Summer 2022 is officially heating up, and you know it’s time to swap your neutrals for something a little more fun! With sunshine-filled days ahead and beach trips on the horizon, this is the perfect moment to level up your nail game.
Whether you’re heading to a tropical getaway, planning a poolside picnic, or just looking to bring a little extra glow to your everyday, your nails deserve to be just as vibrant and lively as your summer plans.
From juicy brights to playful pastels, there’s no shortage of inspiration this season. Think sunny yellows, ocean blues, fresh florals, groovy swirls, and even cheerful smiley faces making their way onto fingertips everywhere.
And the best part? Many of these looks are simple enough to recreate at home, so you can totally DIY your way to dreamy summer nails.
Here are 30 fresh, feel-good summer nail designs that’ll have you snapping pics of your manicure all season long. Get ready to fall in love with color and creativity all over again!
French trendy summer nail designs
French manicures have long stood the test of time, but 2022 gave them a refreshing new glow. Clean nail designs with delicate white lines or colorful French tips are taking center stage, combining elegance with playful modernity.
Instead of sticking to the traditional white tips, many are now opting for candy-colored borders paired with sheer nude or milky bases. The result is simple, yet full of charm and personality.
#1 Polka Dot Pastel French
Source: unknown
#2 Petite Parisian Perfection
Source: unknown
#3 Everyday French Chic
Source: unknown
#4 Gemstone French Glam
Source: unknown
This updated French style is perfect for those who love a clean and polished look but still want to keep things interesting. It suits girls who favor a soft, sophisticated aesthetic but aren’t afraid to add a touch of fun.
Great for work, school, or weekend outings, these nails strike a perfect balance between minimalism and trendiness. They’re timeless enough for everyday wear, yet cute enough to feel special.
You can even play with shapes like ovals or almonds to enhance the overall look. If you’re after something chic and low-maintenance that still feels fresh, this modern French manicure is a go-to.
#5 Purple Outline Perfection
Source: unknown
#6 Modern French Pastel Pop
Source: unknown
#7 Modern French Block
Source: unknown
#8 Geometric Aqua Art
Source: unknown
#9 Cotton Candy Outline
Source: unknown
Drawing trendy summer nail designs
This floral nail design is a top favorite among women—and it’s easy to see why. It brings together elegance and trendiness in a soft, effortless way. Even better, it’s one of the easiest styles to pull off at home without any professional tools.
Just use a dotting tool or even a toothpick to create dainty flower petals scattered across your nails. You don’t need to go overboard—placing just a few small blossoms on each nail adds the perfect touch of charm.
#10 Skittle French Blooms
Source: unknown
#11 Daisy Chain Chic
Source: unknown
#12 Bubblegum Dot Pop
Source: unknown
#13 Baby Blue Daisies
Source: unknown
If painting flowers by hand feels intimidating, don’t worry. Cute floral nail stickers can achieve a similar effect with even less effort. This design pairs beautifully with nearly any outfit and works well for every season, making it both practical and eye-catching.
Whether you’re heading out for a date or just want to feel pretty on an ordinary day, these soft floral nails will always help you bloom with style.
#14 Hot Pink Flame Tips
Source: _Mejzi
#15 Neon Oasis Sunset
Source: piepederson dk
#16 Whimsical Watercolor Stripes
Source: unknown
You can play with the base color: soft pastels for a dreamy spring vibe, nude for an elegant finish, or even bold tones to contrast with delicate floral accents. Try mixing different types of flowers, like daisies, cherry blossoms, or sunflowers, to suit your mood or the season.
Want to elevate the look? Add a glossy topcoat or a hint of sparkle in the center of each bloom for that extra touch of magic. No matter how you style it, floral nails offer a sweet way to express your femininity and creativity, one fingertip at a time.
#17 Retro Flower Power Outline
Source: unknown
#18 Mix-and-Match Delight
Source: unknown
Pattern trendy summer nail designs
Wavy patterns are everywhere right now and there’s no better place to try the trend than on your nails! These groovy, free-spirited squiggles bring a fun, Y2K-inspired twist that screams summer vibes.
All you need is a fine nail brush, a dash of patience, and five punchy polish colors (the bolder, the better). Start by drawing a smooth wave through the center of each nail.
Before it dries, fill in one side with your favorite hue, creating a vibrant split-color effect. Finish it off with a glossy top coat, and boom—you’ve just turned your fingertips into a mini art gallery!
#19 Rainbow Wave Sparkle
Source: thatcurlynailtech
#20 Mermaid Almond Glam
Source: Jazzie nails
#21 Lavender Lagoon Swirl
Source: unknown
Want to make it even more playful? Try switching up the direction of the waves or mixing matte and shimmer polishes for contrast.
You can even throw in a metallic stripe or a few dotted accents to add extra pop. The beauty of this look is how imperfectly perfect it is. No two waves need to match, and that’s what makes it so fun!
#22 Swirling Milk Bath
Source: unknown
#23 Swirl Wave Coffin
Source: unknown
#24 Pastel Abstract Swirls
Source: unknown
Pastel trendy summer nail designs
Pastel colors have a charm that’s hard to resist, they’re soft, sweet, and effortlessly stylish. When paired with creative textures or tiny accent details, they instantly elevate your nails into something dreamy and playful.
One standout trend that’s making waves this summer is the candy ombre nail style. This look blends creamy pastel shades into one another like swirls of sorbet, giving your nails that irresistible, sugar-spun vibe.
#25 Candy Dot Delight
Source: unknown
#26 Modern Neutral Chic
Source: unknown
#27 Sorbet Skittle Mani
Source: unknown
You can get creative by mixing in glitter fades, tiny stars, or soft cloud-like patterns to enhance the ombre effect. The result? A set of nails that feels like a summer treat: light, whimsical, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Whether you go all out or keep it subtle, pastel candy ombre is the perfect mix of trend and cuteness.
#28 Blue Ombré Frost
Source: unknown
#29 Whimsical Lilac Dream
Source: unknown
