20 Red Nail Ideas for a Hot, Fiery Summer Manicure

Let's be real: red nails are forever. It doesn't matter the season, decade, or shade; a red manicure is timeless. That being said, you can slightly tweak your look—playing around with design, hues, and shapes—to feel seasonally appropriate and fun. 

With summer mere weeks away, we've been searching for the perfect red manicure inspiration for that warmer weather. Ahead, we rounded up our 20 favourite red manicure designs we'll be rocking all season long.

01of 20

Cherry Jelly

@samrosenails/Instagram

For a brighter take on a classic red manicure, try a true cherry shade with a jelly finish. The semi-transparent polish helps the look feel light and breezy, while the bold pop of colour pairs perfectly with a (faux) tan.

02of 20

Fire Aura

@lolo.nailedit/Instagram

Manifest a super hot summer with these fire aura nails. We suggest using two shades of red, plus that pop of orange in the middle, for a seamless transition.

03of 20

Red Magnetic

@melanated.mani/Instagram

There's something so fun and eye-catching about a magnetic manicure. We love the organic waves and shapes it creates on the nail. Pair it with a deeper red shade for a sultry, sexy look.

04of 20

Negative Space

@heluviee/Instagram

Negative space is the easiest way to add some visual interest to your manicure. Use a classic red shade to create swirls and curves around the perimeter of each nail. Be sure to follow with an ultra-glossy top coat.

05of 20

Cherry Glazed Donut

@iramshelton/Instagram

A fire chrome manicure always hits. Pair a bright red shade with a top coat that offers a white, glassy duo-chrome effect. It's seriously chic and works on any nail length, as seen above.

06of 20

Cherry French

@phoebesummernails/Instagram

Jazz up your usual French with gemstone cherries and bold red tips. The 3D fruit accents make nail art a breeze, plus they pack quite the punch on the wow-factor front.

07of 20

Neon Cowboy

@samrosenails/Instagram

If you want to make your favourite red polish stand out, mix and match the hue with a different design. Here, the artist paired cow print with a neon red hue for a pop of colour that draws all the attention. Dare we say it's moo-smerizing?

08of 20

Waxing and Waning Matte Red

@imarninails/Instagram

A matte red is seriously chic, and just because the hue is muted in shine doesn't mean it can't be used to draw interest. We love the waxing and waning wash of red in this geometric design.

09of 20

Bordeaux Tips

@heluviee/Instagram

Who says you can't wear dark nail colours in the summer? The key is keeping them concentrated. In this case, the French tips are the perfect hint of that deep, dreamy red.

10of 20

Geometric

@digitzbydev/Instagram

A geometric design like this one never goes out of style. Best of all, you can use any old tape to help DIY those super-straight lines. Add in soft complementary colours such as light pink or pastel orange to highlight your main red hue.

11of 20

Sticker Accent Nails

@lolo.nailedit/Instagram

The easiest way to do nail art from home? Fake it with nail stickers. Use them to decorate accent nails and pair with a classic red for an unexpected mismatched twist.

12of 20

Cherry Picnic

@phoebesummernails/Instagram

We love these cute picnic vibes, also known as farmer's market nails. The checkered print reminds us of the perfect tablecloth, while the cute cherries outlined in white offer the perfect fruit pairing.

13of 20

Sunset Fire

@pop_polished/Instagram

Nothing says summer like a sunset. Keep things hot with a fiery sky-inspired ombré design. To further elevate the mani, we suggest using several shades to create a more intricate gradient.

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Red and Gold

@thenailboxxchi/Instagram

Gold goes well with most colours, but there's something undeniably luxurious about a red and gold combination. We love the unique textures and spotted print used in the manicure above.

15of 20

Burgundy and Bows

@samrosenails/Instagram

Talk about an elevated French manicure! Pair burgundy French tips with bubblegum pink bows for a cute little detail that feels coquette-coded and seasonally appropriate.

16of 20

Orange Red

@lolo.nailedit/Instagram

Red is classic for a reason. When you find the perfect summer shade, let it shine all on its own—no extravagant nail art or adornments required. In our opinion, this orange-red qualifies as the perfect hue for summertime. It's bold and bright and juicy.

17of 20

Gemmed Out French Nails

@phoebesummernails/Instagram

If tiny, intricate details aren't your thing, try gems to take your French mani to the next level. We love the way the darker red gems complement the bright red tips.

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Sparkling and Bright

@melanated.mani/Instagram

Adding an extra dimension or sparkle to your manicure doesn't have to be complicated. Opt for a glitter-based polish in a light red hue for a chic yet shiny finish.

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Pink-and-Red Checkered

@samrosenails/Instagram

We love a pink and red combination any time of year, but especially during the warmer months. Here, the artist used the pairing in different checker iterations to create a tonne of visual interest.

20of 20

Red Tips and Mermaid Charms

@melanated.mani / Instagram

The ultimate summer manicure? Pairing bright red tips with mermaid charm accents. We love the way the crisp French manicure includes one tiny pearl at the base to make the whole look feel cohesive.

Products used in nail art:

1. Born Pretty Red Gel Nail Polish Set 6Colors Dark Burgundy Wine Red Colors Bloody Mary Collection Popular Shimmer Glitter Red Nail Gel Nail Art Design Minicure DIY Salon and Home 7ml

• Package Contents: 6 Colors 7ml Red Gel Nail Polish. We have put together the top 6 trendiest colors of red! We studied the upcoming color trends closely so you can display a colorful, stylish, modern manicure every time for the holiday! Just enjoy the latest nail fashion and showcase your artwork, especially for nail designs.

