35 Fresh and Fun Summer Nail Colors to Try This Year

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By Laura

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There’s something about summer that invites color bright skies, bold fashion, and of course, vibrant summer nails.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or heading to a backyard BBQ, your manicure should match the season’s energy.

This guide to summer nail colors covers everything from bold neons to soft pastels and trendy finishes, helping you choose the perfect shade for your vibe and skin tone.


Summer Nail Colors That Will Brighten Up Your Look

Summer is the time to have fun with your nails. The season’s palette includes juicy oranges, sun-kissed corals, dreamy pastels, and high-impact neons.

These colors don’t just look good in the sun, they also work to highlight your summer glow, whether you’re fair, medium, or deep-skinned.

We’ve gathered a stunning collection of nail looks to help you find your go-to summer color.


1. Glossy Hot Pink

Glossy Hot Pink
Credit: thegelhouse from Instagram

This hot pink polish is a bold and glossy choice that works beautifully as one color summer nails. The high-shine finish gives a sleek and neat look, perfect for anyone wanting simple summer nails with impact. This color stands out against both fair and deep skin tones, making it one of the most versatile bright plain summer nails colors. It’s a great pick for those who love single nail colors that still pop.


2. Oval Neon Pink

Oval Neon Pink
Credit: meraki_nails_cardiff from Instagram

These oval-shaped neon nails are the definition of trendy summer nails. The vibrant pink shade glows under natural light, offering a bright summer nails option that complements medium to deep skin beautifully. If you’re searching for summer gel nail color ideas that lean bold but stay clean, this is a strong contender.


3. Soft Baby Pink

Soft Baby Pink
Credit: simple_naildesigns from Instagram

If you love subtle tones, this soft baby pink is an ideal option for plain color summer nail inspo. This summer nail paint color leans gentle and chic, and suits lighter skin tones especially well. It’s a classic choice for summer solid nail colors, offering a clean and calm aesthetic.


4. Bold Almond Pink

Bold Almond Pink
Credit: karin.nailedit from Instagram

Sharp almond tips meet bold color in this striking design. It’s one of those neon nails styles that demand attention while still staying true to the solid colors nails trend. The electric pink works well as a statement on vacation or for day-to-day wear during summer time nails colors season.


5. Shimmery Hot Pink

Shimmery Hot Pink
Credit: polished_yogi from Instagram

This glowing hot pink shimmer adds dimension to the typical bright summer nails aesthetic. With a glossy sheen that catches the light, it’s ideal for fair to medium skin tones. This is a fresh take on summer nail paint colors, giving you sparkle without going over the top.


6. Neon Green Pop

Neon Green Pop
Credit: jacquelineayres_beauty from Instagram

This vivid neon green is one of the most fun summer solid nail colors. It looks incredible on deeper skin tones and pops boldly as part of the one color vacation nails trend. If you want your summer nails to stand out at any beach or festival, this shade delivers.


7. Highlighter Yellow

Highlighter Yellow
Credit: isabelblakenails from Instagram

This highlighter-bright yellow shade fits right into current nail color trends. Ideal for fair to medium skin, it’s a unique entry in the summer colours for nails category. The short, squared shape helps balance out the intensity of the color for a cleaner, more wearable look.


8. Soft Seafoam Green

Soft Seafoam Green
Credit: colorsbylala from Instagram

A subtle green with cool undertones, this shade works beautifully for single color summer nails. It’s a low-key look that still gives you that summer nail colors edge. Best suited for fair skin tones, this color falls in line with the rise of calm, earthy summer gel nail color ideas.


9. Shimmery Mint Tips

Shimmery Mint Tips
Credit: melly.k.nails from Instagram

This almond-shaped manicure features a soft mint shimmer that adds a dreamy feel. A great fit for simple summer nails with a touch of glam, this polish pairs well with both cool and warm undertones. It’s an understated way to play with summer nail colors while keeping things classy.


10. Neon Lime Shine

 Neon Lime Shine
Credit: redeemed.and.polished from Instagram

A glowing lime green that leans toward a pearl finish, this set screams bright summer nails. Great for light and medium skin, this color is part of the growing love for bright plain summer nails colors. It also works for anyone into one color summer nails that bring high energy.


