The Ultimate Guide to Short Summer Nails 26 Ideas: Trends, Tips, and Maintenance

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025, short summer nails are popular, proving that length does not determine style. Are you ready to show off the trends that will define this sun-drenched season?

Coral charm

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. The color trends of this summer of 2025, lively yet pleasantly subdued. The flawless gel mani finish adds a shine that catches the summer light, making it a perfect inspiration for beach outings or summer evening gatherings.

Consumables list:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Coral gel polish: Essie Gel Couture – Coral Coast
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Topcoat
• UV or LED lamp for curing

DIY tips:

Start with clean, polished nails. Apply the base coat and let it harden under a lamp. Then apply two coats of Coral Coast gel, curing after each coat. Finish with the top coat and enjoy the shine of your super summer-ready nails.

Subtle elegance

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025’s square shape adds a modern touch to the classic pink shade, presenting a manicure that is both cute and professional.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: CND Stickey base layer
• Pink polish: OPI Bubble Bath
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

DIY tips:

After the base coat, apply two thin coats of OPI Bubble Bath. The sheer formula is forgiving for at-home applications. Finish with a top coat for a lasting, glossy shine.

Fiery red

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 gel miracle. The almond shape is both cool and feminine, perfect for summer evenings.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Essie Here to Stay base layer
• Red gel polish: Gelish – Red Roses
• Top coat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer

DIY tips:

Achieving this bold look at home requires patience. Apply your base, then apply a coat of red gel polish and let each coat harden. A final topcoat layer ensures longevity and shine.

Flowers dream

Professional insight:

This delicate design brings the essence of summer gardens to your fingertips. The art of these white flowers on a neutral base is a chic design idea that requires precision. It’s a fun yet aesthetic choice that’s far from overbearing, a subtle nod to the flowers of the season.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation
• Nude paint: Zoya – Avery
• White lacquer for art: Sally Hansen White On
• Detail brush for nail art

DIY tips:

Use a thin brush to paint the flower patterns by hand. Take it easy and don’t worry about perfection; the charm is in the handmade touch.

Abstract artistry

Professional insight:

This is where the eclectic atmosphere of summer comes to the fore. These nails are a canvas for expression: an abstract mix of pink, white and hints of gold. It’s an inspiration set that screams creativity, perfect for the artist at heart or for anyone who appreciates a gel mani that is a walking work of art.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Pink Marble Polish: ILNP – Rose Water
• Gold foil
• Nail glue
• Detail brush for intricate designs

DIY tips:

Create the marble effect with drops of nail polish in water and then dip your nails in it. Apply glue for the gold foil and press gently for a touch of luxury.

Monochrome elegance

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 simple designs that speak volumes.

Consumables list:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Light pink polish: Essie – Minimalist
• Black nail art pen: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, black
• Top coat: INM Out The Door Topcoat

DIY tips:

Apply the light pink base and let it dry completely. Then, with a steady hand, create the black line designs with the nail art pen. Seal the whole thing with a quick-drying top coat.

Geometric play

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 with their sharp geometric lines and bold color choices. The dark base provides a dramatic backdrop to the intricate neon lines, making them an excellent choice for those who want to make a statement.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Deborah Lippmann Everything about that base
• Dark plum gel polish: Gelish – Plum and Done
• Neon nail art liners in pink, yellow and green
• Top coat: Essie Gel Setter Topcoat

DIY tips:

After applying the base and plum color, use nail art liners to draw geometric patterns. Finish with a gel top coat for extra shine and durability.

Retro waves

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 color trends are well represented in this playful design, perfect for a fun day out or a casual beach holiday.

Consumables list:

• Base coat: China Glaze base coat with strong adhesion
• Orange polish: Orly – Melt your popsicle
• Pink polish: China Glaze – Shocking Pink
• Yellow polish: OPI – Exotic birds don’t tweet
• Nail art brush

DIY tips:

Paint each nail with the base coat and then with a white polish to make the colors pop. Use a thin nail art brush to paint on the waves in each color and let each layer dry before applying the next.

