24 Neon Nail Ideas That Will Light Up Your Summer (2024)

“Neon is always trending,” says Los Angeles-based nail artistElle Gerstein. In the 35 years she’s created manicures for celebrities and editorial photo shoots, she’s seenneon nails repeatedly resurface in thetrend cycle. What exactly makes these bright, candy-colored hues so popular? “They make any design come to life,” Gerstein says. They make a statement, whether you combine different-colored neon nail polishes or contrast them against mellow tones.

As versatile as they are,though, neon nails can be intimidating to wear. Thankfully, there’s endless inspiration on the internet — and we’ve compiled the best ones. Below, experts share what nail designs work best with neon and the most eye-catching color combinations.

Neon Animal Print Nails

Add a splash of neon to your favorite animal design. Gerstein particularly loves creating zebra print patterns using neon nail polishes. She says you do so by using two neon nail polishes (as shown above) or one vibrant hue in place of where the black shade would normally appear in the print.

Neon French Tips

Los Angeles-based nail artistHemi Park says she wouldn't be surprised to see neon French tips all over social media this summer. A dainty white line running along the tip of the nails mimicks the effect of a neon sign, making the colors pop.

Neon Paintbrush Design

This manicure looks like the artist created it with a Lisa Frank paintbrush. Its brushstroke design blends a magical spectrum of neon shades.

‘90s Neon Nails

Whether you love '90s trends or fluorescent hues, you'll want to try this manicure. “I love using opposite colors to make the design pop,” says Park about her polish choices for this manicure. The artist also added an iridescent shimmering top coat for a subtle yet eye-catching look.

Ombré Neon Nails

This soft ombré manicure is a great way to combine two of your favoriteneon colors. “The key for making neon ombré work is using a light-colored base,” says Brooklyn-based nail artistErica Hipp. Try using a light nude or a creamy white polish in between two neon shades to facilitate thatgradient.

Tie-Dye Neon Nails

This sleepaway camp-favorite design can give your manicure a fun, nostalgic vibe for summer. Los Angeles-based nail artistBana Jarjour achieved this look by painting white ovals on each nail, followed by a rainbow of thick, neon lines on top of it. “Before the polish dries, use a thin nail art brush to drag the colors upward then downward, creating a tie-dye effect,” she says. This look is sure to brighten up your mood, whether it's just as aFrench tip design or tie-dye on your whole nail.

Aura Neon Nails

Aura nails were one of 2022’s most popular manicures and the trend shows no signs of stopping. Prepare to see the paranormal-inspired design in lots of neon hues this Summer. “[Aura nails] give a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s and are reminiscent of airbrush photobooths,” says New York City-based nail artistYoshimi Muranishi.

Neon Flame Nails

Be warned: This fiery manicure requires some finesse. If you dare to try to DIY, Gerstein, who created the look, suggests using a detailing brush todraw a curvy “Y” shape from the tip of your nail toward the cuticle. “Use that as a guide to create the flame outlines, then fill in and connect all the lines by rounding the edges,” the artist explains. It may take a bit of practice but it’s a unique way to play around with your favorite neon shades this summer.

Yin-Yang Neon Nails

Anothernail design that allows you to mix and match your favorite neonpolishes is the yin-yang pattern. To create the look yourself, use a thin brush to draw an S curve down the center of your nail before filling in each side with polish. Then, use a dotting tool or bobby pin to gently drop a contrasting dot on each side.

Glittery Neon Nails

Glittery,neon rainbow nails are the epitome of maximalism. To get this look, just add a shimmery top coat to your ombré manicure.

Micro French Neon Nails

Nail artists have been loving themicro-French mani in neon. “Neon line work can add a slick shine and perk up any mani,” says New York City-based editorial nail artistMiss Pop.

Checkered Neon Nails

Dousea classic checkered design in your favorite neon colors. Rather than trying to paint each square individually, put down a base coat, let it try completely, and then use the less-stickyblue painters tape to help you create clean lines of contrasting shades.

Highlighter Yellow Neon Nails

Hailey Bieber is known to set trends with just a selfie. The latest: highlighter yellow nails. This mood-boosting shade is vibrant enough to stand alone, no fancy nail designs needed.

3D Neon Nails

If you’re inclined toward bold manicures, 3D neon chrome nails are a must-try. This daring mani combines three major nail trends: chrome, 3D nail art, and neon. “The neon really pops on the chrome base and looks like a reflective glass,” says nail artist Minami Yamagami, who created the above neon pink and silver chrome look oncoffin nails.

Color Block Neon Nails

Why choose one neon color when you can combine two of your favorites? This summery pink, orange, and yellow color-block manicure proves that three isn’t always a crowd. The negative space design allows multiple colors to have their moment without looking too busy.

Chrome Neon Nails

The glazed donut manicure works for every season — just switch out the base polish color. Adding a chrome finish to neon nails enhances its color and shine.

Jelly Neon Nails

Add a transparent twist to neon nails with the jelly trend. “This is a great take on neon for those who want the impact of the bright colors but without the heavy opacity,” says Los Angeles-based nail artistEunice Park. Brands likeAprés andILNP have polishes that impart this glossy, jelly finish, but another way tocreate the look is to add a drop of your favorite neon nail polish to a bottle of clear top coat, shake it up, and you have a customized jelly nail polish.

Neon Glow Stick Nails

Did you love waving glow sticks at your school's skate nights? Or maybe you spent your time playing laser tag with your friends? Relive the magic of your favorite early aughts through this nail look. For added illusion, nail artistCaroline Cotten uses builder gel to achieve this look on her clients. “I really had fun playing around with color and texture contrast,” she says.“I’ve been using sculpting gel to get the super elevated texture, and it’s been such a fun medium to explore.”

Stripe Neon Nails

Neon pink is one of thissummer's biggest pedicure trends, but we think it looks just as great on your hands. Combine it with a Fanta orange for an extra bright and elevated manicure.

Minimalist Neon Dot Nails

Try this jovial nail look, which is super easy to re-create yourself using stick-on nail studs like the ones in this pack fromAmazon.

Faux French Neon Mani

This nail art's neon green lines are subtle, but striking. Try a sheer or pastel beige-pink base with a thin neon line toward the tip of the nail for an eye-catching contrast. It’s like your classic French, but a little more interesting.

Fruit-Inspired Neon Manicure

This fruit-inspired mani combines dot nail art and French tips.Jarjour used adhesivenail studs to achieve the dots’ glossy, 3D effect.

Half Neon Mani

Ignite your inner disco queen with these half-neon, half-glitter nails. Pair your favorite neon shade with your choice of shimmer and wait for the compliments to flood in.

Multi-Design Neon Nails

This bold multi-design mani done by Los Angeles-based nail artistHang Nguyen is a prime example of how to mix nail art for a quirky, eclectic result. You can also usenail stickers to add variety and cut down on painting time.

Discover more nail ideas:

• 23 Green Nail Ideas That Are Gorgeous on All Lengths
• These 9 Spring 2023 Nail Trends Will Carry You Through the Season
• Anne Hathaway Wore "Alien Nails" to the Versace Runway Show

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