35 August Nail Ideas & Colors (Late Summer Nails)

August is here, and it’s time to give my nails a fresh, summer-inspired makeover!

Last August, I stumbled upon this amazing nail art that totally transformed my look.

I was scrolling through Insta and saw end of summer nail designs that instantly caught my eye.

I just had to try it out before the season ended.

This month, I’m bringing you some trendy August nail ideas that are perfect for extending those summer vibes.

From vibrant pops of color to chic designs, these looks are sure to make your nails the highlight of your summer style.

What’s Trend for August Nail Colors 2024

This month’s trends are all about mixing nostalgia with a splash of summer sparkle.

From vibrant neon greens to shimmering chrome finishes, and playful animal prints that harken back to classic 90s vibes, August’s nail trends offer something for everyone.

If you’re holding onto those bright summer shades or maybe you’re easing into subtle shimmer, these looks are perfect for making a statement as the season shifts.

So, let’s check them out!

1. Green Apple

August’s nail trend is all about neon green, a color that’s been buzzing thanks to Charli XCX and the latest dance craze. This zesty shade is set to steal the spotlight as summer wraps up.

Your nails can glrow with a fierce, neon green that practically radiates energy.

It’s the perfect way to keep that lively summer spirit alive and kicking.

So, if you’re craving a bold and daring look, neon green is your go-to for making a vibrant splash this month!

2. Blue

This month, blue nails are making waves once again, but with a fresh twist.

Think beyond classic blues—this August, it’s all about those shimmering, ocean-inspired hues that sparkle like a mermaid’s tail.

Create nails with a magical, iridescent finish that mimics the glistening effect of sea glass or the shine of a pearly shell.

The hottest trend?

Opal blue!

It’s not just any shade—it’s like capturing the essence of a sunlit sea on your fingertips.

This color brings a radiant, summery glow that’s perfect for those beach vibes, even if you’re just dreaming of the shore.

3. It’s Still Chrome

This August, chrome isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-on obsession.

Pearl and chrome finishes are still going strong, giving your nails that epic reflective shine that’s perfect for catching the summer rays.

Gone are the days when you needed gel to get that chrome effect.

It’s all about keeping your nails on trend and looking fab all summer long!

4. Gold Decal Nails

For a sleek August nail look, neutral nails are all the rage but tweak it with gold decals.

Begin with a nude base, then apply gold nail stickers for a touch of glamour.

To keep those stickers secure and looking sharp, finish with a thick glossy top coat or builder gel. This simple yet stunning design will keep your nails looking fabulous all month long!

5. Colorful Animal Print

This multicolor animal print manicure is totally giving off retro vibes reminiscent of classic 90s pop culture.

With schools starting back in August, it’s the perfect throwback nail art to kick off the new school year in style.

Orange Nail Designs

So, even though orange wasn’t in the what’s hot for August nails, it’s still a bangin’ color to have!

Orange is the color that’s lighting up nail designs this season!

Bursting with energy and vibrancy, orange adds a lively touch to any look.

From playful and bright to chic and understated, these orange nail designs are perfect for adding a fresh pop of color to your nails. Get ready to embrace this eye-catching hue and make your fingertips shine!

Here’s a detailed guide to achieving stunning orange nail designs:

Prep Your Nails: Begin by removing any old polish with nail polish remover. Trim and file your nails to your preferred shape, whether that’s square, oval, or almond. Push back your cuticles gently using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nails and create a smooth surface for the polish. This helps prevent staining and ensures that your polish adheres better.

Apply a Base Color: Choose an orange polish that fits your mood—vibrant neon for a bold statement or soft pastel for a more delicate look. Apply a thin, even layer of the orange polish to each nail. Make sure to cover the edges of your nails for a clean look. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed. This ensures full opacity and a more vibrant color payoff.

Add Designs or Accents: Let your creativity shine! Once your base color is dry, use a fine nail art brush or dotting tools to add designs. You can create stripes, polka dots, chevrons, or even intricate patterns. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a gradient effect by blending two shades of orange or adding a touch of glitter for sparkle. To create designs, you might use nail art tape or stencils for precision. For a more playful look, consider accent nails with different textures or patterns.

Seal the Look: Apply a clear top coat over your design to lock in your color and protect your artwork. This not only adds shine but also extends the life of your manicure by reducing chipping. Use a top coat with a glossy finish for a high-shine look or a matte top coat for a chic, modern touch.

Clean Up: After your top coat has dried, use a small brush or an angled nail brush dipped in nail polish remover to carefully clean up any stray polish around your nails. This step ensures a tidy, professional-looking finish.

Moisturize: Complete your manicure by applying cuticle oil to your cuticles and hands to keep them hydrated and healthy. A nourishing hand lotion will also keep your skin soft and smooth.

Late Summer Nails

Late summer nails are all about blending the vibrant energy of the season with subtle transitions as we approach fall nails!

This time of year calls for colors and designs that capture the last rays of summer sunshine while hinting at the upcoming autumn tones.

Think warm, glowing hues and playful patterns that celebrate the tail end of summer’s warmth. These late summer nails offer the perfect way to keep your look fresh and stylish as the seasons change.

Here’s a guide for creating trendy late summer nail designs like marble nails, leopard print nails, and chrome nails:

Marble Nails

Prep Your Nails: Start by cleaning, trimming, and filing your nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails and create a smooth surface.
Apply a Base Color: Choose a light base color and apply one or two coats. Let it dry completely.
Create the Marble Effect: To achieve the marble effect, use a sponge or plastic wrap. Apply drops of different shades of polish onto a piece of foil or a palette. Dab the sponge into the polish and gently press it onto your nails to create a marbled pattern. You can swirl the colors with a toothpick for a more intricate design.
Seal the Design: Apply a top coat to seal in your marble design and add shine.
Clean Up: Use a small brush dipped in nail polish remover to tidy up any excess polish around your nails.
Moisturize: Finish with cuticle oil and hand lotion to keep your nails and hands hydrated.

Leopard Print Nails

Prep Your Nails: Clean and shape your nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply a Base Color: Choose a neutral or bold base color and apply two coats. Let them dry completely.
Add Leopard Print: Use a fine brush or dotting tool to create leopard spots. Start by adding spots with a contrasting color, then outline them with a darker shade to add detail.
Seal the Design: Apply a clear top coat to protect the design and add a glossy finish.
Clean Up: Use a brush and nail polish remover to clean up any excess polish around your nails.
Moisturize: Apply cuticle oil and hand lotion to keep your nails and hands healthy.

Chrome Nails

Prep Your Nails: Clean, trim, and file your nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails.
Apply a Base Color: Choose a base color that complements the chrome effect and apply two coats. Let it dry completely.
Apply Chrome Powder: Use a chrome powder and apply it using an applicator or sponge. Gently rub the powder onto your nails to achieve the chrome effect.
Seal the Design: Apply a top coat to lock in the chrome effect and add a glossy finish.
Clean Up: Use a brush and nail polish remover to clean up any stray powder around your nails.
Moisturize: Finish with cuticle oil and hand lotion to keep your nails and hands looking great.

Enjoy creating these stylish late summer nail looks!

End of Summer Nails

As summer draws to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect that vibrant, sun-soaked energy in your nail designs.

End-of-summer nails capture the essence of the season’s final days with a mix of playful colors and subtle shifts toward fall. It’s time to embrace the last of those bright, sunny shades and start experimenting with warmer, autumnal tones, these nail looks offer a stylish way to transition from summer to fall.

Get ready to celebrate the season’s end with nails that shine as brightly as the summer sun!