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Best Nail Designs to Try in Summer: Sizzling Styles

Best Nail Designs to Try in Summer

It’s that season when the sun kisses our skin, and we crave a new look. This summer, we’re not just following trends—we’re setting them! Say hello to chrome shimmer, micro-French finesse, playful 3D art, and calm pastel hues for good measure. We’re here to guide you through fresh styles and the best nail designs to try in summer. Plus, we’ll share pro tips to keep your nails resilient in every warm-weather escapade.

Best Nail Designs to Try in Summer

Clean and Healthy Nails

Clean and Healthy Nails

Let’s begin with a look many models wore at the fashion shows. Alongside over-the-top nail art, we saw a lot of well-groomed nails and healthy cuticles. Short nails with minimal polish are ideal for an action-packed summer. They don’t get in the way of outdoor activities and still look lovely for a night out. Take time this season to pamper your fingertips with plenty of cuticle oil and attentive manicures. Take a minimalist style out for a spin and give your nails a summer vacation. Micro-French tips and negative space designs are hot right now.

LAVIS Organic Cuticle Oil

LAVIS Organic Cuticle Oil

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Glazed Chrome and Jelly

Glazed Chrome and Jelly

Cosmopolitan quoted nail artist Aja Walton regarding summer nail trends. She described layering translucent jelly polish with chrome for sheer shimmer. It’s the glazed donut look refreshed for warm weather. Plus, it’s lovely for Balletcore nails in pink or white. Try adding a bow for a coquette touch.

New Nail Shapes and 3D Designs

New Nail Shapes and 3D Designs

Summer is a fun time to experiment with fresh nail shapes. For example, nail artists are loving the Russian almond tip, which softens a long stiletto with a softer curve. Also, ballerina or coffin nails are still a top favorite, especially with balletcore aficionados.

At the moment, nail trends are balanced between minimalist and bold 3D looks. You can enjoy a little of both with a gorgeous mani like the one below. Butterflies flutter above the surface while pastel hues outline a neutral base.

We Can’t Get Enough Pastels

We Can’t Get Enough Pastels

Traditionally, vibrant colors like neon shades have ruled the summertime. But this year, the fashion world is leaning towards mint green, lilac, soft yellow, and baby pink. It's the perfect time to play with Lavis's new Pastel Flow Collection.

These delightful pastels stay glossy for three weeks but soak off in minutes. The professional gel formula flows so smoothly on the nail that beginners love using it, too. The rich colors also lend themselves to exquisite nail art designs.

LDS 007 Just Peachy - LDS Gel Polish

LDS 007 Just Peachy - LDS Gel Polish

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LDS 004 Lilac Garden - LDS Gel Polish

LDS 004 Lilac Garden - LDS Gel Polish

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Pearly Finish

Pearly Finish

Treat your pastel nails to a pearlescent finish with chrome powder. This ethereal trend feels so relaxed for summer.

Once you’ve cured your favorite polish color, brush on the transparent chrome base gel. Once cured, it creates a flawless surface for chrome powder to adhere to with a mirror finish. Wrap up with a glossy top coat and revel in the enchanting shimmer.

LAVIS LX3 - 08 - Gel Polish - Pastel Flow Collection

LAVIS LX3 - 08 - Gel Polish - Pastel Flow Collection

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LAVIS LX3 - 31 - Gel Polish - Pastel Flow Collection

LAVIS LX3 - 31 - Gel Polish - Pastel Flow Collection

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LAVIS Gel Chrome Base

LAVIS Gel Chrome Base

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NSD303 - LAVIS Chrome Powder AURORA 07

NSD303 - LAVIS Chrome Powder AURORA 07

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Mix and Match

Mix and Match

Give your manicure a theme, or go wild with junk nails. Liven things up with a longer canvas and add your favorite embellishments. It’s all fair game this summer.

Did you know our poly gel can do flowers and textured designs with less effort than acrylics? It’s odorless and cures just like a gel polish. Therefore, you have all the time you need to build a summertime scene on your nails. You can also use it to lengthen and strengthen them.

Charmingly Eclectic

Charmingly Eclectic

But what about all those nail trends you didn't have time to do earlier in the year? Go ahead and have fun!

Explore ombre nails with beautiful sunset vacation designs. Express your inner self with aura nails. Play with nail stickers and see how easy it is to achieve a picture-perfect manicure in minutes.

Summer Nail Care for Beautiful Fingertips

We focus a lot on how winter weather damages nails, but summer can be just as harsh. Consider how much time you spend playing sports, playing in the sunshine, and swimming. Activities like gardening and camping also take their toll. This season, it's more important than ever to double up on moisturizer and cuticle cream. Then, here are more tips to keep your fingernails in top condition for summer activities (or despite them).

  • Sunscreen for Nails: Just like your skin, your nails can suffer from sun damage. Apply a clear UV protective top coat to shield your nails from harmful rays and keep your mani colors vibrant. You can also wear sunscreen to protect your skin under the nail lamp.
  • Chlorine Neutralizer: After swimming, rinse your nails with fresh water and apply a nail serum rich in Vitamin E to combat the drying effects of chlorine.

Also, keep an eye out for nail problems that might crop up. Strong sunlight might trigger a nail psoriasis flare. Also, nail fungus, brittle nails, and infections around the nail bed can be painful and unsightly. If you notice swelling, redness, pus, bleeding, discoloration, or a brittle texture that you didn’t have before, please get it looked at as soon as possible. Healthy nails are essential for your overall well-being!

Moreover, foolproof your manicure for vacation:

  • Wear gel polish or get a dip powder mani, as both are unlikely to chip or show wear.
  • Pack a mini nail care kit with a file, buffer block, and a clear top coat for quick fixes.
  • Consider a protective overlay with acrylics, poly gel, or hard gel to strengthen your nails, preventing breaks or splits while you’re away.
  • Bring your own gentle soap to wash your hands to prevent drying out your nails.
  • Check ahead of time if your sunscreen, bronzer, or bug repellent will lift your nail polish.
  • If a nail breaks, use a dry piece of tea bag and top coat to create a temporary patch until you can properly fix it. Otherwise, wrap it in a Band-Aid.

Now, you’re all set for fun in the sun!

Conclusion

We’re pleased you stopped by to see the best nail designs for this summer. We hope you feel inspired to expand your horizons and test new styles while you enjoy the season. Take advantage of our special deals and stock up on all the supplies you need today.