: Use a makeup sponge to blend the ombre seamlessly.

To recreate, apply the white gel as a base, then dab the sponge with blue and white to create the ombre. Add a heart with a dotting tool and encapsulate with clear gel.

Bold Purple Majesty

Regal Summer Evenings

This monochromatic purple set speaks of Classy evenings and summer flair. It’s a Simple yet Unique style that resonates with the confident charm of a modern queen.

• Deep purple gel polish
• Matte top coat for a velvet finish
• My tip: A matte top coat transforms any color with a sophisticated touch.

Paint two coats of purple gel, cure, and apply a matte top coat for this Classy simple look. It’s straightforward and perfect for Beginners who want a Classy touch.

Neon Fun Meets Classy Elegance

Professional Opinion: This nail design encapsulates the essence of Neon fun with a touch of Classy sophistication. A gradient of electric blue gives way to a sparkling azure, reminiscent of a summer sky just before twilight. It’s an aquatic adventure, subtle yet striking.

Materials Needed:

• Base coat: Start with a strong foundation using OPI Natural Nail Base Coat.
• Gel polishes: For the gradient, use Gelish’s Bright Blue and Neon Coral.
• Glitter topcoat: Add some sparkle with Sally Hansen’s Diamond Strength Glitter.
• UV/LED lamp: Cure your design with the SUNUV Sun2C lamp.

DIY Instructions: Begin with clean, prepped nails. Apply your base coat and cure. Next, apply your first color, bright blue, near the cuticle and fade into neon coral towards the tip. While the second coat is still tacky, sprinkle on a fine glitter and cure. Seal with a topcoat and bask in the glory of your summertime creation.

Acrylic Bright Symphony

Pro Opinion: A symphony of acrylic bright and pastel shades dance on every nail. The glossy olive green plays on the low-end while the soft pink floral hues add a feminine touch. It’s a simple, unique design that is music to the eyes.

Materials Needed:

• Matte top coat: Matte it out with Essie’s Matte About You.
• Acrylic paints: For the florals, Arteza’s acrylic set offers a plethora of shades.
• Detailing brush: Paint the tiniest details with Winstonia’s Fine Line brush.

DIY Instructions: After your matte base is cured, take a fine brush dipped in pastel yellow and soft pink acrylics to paint your florals. Use a dotting tool for the centers. Remember, it’s like a whisper of color – delicate and understated. Cure, then apply a matte topcoat over the designs only, keeping the green matte for contrast.

Pops of Color: Neon and Bright Pink Fusion

Professional Opinion: Here we witness the daring duo of neon yellow and hot pink, a true depiction of colorful joy. The metallic accents are the cherry on top, turning each nail into a miniature canvas of modern art.

Materials Needed:

• Neon gel polish: LeChat’s Perfect Match in Neon Yellow and Hot Pink.
• Metallic foil: Artistic Nail Design’s foil set for that extra flair.
• Gel top coat: Seal it with Seche Vite’s Full Gel Top Coat.

DIY Instructions: Apply your neon base and cure. For the metallic effect, press foil onto the tacky layer where desired. Cure again and finish with a high-gloss top coat for a summer look that’s both playful and polished.

Pastel Dreams and Acrylic Realities

Professional Opinion: A sea of pastel yellow shimmers on short natural nails, evoking the tenderness of summer sunsets. The stylish square shape adds sophistication to the nails, allowing the acrylic color to take center stage.

Materials Needed:

• Pastel gel polish: Try CND Shellac in Banana Clips for that perfect pastel yellow.
• Squar nail tips: For those without naturally short almond nails, Makartt offers a reliable set.
• Builder gel: Bio Seaweed Gel’s Builder for added strength.

DIY Instructions: Attach your tips and shape them into a classy almond form. Apply your pastel polish in thin, even layers, curing between each. Finish with a builder gel for that glassy, durable finish.

Midnight Jungle Elegance

Professional Opinion: These nails whisper of enigmatic evenings in a lush jungle with their leopard print, rendered in sophisticated shades of grey. The addition of a single gold stud on each nail introduces a hint of Acrylic bright luxury, while the soft matte finish ensures the design remains Classy simple.

