There's truly a summer manicure for everyone. You can fully lean into the season with fruity nail art, neon colors, or a fun abstract moment, or you can opt for a more subtle approach with a solid swath of color. And there are almost as many types of manicures to choose from, too, including traditional lacquer, sturdy acrylics, and long-lasting gels. If you're particularly interested in that last category, you've come to the right place. Ahead, find 9 stunning gel nail ideas for summer. Keep scrolling to find your favorite new look for the sunny months ahead.
01 Chrome & Co.
This maximalist mani will have people turning their heads and complimenting your hands. While you probably can't DIY this one (unless you're particularly adept with nail art), we think it's worth the splurge at the salon.
01 Chrome & Co.
This maximalist mani will have people turning their heads and complimenting your hands. While you probably can't DIY this one (unless you're particularly adept with nail art), we think it's worth the splurge at the salon.
02 Minty Chrome
Chrome is one of our favorite ways to enhance any manicure, but it adds a particularly fresh touch to a solid mint green set.
03 Bold Blue Reverse French
Here's a unique nail look for the mani minimalist. The milky base is subtle yet sophisticated. Add bold blue reverse French tips at the cuticles to up that "wow" factor.
04 Abstract Waves
With pink and gold waves, this manicure is just begging to be worn at a summer soirée. This one would be relatively easy to DIY, too: After you cure one coat of a neutral pink base shade, use fine-lining brushes to draw on your swirls.
05 Two-Tone French
This two-tone French manicure is a stunning and sophisticated take on the jelly nail trend.
06 Strawberry Lemonade
This perfect mix of pink and yellow reminds us of sipping a strawberry lemonade while poolside.
This perfect mix of pink and yellow reminds us of sipping a strawberry lemonade while poolside.
07 Champagne Wishes
A solid manicure topped with a layer of chrome polish is the easiest way to achieve an on-trend manicure—and when you opt for neutral tones, it's the chicest, too.
A solid manicure topped with a layer of chrome polish is the easiest way to achieve an on-trend manicure—and when you opt for neutral tones, it's the chicest, too.
08 Butter Yellow Chrome French
If you aren't ready to dive head first into the butter yellow nail trend, dip your toes—or should we say fingers—into the look by incorporating the shade into a chrome French manicure.
If you aren't ready to dive head first into the butter yellow nail trend, dip your toes—or should we say fingers—into the look by incorporating the shade into a chrome French manicure.
09 Light and Airy Gradient
A gradient manicure is so simple but effective. Use trendy muted neons and add Art Deco accents for a refreshing set you won't see on anybody else.
A gradient manicure is so simple but effective. Use trendy muted neons and add Art Deco accents for a refreshing set you won't see on anybody else.