20 July Nail Ideas for a Hot Summer Mani

A mismatched manicure with chrome, airbrush, and ombre details — @nails_of_la / Instagram

July might technically be the first full month of summer, but let's be honest—we've been in the endless summer mindset since Memorial Day. Nevertheless, if you're ready to fully lean into the season, in addition to tailoring your wardrobe, makeup, and haircare routine for warmer weather, we suggest rocking a hot summer mani. To help you do just that, we rounded up 20 July nail ideas that are bound to turn heads. Whether you're looking to embrace all the color or prefer to keep it more neutral, your perfect July nail look awaits.

01 of 20

European Summer Nails

A manicure with porcelain and orange slice nail art — @heygreatnails / Instagram

This summer, European motifs are popping up everywhere in fashion and beauty. This blue and white manicure with 3D orange nail art makes for a fresh and juicy set that conjures images of sitting seaside and sipping on an Aperol Spritz.

02 of 20

Heat Wave Aura Nails

If you're not one to shy away from color, consider a vibrant red and orange aura manicure. It nods to the month's heat and adds a spicy vibe to your everyday ensembles.

03 of 20

3D Hibiscus Nails

This vibrant mani incorporates a few of this summer's hottest nail art trends. With aura accents, dewdrop details, metallic edges, and 3D flowers, this stylish July nail idea stopped us in our tracks.

04 of 20

Abstract Airbrush Mismatched Nails

If you love the idea of aura nail art paired with metallic accents but don't want to hop on the 3D bandwagon, here's one way the trends can mash together. We especially love how fierce it looks paired with softened stiletto-shaped nails.

05 of 20

Mismatched Picnic Nails

A mismatched manicure with gingham, flower, and fish motifs — @pop_polished / Instagram

It might be too hot to actually go on a picnic, but you can still bring that energy to your nails. With gingham prints, flowers, and fish, this set has us dreaming of lazy days under the sun.

06 of 20

Soft Blue Nails

Blue Nails - Periwinkle Blue Nail Polish - Byrdie July Nail Ideas — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Feeling patriotic? You can never go wrong with a solid blue manicure in July. It alludes to the Fourth of July and taps into an overall Americana vibe.

07 of 20

Cherry Red Nails

Solid cherry red nails also bring the Americana energy. Of course, red manicures are in style any season, not just in the summer.

08 of 20

Glossy Gold Drip Tips

Looking for something a bit more neutral? Start with a glossy milky mani, then jazz it up by adding gold chrome swirls around the edges.

09 of 20

Gold Chrome Nails

Of course, if you're seeking a bolder nail look, you can always go full chrome. The only question is, will you opt for a high-shine gold mani (like the one above) or a colorful take on the trend?

10 of 20

Green Dewdrop Neutral Nails

You may have noticed that bejeweled nude mesh ballet flats are trending. Consider this the manicure version of the look.

11 of 20

Hot Pink Heat Wave Nails

Red and yellow are gorgeous in a classic ombré aura look, but they can work well with hints of hot pink, too. It adds a feminine touch to the spicy nail art trend.

12 of 20

Iridescent Spritz Aura French Tips

The base really makes this neon French mani. To get the look, start by sponging iridescent peach polish onto the center of each nail. Then, perfect your tips with a fine-lining nail art brush or French manicure nail stencils.

13 of 20

Maximalist Mismatched French Nails

A mismatched French manicure with various designs and gel accents — @myprettyset / Instagram

If you're a manicure maximalist, look no further. This mismatched French set just about has it all, including builder-gel pearls and flowers, animal-print tips, and ombré designs.

14 of 20

Neon Mismatched Nails

Neon Mismatch Nails - Trippy checker, flame, smiley face, star, and squiggle nails - Byrdie July Nail Ideas — @nuka.nails / Instagram

Mismatched manis are often shown on long nails, but this set proves you can rock the look on shorter nails, too. As for the art itself, take note of the juxtaposition between neons and pastels, cream and shimmer finishes. It's a high-contrast manicure we can't take our eyes off of.

15 of 20

Neon Spritz Flame French Tips

Is it just us or does this fiery nail art look like a neon sign? The contrast of the neon spritz tips with pastel peach flames makes for an eye-catching July nail idea.

16 of 20

Neutral Hibiscus Nails

Hibiscus nail art is usually vibrant. If you prefer your manis more neutral, though, here's one way to make it a bit more subdued. You can never go wrong with shades of blush, peach, and tangerine in the summer.

17 of 20

Turquoise and Tangerine Nails

Here we have an eye DIY nail look that still turns heads. You can create the crisp geometric design with nail tape or, if you have a steady hand, a nail art brush. Now you just have to decide if you'll opt for the turquoise and tangerine combo or something even more summery.

18 of 20

Velvet Sand Nails

Velvet nails are often reserved for the cooler months of the year, but when you rock the finish in a sandy color, it can look beachy and magical—not to mention perfect for July. Best of all, it's a summer nail idea that looks gorgeous on all nail lengths.

19 of 20

Watermelon Ice Cream Nails

Make the drippy "Ice Cream French" trend even more summery with a watermelon color combo in a matte finish. It's playful and unexpected, making it a memorable July nail idea.

20 of 20

Western-Inspired Nails

A mismatched manicure in shades of brown and black — @overglowedit / Instagram

Nail artist Melanie Graves says this Western-inspired set "is perfect if you're more of a smoky eye and cowboy boot kinda person," and we must agree. While the builder gel accents might be difficult if you aren't a nail art pro, the bejeweled French tips and chrome webs against a chocolate base will be a relatively easy DIY.