Iced Matcha & Glass Polka Dots: 14 Nail Designs That Scream Summer

Anything goes in summer, which is why Instagram’s recent nail trend suggestions are a smorgasbord of hand-painted citrus fruits, painstakingly applied sequin florals, and all manner of sea creatures. As someone who rarely strays from a classic French tip, even I’m swayed by the abundance of colors, textures, and cute designs. But if you’re feeling spoiled for choice ahead of summer, we’ve done the hard work for you and whittled thousands of nail art ideas down to just 14 top picks. Here are the best summer nail designs to add to your mood board or, if you just can’t wait, take to your manicurist ASAP. DashDividers_1_500x100 Single-Dot French Tips View this post on Instagram A post shared by Olivia Hoath | Sutton Coldfield BIAB nails???????? (@nailsby.livs) We called it! The single-dot French manicure is going to be everywhere this summer. The mix-and-match tips and contrasting dots make room for an abundance of color, and we especially love how Olivia Hoath has paired bright neon hues with softer pastel shades here. Dipped French View this post on Instagram A post shared by ???????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? (@cindypaola.nails) This forest green-dipped manicure by Cindy Paola Nails reminds us of a classic Chanel pump. You could even switch it up with neon tips.  Sequin Florals View this post on Instagram A post shared by HEATHER ERRINGTON (@nailsbyheather.errington) Heather Errington says that sequin nails are the new everyday essential, and when they’re this cute, you could even skip jewelry. Granted, your manicurist will need to source the tiniest sequins to achieve this floral detail, but the effort is worth it.  Starry-Eyed View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nail Therapy By Ash | BIAB Nails, Online Education, Melbourne (@nailtherapybyash) Chrome nails have transcended the holiday season to become one of early summer’s most requested designs — just ask manicurist Ash at Nail Therapy. The sky-blue stars painted over this mirror-like chrome evoke sunnier days to come.  Crystal Ball View this post on Instagram A post shared by alanna doherty (@alannanicolex) We’re mesmerized by Alanna Doherty’s mix-and-match nails, which boast colorful French tips, pastels, jelly finishes, and 3D spheres that each resemble a crystal ball.  Iced Matcha View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha ???? (@samrosenails) Matcha-themed nails are going nowhere, but they are getting a cool twist for summer. Samantha Rose combines cat-eye polish and high-viscosity gel to create these shimmering ridges.  Silk Scarf View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Sung Kim | 김산성 (@sansungnails) Glass marble or silk scarf? We can’t decide, but there’s a refreshingly verdant and organic feel to these lime green nails by San Sung Kim, which boast a handful of green swirls on a sage cat-eye polish base.  Blooming Dots View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plaster. ⚫️ (@plasterbeauty) There’s something oceanic about these blooming gel dots on a milky base, created by Plaster. A reptile-esque set that’s perfect if you want some nail art but don’t have much time. Stripes & Polka Dots View this post on Instagram A post shared by HEATHER ERRINGTON (@nailsbyheather.errington) With the assorted stripes and strategically placed dots, these nails by Heather Errington are reminiscent of a Y2K beach towel. Patience is a virtue with a design like this.  Burgundy & Baby Pink View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryony Howell (@gelsbybry) Burgundy and baby pink is the unexpected color combination infiltrating the fashion world, and now it’s coming for your nails. This mismatched dotty set by Bryony Howell is equally cute and chic.  Little Ladybugs View this post on Instagram A post shared by HEATHER ERRINGTON (@nailsbyheather.errington) Nail art doesn’t get any more adorable than this bucolic design by Heather Errington. It’s like the little hand-painted ladybugs are leaving a dotted trail atop the cat-eye polish.  Glass Polka Dots View this post on Instagram A post shared by Your Best Nails (@chummy.nails) Milan-based nail artist Oksana Zavora has reimagined the polka-dot sets all over your feed by layering glass-like shades beneath the dots, lending this set a mirror-like depth.  Lemon Grove View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stacey Machin Nail Artist (@staceymachin) Stacey Machin proves that lemon-print nails are back for another year, perfect if you’re headed to the Amalfi Coast on vacation — or simply want to channel sunnier climes and vibes at home. Beach Cocktails Vie