Summer is the season for bright, vibrant colors and what better way to embrace the warmth of summer than with bold red nails!
Red is a timeless and classic color that instantly evokes feelings of confidence, passion, and fierceness. Forget nudes and neutrals – this summer it’s all about making a statement with fiery reds.
And the options are truly endless when it comes to red nail art!
So if you’re looking for a fun way to update your look for summer, look no further than red nail designs.
They’re eye-catching, playful and most importantly, totally on-trend for the season.
Today let’s look at TOP red summer nail designs that you’ll want to try right now!
Classic Red Manicure
Let’s start with a timeless red manicure that’s always in style. A classic red manicure has an elegance that can work year-round, but feels especially fitting for summer.
For this look, apply two coats of your favorite red creme polish for full, opaque coverage.
Make sure your nails are filed into a rounded squoval or oval shape – this is the most universally flattering nail shape and allows you to get the sharpest polish edges.
Finish with a layer of top coat for a glossy shine that makes the red really pop!
A classic red manicure is simple yet sophisticated. It’s a great option when you want your nails to make a statement but don’t want to distract from your outfit. The bold color lets your nails take center stage!
Cherry Red French Manicure
Put a summery spin on the classic French manicure by using red instead of white.
Paint your nails with two coats of a cherry red creme, making sure to cap the tips so they’re fully covered with red.
Once dry, use a nail art brush dipped in white polish to paint on the french tips.
Make them as thick or thin as you like – thin tips give a more delicate look while thick bands have a retro feel.
Finish with a layer of topcoat to seal in the design.
A red and white french manicure feels so fresh and summer-ready! The white tips contrast beautifully against the cherry red base color.
This design works on short or long nails. For an edgy twist, try painting half-moon tips instead of straight lines.
Red Nails with Gold Accents
Gold accent nails instantly dress up a red manicure for summer.
Start by painting all your nails with your perfect red shade. Once dry, use a nail art brush to paint on parallel diagonal stripes with a shimmery gold polish.
Concentrate the stripes on two accent nails, either both ring fingers or on ring and middle fingers. The metallic gold stripes add just the right amount of flash and glam!
If stripes aren’t your thing, you can also accent your red manicure with gold polka dots. The red and gold color combo is so rich yet summery.
Gold accessories really make red nails pop even more. This manicure is perfect for date nights, parties and any special summer events.
Dress it up even more by adding some sparkly gold striping tape. Who says you can’t wear gold and red year round? This design proves you absolutely can!
Retro Red Nails with White Polka Dots
For major retro vibes, accent classic red nails with playful white polka dots.
Start by painting all nails with two coats of red creme polish.
Once completely dry, use a dotting tool dipped in white polish to add dots of different sizes in random patterns on each nail.
Add anywhere from 2 to 5 dots per nail. Keep them small for a delicate look or make them larger and more prominent.
Finish with a shiny top coat to smooth everything out and seal in the design. This polka dotted manicure is so fun and vintage-looking!
The white dots contrast beautifully against the red base color.
It’s a playful design that’s perfect for summer.
Amp up the retro style even more by making your nail shape square instead of rounded. This manicure would be so cute with some retro circle sunglasses!
Red Nails with Silver Studs
Take your red manicure to edgy new heights with silver stud accents.
Paint on your favorite red shade, then let it dry fully. Once dry, you can adhere flat back silver studs on top randomly or in specific patterns.
Place them anywhere you like – across the tips, running diagonally down the nail, clustered together. The options are endless!
Finish with a layer of topcoat, being careful to avoid the studs.
The metallic studs give this manicure a rock n roll vibe that’s perfect for summer music festivals and concerts. You can find nail studs at any beauty supply store or online.
Start with small studs and work your way up to larger embellishments as you get comfortable with the application process. Silver and red are a match made in style heaven!
Bright Cherry Red Stiletto Nails
Stiletto shaped nails instantly take any manicure to the next level.
For an eye-catching summer look, paint your stiletto nails in a gorgeous bright cherry red creme shade.
Apply two thin coats and finish with a fast drying top coat to ensure your pointy tips stay put!
Since stiletto nails draw so much attention, a simple monochromatic red manicure really lets their dramatic shape shine.
If you want to amp up the look a bit more, add a few silver studs on one or two accent nails.
Or, paint on some thin white swoosh designs for a sporty vibe.
Red and Blue Patriotic Nails for July 4th
July 4th is right around the corner, which means it’s time for red, white and blue manicures!
Show your American pride with red nails decorated with blue accents.
Start by painting your nails classic cherry red.
Once completely dry, use a small dotting tool dipped in a navy blue polish to add dots along the edges of the nails.
You can keep the dots clean and precise or make them varied sizes for a more abstract look. Another option is striping tape – paint on strips of navy polish across the red nails.
A red base color with blue stripes is so patriotic and perfect for any July 4th festivities like barbecues, beach days and fireworks shows!
You could also paint alternating nails red and blue for a literal red, white and blue manicure.
Burgundy Ombre Nails
Ombre nails are a huge trend for summer and red lends itself perfectly to this modern gradient look. Start by painting your nails a deep burgundy shade at the base, closer to the cuticles.
