With July 4th coming up and a summer of beachside fun ahead, there’s one thing my little girls and I can’t stop discussing: nails! Summer is a fun time to experiment and play with nail art, and nothing adds a splash to your mommy-and-me outfits like matching manicures.
Some of the cutest summer nail art ideas might just come from your little ones. It was my four-year-old who suggested I do a “pastel rainbow” for our recent trip to Disney World, and the manicure was so whimsical and fun (yet somehow age-appropriate), that I definitely plan to repeat it before summer is out.
From mermaid designs to patriotic prints, summer nail art themes are all about color and joy — and there’s no reason for you to sit back and let your kids have all the fun! Here are some fun summer nail art designs to inspire you:
More Nail Art Inspiration:
- 15 Adorable Disney Nail Art Ideas for Kids
- 11 Easy Nail Art Designs to Do With Your Kids
- Gold Leaf Manicure Tutorial
Fun Summer Nail Art Inspiration for You and Your Kids
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Mommy & Me Mermaids
You and your little one can channel your inner Ariel with this ocean inspired mermaid nail art.
Photo & How-To: Instagram/leafinthesnow
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Simply Patriotic
This July 4 nail idea won't take too much effort or require a ton of skill -- you can get creative with stripes, dots, and sparkle accents to recreate a pop of patriotic pretty.
Photo: Instagram/glamournailsny
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Get Good Gradient
One of the hottest trends in nail art right now are the at-home strips from Color Street, which you apply with no heat or tools, require no dry time, and come off easily with polish remover. Such an easy and affordable way to build manicure time into your routine with the kids this summer.
Photo & How-to-Buy: via Courtney Hamilton
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Pastel Rainbows
This is the Disney nail look my daughter insisted on for our family trip. I think it's perfect for beach days and all things summer. I got an SNS dip manicure but you could easily recreate a similar look at home with regular polish.
Photo: Instagram/ourlifeinrosegold
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Pick a Princes
Nothing says "girl time" like a princess-themed manicure. I love how this mom took subtle pops of color and pattern as inspiration for a Sleeping Beauty style nail look, and it would be a fun one to try to mimic on your kiddos' nails.
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Rainbow Play
Another version of summer rainbows: Mommy's mani is a twist on a traditional French, and mini me's is an easy-to-imitate color party from nail to nail.
Photo: Instagram/chanel0527
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Seeing Stars
An easy-to-recreate Fourth of July nail art idea that would be just as cute on Mom as on her little ones. Paint all nails white and then add red and blue star decals for a fun and fresh, patriotic nail look.
Photo: Instagram/opi_professionals
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Watermelon Works
It's the fruit of the season! This fresh and juicy manicure would be a fun one to try for you and the littles.
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Pink Lemonade
How precious is this mommy-and-me manicure moment? Your pink lemonade ombre will up the wow factor at the beach, pool, or hanging out in the AC.
Photo: Instagram/nailedbyd.lachelle
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Jewel Party
What little girl wouldn't want a ton of gems plastered on a finger nail? I'm not gonna lie, I would be just as into trying this one as my daughters would be.
