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It’s almost summer, where has this year gone?! Spring went so quickly and now we’re onto the nail trends for the next season! Luckily, salons in the UK have opened back up so some of these 2021 summer nail designs might be a bit more achievable than the spring ones. It’s always fun to try out nail art ideas at home, but there’s no shame in asking for help either!
On my quest for summer nail inspo, I’ve gathered up 15 designs that you can either save to do yourself or show to your nail technician.
Take a look and see if any of these take your fancy!
1. Dreamy Clouds
We might all be wishing for clear skies this summer, but this pastel cloud design is just too cute to ignore. I love the ombré effect and the way the design is focused at the top of the nail, it makes it look so dreamy!
To achieve this look at home you’re probably going to need a small sponge, a nail art brush and a very, very steady hand.
2. Negative Space Drip Effect
2021 is the year of negative space nails and I’m loving all the variations. For summer this drip effect is looking like it’s going to be massive, I’ve seen so many people wearing it already!
Carrying on the food-inspired nail trends we saw in spring, this candy design is sure to be a hit. If this melting ice lolly look doesn’t give you huuuge summer vibes, then I don’t know what will!
3. Watercolour Tie-Dye
Tie-dye comes back year after year … and each time it somehow manages to get better! I think tie-dying your nails is the perfect way to add a splash of colour to your outfit without having to worry about clashing items of clothing.
The key to this look is to pick a colour palette – in the picture above Lauren has gone for shimmery purples, pinks, reds, greens and blues. Then, decide which of these colours you’re going to mix on each nail. I’d suggest sticking with three or four at max, just so the nail doesn’t look so cluttered. By doing this you’ve still got a consistent theme, but each nail looks slightly different.
4. Simple Squiggles
Abstract nail art was really in for spring 2021, and that doesn’t look like it’s going away any time soon. This summer we’re going to be seeing simple line designs everywhere, so definitely make a note of this one.
If you have the right tools, line art is fairly easy to do. You’ll just a nude base, a bright nail polish (or two) and a thin nail brush. You could even skip the base polish for a negative space look, whatever you prefer!
5. Minimal Geometric Shapes
Summer is all about bright, bold colours. If this isn’t really your thing, you can try and incorporate them in a more minimal and subtle way – like with the geometric nail design above!
This look is so unique. It’s simple, but still shows that you’ve put a lot of effort into your nails. Plus, there’s loads of room for you to play around with it. You can try any shape or colour you want. Get creative!
6. Bright Edges
Asymmetric French tips are always going to be a winner. So why not mirror the design and paint around the cuticle too?!
If you’re going for a nude or neutral colour in the middle, I’d suggest choosing something bright for the edges. This will really make the design pop.
7. Spots and Stripes
2021 summer nail designs are all about patterns and textures. This look mixes two, spots and stripes, so it’s extreeeemely on trend.
I like that Melanie has chosen to stick with a simple blue colour theme. This makes the design seem way less busy and allows the eye to really focus on the intricacies of the pattern.
8. Glitter Accent
Solid colours are appropriate for any season. But why not make them shine a little more with a touch of glitter?
I love the way Sarah has chosen classic summer shades and then added a sparkly polish over one of the nails. It’s pretty and fun without being too overbearing.
9. Cow Print x French Tips
If you couldn’t tell from the cover photo, this is one of my favourite summer nail designs for 2021. I adore the black and white cow print paired with the lilac French tip, I think it looks so cute!
You can try and form the splotches with a nail art brush or use stickers instead. I used the Ciaté London The Cheat Sheets Garden Party nail sticker pack and it saved so much time. I just know it would have taken me hours to perfect the spots otherwise!
10. Negative Space Checkerboard
Checkerboard seems to be the next big thing in the nail art world – it’s all over Instagram!
Vary the size of the checkerboard pattern to add some interest to your nails and make the design stand out even more.
11. Retro ’90s Pattern
2021 has been constantly throwing ’90s trends our way and I’m 100% cool with it. There are some great throwback clothes, hairstyles and beauty ideas that I’m super glad have returned – just like this retro nail pattern!
I think it works really well with the pastels against a white French tip, but you could always change up the colours or even place the pattern over the whole nail. Whatever you fancy!
12. Thin, Squared French
If you’re looking for something a bit more classic, a thin French tip is the way to go. Just make sure to choose a bright accent colour so that the edge is actually visible.
I love how clean and neat this looks. It’s really wearable on a day-to-day basis too.
13. Statement Neon
Don’t get me wrong, pastels are still SUPER in for summer. But neon nail art is stealing my heart too.
I think this would look so good styled with a monochromatic black and white outfit. This kind of colour blocking would make the neon shine through even more.
14. Summer Fruits
A list of 2021 summer nail designs wouldn’t be complete without at least one fruit-themed option.
These are the perfect picnic nails and would look so cute with a flowy summer dress. I’m dying to try them out!
RELATED READ: Cute Summer Outfit Ideas For Your Next Picnic
15. Subtle Florals
For something a bit more understated, this floral design is an excellent choice. It still has a hint of summer, but it looks pretty subtle at the same time.
To save time on the flowers I used a selection of stickers from the Ciaté London The Cheat Sheets Garden Party pack. You can play around with the flower placement or choose a brighter polish if you want the floral element to stand out a bit more.
Which 2021 summer nail designs will you be trying? Let me know in the comments!
And, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out the 12 nail art essentials you need for any manicure.
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