11. Vivid Cherry Red

Vivid Cherry Red
Credit: sophiemerryweathernails from Instagram

This glossy cherry red gives serious summer time nails colors energy. The long almond shape enhances the boldness of this one color look, which flatters every skin tone. This is a classic yet fresh entry in the summer nail colors category, giving you just enough drama with a high-shine finish.


12. Bright Red Square

Bright Red Square
Credit: myleebeautyofficial from Instagram

Short square nails and bold red polish are a power combo in this bright plain summer nails colors look. It’s one of those trendy summer nails styles that feel timeless and on-trend at once. Great for medium to deep skin, it also works perfectly for one color vacation nails.


13. Classic Short Red

Classic Short Red
Credit: the_gelbottle_inc from Instagram

This short, rounded red manicure is a simple summer nails pick that’s impossible to go wrong with. It’s clean, elegant, and great for those looking for summer solid nail colors that don’t need any extras. The smooth finish complements both lighter and deeper complexions.


14. Neon Orange Almond

Neon Orange Almond
Credit: sammimay.beauty from Instagram

This ultra-bright orange almond shape makes a striking addition to your summer colours for nails lineup. Great for deeper skin tones, it’s one of the most impactful solid colors nails options. Ideal for tropical getaways or everyday summer flair.


15. Shimmery Sunset Orange

Shimmery Sunset Orange
Credit: opi from Instagram

This glittery sunset orange polish gives major one color vacation nails energy. The shimmer makes it glow under sunlight, making it a fun choice for bright summer nails. Perfect for warmer undertones, this shade pairs beautifully with beach days or summer travel.


16. Deep Tangerine Pop

Deep Tangerine Pop
Credit: topcoatchronicles from Instagram

This bold tangerine polish is a summer nail paint colors essential. Its intensity works especially well for fair and medium tones, bringing warmth and vibrancy. As one of the bolder summer gel nail color ideas, it balances energy and polish in a wearable way.


17. Soft Pastel Yellow

Soft Pastel Yellow
Credit: huellabeauty from Instagram

Pastel yellow offers a soft, happy vibe and easily qualifies as a go-to in single color summer nails. This version is perfect for lighter skin tones and adds a subtle brightness to your summer nail colors collection. Clean and calming, it gives off a playful yet polished feel.


18. Creamy Pale Yellow

Creamy Pale Yellow
Credit: thenailtechorg from Instagram

This creamy pale yellow shade gives a muted take on bright summer nails. It suits darker skin tones beautifully, offering a soft contrast that still stands out. As a newer take on simple summer nails, it’s one of those nail color trends you’ll want to wear all season.


19. Neon Lime Stiletto

Neon Lime Stiletto
Credit: corvidnails from Instagram

Neon lime is back in a big way, and this stiletto-shaped version nails the look. It’s a daring pick for those craving trendy summer nails with high intensity. Great for lighter complexions, this is a standout among solid colors nails for festival season and vacations.


20. Ocean Blue Ombre

Ocean Blue Ombre
Credit: notorioushandjobz from Instagram

This ombre blue design mimics the gradient of a summer sky or ocean, making it one of the more creative summer gel nail color ideas. Great for medium and fair tones, this look stands out in the world of single nail colors thanks to the seamless fade and glossy finish.


21. Vibrant Blue Block

Vibrant Blue Block
Credit: opi_addict from Instagram

This electric blue polish is a bold and trendy take on solid colors nails. The square shape keeps it modern while the tone works beautifully on cool and neutral skin tones. It’s an ideal choice for one color summer nails that want to break away from pinks and corals.


22. Iridescent Blue Fade

Iridescent Blue Fade
Credit: here.forthe.sparkles from Instagram

This design blends soft blue with golden shimmer for a dreamy, beachy finish. Great for lighter skin tones, it’s a subtle yet playful look for summer gel nail color ideas. It has a unique light-catching effect that makes it perfect for summer time nails colors with dimension.


