I've Been Bookmarking Bright Summer Nails—12 Ideas I'm Adding to My Manicure Wish List

I can't take my eyes off these.

Sabrina Talbert's avatar
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Published In Features
Bright summer nail ideas.
(Image credit: @nailsby_hal)
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As a nail-obsessed beauty editor, I love a bold summer manicure. Contrary to my love of neutral nails, I'm always keeping a close eye on the latest trends and never fail to notice how many people feel empowered to take more risks with their manicures as the season heats up. Honestly, I'm here for it.

Seeing people sport looks that are playful and vibrant makes me want to swap out simplistic French manis and soap nails for something more eye-catching. If you're in the same boat, you've likely spent a decent amount of time searching for inspo photos on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok. (Confession: I'm guilty of doing this almost every day.)

To make things a bit easier, I put together a tidy roundup of some of the best bright nail ideas out there to use as references ahead of your next manicure appointment. Keep scrolling, and get ready to take screenshots of your favorite looks.

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1. Mixed Florals

Bright mixed-floral manicure.

(Image credit: @natalie_thedollshouse)

While these aren't traditional floral nails, the earthy designs and bold colors make this look truly eye-catching.

2. Crocodile Spots

Bright crocodile-spot manicure.

(Image credit: @nailsby_hal)

If you prefer an edgy look that's also playful, consider these spotted crocodile nails.

3. Matisse Nails

Bright manicure with Matisse-inspired art.

(Image credit: @paintbyjaz)

If you're familiar with Henri Matisse, you'll find these blue-and-white nails are the perfect homage to the French artist's work.

4. Mixed Aura

Bright aura-nail manicure.

(Image credit: @nailsby_hal)

If you can't decide on one color, why not try multiple, like this set of aura nails?

5. Abstract Tips

Manicure with bright abstract art.

(Image credit: @thenicenailsclub)

If you're a minimalist at heart, these nude nails with abstract tips might be right up your alley.

6. Freestyle Nails

Bright manicure with freestyle mixed art.

(Image credit: @nailsby_hal)

No need to match your nails. Let your creativity flow with this freestyle mani.

7. Fiery Aura

Bright fiery-aura nails.

(Image credit: @nailsby_hal)

Mixed aura is great, but opting for a single color can make just as big a statement. Just look at these vibrant nails!

8. Mixed Chrome

A bright mixed-chrome manicure.

(Image credit: @georgiadoesnails)

Nail artists predict chrome will be trending this summer, so adding this look to your wish list is a must.

9. Fruit-Inspired

Bright orange nails.

(Image credit: @paintbyjaz)

Nothing screams "Amalfi Coast vacation" like these stunning orange nails.

10. Groovy

Manicure with bright psychedelic art.

(Image credit: @thenicenailsclub)

These groovy nails feel like they came straight out of the '80s but have a modern twist.

11. Zebra Stripes

Bright zebra-stripe nails.

(Image credit: @thenicenailsclub)

Using two colors per nail might seem like a risk, but in a pattern like these zebra stripes, it looks seamless.

12. Tie-Dye

Bright tie-dye nails.

(Image credit: @paintbyjaz)

For a nostalgia-inspired mani, try these fun tie-dye nails that are sure to stand out.

Sabrina Talbert
Sabrina Talbert
Assistant Beauty Editor

Sabrina Talbert is a New York-based journalist with six years of experience covering lifestyle and wellness for print and digital publications. She is currently the Assistant Beauty Editor at Who What Wear and has bylines in Women’s Health, Byrdie, NYLON, The Daily Front Row, and more. She’s passionate about covering topics related to haircare, skincare, and the latest happenings at the intersection of beauty and sports. When she’s not writing or testing products, you can catch her running and binge-watching F1 or boxing.