Call Your Manicurist—These Are the Only Nail Designs That Matter This Summer

I'll be honest: I don't do my nails often. I usually keep them bare and add nail polish here and there, but my nails stay simple for the better part of the year. But when summer rolls around, I'm immediately in the mood to get playful and start to save a plethora of bright and fun manicure designs, summer nail art and summer nail trends to my Instagram Saved folder.

I'm already starting to think about which designs or summer nail colours I may want to try out. There are so many options out there—just a scroll on Instagram (and TikTok, with the nail transition videos) can lead to endless possibilities. For inspiration, I tapped through some of my favourite nail accounts and pinpointed the designs that I think will be perfect for the season ahead. Hint: They're all very fun, so be prepared to smile. Take a look below, and start envisioning these on your nails. You know I've already done it for all of the options.

A colourful French manicure screams summer, and I love this bright blue design.

I love this abstract take on a French manicure with negative space nail art.

I've seen so much fun YK2 jewellery trending. Why not take the same kitschy designs to your nails? 

Chrome nails aren't going anywhere this summer, but if you're over the classic glazed pink and white versions, why not try a multicoloured look?

These punchy coloured tips are perfect.

Another nail-meets-fashion trend: checkerboard. Opt for the print in black and white for a more versatile look, or feel free to play around with colour. Lilac or green are great options.

There's something about this almond nail shape and matcha green nail colour combo that feels so chic.

This floral design is absolutely adorable.

This aura manicure is giving us great vibes for our next salon appointment.

Prints and colours galore! If colourful is your vibe this summer, these are the nails to match. Choose your own colour combos, and save this for your next manicure appointment.

Summer is the season to go bold, like this bright apple green hue.

Neon tips are so fun for summer.

Cobalt blue is a timeless hue for summer.

Two words: how cute. Tiny flower nail art will always be winning summer nail design.

In case you haven't heard, butter yellow nails are a huge nail trend right now.

I don't always want all my nails to be brightly coloured, so this subtle daisy detail on two is perfect if you're in the same boat. Just pick a colour of your choice along with a subtle design on the other nails.

Daisy nail art pairs so well with colourful French tips, am I right?

Mint green is back, and it's the perfect hue for summer.

if you face colour indecisiveness in the salon chair, then why not pick a couple of shades for a multi-coloured French mani?

Even looking at this set reminds me of hitting the beach.

The prettiest chrome manicure I've seen.

I'm not usually one for French tips, but seeing colourful tips on the rise is making me think otherwise.

If you consider yourself a bright colour-phobe, then white nails are a great choice for those who are exclusively minimalists.

You'll have seen the Y2K trend of butterflies have making a comeback. f you're not willing to add the fun detail into clothes or accessories, I think it would make a solid addition to your summer manicure.

Who said pastels had to be for spring only? If muted tones are your vibe, mix and match your favourites on each nail to create a colourful but calming scene.

Can't make it to the salon? Shop our favorite press-ons:

This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated.