Summer 2024 is coming to a close. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to the warmest season of the year, embrace an endless summer aesthetic with a tropical manicure. According to celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec, tropical nail ideas can encompass everything from dainty floral designs and fun fruit nail art to aqua metallic accents and vibrant solids, like orange, pink, red, and lime. Meanwhile, Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna says that beachy motifs, in general, make for a pretty tropical mani. To show you all the ways you can wear the warmer weather on your nails, we rounded up over a dozen tropical nail ideas. Ahead, learn what makes them stand out and how to recreate them during the final weeks of summer.
Red and Yellow Hibiscus Nails
Hibiscus flowers are about as tropical as it gets. For this vibrant nail look, nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens used yellow, orange, and red polish. She used a nail art brush to create the design. If you don’t have a super steady hand, though, you might want to book a nail appointment to bring this look to life.
Pastel Gradient Dewdrop Nails
How pretty is this Skittle aura mani? We love how Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph added clear 3D accents to incorporate a waterlike texture to the design.
3D Ombre Skittle Nails
Love the idea of a watery tropical nail idea? Check out this vibrant ombre Skittle mani with clear builder gel designs on top. There’s no denying that Sapiens ate with this colorful nail look.
3D Mermaid Nails
Nailing Hollywood artist Laura Malarkey created these dreamy 3D mermaid nails. “She mixed holographic colors with intricate 3D nail art [to] give off an underwater magic feel,” Hanna says.
Abstract Blooming Dot Nails
An easy way to create a tropical manicure? With a dotting tool and your favorite neon and pastel neon polishes. To get the faded effect you see above, you’ll want to dot your polish on top of blooming gel.
Realistic Shell Nails
Love lifelike nail art? “Tara Haye created a stunning realistic shell mani that makes her nails look like they’ve just washed up on the beach on a tropical island,” Hanna shares.
Abstract Green Mix-n-Match Nails
We love an abstract mani and this lush green mix-n-match design stopped us in our tracks. “Hang Nguyen created a beautiful tropical pond-inspired look, featuring natural plants and wildlife,” Hanna says. “This artistic design captures the vibrant beauty of a tropical ecosystem.”
Aqua Glitter Nails
For a simple tropical nail idea, reach for a bottle of glittery aqua polish. Anytime you’re working with bright solid swatches of color, you’ll want to be mindful of your edges. If you paint outside the edges at all, simply touch it up with a nail art brush dipped in acetone.
Aqua Mint Ombre Nails
Speaking of aqua polish, check out this cool-toned ombre fade. We love the way the mint base seeps into the sea-blue tips.
Coral and Green Abstract Tropical Tips
Coral, orange, white, lime, and kelly green make for a high-contrast nail combo we can’t take our eyes off of. Sapiens created this pretty tropical nail idea with a fine-lining brush. Since it’s a bit more abstract, it’s a fun one to play around with.
Coral Floral French
While coral is top of mind, allow us to turn your attention to this blooming floral French. You can DIY this nail look using a nail art brush and dotting tool. Meanwhile, French manicure stencil stickers can ensure crisp tips.
Dainty Floral Rainforest Nails
These milky nude square-shaped nails are bordered with a delicate floral design that looks straight out of the tropical rainforest. “Morgan A. Dixon hand-painted this gorgeous floral nail art, perfect for a tropical vacation,” Hanna says. “The intricate details and tropical colors give it a beautifully cohesive tropical theme.”
Jelly Fruit Nails
Jelly finishes and fruit motifs are huge for summer 2024. As much as we love strawberry and cherry nail art, we’re particular fond of this papaya-inspired mani for a more tropical vibe.
Mango Ombre Nails
Love the idea of a fruity mani but don’t want to rock actual fruit designs on your nails? Embrace the colors instead. Here, we have a juicy mango ombre mani that’s perfect for that tropical aesthetic.
Matte Green Foliage Nails
Tropical nails might make you think that a glossy, water-like finish is a must. Here’s proof that a matte topper won’t take away from the tropical end look. “Morgan paired a matte finish with a mix of green tones to craft a stunning plant-themed manicure,” Hanna says. “The matte texture adds a modern twist to the tropical vibe.”
Pink and Orange Ombre Nails
Hot pink and bright orange are two of the hottest colors of summer, not to mention some of the most fitting tropical shades. Instead of choosing one or the other, consider combining them into a shimmery ombre nail look like the one above.
Pressed Floral Nails
Pressed flower nails are filling our feeds in 2024. “In this look, Tara Haye encapsulated delicate flowers to create a tropical flower-themed manicure,” Hanna reveals. “It’s a beautiful way to highlight lush tropical vibes. Tropical nails like these, inspired by the beauty of exotic landscapes, create a lovely connection to the vibrant and serene world of nature.”
Rainbow Aura Skittle Nails
Malarkey is the mastermind behind these muted yet bold rainbow aura nails. “This nail art radiates tropical vacation vibes,” Hanna says, applauding the soft multicolor mani.
Sunny Orange Aura Nails
This bright orange and mustard yellow mani brings images of long sunny days to mind. Meanwhile, the clear 3D flower accents give it a more tropical end look.
Watermelon Aura Nails
Fruit nails are trending in 2024. If you want to lean into the theme without making your mani look elementary, Hanna suggests an aura-inspired approach. “This nail art look by Rachel Joseph perfectly captures tropical summer vibes,” she says of the chic watermelon mani above. “The pink aura creates a juicy, refreshing effect, adding depth and texture to the feel of the design.”
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