Smiling blonde woman standing beside white garden flowers

120 nail art ideas for summer 2026

By Jess Watts | 13 June 2026 | Art & Technique

Summer 2026 nail art ideas gallery lead image courtesy of Instagram.com.tendrehands

Long evenings, barbecues with friends, cocktail hour – summer is amazing. The only thing that could make it better? Nails to match the vibe.

While the sun may come and go as it pleases, make sure your manicure is constantly fabulous with the following nail inspo. Whether you’re searching for ‘clean girl aesthetic’ nails, a multicoloured maximalist mani, beach holiday designs or anything in between, chances are, you’ll find what you are looking for below…

Tropical talons

Palm trees and coconut water are calling – and your nails are about to answer. Browse the following designs and take your hands on a trip to the tropics…


Underwater inspo

Dive into the following nail designs, inspired by the cutest creatures under the sea…


Fruity fingertips

Mouth-watering watermelon, perfectly ripe papaya, succulent strawberry… we could go on, but we’re starting to drool! Feast your eyes on this fruit-themed nail art for a mani that looks good enough to eat.


Maximalist manicures

Summer is the perfect season to experiment with bold patterns and striking shades. Here’s some eye-catching inspiration for nails…


Feeling floral

A classic symbol of the summer months, floral nail styles are effortlessly beautiful – ranging from cartoon-style blooms to delicate, fine line bouquets. Your nails are in luck: everything’s about to ‘come up roses’!


Subtle styles

Looking for something a little simpler? Micro nail art and subtle shades offer a chic way to embrace summer on fingertips. Try out the following designs for nails that capture the essence of summer, without stealing the spotlight.