An easy update to your holiday look? Try these nail trends for summer 2024!
By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
If there’s one thing we’ve missed this past year, it’s getting our nails done. Right, girls? Nails are the perfect accessory. And if you’ve had to skip your last mani-pedi, you’re likely hiding your hands in horror!
But don’t sweat it. Summer is upon us, and it’s time to pamper ourselves at the nail salon. And if there’s one thing I know about this season’s nail trends it’s this: they’re pretty bold!
Whether your choice of shape is the almond, stiletto or the squoval, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and really go big this summer.
Image below: @ngela1610 on Instagram
The Perfect Summer Nail Shapes & Shades
Wondering what nail art, colours, and shapes are worth trying out as the new season arrives? Here’s what we know: dark colours are out! Summer nails are all about vibrancy or soft, feminine shades. Mint green and soft pink are among the daring shades on trend this summer.
Courtney Fuhr, Brand Manager of South Africa’s biggest beauty brand, Sorbet Salons shared her expert advice with Eluxe to help you nail it when it comes to shapes and shades this summer.
Of course, all the 5-free or more polishes recommended here are:
- nature-based
- cruelty-free
- gluten-free
- fragrance free
- toxin free
- paraben free and phthalate-free.
Protect Your Nails From Yellowing
Though it’s fabulous that our nails are going to be as high as our spirits this summer, you’ll want to be sure your bold shade doesn’t discolour your nails! If your polish does make your tips the colour of dog pee, use a hydrogen peroxide solution, lemon juice, baking soda paste, or whitening toothpaste are ideal to safely whiten them.
Using an acetone nail polish remover is a known culprit in exacerbating the yellow tint, so always opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover like this Zao Nail Polish Remover when taking off your colour, and don’t forget that often, staining from colour polishes is caused by not using a clear base coat, so don’t forget to use one. Zao Nail Polish Duo Top & Base Coat is perfect to have on hand.
Main Image: @nolas.nails on Instagram Image below: Pinterest
The Best Nail Shapes Summer 2024
The Almond 
A top pick for celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez, the Almond shape is slender on the side, wide at the cuticle and finishes with a soft oval at the nail tip. Courtney says:
“This is a flattering shape for the hands as it elongates the fingers creating a very feminine finish. If you have weak nails, but desire long nails then this is the shape for you! The Almond is easier to achieve with natural nails as the rounded edges provide less impact to the sides of the nails, preventing any splitting or damage. Remember to start short though, long nails require care and attention!”
The Stiletto 
Love it or hate it, the stiletto has well and truly confirmed its presence in the nail industry. Harsh and strong, the stiletto shape requires intense filing on either side of the nail to create a sharp and drastic point.
“This is not a shape that can be achieved without the help of acrylic tips as our natural nails just don’t have the strength to hold the point.” Says Courtney. Acrylic tips aren’t exactly eco-friendly, so we’d recommend rounding the tip off a bit if you want to do this with your own nails instead. You’ll also need to have pretty long nails to do this right.
The Squoval 
A more natural and feminine shape, the squoval puts a rounded touch on the traditional square-shaped manicure. And thank the gods of practicality – shorter squoval nails are definitely trending this summer! Courtney says:
“With softer edges, the squoval is a great shape to maintain on shorter nails which suffer with weakness. The squoval is also a very convenient and sensible shape for those who work in an office environment or are still at school. You can’t go wrong with this classic!”
1. Olive Nails
Yes, pastel mint and lime nails are in for this summer. But surprisingly, there’s a darker hue to choose from, too: olive green. Maybe it’s because many of us will be holidaying in the Mediterranean, where olives are abundant. Or maybe just because it’s a bit different. In any case, we’re loving this trend!
Feel it’s a bit dark for summer? Too bold? Why not just use a touch on the tips, as in the pic below?
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Something bold and different.
Image: @sukaina.farhan
2. Floral Nails
Who doesn’t appreciate a pretty flower? And thanks to celebs like Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid, retro florals are a nail trend that will still be swinging this summer. There are plenty of ways to do the daisies but I think they look gorgeous on these white nails with a touch of gold. This style also looks great on long or short nails.
