The 30 Best Gel Manicure Ideas for July

pink and red swirly manicure — betina_goldstein / Instagram

It’s July, and we’re in the thick of summer manicures. Warmer weather often calls for more activities. Whether you plan on hitting the beach, attending a backyard barbeque, or simply soaking in the sun, summer nails need to be able to stand the test of time. That's why gel manicures for July are the best way to keep your nails looking their best. Unlike other types of polish, gel lasts up to two weeks sans chips or fading color, making your summer manicure last no matter where the days and nights may take you. So before you jet away for your summer travels, take inspiration from these gel manicures that are perfect for saving for your next nail appointment.

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Colorful Swirls

Yellow, blue, and green nail art manicure — lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Take the summer gel nail art up a notch with bright primary colors and a unique swirl pattern. We are into the trifecta of a bold cobalt blue against a punchy yellow and apple green for a unique take on fun summer colors. Plus, the mismatched pattern works well on both short and long nails.

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Gradient Rainbow Manicure

Shimmery rainbow gradient nails — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Rainbow-themed nails are the perfect fit for the dead of summer, and this gradient take on the popular multi-colorful manicure kicks it up a notch. Instead of layering each nail in a different polish color, a la Skittle nails, this version of rainbow nails features a gradient melted effect for added dimension.

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Flower Power

Blue nails with pink flowers — phoebesummernails / Instagram

Floral nail art isn't just for spring. We like the look of a larger floral design paired with fun colors, like pinks and blues. Together, the manicure appears less like a spring floral and more like summer blooms.

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Bright Jelly Nails

Holographic jelly manicure — brushedbyb_ / Instagram

There’s something so fun and refreshing about holographic jelly nails with a hint of glitter. Bonus points for the neon summer colors used here making the perfect combination of vibrant colors.

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Neon Aura Nails

The aura nail obsession is real, and when done in a neon color palette, its effect is nothing short of mesmerizing. Inspired by colorful energy fields, a.k.a. aura, that creates a hazy cloud of color, aura manicures give the mails a seriously on-trend look.

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Multi-Finish

Colorful swirl nail art — lolo.nailedit / Instagram

With swirls that hug the nail, complementary tones in the same color family give this manicure that fun summer feel. Mixing and matching different polish finishes adds another level to these brilliantly done nails.

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Cherry Accents

French manicure with cherry details — disseynails / Instagram

A clean, classic French manicure gets a minor upgrade with cute, nostalgic cherry details. Placing this fun design just at the tips of a few nails keeps the look flirty and sophisticated without being too serious. Consider this the perfect elevated French mani for summer.

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Neon Split Nails

Neon split nail manicure — lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Split manicures, which rely on two different polish colors to create a clear delineation right down the middle of the nails, are a must this summer. If you want to up the ante with this already-fun nail look, try wearing a different bright shade on each nail. Vibrant pinks, reds, and oranges sit beautifully alongside a neutral-colored base for nails with a pop of personality.

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Checkerboard Mash Up

Bright colored checkerboard mismatched nails — disseynails / Instagram

If there’s one manicure we are always into come summer, it’s the mismatched checkerboard look replete with whimsical nail art. The beauty of this manicure is that anything goes—you can make the designs as modest or avant-garde as you desire.

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Mix Matched Neon Designs

Mismatched neon nail art — brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Want bright, vibrant nails that stand out? Then, a summery mismatched abstract nail art design like this one is sure to impress. Rocking a unique design on each nail allows you to embrace a fun look that isn’t the least bit restrictive.

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Orange Appeal

Short orange nails with micro pink French tips — betina_goldstein / Instagram

Nothing complements short, bright orange nails like a micro-thin strip of pink just at the tip of the nails. It is unexpected but oh-so-good. This bright orange and pink mix is the summer mani look we are adding to our inspiration board.

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Round Hot Pink Barbie Nails

Channel your inner Barbiecore with a simple neon pink manicure on shorter nails. The super glossy finish makes this set stand out even more.

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Strawberry Glazed Donut Nails

Glazed donut nails have seen every color and finish iteration possible. It’s only fitting that the manicure trend leans towards girly pinks come summer. The key to pulling off this pretty pearlescent look is to stick with a creamy pink color and let the chrome topper steal the show.

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Cherry Red Tips

Cherry red nail art — lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Whether you sport a full nail of cherry red polish, just the tips, or intricate nail art, this bright and poppy color is the ultimate summer accessory. Perfect for all skin tones, cherry red hues are sophisticated and classy but a little adventurous and sexy all at the same time.

