20 Colorful French Nail Ideas for a Vibrant Summer Manicure

Manicure with five alternating candy colors on base and French tip — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

In an era when Y2K fashion and beauty is at an all-time high, it's no surprise that the classic French manicure, with its crisp white tips and pinkish-nude base, has made a comeback. But you know what else is trending this summer? Colorful French nail ideas. From color block tips and hibiscus nail art to spritz color palettes and fruit-inspired designs, the rainbow is infiltrating this typically neutral nail trend. Ahead, see 20 colorful French nail ideas to try this summer, ensuring there's an option for almost every taste.

01 of 20

Color Block Skittle French Tips

Close-up of manicure with rainbow two-tone French tips — @heygreatnails / Instagram

This colorful French nail idea stopped us in our tracks. Nail artist Aistė Haas stuck to a monochrome approach for each nail, pairing two shades of the same color for a fresh take on a Skittle French mani. To recreate this design, start with the full tip, then go in with a nail art brush dipped in a slightly darker shade of each hue for the thin border.

02 of 20

Two-Tone Spritz French Tips

Close-up of two-tone coral red and orange French manicure — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Vibrant reddish-orange hues that remind us of a spritz are some of the hottest nail colors this summer. Here, nail artist Brittney Ellen combined the trending color with a juicy classic orange for an inverted mix-and-match French mani. Whether you opt for the same base and tip combo on each nail or switch it up, you can guarantee that your nails will look right on theme for the summer festivities ahead.

03 of 20

Blueberry Lemonade Nails

Manicure with pastel blue and yellow French tips and blueberry and lemon designs — @heygreatnails / Instagram

The summer heat often calls for a refreshing, ice-cold drink like blueberry lemonade. Add that feel-good vibe to your nails with a pale blue and butter yellow French manicure, then make the reference literal by throwing some fruit nail art into the mix.

04 of 20

Magenta and Teal French Tips

Magenta, teal, and white color blocked manicure with French tips — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

If you prefer a darker take on colorful French nails, pump up the saturation on a couple summer staples. For example, instead of baby pink and blue, opt for more jewel toned shades of magenta and teal. Adding white to the equation will make the statement colors really pop.

05 of 20

Color Block French Tips

Manicure with navy, pink, and orange color-blocked French tips — @nails_and_soul / Instagram

A geometric color block nail look always stands out, so this colorful French nail idea instantly captured our attention. To get the look, use a nail art brush to create your navy and bubblegum French tips, then clean off the brush and dip it in neon orange to add the under-swipes. (Don't forget top coat!)

06 of 20

Blue and Green Ombré Illusion French Tips

French manicure with blue and green ombre design and reversed tips — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

If you're feeling particularly creative, consider an ombré illusion French manicure. To recreate the bright mani above, paint vertical lines of lime green and turquoise polish on a sponge, then dab it onto each nail. Once the polish is dry, apply French manicure stickers to each nail to section out your tips. Repaint your sponge, this time flipping it upside down to create an inverse of your original application on the tips. Once the polish is dry, remove the stencil stickers and encase the color with top coat.

07 of 20

3D Skittle French

Manicure with colorful French tips and 3D designs — @gotg0ld / Instagram

3D nail art is trending for summer 2024, and this dotted swirl rendition is unlike anything we've seen so far. It's a double-whammy with its Skittle French tips to boot.

08 of 20

Coral Shimmer French Tips

Spritz tips are gorgeous on their own, but you can also take them to the next level with an iridescent overlay. The mint daisies here offer a high contrast that makes the color really pop.

09 of 20

Diagonal Neon Yellow Nails

Manicure with neutral base and diagonal neon yellow French tips — @pop_polished / Instagram

Classic French manicures feature curved tips, but sometimes, it's fun to reimagine the shape of this classic nail art. One way to switch things up is with diagonal tips: While you can try them in any color, a zesty neon yellow feels like a sunny cousin to the trending Brat green.

10 of 20

Metallic Turquoise and Gold Retro French Tips

This metallic turquoise and gold retro French manicure is a fun idea for vacations. It brings images of sparkling waters and days spent in the sun to mind.

11 of 20

Flamingo Spritz French Tips

Manicure with shimmery peach and orange base and hot pink French tips — @disseynails / Instagram

Flamingo pink is a popular color for summer 2024: It rides the line between coral and neon pink and pairs especially well with sheer, spritz-inspired accents. To recreate this look, start with an iridescent spritz aura nail, then add vibrant pinkish-coral tips on top before finishing with top coat.

12 of 20

Monarch Butterfly Nails

Manicure with orange ombre base, black French tips, and monarch butterfly design — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

How pretty are these monarch butterfly nails? Ellen brought these beauties to life with an aura base and black and white accents on top. Unless you have a super steady hand, though, you'll likely want to book a nail appointment for this one.

13 of 20

Neon Spritz Hibiscus Nails

Manicure with orange and red hibiscus design and hot pink French tips — @heygreatnails / Instagram

Hibiscus nail art is trending thanks to the refocus on Y2K motifs, and this tropical flower design gets even more joyful alongside neon pink tips.

14 of 20

Neon Yellow Ice Cream French Tips

Manicure with neutral base and yellow drip French tips — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

The ice cream French mani is another popular nail art idea for summer 2024. To create the look, use a dotting tool to create a few uneven dots midway down your nails, then use a nail art brush to drag them up toward the tip. Finish by coating the free edge in color for a drippy French manicure effect.

15 of 20

Ombre Rainbow Swirl French Tips

Manicure with ombre rainbow swirl design on French tips — @nails_and_soul / Instagram

These ombre rainbow swirl French tips make us this of Lisa Frank: They're colorful, fun, and a touch Y2K. They're also tricky to DIY since they feature precise color shifts, so bring this picture as inspo to your next nail appointment.

16 of 20

Pastel Swirl French

Who knew butter yellow, purple, hot pink, and baby pink could pair so well? This colorful French nail idea is possible to recreate with a nail art brush and lots of patience, or you can sit back and leave it to the pros to do.

17 of 20

Pastel Two-Tone French Tips

Manicure with colorful base and French tips — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

French manicures might typically feature neutral bases, but when it comes to colorful French nail ideas, we say the more color, the better. If you agree, try mixing and matching five candy-colored hues, as Ellen did above.

18 of 20

Periwinkle Snakeskin Tips

Manicure with neutral base and periwinkle snakeskin French tips — @phoebesummernails / Instagram

Snakeskin is a popular nail art design at the moment, among countless other animal prints. These periwinkle snakeskin tips simultaneously touch upon a major color trend and are chic as can be. The sheer, pearlescent pink base really ties them together.

19 of 20

Rainbow Heart Skittle French

Manicure with different colored French tips and coordinating heart decals — @disseynails / Instagram

Another way to take your colorful French nail idea to the next level? Via heart rhinestone accents. You can adhere them with nail glue, or if they're sequins, simply sandwich them between two layers of top coat.

20 of 20