• Fast Curing & Long-lasting: Base gel and top gel polish are required. If you follow the correct steps, gel nail polish can last more than 21 days. Additionally, it has excellent flexibility and adhesion, making application easier and more effective, ensuring the convenience and comfort of using our gel polish.

• Environmental & Healthy Gel Nail Polish: Healthy ingredient with low odor! No harsh ingredients or adhesives that lead to damaged nails. Only used for nail and non-direct contact with mouth, eyes. Wash immediately if contact occurs. Keep the products away from the pregnant and the kids.

• Ideal Gift And Tips: BORN PRETTY 7ml 6colors gel nail polish suitable for holidays or special days, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day gifts. The colors of the red shades kit - all seasons gel nail polish set need to be cured under an LED nail dryer.

• Service Guarantee: BORN PRETTY strives to provide our customers with perfect products and service. If you have any questions about your order and package, please feel free to contact us. Expression and beauty by listening to, working with, and learning from our amazing customers.

Available at Amazon With Price: $13.99

2. MIZHSE Holographic Nail Polish, Brown Glitter Nail Polish Air Dry Fast, 15 ml Fall Nails High Glossy Shimmer Nail Pigment Oil-based Laser Iridescent Nail Polish Chrome Nail Art Salon Manicure Home

• MIZHSE Holographic Nail Polish: 1 x 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) fall color holographic nail polish. The nail polish is high pigmented that makes the nails shine like rainbow. Can get different holographic rainbow effects based on different lights and viewing angles. Professional nail polish for infinite styles. Iridescent nail polish is suitable for use with any color nail polish you like as base color.

• Fast Drying & No Need Curing Lamp: Air drying fast about 3 minutes due to its quick drying formula. No need uv/led lamp, so it reduces complex tools and waiting time that can get desired nail beauty conveniently and efficiently. Suggest to apply 2-3 layers to get desired saturation, please make each layer dry completely.
• Easy Application and Salon Quality: With proper application, the iridescent nail polish can last 7+ days. Easy to use, with good toughness and tinting strength. Brings you a shine finish and smooth appearance. Suggest to use with base and top coat nail polish to get longer lasting.

• Healthy Ingredients: Made from natural ingredients, low odor, non-toxic. No harsh formula that lead to damaged nails. We choose high proportion holographic laser particles to make effect more obvious, and also provide high coverage on nails.

• Warm Tips: Before applying, please clean nails and ensure the oil-free on nails (The oil on the nails will greatly affect the effect of nail polish). Apply air dry nail polish in thin layer for each coat, make it completely dry before applying the next, ensuring long-lasting, no drop-off results. The item is oil-based nail polish, suggest to apply MIZHSE's base and top coat to last longer and brighten nails. Avoid contact with water within 2 hours after application.

Available at Amazon With Price: $8.99

3. Beetles Gel Polish Set - 3 Pcs 15ml No Wipe Top & Base Coat, White Gel Polish, Soak Off Uv Nail Lamp, Shine Finish, Long Lasting Gel Glossy Top Coat, Base Gel, French Nail Art Design Manicure Kit

• What You Get: 15ml/0.5fl.oz base coat*1, 15ml top coat*1, 15ml white gel nail polish for gel nail manicure. The set is suitable for beginners and professionals Valentine's Day Gift for Women

• Easy to Use: The base and top coat is easy to apply with soft brush and no need to wipe. Classic white color for various styles of nail art

• Durable & Safety: The base coat is elastic and is not easy to take off. The top coat brings you a shiny effect. They can last for more than 28 days, with safe ingredients and low odor

• Reminder: Due to low temperature，the base coat may be clumpy or get thick causing the brush to break off inside. If you find this, please contact us, we will provide after-sales service to your satisfaction. Tip: No need to wipe the base coat's tacky residue off. This will help the color coat stay on your nail longer.(If you feel a discomfort sensation during curing, it is recommended to remove your hand from the lamp. Resume curing once the sensation returns to normal.)

• Warning:This gel top base coat and white gel polish set is professionally formulated and should be used only for nails. Read directions for use carefully. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and skin. In case of contact with eyes, mouth, or skin, rinse immediately with water. If any adverse reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Stop using the product if redness and itching develop. Keep out of reach of children

Available at Amazon With Price: $9.99

4. SILPECWEE 15Pcs Nail Magnet Set Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Magnet Wand Magnetic Nail Polish Cat Eye Magnet for Nails Cat Eye Magnets Sticks Nail Design Tools Nail Art Accessories

• Perfect Combination - You can receive 15pcs cat eyes magnet wand, the cat-eye effects of each magnetic stick in the set are different, you can create more beautiful, special and suitable nails for your style according to your preferences.

• Nail Art Polish Tools - The nail polish cat eye set can easily attract the particles in the magnetic gel polish and make beautiful patterns on your nail tips as shown on their surfaces, you can also magnet pens to paint other lovely pictures with your own style.

• Easy To Use - Apply a layer of cat eye nail polish, place the magnet on your nails for 15-30 seconds to get a cat eye effect, remember to keep the magnet side facing your nails and not to touch the nail surface, then immediately put your nails in the UV light for 2 minutes or LED light for 60 seconds, you can also apply top coat to make the nail art more stable.

• High Quality - Using new magnetic materials and manufacturing technology, with strong magnetism, it is easier to make the nails design with cat's eye effect, safe and durable, lightweight, easy to carry and store.(Age requirement is greater than 6 years old)

• 100% After-Sale Service - If you have any other question about our nail decoration, pls contact us, we will try out best to solve your problem.

Available at Amazon With Price: $9.99