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Sunset Vibes

Sunset manicure on longer nails — phoebesummernails / Instagram

Nails that mimic a gorgeous summer sunset are sure to bring the feelings of a good summer day into the work week. With a blend of punchy pinks, oranges, and reds, the hues of this manicure blend from one shade into the next for a melting effect of sorts.

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Fruit Salad

Fruit nail art manicure — tinybrushes / Instagram

Warm weather and fruit-adorned nails are like a match made in heaven. This cute take on fruity nail designs features a bevy of summer’s natural candy, and the 3D design paired with shimmery details further brings the manicure to life.

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Bejeweled Center

Neon gradient bejeweled nails — nuka.nails / Instagram

If you like the look of neon nails but want to tone down the color slightly, then a manicure like this one may be good for you. Sure, they’re bold, but the center aura design complete with a line of jewels makes this manicure perfect for summer.

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Shades of Pink

Pink and red short nails — betina_goldstein / Instagram

Long nails shouldn’t have all the fun. When perfectly manicured, short nails set the stage for a candy-colored-inspired look like this one. The alternating colors make a safe and simple manicure far bolder to push the boundaries.

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Abstract Swirls

Pink and red subtle swirl nail art — betina_goldstein / Instagram

Equal parts retro and funky, abstract swirl nail art designs run the gamut from thin squiggles to thick waves and everything in between. For a more subdued manicure, like this one, stick with complimentary colors, which gives way to a more seamless look.

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Sorbet Half Moons

Sorbet Half Moon Manicure — betina_goldstein / Instagram

A unique take on the trendy half-moon manicure, this Sorbet-color palette version pairs a micro French tip with it. All you need is a few nail polish colors in muted summer colors, a thin brush to layer on the French tip, and a little bit of nail polish remover to erase away any mishaps. Make sure to shape the nails well so that the corners are more rounded for sweet and dainty-looking nails.

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Into the Deep Blue

Short aqua nails — lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Blue nails are having a moment, and the aqua version is no exception. This Tiffany Blue manicure is beautiful on its own and can easily be dressed up with nail jewels or even a layer of chrome.

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Watermelon Tips

Bare nails with pink and green tips — nailsbysuman / Instagram

There’s something so juicy about pairing pink and green together on the nails. Whether done as a solid color or just a hint in a drippy design, the look is sheer perfection.

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Poolside Blue

Long pool blue nails with design — nailsbyzola / Instagram

Even if your summer plans don’t include a tropical trip, you can still evoke the feeling of a getaway with aquatic blue nails. All shades of the color are fair game. A light baby blue color with a hint of design is our pick for nailing this of-the-moment look.

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A Pastel Matte Set

Long matte pastel nails — nailsbysuman / Instagram

A glossy manicure may be the nail standard for hotter temperatures, but a matte finish gives the nails an unexpected yet very welcome pop of disco. Finish off the look with a hint of nail art in pastel hues for nails that totally set the standard.

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Statement Tips

Nude nails with colorful nail art — brownluxenails / Instagram

Nude nails can be a significant moment on their own, but with a bit of nail flair, it brings their elegance to another level. Here, the small but mighty nail art detail is relegated just to the upper tips of the nails for a peek-a-boo effect. It’s the ideal mix of floral-inspired and tiny polka dots for a fun twist on summer nails.

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90s Neon

Channel your inner 90s persona with a larger-than-life neon manicure. The brighter the colors, the better, for more vibrant-looking nails that scream summer. But here’s the kicker: this manicure is all about the color, so feel free to wear it on all nail lengths and shapes.

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Bright and Wavy

Bright colored wavy nail art design — brownluxenails / Instagram

Sometimes, the most unexpected manicures are the best ones. This out-of-the-box look features a wavy nail art design in a unique color palette and one solid hot pink neon pinky nail. Together, the mani is effortless in its own right.

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Neon Yellow-Green Digits

Short nails with neon yellow-green nailpolish — swaknails / Instagram

It’s happened to us all: you’re at the nail salon debating between two colors and indecisive. So, if you’re having a moment where you are stuck between committing to neon yellow versus neon green, find a color that’s somewhere in the middle, like this one.

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Red Matte

Red and nude matte short nails — imarninails / Instagram

If you love red nails for summer but want a more subtle vibe, try a matte finish. Sure, it’s not glossy like most summertime manicures, but the change in texture gives a timeless and cool look that can be worn all year round.

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Tie-Dye

Tie-dye is a summertime essential, so why not bring it onto the nails? What’s nice about this manicure is that no swirl pattern is off-limits. From a structured swirl to more of a marble look and even a simple gradient melt design, the tie-dye look is easier to create than you may think.