23. Soft Cloud Blue

Soft Cloud Blue
Credit: essie from Instagram

This pastel blue shade delivers a clean, calm look that’s perfect for plain color summer nail inspo. It works well on all skin tones and suits anyone leaning toward simple summer nails. The finish is smooth and glossy, giving a fresh feel to one color vacation nails.


24. Twilight Blue Sparkle

Twilight Blue Sparkle
Credit: sbrown.nails from Instagram

A deep periwinkle base paired with subtle yellow sparkle brings an elegant twist to summer solid nail colors. This color combo works well for cooler undertones, especially in evening light. A stylish entry in the nail color trends space, it pairs polish with personality.


25. Watermelon Pink Pop

Watermelon Pink Pop
Credit: kyluafactory from Instagram

This juicy watermelon pink gives major neon nails vibes while staying wearable. It’s one of those bright summer nails that flatter most skin tones and pairs well with any outfit. A great pick for those who love single nail colors that still feel playful and bold.


26. Matte Yellow Bold

Matte Yellow Bold
Credit: luxnails.connie from Instagram

This matte yellow manicure is loud, cheerful, and completely summer. Great for deeper complexions, it adds a bold edge to one color summer nails. The matte texture gives it a modern feel that sets it apart from standard gloss finishes.


27. Glossy Coral Round

Glossy Coral Round
Credit: sabeautemtl from Instagram

This bright coral shade blends red and orange into a punchy summer time nails colors look. The round shape adds softness while the gloss brings the heat. It works well for medium and olive skin tones, and it’s a solid choice for summer nail paint colors that want to stay bold.


28. Pastel Lilac Squared

Pastel Lilac Squared
Credit: pixienaildit from Instagram

Pastel lilac in a long square shape delivers elegance with ease. This color complements deeper skin tones beautifully, offering a soft contrast that feels fresh. As one of the trendy summer nails choices, it’s perfect for someone wanting calming yet vibrant nail color trends.


29. Buttery Soft Yellow

Buttery Soft Yellow
Credit: nuin_____ from Instagram

This creamy yellow shade offers a muted, calming effect that works for fair to medium skin. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for plain color summer nail inspo with a lighter twist. The glossy finish adds just enough shine to keep it polished but not overpowering.


30. Cool Mint Squared

Cool Mint Squared
Credit: magdula.es from Instagram

This minty turquoise shade is clean and refreshing, perfect for simple summer nails. The crisp square shape gives it a neat edge, making it a reliable choice for solid colors nails. Works especially well for lighter and olive skin tones looking for bright plain summer nails colors.


31. Golden Sun Yellow

Golden Sun Yellow
Credit: polishedloungedetroit from Instagram

This rich golden yellow works beautifully on deeper skin tones, offering warmth without being too bright. The short, squared shape keeps it classic and wearable. It’s a solid choice for those leaning toward summer gel nail color ideas that still feel polished and modern.


32. Bold Flamingo Pink

Bold Flamingo Pink
Credit: kyluafactory from Instagram

This flamingo pink polish brings the energy of a tropical escape. With its almond shape and vibrant color, it pops especially on medium to tan skin tones. It’s perfect for bright summer nails that feel both bold and fun.


33. Sunset Ombré Mix

Sunset Ombré Mix
Credit: rozsalilla.nailartist from Instagram

This playful manicure blends coral, peach, mustard, and cream across the nails for a subtle ombré effect using multiple shades. It suits most skin tones and gives a creative twist to solid colors nails while staying in the one color summer nails family.


34. Barely-There Pink

Barely-There Pink
Credit: jennnails__ from Instagram

This soft blush pink is the definition of clean and minimal. A great neutral for summer nail paint colors, it flatters every skin tone and works for both casual days and special events. Ideal for those looking for simple summer nails with subtle charm.


35. Tropical Heat Gradient

Tropical Heat Gradient
Credit: polished_yogi from Instagram

This gradient set blends warm orange, yellow, and red into a fiery tropical sunset. It works well on lighter to medium skin and stands out without needing glitter or patterns. A striking example of bright plain summer nails colors with a unique edge.


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