Materials Needed:

• Grey gel polish: For the base, consider Essie Gel Couture in Take Me To Thread.
• Black gel polish: For the spots, use Gelish’s Black Shadow.
• Gold studs: Find these at your local nail art supply for that pop of bright.
• Matte top coat: Finish with OPI Matte Top Coat to envelop it all in velvety elegance.

DIY Instructions: Paint your base in grey and cure. With a fine brush, dab on your leopard spots in black, and don’t aim for perfection—the beauty is in the irregularity. Adhere a gold stud on each nail while the spot layer is still tacky, then cure and apply the matte top coat.

Ethereal Shimmer

As summer’s warmth wraps around us, the fusion of muted tones with a hint of sparkle becomes the epitome of seasonal style.

Professional Insight

This design showcases an elegant marriage between a matte grey base and speckles of celestial green glitter. It’s a sophisticated take on summer gel nails designs & colors trends 2024, perfect for someone looking to merge understated class with a dash of whimsy.

Consumables List

• Matte Grey Gel Polish: Stormy Silence by Modern Matte
• Green Glitter Gel Polish: Enchanted Forest by Glitterama
• Top Coat: MatteTop Finish by LuxeMattes
• Fine Detail Brush for glitter application

DIY Instructions

After your base coat, apply two coats of Stormy Silence, curing after each. With a fine brush, add accents of Enchanted Forest on select nails for a pop of sparkle. Finish with MatteTop to seal in the glitter and maintain the overall matte look. This design is a subtle nod to summer’s vibrant nature while keeping things classy and unique.

Contemporary Chic

In the melting pot of this summer’s trends, simple doesn’t mean plain—it means having the confidence to wear art that speaks without shouting.

Professional Insight

The nails pictured here exhibit a sleek white base, accented with minimalist art that feels both spontaneous and calculated. It’s a classy, yet unique statement with a simple elegance that speaks to the modern aesthetic of summer 2024.

Consumables List

• White Gel Polish: Snow Canvas by Artistry Lacquers
• Black Detailing Gel: Onyx Precision by Line Art Gels
• Green Gel Paint: Eden’s Touch by Palette Paints
• Orange Gel Paint: Sunset Glow by Palette Paints
• Blue Gel Paint: Ocean Whispers by Palette Paints
• Fine Detail Brush
• Top Coat: Crystal Clear by GlossBoss

DIY Instructions

Begin with two coats of Snow Canvas, curing each layer. Dip your fine brush into Onyx Precision to draw delicate lines, and fill with colors as inspired. Seal with Crystal Clear top coat for a glossy finish.

Bold Botanicals

Summer calls for a celebration of life and what better way than to adorn ourselves with colorful and bright botanicals?

Professional Insight

These nails are a canvas showcasing bright pink and navy in a floral pattern that is both classic and daring. It’s the embodiment of a classy beautiful almond shape brought to life with a vibrant art display.

Consumables List

• Navy Gel Polish: Deep Sea by NavyNails
• Bright Pink Gel Paint: Fuchsia Fantasy by Bold Blooms
• Detailing Brush
• White Gel Polish: Snow Canvas by Artistry Lacquers
• Glossy Top Coat: Glass Shield by Seal&Shine

DIY Instructions

Apply a white base, cure it, then use a detailing brush to hand-paint your navy and bright pink floral patterns. Each stroke brings the bloom to life. Finish with a coat of Glass Shield for lasting shine.

Sophisticated Sculptures

Who says nails are merely for color? This season, texture and dimension take the front seat, allowing for a tactile experience of beauty.

Professional Insight

Witness a marriage of form and function with these short natural nails. They are sculpted to perfection, enhanced with soft silver embellishments that make a statement of luxury and elegance.

Consumables List

• Soft White Gel Polish: Whispering White by Elegance
• Silver Embellishments: Sterling Charms by NailCrafter
• Gel Adhesive: StrongBond by AdhereWell
• Top Coat: SmoothSet by Seal&Shine

DIY Instructions

Paint your nails with Whispering White, cure, then apply a tiny drop of StrongBond where you’ll place your charms. Once set, encapsulate with SmoothSet to ensure a smooth finish and enhanced durability.

Galactic Glamour

Take a trip across the cosmos with nails that capture the otherworldly charm of the galaxy.