Candy heaven

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This simple one-color trend for summer 2025 is elevated with a thin blue trim, making them a fun and easy choice for an everyday summer look.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Pink transparent polish: Essie – Sugar Daddy
• Blue Nail Art Liner: Nails Inc. Nailkale – Duchess Street
• Top layer: CND Vinylux Long Wear top layer

DIY tips:

Start with the pink polish as a base, and once it dries, use the blue liner to carefully outline the edges of your nails. Finish with a hard-wearing top coat to ensure your candy sky lasts as long as the summer days last.

Tropical green

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Zoya Anchor base layer
• Matte green paint: OPI – This Is not Greenland
• Glossy green polish: Essie – Off Tropic
• White nail polish: Sally Hansen – White On
• Matte top coat: Essie Matte About You Finisher
• Shiny top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY tips:

Alternate matte and glossy polish on different nails for a contrasting look. Apply the white art with a fine brush or dotting tool to draw the floral designs. Use the respective top coats to maintain the matte or glossy finish.

Sunbeam pleasure

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 a simple trend in one color with an artistic twist.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Orange gel polish: Gelish – Tiger Blossom
• Yellow gel polish for flowers: CND Shellac – Bicycle Yellow
• Rhinestones and glue
• Fine detail brush for art
• Top coat: CND Shellac top coat

DIY tips:

Start with a lighter orange at the base and fade to a darker shade towards the ends. Paint the sunflower on the accent nail and add a rhinestone in the center. Finish with a top coat to seal the design.

Modern French

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 gel design that is easy and fun to wear, perfect for both a day at work and a night out.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Sally Hansen Double Duty
• Translucent pink polish: Essie – Mademoiselle
• Purple polish for tips: OPI – Purple with a purpose
• Top coat: INM Out The Door Topcoat

DIY tips:

After your base coat, apply the pure pink for a clean, natural nail look. Carefully paint the points with the purple paint, using tape as a guide if necessary. Apply top coat for a glossy finish.

Soft edge

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 simple but chic design.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Essie All in One Base
• Soft pink polish: OPI – Let’s Be Friends!
• White polish for the edge: China Glaze – White on White
• Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Topcoat

DIY tips:

Apply two coats of soft pink polish and carefully add a white border to each nail. Use a stripe brush for precision and finish with a quick-drying top coat.

Bold and blue

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 color trends and art. It is a set that shows courage and creativity, ideal for making a statement during summer outings.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly rubber base layer
• Blue gel polish: Essie Gel Couture – Butler Please
• Nude paint: Zoya – April
• Gold foil and glue
• Top coat: Orly Glosser Topcoat

DIY tips:

After the base coat, apply the nude polish and then the blue to the chosen accent nails. Stick gold foil flakes on the nude nails for an extra shine. Seal with a top coat for a durable, glossy finish.

Green spark

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 with simple nails, this design features a vibrant green that is perfect for beach days and summer picnics. The addition of a glitter accent nail adds a playful touch, bringing the fun aspect of summer within reach.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Green polish: Essie – The more the merrier
• Glitter polish: China Glaze – Fairy Dust
• Top coat: OPI Topcoat

DIY tips:

Paint all nails with the green polish, leaving one nail on each hand for the glitter accent. Apply the glitter polish over the green for a subtle shine or on a clear base for a more pronounced effect. Finish with a top coat to protect the shine.

Zebra chic

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025. It’s bold yet simple: it captures a wild side while maintaining an aesthetic sophistication.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Black gel polish: Gelish – Black Shadow
• White nail art pen or varnish: Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, White
• Top coat: CND Shellac top coat

DIY tips:

Apply the black gel polish to all nails. For the zebra pattern, use a white nail art pen or a thin brush dipped in white polish to create freehand stripes. Finish with a glossy top coat for a striking finish.

Pastel perfection

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 color trends bring a soft inspiration to the season’s palette. The gel finish ensures durability for all summer activities.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Zoya Anchor base layer
• Pastel purple gel polish: Essie Gel Couture – Lilacism
• Top coat: Essie Gel Setter Topcoat

DIY tips:

After prepping your nails with the base coat, apply two coats of pastel gel polish, curing each coat. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, chip-resistant manicure.

Vivid blue

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 a simple approach in one color with a nice twist.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Deborah Lippmann Everything about that base
• Vibrant blue gel polish: OPI GelColor – No Room For The Blues
• Top coat: OPI GelColor Topcoat

DIY tips:

Make sure the nails are clean before applying the base coat. Apply two coats of the vibrant blue polish and let it harden under a lamp between coats. Apply top coat for a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.

