As summer 2024 approaches, it’s time to refresh your manicure with the season’s hottest nail polish colors. Whether you prefer professional nail care or DIY at home, the key to a perfect summer manicure lies in choosing the right hues. This summer, a new wave of colors and updated versions of last season’s favorites will dominate. From butter yellow to aquatic shades of blue and green, and a fresh take on jelly nails, these colors are set to make a splash. We consulted celebrity nail artists Lesley Stanger, Elle Gerstein, and Thuy Nguyen to bring you the top nail polish colors for summer 2024.
Jelly Nails are making a strong comeback this summer. According to Stanger, this fun nail look will be everywhere. “For summer, we will see jelly nails with shimmer rather than just a solid color, adding extra flair while glistening in the sun,” she says. Bright blues and pinks with shimmer will lead the way, but metallic and chrome finishes will also be popular. To elevate jelly nails, Stanger suggests adding small fruit details or a layer of cat-eye glitter polish for added texture.
Sheer Pink is a timeless summer staple, and this season it’s all about lighter shades. Gerstein recommends universal, see-through blush shades like Essie Blush Jelly in Pink and Artistic Oh, So Vague, which provide a subtle camouflage for nails and suit every skin tone. For a brighter pink, Nguyen suggests Mineral Fusion Pretty in Pink, which offers a fun pop of color for sunny days.
Mint Green is another fun summer color, though it can look different depending on your skin tone. Stanger advises brighter, neon mint green shades for paler skin tones, classic mint green like Essie Mint Candy Apple for medium skin tones, and mint green with blue undertones for darker skin tones. For a less intense look, try a thin layer of mint green on the tips of your nails, similar to a colored French manicure. Nguyen emphasizes the importance of keeping cuticles moisturized to complete the look.
Bright Poppy Orange is perfect for summer, especially shades with red and coral undertones. Stanger describes these shades as bright and eye-catching, especially with a summer tan. “Bright orange-reds pop off the hand,” she says, recommending colors with coral undertones to avoid an overly orange look. Nailboo Sunset Star offers a more muted option, while Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Incendiaire provides full-on brightness.
Colored Metallics are a lighter, more airy take on the deeper metallic shades of winter. Cool metallic lavender and pastel metallic shades like pink, yellow, and iridescent silver will be popular. Nguyen predicts greens and blues will also be trendy. Unlike chromes, which have a sleek shine, metallic nails offer a pearlescent look.
Aquatic Colors, inspired by oceanic water tones, are perfect for summer. Coastal blues, greens, and shades of turquoise will be in high demand. Elle suggests choosing colors you like rather than matching them to your skin tone. “For an aquatic trend, try your favorite blue or teal nail polish with a pale, frosty finish,” she says. Adding glitter can take the look to the next level. For a subtler approach, Nguyen recommends an ombré look that fades into the base of the nail, creating the effect of the ocean meeting the shore.
Butter Yellow is a muted yet summery color that works for all skin tones. Gerstein advises meticulous application to avoid streakiness. “Use a great ridge filler or rubbery base coat to ensure a streak-free finish,” she says. You can either cover the entire nail with a creamy yellow or just the tips for a colored French manicure.
Bare-Looking Nails, also known as “clean girl nails,” continue to trend into the summer. This fresh, soft look can be worn in various shapes and lengths, though Stanger and Nguyen prefer it on shorter, almond-shaped nails. Achieve a transparent base by applying a couple of thin layers of sheer pink, neutral, or milky white nail polish, allowing the color to peek through without being too transparent or pigmented.
As nail trends evolve, one thing remains clear: everyone loves a fun and fresh nail idea. This summer, expect unique shapes, kitschy designs, pastel tones, and elaborate nail art. From metallic jelly nails to clean, fresh cuticles, and the Russian almond shape, summer 2024 promises a variety of exciting nail trends. Pastel colors like baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon will gain popularity, offering a fresh and fun alternative to the usual bright and neon shades of summer.
French tips will also get a modern twist with dripped French tips in gold chrome, as seen at the Prabal Gurung spring/summer 2024 show. Kitschy nail art, including adorable cherry designs, will reign supreme. Ocean blues and greens, like aqua and seafoam, will be popular, especially in a monochromatic fashion. Puffy, 3D nail art will also be a big trend, with designs like cute hearts becoming more common.
Celebrity nail artist Aja Walton predicts that metallic accents in shades of silver chrome, rose gold, and copper over jelly nudes will be one of the biggest trends of summer 2024. Minimal nail designs paired with moisturized, clean cuticles will also be popular. The Russian almond nail shape, a more pronounced and elongated version of the classic almond shape, will be a standout trend.
With a mix of soft pastels and earthy tones, summer 2024’s nail colors offer something for everyone. From bright and vibrant shades like bubble gum pink, bright reds, and neon orange to rich creamy neutrals and classic colors, there’s a nail polish shade for every preference. So, get ready to experiment and have fun with your summer manicure!
Source: Lesley Stanger, Elle Gerstein, Thuy Nguyen, Aja Walton
