Sunnier days are finally, officially, blessedly here—and it’s time to get a jump on the spring and summer 2024 nail trends that have been taking over our feeds. I’ve been seeing a lot of fresh manicure ideas coming from the spring runways & I can’t wait to try them! So if you’re wondering what manis to pair with your y2k, old money, or everyday outfits – I got you! The following nail art ideas can look good with many of the major style trends I’ve been seeing on TikTok and Instagram. But consider yourself warned ahead of time: you’ll have a hard time picking just one. Sorry in advance.
Whoever said getting your nails done is relaxing hasn’t spent 15 minutes panic-flipping through a keychain of acrylic nail colors, or trying to decide whether to settle on a simple glazed chrome or opting for a full-on mermaid-inspired watercolor design. That’s why I caught up with The Gloss Gurus editors to chat about the spring/summer 2024 nail trends we loved seeing at the latest fashion week runways. From a bedazzled take on coquette nails to tortoiseshell french manis, here are 15 best viral nail trends we’ll be seeing in 2024.
This post is the latest from the Style Edit where I curate some of my favorite outfits and nail inspo. There’s truly something for everyone. If you’re new here, The Style Edit is where I talk about the next biggest fashion trends seen around the web. Make sure to subscribe for more style tips!
Popular Colors
Let’s start off with a few colors we think are perfect for spring. A beautiful deep pink from Wet n Wild, a cute coral popsicle color from Revlon, and this shimmery baby pink shade from Essie.
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REVLON
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Essie
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1. Bloom Baby Bloom
Blooming in spring? It’s only natural. Nail art designs using blooming gel are receiving a lot of attention right now. Blooming polish is great for animal prints, croc prints, & watercolor manicures. You can easily create a cute look with blooming gel by applying a thin layer of Beetles Nail Blooming Gel over the entire nail (do not cure). While the gel is still wet you’ll create a cute design. The wet layer causes the gel to bloom. Once you’re happy with how it bloomed, cure.
2. Milky nail
Milky nails are the celeb-approved twist on a classic nude mani and the best part about this trend is that it’s super easy to do at home.
I have a very easy-to-follow milky nail tutorial that goes over the types of polishes you’ll need to achieve pink or milky white manicures, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to nail the look at home and on a budget!
Read more: DIY: How To Do The Viral Milky Nails Trend At Home On A Budget
3. Mermaid Nails
Mermaid Nails are the best way to channel your inner Arial! This under-the-sea aesthetic manicure is also the perfect look to welcome summer in a major way! If you’re looking to dip into the trend before diving in fully, mermaid nails—which incorporate cool colors and metallic, iridescent, and/or pastel elements—are the way to go.
4. Pearl Nails
If you’re looking for an elevated manicure that you can wear with a classy outfit or a big event, you’ll want to try a pearl manicure. From the coquette aesthetic to the rise of mermaid-core, Pearl nails are right on trend.
5. Pastel Chrome Nails
For this fresh take on chrome nails, we’re seeing a lot of baby blues, light pinks, and yellows. Although simple, the baby blue will add an extra oomph to your summer outfits. For those of you with bubbly & easy-going personalities, you’ll want to try out a chrome yellow to add even more joy to your outfits.
6. Pink Velvet
Balletcore beauty gets an update with this pink & glittery velvet manicure.
To create the velvet nails look, you need two things: magnetic polish and a magnet. The Gloss gurus has a really easy-to-follow velvet nails tutorial on their blog which I’ll link below:
7. RED-Y FOR SHORT NAILS
In the beauty world, the color red is forever a classic —especially when used as a nail color. Whether keeping it simple with a swipe of crimson or going for an intricate design, bold red nails will never go out of style.
8. Coquette Nails
The coquette nail trend isn’t going anywhere. It is, however, getting a little more interesting. Keep the mani simple with whimsical baby pink, pearls, or bows or go all out with rhinestones, ballet slipper decals, & a chrome finish!
9. Seasonal-Ish Shades
Spring doesn’t just mean your typical pastels anymore. This spring we’re being drawn to colors that are both seasonal yet unexpected. Try playful lilac purples, pops of color like corals and chartreuse, and light neutrals like barely-there blush and pearly off-white.
10. Hibiscus Flowers
Give your summer nail style a Y2k twist with hibiscus nail art! We’re loving this look which serves up a bold blue French nail with a & white hibiscus design.
11. Evil Eye
This spring/summer, we’re serving evil-eye nails you won’t be able to look away from. Whether you call it ayn al-hasud, malocchio, nazar, or evil eye, you’re probably familiar with this symbol, because it’s having a serious moment.
12. Animal Print
Show you’re the coolest cat in town & embrace your wild side with Tortoiseshell nails. These wild designs are soaring on TikTok and Instagram alike, with millions of mentions of the trend circulating socials.
13. 3d Sunflowers
Come spring, daisy nails tend to sprout up all over our feeds. This spring we’ve been seeing a more elevated version which includes rhinestones & chrome.
14. Skinny French
Skinny jeans may be out, but skinny french manicures are in. A thin line turns this barely there manicure into Parisian chic. We love this classic pastel-colored french for spring and beyond.
15. Boomer Nails
Boomer nails, also known as the “French fade” or “French ombré”, are a twist on the classic French manicure. Where with the classic French you have a defined white line between the natural base shade and the white tip, the baby boomer blends the two colors together, creating a gradient or ombré effect.
What are some of your favorite spring and summer 2024 nail trends? Let us know in the comments below!
