The Evolution of Nail Trends: Summer 2024’s Must-Have Looks. Witness the evolution of nail trends in summer 2024, where the fusion of past and present styles brings forth an array of must-have looks. From the revival of baby boom designs to the modern flair of gel short square nails, the season is ripe with innovation and creativity.

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Muted Elegance With A Pop

This design takes the love for neutral tones to new heights, blending a muted sage with a soft lilac and a surprising pop of metallic gold studs. This look caters to the gel almond trend while offering a tactile element that’s undeniably trendy winter. It’s a bold, sophisticated style that proves neutrals can be anything but boring.

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Consumables:


  • Sage gel polish: ‘Mystic Moss’ by Gelish
  • Lilac gel polish: ‘Lavender Dreams’ by OPI
  • Gold studs
  • Top coat: ‘Seal The Deal’ by SNS

My professional tip: Adding a stud can transform a simple manicure into a statement piece. Position it near the base for a modern take on nail jewelry.

Sage and Lilac at Home
After applying your base color, place a drop of ‘Lavender Dreams’ on the nail and swirl gently with ‘Mystic Moss’ using a toothpick. Once you’re satisfied with the marble effect, apply a top coat and gently press a gold stud into place while the polish is still tacky. Seal with another layer of top coat for durability.

Exquisite Scales And Hues

Venturing into the bold and imaginative, these stiletto nails are a tribute to the enchanting beauty of the mermaid’s tail. Each nail is meticulously detailed with a scale pattern in an ombre transition from pearly white to shades of iridescent lilac and blue, reflecting the playful side of summer 2024. This design is a favorite for those who wish to make a splash with a trendy winter to summer transition piece.

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Consumables:


  • White gel base: ‘Polar Magic’ by Gelish
  • Iridescent scale decals
  • Lilac gel polish: ‘Mystic Mirage’ by OPI
  • Blue gel polish: ‘Deep Sea Dreams’ by SNS
  • Top coat: ‘Everlasting Shine’ by Gelish

My professional tip: Place the scale decals carefully to create a seamless pattern, and remember to seal them with a strong top coat for longevity.

DIY Mermaid Fantasy To capture this ethereal look at home, apply your white gel base and let it set. Place the scale decals gently, starting from the cuticle and working towards the tip. Blend ‘Mystic Mirage’ and ‘Deep Sea Dreams’ in a delicate ombre before sealing with your top coat for a magical, long-lasting finish.

Speckled Softness

These nails are a soft sonnet, speaking volumes with their subtlety — a perfect embodiment of neutral chic with a twist. The gel short square nails are adorned with speckles of soft pink and deep red flecks, creating an effect reminiscent of a romantic, speckled rose petal. It’s a style that pairs wonderfully with neutral toe polish and makes for a timeless 2024 for toes or manicure choice.

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Consumables:


  • Translucent pink gel: ‘Rose Water’ by Essie
  • Pink and red fleck polish: ‘Petal Sprinkles’ by Gelish
  • Top coat: ‘Glass Finish’ by SNS

My professional tip: Apply the speckled polish sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate translucent base, and always finish with a high-shine top coat to enhance the depth of the flecks.

At-Home Speckle Technique Begin with a coat of ‘Rose Water’ to give a clean, pinkish sheen to the nail. With ‘Petal Sprinkles’, dab lightly and sporadically for that speckled effect, and let each layer dry thoroughly. Complete your design with a glossy top coat for a polished, professional look.

Sophisticated Gradient With Glitz

These almond-shaped nails celebrate the gradient trend with a sophisticated dip from rich wine to a muted grey, accented by a single nail of glittering rose gold. It’s a design that’s both edgy and elegant, capturing the essence of a dark, moody winter classy aesthetic that transitions seamlessly into the brighter tones of summer 2024.

Consumables:


  • Wine gel polish: ‘Vintage Velvet’ by SNS
  • Grey gel polish: ‘Stormy Skies’ by Gelish
  • Rose gold glitter polish: ‘Glitz & Glam’ by OPI
  • Embellishments: Tiny black rhinestones
  • Top coat: ‘Ever Shine’ by DipSystem

My professional tip: For the gradient, use a sponge to softly dab and blend where the two colors meet. The glitter nail should be an accent — choose one finger for a pop of glitz.

