Nail art has been hot for a long time and shows no signs of cooling down any time soon, but this summer we feel like it’s going to be hotter than ever because our nails can pretty much safely be on display all the time. Unlike, say, maybe parts of our faces that have to be covered depending on the situation and who we are around. There may be times when no one will get a glimpse of your lipstick, but flash them a bit of nail and they’ll see that you have flair. Nails are now, more than ever, a great way to express your sense of style and add some joy to your days.
More from MamásLatinas: Summer beauty trends you will love
We’re excited to see what people do with their nails this summer because so far, the trends that are emerging are super fantastic. There’s a lot of color on display and not just your average run-of-the-mill summer colors. There are also abstract designs, fun florals, polka dots, and rainbows of a more muted variety than usual to consider. Check out some nail ideas for summer that are going to be big this year. Be inspired and get creative with your own nails.
Rainbows look great on nails.
What's great about this look is that each nail has a rainbow on the tip, but it's not your typical rainbow. The best of the colorful nail ideas is this one because some of the colors are more muted than your average rainbow. We're also seeing this trend of creating rainbows out of the same shade and we love it.
Try some color blocking.
Color blocking in clothing and makeup is popular, so it makes sense that it would also make its way onto nails. Pick a couple of contrasting colors that you adore and block away. There are so many variations you can do of this look and is one of the simplest nail ideas that you can wear this summer.
Orange is having quite the moment.
When it comes to makeup, orange lipstick and orange eye shadow are very on-trend. That goes for nails, too, which is great if you're not all that into orange lips or eyes. Having the orange on your nails is a great idea to dip your fingertips into the trend.
Speaking of orange, why not add some sparkle?
Adding some sparkle to orange nail polish ups the funtastic factor and it's one of the most amazing nail ideas for summer. We love how it looks to just do it on one nail, but the truth is that when it comes to glitter and shimmer, we're OK with it being everywhere. Add glitter to all your nails if it makes you happy.
Polka dots are another option.
In our opinion, polka dots on nails are never out of style. But this year, we're really into the polka dots on color nails idea. Maybe don't go for black polka dots because that feels more in tune with Halloween than summer.
Fun floral nails can feel like a vacation on your fingertips.
Tropical plants or floral designs are like having a virtual getaway at your fingertips. They are especially delightful if you won't be traveling because then all you need to do is look at your nails to feel like you're on vacation. A spectacular color nails idea for this season, don't you think?
Go for a tie-dye inspired design.
The whole tie-dye trend is still going strong. Try it out on your nails this summer. You could do all your nails with a tie-dye inspired design or just pick one or two nails on each hand and have the rest be in solid colors.
Abstract designs in bright colors are so fun.
Abstract designs in some bold colors are something you can try out at home. Since the designs are abstract, you don't have to be precise and any mistakes you might make you can just consider to be happy accidents.
Don’t be afraid to go wild this summer.
How about some stiletto-shaped nails with a leopard design on the tips? It's an excellent simple nail idea that achieves a wild and refined look at the same time. The palette also ends up being neutral so it can work with just about anything. We've always considered leopard print a neutral anyway.
Neon nails that will light up your days and nights.
Neon nails are a jolt of joy! All you need to do is take one look at them to feel re-energized. We love the idea of combining different shades of neon with some solid colored nails and some playfully designed nails.
When life gives you lemons, be inspired!
Life has been handing out lemons left and right and while some of us may make lemonade out of them, others are using them to inspire their nail art. Check out how lovely little lemons look on nails! They scream SUMMER!
Why limit yourself to just lemons?
You don't just have to settle for the lemons that life has been handing out to inspire your nail art. You can also include grapefruit, limes, and kiwi. Heck, recreating a whole fruit salad is a great nail idea for summer, if that's what you're in the mood for.
Almond shaped nails in a bright pink color are beautiful.
Wait, would you call these almond-shaped or oval? We're torn. Regardless, a bright pink color on each and every nail is a simple nail idea and yet still quite noticeable. It says, "Hey, I can get your attention without all the bells and whistles."
Treat yourself to cute colors and a cone this summer.
What if you could have a three-scoop cone of ice cream every single day of summer without feeling the least bit guilty? You can, if that cone is on one of your nails looking all pretty and never melting away. FYI, it's OK to indulge in a real cone, too.
Take a look at these love birds.
Love birds might seem like a Valentine's Day season kind of design, but they don't have to be. We love the colors used in this design that make the love birds feel all summery and whimsical.