Olive elegance

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025 gel nails that radiate elegance and connection with nature, perfect for those looking for design ideas based on natural beauty.

Consumables list:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Olive gel polish: CND Shellac – Olive Grove
• Transparent pink polish: OPI – Bubble Bath
• Dark brown branch art polish: Essie – Little Brown Dress
• Small stones
• Topcoat: gel-topcoat-gel

DIY tips:

Apply a transparent pink base and then the olive polish on the accent nails. Draw the branch with a fine brush and dark brown varnish. Add rhinestones to simulate olives or dew drops. Complete with a glossy top coat.

Gradient Glamour

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 has a square look that is modern and easy to wear.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Smith & Cult Basis of Everything base layer
• Vibrant pink polish: Smith & Cult – Plastic Beach
• Top coat: Smith & Cult Above it All Topcoat

DIY tips:

After the base coat, apply the vibrant pink polish to the base of the nail and dab with a sponge towards the tip, creating a gradient effect. Finish with a top coat for long lasting wear and shine.

Neon doll

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer of 2025.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Orly Bonder rubber base layer
• Neon orange matte paint: China Glaze – Flip Flop Fantasy
• Orange glitter polish: OPI – Orange You Fantastic!
• Matte top coat: OPI Matte Topcoat
• Shiny top coat (for glitter nails): Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

DIY tips:

After you have applied the base, cover your nails with the neon matte nail polish. For the accent nail, use the glitter polish and finish with a glossy top coat for that glittering effect. Use a matte top coat on the other nails for a flat finish.

Refined taupe

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 sees a simple, one-color trend that favors elegance and minimalism, offering a neutral option for those who prefer a subtle nail inspiration.

Consumables list:

• Base layer: Essie Strong Start base layer
• Taupe gel polish: CND Shellac – Satin pajamas
• Top coat: Essie Gel Couture top coat

DIY tips:

Prep your nails with the base coat, then apply two coats of taupe gel polish and cure after each coat. Finish with a glossy top coat to improve color depth and ensure longevity.

Blue crush

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 color trends, making it a standout choice for those looking for a little inspiration with their simple designs.

Consumables list:

• Base coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
• Blue polish: Essie – Butler Please
• Silver Glitter Liner: Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Pen, Silver
• Top coat: Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat

DIY tips:

Paint the nails with your blue nail polish and let it dry completely. Gently apply the silver glitter liner around the edges for a precise and dazzling edge. Seal with a top layer for extra durability.

Minimalist flowers

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. This summer 2025 gel trends, with a delicate approach that is both easy and fun to wear, perfect for a subtle yet artistic summer look.

Consumables list:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Light gray gel polish: OPI GelColor – I Cannoli Wear OPI
• Black nail polish: Born Pretty – Black
• Top coat: OPI GelColor Topcoat

DIY tips:

Start with a light gray gel as a base. Then create the flower patterns with a thin brush and black nail polish. Finish with a top coat for a glossy shine and protection.

Geometric green

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. Trends for this summer of 2025. The combination of solid colors, negative space and sparkle creates a set that contains both art and fashion.

Consumables list:

• Base coat: Butter LONDON Nail Foundation Priming Basecoat
• Green paint: China Glaze – In the Lime Light
• Black striping tape or nail art pen
• Gold glitter polish: Essie – Rock at the Top
• Top coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Topcoat

DIY tips:

After the base coat, apply the green polish. Once dry, use striping tape or a nail art pen to create the geometric designs. Fill in selected areas with gold glitter polish for a striking contrast. Apply a quick-drying top coat to seal your masterpiece.

Vibrant Botany

Professional insight:

When the mercury rises and the days get longer, it’s time to let your nails reflect the vibrancy of the season. Color trends for this summer of 2025 that favor bright, bold shades combined with the timeless grace of floral patterns.

Consumables list:

• Base Coat: OPI natural nail base coat
• Bright pink gel polish: Gelish – Shake It Till You Samba
• White nail polish: Born Pretty – Pure White
• Top coat: Gelish Top It Off Sealer

DIY tips:

Apply the base coat, followed by the bright pink gel polish. Paint the botanical designs with a fine brush using white nail polish. Cure under a lamp and seal with a top coat for a smooth, durable finish.