It’s official – we’re overhauling our monthly manicures to incorporate the trending nail designs of the moment. No longer are we opting for lip-gloss hues and pastel tones suited to spring. And we’re certainly not about moody autumn nails (as much as we’re still adoring tortoise shell nails) Instead, we’re injecting some summer 2024 into our look – which means taking things up a notch and making moves towards all things brighter and bolder. Think neon hues, Barbie pinks, and zesty oranges. The best part? Summer nails are suited to all nail shapes.
From modern, neon takes on the classic French manicure to Euphoria inspired nail art, celebrity manicurists like Iram Shelton, Harriet Westmoreland and Julia Diogo are paving the way for the viral nail trends set to dominate summer 2024. And if you’re after some summer nail inspiration ahead of your next salon appointment or at-home session, look no further, as we’ve compiled a selection of Grazia approved summer nail ideas for 2024. From micro French, sweet daisy nails and everything in between, there’s an option suited to all tastes and finishes - including gel nails, BIAB nails and acrylic nails.
'Summer nails are vibrant and playful, featuring bright colours, tropical themes, and fresh designs that capture the lively spirit of the season. Popular trends include bold neon shades, beach-inspired motifs, and fun fruit patterns. These nail styles are perfect for adding a festive touch to your summer look,' says head of brand at Mylee Merilin Notton.
Beautiful, summer nail art is just a scroll away.
Best Summer Nail Designs for 2024
Fruity Beauty
Hailey Bieber is no stranger to Pinterest-worthy nail art - lest we forget her much hyped glazed donut manicures which caused something of a flurry in salons the world over. This summer her latest look takes inspiration from the fruit bowl - think vibrant blueberries, cherries and lemons set against a nude base. Credit: @haileybieber
Neon Nights
A slick of neon is the perfect way to modernise a French mani in time for summer. It's particularly great on shorter nails. Credit: @harrietwestmoreland
Graphic Pink
Magenta hues for summer? You can never go wrong with these as your summer holiday nails. Credit: @paintedby_didi
Summer Statement
If you're asking yourself, 'what nails should I get for summer?' then this green, pink and yellow combo makes for a great option. Credit: @paintedby_didi
Highlighter Hues
Highlighter hues are a summer holiday must have. Credit: @paintedbyjools
Barbie Girl
Summer hot pink nails will never go out of style. Bring on the Barbie nails for sunny season. Credit: @paintedbyjools
Freshly Squeezed
Iram Shelton is the Queen of manicures suited to all nail shapes. This neon almond look is summer perfection. Credit: @iramshelton
Flower Power
Alyx Lippiatt's dainty daisy nail art is a summer gel manicure must. Invest in a thin brush for the most precise finish at home. Image credit: @alyxlippiatt
Ombre Love
Summer ombre nails? Simply stunning. Image credit: @_arjenesisnails
Psychedelic Pastels
Psychedelic pastels are in for SS24 according to Notton. 'Although they certainly aren’t new, the designs we’ll be seeing will definitely have a modern twist. While we are still taking inspiration from the classic pastel French tips, and multi-coloured pastel nails, the 2024 trend is going to really look at elevating the colour and design of your mani for that feel-good Spring factor.' Credit: @disseynails.
Soft Pastel Ombre
Delicate pastel shades blended seamlessly are perfect for a subtle, summer-ready look. Notton advises opting for soft pinks like Mylee's Strawberry Milkshake, £8.99, lavenders such as Mylee's Lady Like, £8.99, mint greens, we love Mylee's Pistachio, £8.99, and baby blues like Mylee's And Breathe, £8.99,transitioning each of them smoothly from one to another.
Monet Manicures
Expect floral nail art to be everywhere in 2024. 'It's sunny, uplifting and happy, and sparks a lot of joy,' says Notton. 'Floral nail art does what it says on the tin. It's the placement of hand- painted, or sticker flowers on top of your colour, or natural nail. It can be a floral border at the cuticle or tip of your nail, or it can be one lone flower, or a spattering of them adorning your mani. The look is customisable to your own preferences.' Credit: @botanicalbeauty_
Metallic Ombre
'Shimmering metallic shades, like gold, silver, and rose gold, create a luxurious and eye-catching ombre effect', notes Notton. These are ideal for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of glamour. Credit: @nailslpc.xo
Cherry, Baby!
Cherry red nails are timeless, but they will have a big moment this spring, says Notton. 'The look is cute but grown up and so can work for anyone. The beauty of such a simple shade is that the possibilities are endless when it comes to elevation. Add a glaze for a juicy finish, add cherry nail art for a fun edge, or add a cherry red tip to a classic French. Check out [Mylee’s Kiss Kiss, £8.99]{href='https://mylee.co.uk/products/mylee-kiss-kiss-gel-polish-10ml' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, gel polish for a perfectly succulent base.' Credit: @nailedbyelizabeth
Neon Ombre
Bright, bold neon colours are making a statement in 2024, Notton says. 'Neon pinks, greens, yellows, and blues blended together create a vibrant and energetic look that’s perfect for summer and festivals,' she adds. Try Mylee's Dragonfruit Gel Polish, £8.99, for a vivid pink hue. Credit: @nailsbysmf.
Soft French
Think of it as a modern take on the classic French manicure, Notton notes, 'the French ombre features a nude or light pink base blending into a white tip. It’s elegant and perfect for any occasion'. Credit: @karenmackmannails.
Baby Blue Nails
This soft yet eccentric hue is a classic for good reason. In the last few months Google Searches for ‘Baby Blue Nail Designs’, ‘Ocean Blue Nails’, and ‘Pastel Blue Nails’ have been up by a whopping 5,000%. What's more,Tinu Bello, Senior Mylee Ambassador and A-List Manicurist, says 'Blue nails are set to be one of the hottest shades for SS24'. Credit: @overglowedit
Coquette Nails
We’re going to see a lot of 3D and textured manis celebrating this trend, says Bello. 'Base layers of creamy and transparent pink will be adorned with bows, diamante hearts, gems and flowers. The look is totally bespoke – make it dainty with carefully placed individual crystals or go all out with 3D adornments and a glitter finish'. Credit: @eyssaliciousnails.
Jelly Aura Nails
Aura nails have grown in popularity over the last year, notes Bello, with the likes of Megan Fox and Vanessa Hudgens sporting the look. 'It’s a beautiful, airbrushed look'. Credit: @marsthesalon
Floral Nails
While they are certainly traditional for this time of year, floral nails are uplifting and can be enjoyed in plentiful ways, be it 'the placement of hand-painted or sticker flowers on top of your colour or natural nail, a floral border at the cuticle or tip of your nail, one lone flower, or a spattering of them adorning your mani, the look is customisable to your own preferences,' says Bello. Credit: @natalie_thedollshouse
Milky Nails
An enduring trend for those who prefer a natural-looking but clearly 'done' nail look, milky nails have remained a popular choice thanks to the likes of It Girls like Molley Mae. This iteration features a delicate French tip and we are obsessed. Credit: @thehotblend
What is the most popular nail colour for summer?
Notton explains that summer nails are 'vibrant and playful', which means colour is key. For an instant hit of summer opt for manis that adorned with bright colours and bold neons hues.
What is the trend in summer nails in 2024?
Aura nails are the ones to watch for summer 2024. 'I love glitter jelly aura nails right now,' says Bello. 'They have really grown in popularity over the last year, thanks to celebrities sporting the look. It’s a beautiful, airbrushed look that takes inspiration from the aura surrounding you. But the summer 24 update has a glitter, jelly-like finish.'
_Main image credit: Instagram @_haileybieber
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.