Then as you brush upwards towards the tip, gradually blend in a lighter cherry red.
The gradient effect looks so cool and chic!
Make sure to use polishes specifically designed for ombre nails – these have a thicker consistency that allows for better blending.
Sheer polishes don’t layer and fade as nicely.
Finish with a glossy top coat to smooth out the color transitions.
Burgundy ombre fades so beautifully into bright cherry red, creating an eye-catching manicure that’s ideal for summer!
You can rock this design on short nails or long stiletto shapes.
Matte Red Nails with Glossy Black Accents
Matte nails have a trendy, modern vibe that’s perfect for summer.
Plus, red looks so striking and bold with a matte finish! Start by painting your nails with two coats of a matte red polish.
Once dry, use a nail art brush dipped in glossy black polish to draw on straight lines, triangles or chevrons on accent nails.
The glossy black designs really stand out against the matte red base color. Add the black accents on just one nail per hand, or do a different design on each finger for lots of visual interest.
Finish with a matte top coat to ensure the velvety texture stays put. Matte red and glossy black is such an edgy, fashion-forward combo for summer nails!
It’s perfect if you want something darker and more mysterious than your average bright nail design.
Wine Red Nails with Rose Gold Jewels
Elevate deep wine red nails with dazzling rose gold jewel embellishments. Paint each nail with two coats of a rich cabernet red polish.
Once completely dry, adhere flat back rose gold rhinestones randomly on select nails. Arrange them in V shapes, straight lines or clusters for different looks.
The jewel accents catch the light beautifully and give off an opulent vibe against the vampy red nails.
Finish with a layer of top coat to smooth and set the jewels in place.
For night time and formal events, try using larger rhinestones for maximum sparkle.
This design is perfect for weddings, date nights or anytime you want to feel glamorous. The rose gold compliments wine colored red so beautifully.
Jewel embellishments instantly dress up any manicure!
Glitter Red Nails with Black Crescent Moons
Nothing says bold and fun for summer like glitter nails! Paint on two coats of a glittery red polish, packed with tiny flecks of shimmer.
Once dry, use a small brush dipped in black polish to paint on crescent moon shapes along the base of the nails. Go for an abstract, imperfect moon shape instead of perfect half circles.
The dark crescent shapes contrast so strikingly against the sparkling red glitter background. Finish with a layer of topcoat to smooth out the glitter texture and help adhere the moons.
These glitter red nails with black moons are so whimsical and eye-catching! The glittery red shade looks amazing out in the sunlight.
Pair this mystical manicure with dark lipstick and a crystal pendant necklace.
Red Foil Nails with Gold Accents
Foil nail polish is having a major moment for summer 2022 and looks incredible in fiery red. Start by painting your nails with a foil red polish infused with flecks of metallic foil.
Next, use a striping brush dipped in gold polish to paint on stripes, zigzags or other line designs. Concentrate the gold accents over just one or two nails for maximum impact.
The foil red base catches the light beautifully, while the gold designs really make the manicure pop.
Finish with a layer of quick dry top coat. Red foil nails are so mesmerizing to look at, especially in direct sunlight when the foiled flecks flash and gleam.
The gold accents tie the whole fiery look together. Foil is on trend while red and gold are timeless classics!
Textured Red Nails with Abstract White Lines
Another huge nail trend for summer is textured finishes.
Give your red manicure dimension by using a textured polish, which has a gritty, sandy feel compared to creamy polishes.
Paint on two coats of textured red, then use a thin paintbrush dipped in white polish to draw abstract lines across the nails.
Keep the lines uneven, dotted and dashed instead of smooth and straight.
This gives tons of visual interest! Finish with a layer of standard topcoat – not textured – to help smooth out the sandy polish and prevent the white lines from getting filled in.
Textured red nails with abstract white striping is artistic, modern and so fun for summer!
Change up the accent color with pastels, neons or metallics too.
Red Marble Nails with Gold Leaf Accents
Marble is one of the trendiest nail art techniques right now and looks amazing combined with classic red. Start by painting on a base of red creme.
While still wet, drop a few dots of black and white polish across the nail and swirl gently with a brush or toothpick to create a marble effect.
Work quickly before it dries fully.
Once satisfied with the marble swirls, allow to dry completely.
Finish by using a small brush to paint on minimalist gold leaf designs. Keep them delicate and understated to complement the marble pattern.
The gold leaf accents really make the manicure pop!
Red and gold is a perfect color combo, while the white and black marble adds sharp contrast.
This design is artistic, sophisticated and ideal for summer soirées or vacations.
Red nails are a must for summer!
And the variety of red nail art options is truly endless!
So don’t be afraid to get bold with fiery reds this summer.
Show off your creativity and passion through red nail art!
Switch up your designs week by week or even day by day.
Complement your red manicure with gold jewelry for a glamorous effect. Red nails instantly convey confidence and charisma.
And most importantly, have fun with it! Nail art is such an amazing way to express your personal style.
Which red nail design are you most excited to try for summer? Get ready to stop traffic with gorgeous, head-turning red nails!
