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One of the most pleasurable things about the summer is the countless number of activities that are best done when it is warm outside.
The music festivals are plentiful, the beaches fill with surfers and sun-bathers, and all of the major barbecuing holidays are around every corner.
No matter which summer festivities you like to participate in, the fear of breaking a nail should never hold you back from doing exactly what you want to do.
Shorter nails are perfect for the summer because they are not as restrictive as other popular nail shapes such as the stiletto or coffin. If having the freedom to live your best life during the summer sounds ideal, consider switching out your longer nails for this shorter shape.
The summer is often associated with laughter, adventure, good food, and even better mimosas. Nail colors that are fun and bright are an awesome way to radiate positive energy each day.
If you enjoy spending time in nature during the summer you may want to try a green that reminds you of your favorite hiking spot or a blue that reminds you of your favorite place to go for a swim.
Fun designs that could possibly otherwise be considered “too much” are also a quirky way to get festive during the warmer months.
Tiny pineapples for a tropical vacation or fireworks for the Fourth of July are just two examples of cute ways to celebrate. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your summer nail ideas because they are the perfect opportunity to just totally have fun when deciding on what you want!
Most popular short summer nail design ideas
Different types of short summer nails to consider: Summer is the perfect time for an short, care-free manicure. Whether you’re going to the beach, a summer wedding, or just want to feel glamorous, a luxurious nail look will add sophistication and style. From glossy chrome finishes to intricate designs and subtle pastels, there are so many ways to create gorgeous short summer nails that will be sure to turn heads.
For the ladies who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, metallic tones can be used to create polished, simple nail art. Chrome is particularly popular during the summer months as it gives off an effortless yet glamorous sparkle without being too ostentatious. Choose from shades such as rose gold or silver for more subtle looks, while gold and bronze are better suited for more formal occasions. Alternatively, opt for textured finishes such as matte or glitter lacquer to add some dimension and extra sparkle in your short length nails.
If you’d like something slightly more daring than chrome shades this season, then why not try out some intricate designs? Floral patterns are always popular during the summertime as they bring out fun colors that work well with any outfit choice; think of pretty roses in hues of pink or bold sunflowers in yellow and orange; whatever takes your fancy girlfriend!
Pastel shades are also excellent options when it comes to achieving an elegant look on your nails this season. These cute summer shades offer a soft wash of color while remaining sophisticated enough for any occasion. Colors such as pale pink, light blue and mint green all work wonderfully against tanned skin tones, while adding a hint of femininity.
Now, if metallic and pastels aren’t quite what you’re looking for then why not go all out with some dazzling gemstones? Sparkly gems can be added onto any base color using small strips of tape. Simply cut the tape into thin strips and attach them onto each finger before pressing down gently. Choose from clear rhinestones or opalescent stones depending on how much bling you want this summer! This look works best when kept delicate rather than overbearing, as less is definitely more here!
When it comes to rocking short summer nail ideas my favorite design by far is glistening metallics which give off bright, sunshine-like vibe! Next up is short pastel colored nails that focus on beach-inspired colors, such as tans for sand, blues for the sea water, and yellows for the sun. Whatever type of design you decide upon this season, make sure that it reflects your personal style so that everyone knows exactly who has arrived!
Keep it simple this summer with a solid nude base color and vibrant, raised flower design. For light blue outfits and matching yellow dresses, this fingernail style is a summer time must.
I love the outer solid neon pink nails and the contrasting white and half nude center nails. Note the wonderful addition of green stemmed tropical flowers, and tiny dotted lines. Pink, yellow and salmon flowers capture the essence of summertime.
When it comes to summer, no cookout is complete without the oh so, delicious, watermelon. I love the black and white base color that surrounds the neon colored fruit. For added heat, they’ve added hot pink and bright yellow to the outer nails.
Nothing says warm weather is here quite like beautiful blooms of sunflowers. Just like the giant flowers sunflowers often produce, I like how they captured the larger than life size by making the bloom take up the entire nail. Pale yellow and bright yellow petals give the flower extra depth, while white and yellow polka dots add some extra fun.
Wow, is all I can say about these super classy, out on the town inspiring, summer fingernail designs. I love the radiant silver glitter half-moon detail alongside the neon yellow French tip and nude base. Note the extra effort put into these nails with the tiny circular glitter detail on a single nail.
For when matching isn’t a concern, consider going with a more colorful fingernail style. In this design, you’ll find pale orange, baby blue, green, red, pink and purple all delicately set into a French tip style.
Give the classic French tip style a new burst of summertime fun by using bold neon colors. I love the new take on this style with the half neon green and half yellow tips. A milky white base color really makes these hot nails standout.
For that hot date where you want to invoke romance and sophistication, consider red and pink French tip nails. A nude base color offers a clean look while the similar color hues add visual interest.
When it comes to fingernail ideas for the summer, tie-dye nails are always in style. Who doesn’t remember dying t-shirts back in their younger years when school was out? Perhaps the best thing about this style other than how cool it looks, is that you can mess up the watercolors and still pull off a beautiful end result.
Even more of my favorite short summer nail designs:
Need more inspiration girlfriend? You got it! Consider these fab hot weather looks:
1. Pearl Accent Manicure – This stunning look is achieved by creating a French tip and adding pearl accents to the nail beds. The result is a classic yet glamorous style that works well in any setting.
2. Glitter Ombre Nails – Add some glamour to your summer nails with this on-trend ombre glitter look. To achieve it, paint each nail in a different shade of glitter, gradually getting lighter from one end of the nail bed to the other for an eye-catching effect.
3. Summer Flower Design – For an elegant summer twist on shorter floral nails, try this design featuring delicate white flowers against a pastel blue background with subtle hints of shimmering gold outlining the petals for added luxury.
4. Geometric Artwork – If you’re feeling creative and want to show off your artistic side, why not give geometric artwork nails a try? Choose two contrasting colors and use tape or stencils to create sharp lines or shapes. Top your nails off with a glossy top coat for extra bling and protection!
5. Tropical Leaf Prints – Get creative this summer season with tropical leaf prints! Apply one or two coats of tropical green polish, then use either stamping plates or hand-painting techniques to add detailed palm tree leaves.
6. Tie Dye Effect – Recreate the popular tie dye trend on your nails using multiple shades of pink, yellow, orange and purple polish. Apply each color randomly across each fingernail until all of the shades blend together seamlessly. Paired up with beachy waves on a single finger for even cooler vibes!
7. Metallic Accents – For an ultra chic manicure this summer look no further than metallic accents! Pick out two complementary shades such as silver and pewter and paint alternating stripes down each finger.
8. Grunge Chic – Achieve grunge chic vibes with distressed short black tips combined with splashes of vibrant pink color around the edges.
9. Negative Space – If you’re feeling daring, then try giving negative space design a shot. Take two contrasting colors (such as baby blue & hot pink) then use striping tape or freehand painting techniques (whichever suits you best), to carefully create shapes within sections. They key to any great negative space fingernail design is to make sure that you are leaving blank spaces in between which can be filled later (if you want). This style will give you a lot of depth and make your nails a really visually interesting and admirable appearance.
10. Adorned Stones – A great way to add sparkle and glamour into your manicure is with adorned stones. Best of all, they are super easy to apply! Simply apply clear gel polish over each fingernail, and once dry, stick light reflecting gems onto random sections. Use clear gel polish to seal them once more so that they stay secure throughout day/night activities. Enjoy the extra hot summer bling without making it too overpowering!