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Reflecting the beauty of the season.
Image: @nolas.nails on Instagram
3. Glazed Donut Nails
I mean, when I first read that glazed donuts were on trend, I was already sold! But unlike the sweet treat, this is a nail trend that is truly beautiful. Inspired by Hailey Bieber, it’s minimalist and chic and so easy to replicate with your favourite glittery nail shade.
One of the best nail trends for summer for: A minimalist mani.
Image: @sapphirebeautyloungue_ on Instagram
4. Strawberry Nails
If you’re looking to go bright and bold with your nail art this summer, then you’ll love the strawberry nail trend. Red nails are a classic, but this takes reds to a whole new level!
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Super cuteness!
Image: Pinterest
5. Nude Chrome Nails
Chrome nails aren’t a new trend. But this summer, they go nude! And what’s not to love about the elegant nail trend? The best part is that it can suit any nail shape and style for an outlandish or more subtle vibe. I also love adorning a nail look like this with stacked rings. Shiny and perfect!
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Elegant, rich-girl nails.
Image: Pinterest
6. Aqua Blue
Love blue but can’t decide which shade to go for? Wear them all! A trend that is big this summer is wearing multiple shades of one colour. This trend is flattering on every fingernail shape and length and is flattering for all skin tones. It’s not restricted to blue, either. You can pretty much wear any colour you like.
Mavala has so many perfect shades of aqua blue, they’re fab for re-creating this look. Try Trinidad, Blue Mountain or Blue Siesta.
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Reflecting the beauty of the sea.
Image: Match nails
7. Pastel Nails
Summer is a time for softness. Pastels. Whether you’re looking for bubblegum pink, buttercup yellow, or minty green, there’s a pastel hue for you! For example? Try Orly’s Happy Camper. This is the perfect subtle shade for minty nails. Looking for a buttery yellow? Mavala’s Lemon Drop Nail Polish is perfect.
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Ice cream coloured fun!
Image: @opi_nordic on Instagram
8. Fruity French Manicures
One of the most classic nail looks for summer is the French manicure. But now, instead of the traditional white tips, multicolour tips are a fun twist on this nail trend. Choose one fruity colour for the tips. Think: orange, lime, lemon or raspberry. Ir, all of the above!
If you can get your hands on some nail pens for this trend, it’ll make it easy to create statement tips for your set of nails. But if you can’t find any, don’t despair. Simply paint the tips freehand (just don’t drink too much coffee beforehand!)
Hands not so steady? Use nail tape to get a perfect line. When dry simply peel away and you’ve got a perfect mani!
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Following the fruity nails trend, but on the down-low.
Image: @nail.by.eliza on Instagram
9. Lipgloss Nails
Ah, summer! It’s the season for simple beauty routines. Slap on some SPF and a natural, neutral lipgloss, and you’re good to go.
Speaking of lipgloss, this is one nail trend we’re 100% on board with! The idea is to make your mani look as shiny, nude, moist and natural as glossy lips.
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Matching to your lippy, of course!
Image: Pinterest
10. Red & Pink
Firey red or fuchsia? Which do you prefer? Well, now you don’t have to choose! One of our fave nail trends for the season is a kind of ombre blending of two of the most passionate colours on the planet. To get the look, paint your nails in one colour, then add the tip in the other.
Image: @overglowedit
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Intense colour.
11. 3D Nails
We saved this nail trend for summer for last. Because, well…it might not be for everyone!
3D nails involve literally pasting 3D decals to your nails. Like, little fruits or flowers. The only problem? Well, there are a few.
While these nails are gorgeous, the decals can and very well might fall right off. Like, in your coffee. Or in your hair when you tidy it with your hands. And speaking of hair, the decals can catch on it. Ouch! But if you’re not using your hands a lot and live a life of leisure, like Hailey Bieber (whose nails are below), then go for it!
One of the best nail trends for summer for: Those who don’t do much gardening, that’s for sure!
Image: nstagram.com/nailsbyzola
What’s your favourite of these nail trends for summer? Let us know in the comments below! Oh, and make sure you paint your nails perfectly, like a pro! It may be something you’ve been doing since you were a kid, but you could always brush up your technique, right?
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