Creativity is in full surge with the nail art trends of summer 2024. Unlike minimalist nail art trends of the past, Summer 2024 is all about playing with color and shaping, all with an eye on the best details. My favorite nail trends for summer 2024 are citrus azul, 3D fruit, multicolor chrome and picnic nails. There are so many ways to adapt these trends to your skill set and your client's taste, so give them a go with the details from top nail artists below.
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Creativity is in full surge with the nail art trends of summer 2024. Unlike minimalist nail art trends of the past, Summer 2024 is all about playing with color and shaping, all with an eye on the best details. My favorite nail trends for summer 2024 are citrus azul, 3D fruit, multicolor chrome and picnic nails. There are so many ways to adapt these trends to your skill set and your client's taste, so give them a go with the details from top nail artists below.
1. Citrus Azul
I have seen this combo called a number of things, but I use "citrus azul" as the design is most often a combination of bright lime and lemon citrus fruits with blue and white designs reminiscent of Mexican or Spanish cobalt and white tile. The crisp blue and white patterns with a pop of green and yellow play perfectly together for summer.
How-To:
Joanna Pastorek @nailsbyjoj0
Step 1. Apply 1 coat nude color (DND Perfect Nude), and cure 60 sec.
Step 2. Apply 1 coat light glitter (Magic Gel Delicate Gold), and cure 60 sec.
Step 3. Paint on a white French tip using a fine liner brush and a very pigmented white paint (VBP 045 allows for 1 coat coverage).
Step 4. Paint on blue detailing using a dotting tool and fine liner brush (VBP 028).
Step 5. Paint a large circle to create the inside of the lime with a light green (Magic Gel Paradise Green). Cure for 60 sec, then outline using a neon green color (VBP 034). Cure 60 sec.
Step 6. Using pigmented white gel paint (VBP 045), carefully paint the inside of the lime. You want to leave negative space, symmetrical “tear drop” shapes. I recommend using a reference photo if it is your first few attempts. Cure 60 sec.
Step 7. Apply top gel on all nails.
Step 8. Add clear 3D gel to make the inside of the lime “pop out.” (Magic Gel Gem Drop cures to a dry shiny finish and does not require top coat.)
Step 9. For the 3D flower, I applied the jewel on the nail first then molded the petals around the jewel (also does not require top coat).
Step 10. Using white acrylic powder (VBP super white) form tiny beads of acrylics. As it starts to set, slowly press down with a 3D acrylic flower brush to form each petal (work one by one).
2. 3D Fruit
Fruit is definitely coming to life like never before this summer, with nail artists across the globe using their molding and shaping skills to create realistic fruit sets. I love to see these artists also break out of the traditional fruits and create lifelike versions of dragonfruit, kiwi, guava and so much more.
Top Tips:
Emily Meraki @emily_meraki
- I achieved these 3D elements by using Sissi Easy Squeezi gel. It's a clear non-wipe 3D gel that cures with no need to topcoat. I've been searching for something like this high and low, as other 3D clear gels I have trialed all dulled after curing, so top coat was necessary, which made things a lot more time consuming.
- I used a fine detailer brush around 7-11mm to apply the product, making sure I had a generous amount on my brush when creating my stripes/blobs.
- When creating the stripes, I place my product down and press my brush into it to achieve my desired thickness, then hover my brush down gently, lifting the pressure towards the end so you get a nice thick to thin gradient. The key to this is remembering to hover the brush. Do not apply too much pressure when pulling the product down the nail.
- For the blobs, again take a generous amount of product on your brush dependent on the size of the blob you are wanting. Press this down onto the nail. Once you're happy with the amount, release the pressure of your brush and hover it on the product this time going round in circular motions until you're happy with how it's formed. Then, gently lift your brush up out of the product away from the nail, and you will have a perfectly formed blob.
3. Colorful Chrome
Chrome has been a major trend over the past few years, but largely in a more monochrome space. It is taking a colorful turn this year, with clients coming in asking for ombre, rainbow or multicolor chrome. I love this trend because it combines two of my favorite things: chrome and bright color!
How-To:
Jeanette Flores @nailartbyjen
Step 1. Apply Masquerade 197 to half of the nail and Tropic Like It's Hot 216 to the other half. Do not cure.
Step 2. Use a blending to blend both colors together until you get a nice ombre. Cure.
Step 3. Apply top coat, and cure for 60 seconds.
Step 4. Rub on White Pearl Chrome Effect Powder.
Step 5. Dust off excess powder.
Step 6. Finish with top coat.
4. Picnic Time
We've seen a lot of checkerboard nails in the past, but not like this. Nail artists are really getting creative with what they are adding to their "picnic nails" this year. Some are just adding pesky ants, while others are adding their favorite picnic foods, sometimes in 3D. Have fun with this trend, play around and add what you like.
Top Tips:
Chii @setgyallery
Step 1. First create your picnic base pattern, with whatever picnic pattern you wish.
Step 2. Using sculpting gel, sculpt each fruit. Place the fruit on the picnic base.
Step 3. Paint each of the fruit