The Gradient Glam at Home After your base colors have dried, create a gradient by sponging on the second shade halfway up the nail. Add a touch of ‘Glitz & Glam’ on your chosen accent nail. Place the rhinestones while the polish is tacky, and once everything is set, seal your artwork with a glossy top coat.

Starry Night Gradient

In the realm of 2024 long nails, we find a design that marries the quiet of the night with the sparkle of the stars. This almond-shaped manicure starts with a soft grey at the base, fading into a deep space black, and is finished with a sprinkling of star-like glitter. It’s a galactic take on the ombre french style, perfect for those starlit summer evenings.

Consumables:


  • Grey gel polish: ‘Moonlit Mist’ by Gelish
  • Black gel polish: ‘Eclipse’ by SNS
  • Silver glitter top coat: ‘Stardust’ by OPI
  • Base and top coat: ‘Infinity Wear’ by SNS

My professional tip: Apply the silver glitter top coat with a light hand to mimic a starry sky, and cap the free edge to lock in the design.

Crafting Cosmos on Your Nails
Achieving this interstellar look at home involves layering your polishes for a smooth gradient effect. Once your base of grey and black has set, lightly dab on ‘Stardust’ to add a subtle sparkle. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for a manicure that’s out of this world.

Pink Marble Delicacy

This gel almond design is a whisper of elegance, featuring a delicate pink base with veins of metallic gold running through, evoking the natural beauty of marbled stone. It’s a style that speaks to the softness of February while holding the promise of summer 2024. A single glittering accent nail adds a touch of glamour, making this look versatile for both day and night.

Consumables:


  • Pink gel polish: ‘Petal Soft’ by Gelish
  • Gold foil for marbling
  • Gold glitter polish: ‘Glitter Bomb’ by DipSystem
  • Clear top coat: ‘Crystal Clear’ by OPI

My professional tip: Use a fine brush to apply the gold foil delicately for the marbling effect, and choose one finger for a glitter accent to elevate the sophistication.

Marbling Made Simple
To create this nail art at home, start with a base of ‘Petal Soft’. Then, use a piece of crinkled gold foil to transfer the gold marbling onto the nail. Apply ‘Glitter Bomb’ on an accent nail for that extra shimmer, and once all is dry, seal with a top coat for a smooth, protective finish.

Neutral Glam With A Sparkle

These medium coffin nails present a classic neutral base, heightened by a luxurious ring of gold sparkle at the tips. The result is a manicure that’s both sophisticated and eye-catching, suitable for a discerning palette that values trendy winter aesthetics while preparing for the vibrancy of summer 2024.

Consumables:


  • Nude gel polish: ‘Subtle Chic’ by Gelish
  • Gold glitter stripe: ‘Gilded Line’ by SNS
  • Base coat: ‘Prep Perfect’ by SNS
  • Top coat: ‘Gloss Boss’ by DipSystem

My professional tip: For the gold glitter line, use a striping brush for precision, and apply the top coat generously to smooth out any texture the glitter may create.

Adding Sparkle to Your Neutrals
For a DIY version of this design, paint your nails with ‘Subtle Chic’ and let them cure. Dip a fine striping brush in ‘Gilded Line’ and draw a precise line where the nude meets the tip. Seal your design with ‘Gloss Boss’ to ensure the gold stays put and shines bright.

Geometric Navy Sophistication

This design stands at the intersection of bold and classic, featuring a deep navy color paired with crisp geometric lines in a stark white contrast. These long almond nails are a striking choice for someone who embraces both the 2024 trends and timeless elegance, perfect for commanding attention in any setting.

Consumables:


  • Navy gel polish: ‘Midnight Sail’ by Gelish
  • White gel polish: ‘Arctic Snow’ by SNS
  • Striping tape for precision
  • Glossy top coat: ‘Gloss Boss’ by DipSystem

My professional tip: Use striping tape to achieve the perfect straight lines for the geometric pattern, and don’t forget to cap the free edge to ensure longevity.

DIY Geometric Mastery
For a DIY approach, apply two coats of ‘Midnight Sail’ and allow to cure fully. Place striping tape in your desired pattern and apply ‘Arctic Snow’ carefully, removing the tape while the polish is still wet. Finish with a top coat for a high-gloss, professional finish.

