Red Summer Nails: 60+ Elegant Nail Styles to Try This Year

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When you think of red summer nails, what do you visualise?

Is it a classic, bright, and bold manicure? Or a sultry and sharp stiletto? 

Whatever springs to mind – there’s no denying that red nails are versatile, fun, and here to stay for the long run. 

Red summer nails are a hot choice for trending manicure designs in 2023 – so if you’re considering trying a new red nail design but don’t know where to start, look no further.

Choosing the right style couldn’t be easier.

From elegant to sultry, romantic to sassy – what will be your choice?

Red Summer Nails: 50+ Gorgeous Nail Designs to Try in 2023

Here is our roundup of the best styles – for even more inspiration and dozens of other ideas, head directly to our Pinterest board.

1. Fun Red Summer Nails

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by trendingnails_hawaii
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailedbylou
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by charsgelnails_
Red Summer Nails
nail design by marilyn_0204
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by planetbianca.nails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by flawlessnailstudioandtraining
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by a.jakubowska_indigoeducator
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by shapedbyjackiee
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by letsnailedit
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by tailor_nails_veszprem
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by @the_gel_centre
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nails__by__joselyn
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by bycheznails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by dipped.in.glitz

2. Classic Bright Red Summer Nails

You can’t really beat a classic bright red nail, can you?

Bright red nails are THE choice for summer 2023. A classic bright red nail will always be on trend – there’s something so beautifully traditional about this manicure style.

Since the colour is classic, any shape or length of the nail will look great – so whichever look you’re after, rest assured that the traditional bright red manicure will do your nails justice.

Take it up a notch with a coffin-style nail, or keep it casual with a short and square manicure.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by saffronails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by silva_nails_stockholm
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by darija.nails.zagreb
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by 14nailz
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by @cjtweedie

3. Glitter Red Summer Nails

Looking to add a twinkle to your manicure without the complex nail art? Glitter red nails could be the choice for you.

Glitter adds an entirely new dimension to your manicure. 

With glitter red nails, you are only limited by your imagination! Choosing a gold glitter to overlay your red nails will reflect a warmer hue, whereas pairing silver glitter will give your nails an icy touch.

You’ll get the full effect of a luxury manicure without the effort of tedious nail art.

Although glitter red nails are usually associated with the holiday season, this versatile design can take its rightful place on the 2023 trending list.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by marys__nails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by sandra_die_nagel_manufaktur
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailsxjasleen
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by cindysecretbeauty
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by vnailsbeautydartmouth
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by twins_center_nails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by accessnails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailsandcoffee__
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by renata.dyszlewska
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by clementine_beauty_

4. French Tip Red Nails

Want to keep it classy without looking trashy? French tip red nails could be your go-to nail design in 2023. 

If you like the dainty design of a classic French tip but want your manicure to pack a little punch – substituting red for white will answer your Frenchie tip prayers.

This nail design is romantic and feminine, adding an elegant touch to an otherwise bold colour.

Red French tips are crisp and clean, which looks unreal in the summer months. 

Again – this design will look great on most nail shapes and lengths, but a square tip will give your manicure the ultimate Frenchie finish.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailsbyluuce
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by @sansungnails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by naailssbysteph
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by @alyastra_nailart
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by stickittothenail
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by jenn_nail_
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by dulce.naildit

5. Half-Moon Red Nails

Okay.

Are you as obsessed with half-moon red nails as we are? Seriously, this could be the manicure of 2023!

This unique yet simple design will get heads turning. 

The half-moon shape designed above the cuticle creates an optical allusion and, would you believe…

… it makes your nails look longer than they actually are.

This style is for those who love a classic red nail but want to add a little jazz to a traditional style.

Nail shapes that compliment this design are oval-shaped nails. A rounded or oval tip mirrors the half-moon and creates a softer look to your manicure.

If you want your nails to stand out in 2023, this could be your next red nail mani choice.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailartbyqueenie
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by lubeautynaiils
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nails.with.p
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by adaznailz
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by si_mela_nail_artist
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by @frenchmenails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailcraftbyvonny
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by tsibsnails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by manicandie

6. Animal Print Red Nails

Easy tiger.

There are so many great choices on this list, but we aren’t done yet!

Animal print red nails are for daring, adventurous, and fun nail-art lovers.

What says summer 2023 more than animal print red nails? Your co-workers will be roaring with envy when they see you flashing your new animal print mani.

Fun, playful, and eye-catching – if you’re a person who loves vibrancy and attitude, why not try an animal print red nail?

If you want a classic nail design with a wild touch – why not try a red manicure with a featured accent finger in a dalmatian print?

Or you could go Crocodile Dundee style to add texture to your manicure.

The nail salon is your playground for adventurous styles like these.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nails_by_betti_
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by kc.beauty.artist
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by nailsandcoffee__
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by faithjamesnails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by fingersauce
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by urra_nail_flirt
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by juditprofusz

7. Matte Red Nails

Matte is the new black!

Matte nails take the classic red nail design into account, but the outcome is more subtle.

Although this manicure lacks shine, there is nothing dull about matte red nails. 

If you want to jazz things up, matte red nails make the perfect base for a hint of glimmer.

Try adding a stroke of silver or gold polish to make them shine. Nail diamantes will surely put a twinkle in your manicure too.

An accent nail will also work well for this design if you want to make your matte red nails pop.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by intense_by_mariana_
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by natural_by_lisa_spence
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by szt_nails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by anabelledoesnails
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by mo.nailss_
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by beckys.beautybar

8. Ombre Red Nails

Remember when ombre nails first came into fashion?

They. Were. Amazing.

And guess what? They are still worth rocking in 2023. The variety of options available with ombre red nails makes this manicure popular.

Using red in your ombre nail design is a bold way to create the ultimate ombre red nails.

Since red is a primary colour, it merges well with most other colours. But to get a showstopping result, try neutral and opposing colours like black, white, or nude. 

This combination will amplify the ombre effect two-fold, resulting in a mesmerising ombre red nail manicure.

You can pull off an ombre red nail with just about any nail shape or style, but to get a full in-the-face effect – ask for a longer, stiletto-style nail at the salon.

Red Summer Nails
Nail design by france_nailz
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by barbie.nails.m
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by rigohatoreka_nailart
Red Summer Nails
Nail design by ive_makeup_nails

What Will Be Your Choice?

When it comes to red summer nail manicures in 2023, the choice is yours to have fun with – and there are so many options and variations of red nails to choose from!

So, how can you choose the right style manicure for yourself? Think about your style. 

What kind of clothes do you wear? Are you glamorous seven days a week? Smart/casual for the office? Cosy and comfortable at home?

Whatever your go-to style is, consider this when choosing which type of manicure you’ll enjoy most.

Also, be sure to take your daily activities and hobbies into account! You don’t want 2-inch stiletto nails on if you prep a lot of food or get your hands dirty in the garden.

The most important tip is to ensure you look after your nails. Follow best practices for applying and removing polish, acrylic, or gel nails to ensure the longevity of your nails.

Equally, find a trusted nail salon that will take these precautions!

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Lindsey Harris
Author
Lindsey is a professional nail artist based in Utah, US. Her specialties are party and occasion nails, she loves to work with glitter and gemstones in her nail studio. She loves sharing her knowledge of the nail industry and curating the latest nail design trends. She is contributing to a number of other industry related magazines.