Professional Insight

The blend of bright blue and purple gel paints creates a cosmic effect, reminiscent of the night sky. The speckled glitter mimics the starry heavens, bringing the galaxy to your fingertips in a look that’s both colorful and unique.

Consumables List

• Lavender Gel Polish: Cosmic Lilac by Starry Nights
• Blue and Purple Gel Paints: Galactic Set by Universe Colors
• Glitter Pieces: StarDust by GlitterGlam
• Top Coat: Starshine by GlossBoss

DIY Instructions

Begin with a lavender base, cure, then layer on your blue and purple gel paints, blending them for a nebulous effect. Sprinkle on StarDust glitter while the paint is tacky. Seal with Starshine for a smooth, glass-like finish that will last through all your summer nights.

Abstract Angles

When the casual cool of denim meets the boldness of abstract art, you get a nail design that’s perfect for those summer days out in the city.

Professional Insight

This design takes a dark, bright blue as its base, featuring one accent nail with an abstract zebra pattern. It’s a juxtaposition of wildness with the calm, deep blue, reflecting a unique spirit of adventure.

Consumables List

• Bright Blue Gel Polish: Midnight Mystery by DeepBlue
• Black and White Gel Paint: Contrast Duo by Artline Essentials
• Orange Gel Polish: Tangerine Blast by Citrus Pop
• Detailing Brushes
• High-Gloss Top Coat: ShineMax by LuxeCoats

DIY Instructions

Coat your nails with Midnight Mystery, let it cure, then use detailing brushes to paint the zebra pattern and add an orange accent for a pop of color. Seal with ShineMax top coat for a dazzling finish.

Soft Elegance

As we find refuge in the soft, creamy shades of summer, let’s not forget the allure of subtlety.

Professional Insight

Soft, pastel tones with sheer overlays create a gentle but impactful statement. The soft pastel yellow and lilac provide a backdrop for the ethereal wave patterns, invoking a sense of serene beaches and peaceful summer mornings.

Consumables List

• Pastel Yellow Gel Polish: Mellow Yellow by Pastel Perfect
• Sheer White Gel Polish: Cloud Cover by Translucents
• Lilac Gel Polish: Lavender Whispers by Soft Hues
• Nail Art Tape
• High-Gloss Top Coat: Clear Skies by TopCoat Treasures

DIY Instructions

Apply Mellow Yellow on one finger, then for the others, use Cloud Cover as a base and layer with Lavender Whispers using nail art tape to create soft waves. Finish with a layer of Clear Skies for lasting shine and clarity.

Neon Edge

Embrace the electric energy of summer with neon edges that transform a simple design into something bright and unforgettable.

Professional Insight

In this design, a pastel pink base edged with vibrant neon blue captures the playful and energetic essence of summertime. It’s a blend of softness and excitement, a unique short nail design that’s perfect for summer festivals and beach parties alike.

Consumables List

• Pastel Pink Gel Polish: Baby Blush by Sweet Pastels
• Neon Blue Gel Paint: Electric Azure by Neon Pop
• Detailing Brush
• High-Gloss Top Coat: ShineSeal by GelGuardians

DIY Instructions

Cover your nails with Baby Blush, then with a steady hand, paint the tip edges with Electric Azure using a detailing brush. Once done, cure and apply ShineSeal top coat to ensure the neon pops and lasts.

Vivid Vibrance

Summer is synonymous with vibrancy, and our nails are no exception. This image captures the essence of Neon fun while echoing the sentiment of summer with its bold shades and playful patterns.

Professional Insight

In this professional take, we see the fusion of hot pink and a lustrous chrome that reflects summer’s infinite palette. The almond-shaped nails are bold yet classy, with the bright pink serving as a testament to the uninhibited joy of the season.

Consumables List

• Hot Pink Gel Polish: Flirtatious Magenta by Vivid Varnish
• Chrome Powder: Silver Spectrum by MirrorMagic
• Gel Top Coat: Everlasting Shine by LastLayer
• Application Sponges
• Alcohol Wipes

DIY Instructions

Apply two coats of your Flirtatious Magenta and cure. For the chrome effect, gently rub the Silver Spectrum powder onto the nail with an application sponge. Use an alcohol wipe to remove excess powder, then seal with Everlasting Shine for a durable, mirror-like finish. Whether you’re hitting the beach or the city streets, these nails are your ticket to a memorable summer.