Mocha Latte Modernism

Embracing the neutral nail trend, this sophisticated 2024 gel short square design in a warm mocha shade is as comforting as a latte on a cool February morning. It’s a chic choice for those who prefer a minimalist yet modern look that transitions beautifully into Summer 2024.

Consumables:


  • Mocha gel polish: ‘Spiced Cocoa’ by OPI
  • Base coat: ‘Adhesion Plus’ by SNS
  • Top coat: ‘Ultra Shine’ by Gelish

My professional tip: Ensure each layer of gel polish is thin to avoid a bulky look on the nail, and always use a high-quality top coat to maintain that glossy shine.

A Mocha Moment at Home
Apply ‘Spiced Cocoa’ in thin, even coats after a base coat to prevent lifting. Be patient between layers to ensure proper curing. Finish with ‘Ultra Shine’ for a sleek, long-lasting manicure.

Abstract Orange Contrast

For those who dare to stand out, this 2024 long nail design combines the vibrant energy of orange with the deep intensity of black. The stark contrast is softened by a unique, abstract touch of white, reminiscent of brush strokes, creating a look that is both artistic and edgy.

Consumables:


  • Black gel polish: ‘Deep Onyx’ by Gelish
  • Orange gel polish: ‘Tangerine Dream’ by SNS
  • White gel paint for abstract lines
  • Glossy top coat: ‘Never Dull’ by OPI

My professional tip: When creating abstract lines, let the brush flow freely for an organic look, and apply the top coat generously to smooth out any texture.

Creating Abstract Art on Nails
After your black and orange base, use a fine brush dipped in white gel paint to add abstract lines. There’s no right or wrong here; it’s all about expressing creativity. Seal with a top coat for a gleaming, art-gallery-worthy manicure.

Blush Harmony

This nail design is a soft-spoken dream in blush pink. The medium almond shape presents a universal appeal, perfect for those who appreciate the subtleties of the babyboomer trend. The glossy finish catches the light and offers a tender complement to any summer attire, marking it as a 2024 gel almond favorite.

Consumables:


  • Blush pink gel polish: ‘Tender Touch’ by Essie
  • Glossy top coat: ‘Longwear Luminescence’ by SNS

My professional tip: To maintain this delicate color, ensure full coverage with two coats, and finish with a high-shine top coat to enhance its depth.

A Touch of Blush at Home
Begin with a clean nail surface and apply ‘Tender Touch’ in two thin layers for a perfectly even blush pink canvas. Cap the look with ‘Longwear Luminescence’ for that enviable salon-like finish that lasts.

Sky Blue Serenity

Evocative of clear skies, this serene sky blue polish on 2024 gel short square nails is a breath of fresh air. It’s a color that captures the essence of summer, tranquil and clear, suggesting cloudless skies and carefree days ahead.

Consumables:


  • Sky blue gel polish: ‘Celestial Calm’ by Gelish
  • Matte top coat: ‘Velvet Matte’ by OPI

My professional tip: A matte finish can make this sky blue truly unique, transforming the nails into an understated yet captivating accessory.

Sky Blue Matte Elegance
Apply two coats of ‘Celestial Calm’ for full color saturation. Once cured, finish with ‘Velvet Matte’ for an on-trend look that’s as calming as a gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

Neon Chrome Ombre

This design takes the 2024 long nail trend into the future with a neon ombre effect that merges pink, yellow, and green in a chrome finish. It’s reflective, it’s bold, and it’s guaranteed to be a head-turner during those vibrant summer nights.

Consumables:


  • Neon pink gel polish: ‘Flirt Alert’ by SNS
  • Neon yellow gel polish: ‘Electric Buzz’ by Gelish
  • Neon green gel polish: ‘Lime Light’ by OPI
  • Chrome powder
  • High-gloss top coat: ‘Shine Bright’ by DipSystem

My professional tip: Use sponge dabbing to blend the colors seamlessly before applying chrome powder for that high-gloss finish.

Neon Nightscape
Crafting this look at home involves layering neon colors softly into each other, then gently buffing in the chrome powder for that metallic sheen. Seal it all with ‘Shine Bright’ for a long-lasting, luminous finish.