Nothing says summer quite like a fresh set of nails. And while muted, clean-girl nails are all the rage right now, I can’t help but feel as though a change is in the air. And trust me, this is a bold statement for me to make. I haven’t changed up my nail colour in well over a year. I opt for a chic, barely-there shade every single time. But now that the sun is starting to shine through and the weather is hotting up, something is tempting me to go for something a little more daring, something bright.
Whether it be an intricate nail art design or a simple, block-coloured polish, I don’t care what the design is—I just need it to be bright and out there. From hot pink and reds to neon yellow and greens, bright summer nails are all I want to see right now. In fact, my Instagram Saved folder is full-to-the-brim with seriously stunning bright nail looks. And seeing as I appear to have sub-consciously invested a lot of time browsing bright, summer nail inspiration, I figured it’s only fair to share my findings. So, if you too are looking to experiment with some bright nail looks this summer, keep scrolling for all of the inspo you need.
If there was ever a nail colour pairing made for summer, it was hot pink and red. This subtle but super-cute design by Betina Goldstein has been on my to-try list for months.
While my nails aren’t long enough to go for this graphic puzzle-piece design, I must admit it’s tempting me to book in for some acrylics. Long-nailed ladies, you’ve got to give this a go.
On first look, this manicure might just look like a really chic orange block-coloured look. But if you look really closely you’ll see a sliver of dark orange along the tip. Yes, this is the chicest super-skinny French mani you have ever laid eyes on.
Rochelle Humes serves some of my favourite nail looks out there, all courtesy of her go-to manicurist Harriet Westmoreland (who also works on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s nails). This baby-blue French with reverse accents is very cute indeed.
I mean, it’s heart eyes all-round for this one. Apple-green polish? Check. Negative space? Check. Immaculately preened cuticles? Check, check, check!
I’m not usually one for super-bright neon nails, but this design really speaks to me. The sheer nude leaves nails looking clean and polished, while the subtle neon accents on the nail bed ooze summer fun.
Betina Goldstein is back with another super-skinny French and this might just be my favourite nail design of the lot. A popping red polish with an uber-fine white tip is 100% going to be the vibe of my next holiday manicure.
Simple but oh so beautiful. A perfectly polished hot-pink manicure come summer time is timeless and totally fool-proof.
If you thought rainbow nails were going away, think again. This summer, it’s all about taking your rainbow nails onto the tips to create a wonderfully bright French.
In the autumn, I’m all for a gradient nail in deep, wintery shades. This summer, I’m taking the ombré gradient effect and recreating it with sunset shades. To caveat, I didn’t think of this idea myself —I saw this stellar manicure and wanted in.
I have a couple of hen dos lined up this summer and I am absolutely going for this graphic, negative-space design for one of them. It’s going to look exceptional as I lounge by the pool, sipping on cocktails.
You didn’t think I’d overlook this one did you? Nothing beats a classic red manicure. Come summer, switch up your usual red shade for something cool-toned and poppy-hued.
It’s Pride month and I’ve just found my next manicure design thanks to Hang Nguyen. I am head-over-heels for this delicate but loud design.
Okay, I’ll admit I’ve had this one saved down since Easter—and it probably would have been a more fitting design for spring. However, swap these pastel shades out for neon brights and you’ve got one hell of a bright summer nail look.
For those that don’t want to go whole-hog on the brights trend, why not opt from some subtle accents in contrasting shades?
Wavy and swirly designs have been big news in the nail game since last summer, and I’m pleased to see these retro designs are sticking around.
Neon, ombré, rainbow nails styled out by a pool? This whole look hits every weak spot I have. In fact, I’m calling my nail tech right now.
This pastel blue polish makes for the ultimate beach-side mani.
This purple hue would look exceptional when teamed with gold jewellery.
If you like to keep your nails looking classic, turn to cool-toned, poppy reds for summer.
Marine-like colours are having a real moment this summer, and this is by far my favourite shade out there.
Who wouldn’t want their nails to look like rays of actual sunshine?!
This bright orange polish would make for the perfect summer-ready, French tips.
