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Designs for the dog days of summer.
The Gist
- Just because summer is winding down doesn’t mean your manicure has to. August is the perfect excuse to lean into fun, vibrant nail art.
- Flame designs, saturated shades, and jelly finishes are perfect for this joyful time of year.
The last full month of summer has a way of sneaking up fast, which makes August the perfect time to go all-in on a playful manicure. Between beach days, weekend getaways, and al fresco dining, the month practically calls for nail art that feels bright, bold, and a little celebratory. Think of it as one last chance to embrace summer’s most fun beauty trends before fall’s moodier shades and cozier finishes start taking over.
According to manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna, 3D accents, mix-and-match patterns, nail stickers, flame designs, fruit nail art, and Y2K-inspired tips are all trending this month. No matter the design, manicurist and OPI Global Ambassador Natalie Minerva adds that bright colors and jelly finishes are always a smart way to close out summer. Saturated shades like coral, lime green, pool blue, and other technicolor hues can instantly make a manicure feel warm-weather-ready, too.
Whether your ideal August nail look leans beachy, maximalist, or simply clean, there’s plenty of inspiration to carry you through the final stretch of the season. Ahead, discover 17 August nail ideas worth recreating before summer officially winds down.
- Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of talent agency Nailing Hollywood.
- Natalie Minerva is a manicurist and OPI Global Ambassador.
01 of 17
Turquoise Takes
Turquoise is a Western-coded hue that’s perfect for an end-of-summer mani, especially when paired with hints of gold and metallic hardware. The zebra accent nails add a chic, unexpected twist to this look.
02 of 17
3D Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus flowers are deeply embedded in summer’s DNA, and this 3D take makes the floral look all the more stunning. Pair it with gilded swirls and tropical-colored French tips for a set that fully embodies the spirit of the season.
03 of 17
Mixed Bag
An easy way to elevate a simple mani is to mix and match colors. Here, one hand has a bright, vivid pink and the other is coated in a bright neon green, creating a look that’s eye catching without looking overdone.
04 of 17
Colorful Abstract Swirls
Love the idea of maximalist August nail look? Consider copying this pink, orange, purple, and burgundy swirl manicure. You can create the look with a nail art brush and steady hand.
05 of 17
Gold Decal Nails
For a simple August nail look, take a peek at this gold nail sticker creation by Nailing Hollywood artist Rachel Joseph. Start with a nude base, then add gold stickers on top. Encase them in a thick glossy top coat or builder gel to ensure the edges don’t lift.
06 of 17
Aurora
This stunning aurora manicure looks beamed from the future. It’s an air-brushed mix of pink, purple, and blue hues topped with gold chrome powder.
07 of 17
Pink, Black, and White Mix
“Mix-and-match manis are perfect for anyone who loves to play with different designs on their nails,” Hanna says. “It’s a fun and creative way to keep things interesting. Each nail features a different pattern, created using a nail art brush. To DIY this at home, consider using stickers to make things easier.”
08 of 17
Green Geometric
For an earthy August nail art idea, check out this geometric evergreen manicure. You can DIY the look with a nail art brush.
09 of 17
3D Pink Florals
How stunning are these 3D flower nails? Hanna says you can get the look at home with 3D sculpting gel and nail art brushes. “3D nail art looks may be difficult to recreate at home—I recommend bringing reference photos to a nail artist for hand-sculpted 3D nail art,” she adds.
10 of 17
Pastel Airbrush
We love how these pastel aura nails have an edgy flair with their silver chrome accents. “Cyber sigilism-inspired nails are a futuristic and edgy look that have emerged alongside Gen Z’s revival of Y2K fashion,” Hanna says. “The defining feature of cyber sigilism nails is the silver metallic accents. To achieve this look, choose a base color and add silver metallic accents using a chrome polish and a nail art brush.”
11 of 17
Pink Swirls
Swirl nails are always stunning—even on short nails. “Colorful marbled swirls are a great option for August because they perfectly capture the relaxed vibes of late summer,” Hanna says. “It’s a look that you can get creative with since you can pick any color palette that you want for the marble designs. These looks can take a long time to achieve since the swirls are hand painted, but the beautiful outcome is well worth the time.”
12 of 17
Neon Green Smilies
If you’ve been pining over a neon manicure, now’s the time to take the plunge. I’m partial to this cutie gold smiley one.
13 of 17
Pastel Aura Halo Flame
“Flame nail art really radiates August’s fiery energy,” Hanna says. You don’t have to wear traditionally hot shades to perfect the look, though. Just look at this pastel Skittle aura rendition. So fun, right?
14 of 17
Animal Print Nails
This multicolor animal print manicure is giving nostalgic Lisa Frank vibes. Given that many schools start back in August, this nail art idea is especially fitting.
15 of 17
Pink and Orange Ombré Check
If you do want to wear summer’s typical hot shades, though, here’s proof of how well hot pink and orange can pair in a marbled, aura-inspired nail look. We love the high-contrast bright white checkers on top, too.
16 of 17
Barbwire
Here’s another example of the Y2K cyber sigilism trend Hanna was talking about. Is it just us, or does it remind you of old-school barbwire tattoos, too?
17 of 17
Strawberry French
Fruit nail art continues to thrive in August 2024. We especially love the idea of pairing fruit accents, like strawberries, with classic nail designs like French tips, as it adds a playful aspect to a modern, grown-up trend.
Read the original article on InStyle
