Perfect Holiday Nails: Ocean-Inspired Designs for Summer 

Summer is well and truly here, (if we’re basing that on the few days of sun we had last week in the UK). This means summer holidays are well underway and beach days are around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to think about those Summer holiday nails. After a long Winter, I’m sure I’m not the only one itching to infuse some summer vibes into my look.

Here at Blossom Academy, we’re all about embracing the season with style and flair. With my years of expertise in nail design, I’m excited to share some of my favourite beach-ready designs. These looks are perfect for jazzing up your nails right before you hit those sandy shores or while you’re sipping a cool drink under the sun umbrella.

Beach Nails

The nail design above, by Rosie Leek, beautifully captures the essence of the ocean and the beach, perfect for a summery nail. Here’s how she has done just that!

1. Pastel Base Colours: The nails are painted in soothing Pastel shades, reminiscent of the calm sea and sandy beaches. The soft colours like Pale Pink and Light Blue set a serene and joyful mood suitable for summer.
2. Shell Pattern: Contrary to the initial perception of stripes, one of the nails is intricately designed to resemble a seashell using a metallic finish. This design element not only adds a unique touch but also directly ties into the ocean theme, evoking images of seashells scattered along the beach.
3. Star Accents: Delicate star accents on several nails enhance the theme by invoking images of starfish or twinkling stars above a nighttime beach. The use of Light Blue and Yellow stars adds a playful and magical element to the overall design.
4. Metallic and Shimmer Finishes: The inclusion of Metallic and Shimmer finishes on certain nails captures the glint of sunlight on the ocean’s surface. These reflective qualities give the nails an eye-catching sparkle that’s perfect for sunny beach days.

This example has been created by one of our past students. If you would like to learn to do nail art inspired by holidays like this and plenty more, please look into our nail art course.

Ocean Inspired

Both designs, pictured above, utilise swirling patterns and aquatic colours that remind us of moving water, the ocean or a pool. Here’s how these designs might be created and the visual effects they convey:

Techniques and Colors:

1. Marbling Technique: Both designs likely employ a marbling technique where multiple polish colours (shades of blue, turquoise, and white) are dropped onto a wet base coat and then swirled gently with a fine tool like a dotting instrument or a toothpick. This technique creates the fluid-like effect that resembles water currents or waves.
2. Colour Choices: The use of different shades of Blue and Turquoise creates a vibrant, dynamic look. These colours are quintessentially associated with water and the sea, making them ideal for a beach-themed nail art design. The addition of White helps to mimic the frothy, churning appearances of sea foam or wave crests.

Visual Effects and Embellishments:

• Glossy Top Coat: A glossy top coat is applied to give the nails a wet, shimmering appearance that enhances the aquatic effect. This also helps in protecting the nail art and prolonging its durability, especially useful for beach outings.
• Glitter Accents: In the second image, glitter is used strategically along some of the swirls to emulate the sparkling effect of sunlight on water. This adds an element of glamour and depth to the nails.

Creating Ocean-Inspired Nail Art:

To create a similar look:

1. Prepare the Nails: Start with a clean, prepped nail surface. Apply a base coat to protect the nails and ensure a smooth application.
2. Base Colour: Apply a light blue or turquoise polish as the base colour.
3. Marbling: While the base is still tacky, add drops of white, darker blue, or green polish. Use a thin brush or tool to swirl the colours gently.
4. Glitter (optional): While the design is still wet, apply thin lines of glitter along some of the swirls to enhance the watery effect.
5. Top Coat: Finish with a glossy top coat to seal in the design and add a watery shine.

These designs are perfect for summer and can serve as a fantastic demonstration in a nail art course, showing students how to leverage colour and technique to create thematic art. The looks are both visually striking and thematic, perfectly embodying the essence of summer water activities.

Both holiday nail designs are by past students. For the nails featuring the shimmering glitter accents, check out Melissa Heald’s Instagram: Melissa Heald Nails on Instagram.

For the marbling technique with the cool blue and white tones, you can explore the work of Eloise on Facebook at Nailsbyeloise and on Instagram: Nailsbyeloise_ on Instagram.

Tropical Vacay Design

As pictured above, Carole Job’s tropical nail design, which features lush greens, vivid pinks, and detailed floral and fruit motifs, is more than just a visual feast. It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved with practice and creativity in nail art.

Techniques to Master from Tropical Designs

1. Colour Selection and Blending: Choosing the right colour palette is crucial in holiday nail art. Carole’s use of tropical colours not only evokes the feel of summer but also demonstrates how contrasting colours can be harmoniously blended to create a lively effect.
2. Detailing with Tools: The precise application of intricate patterns in Carole’s work highlights the importance of mastering tools such as fine brushes and dotting tools. These skills are essential for adding detailed elements like the tiny seeds in fruit or the delicate petals of flowers.
3. Thematic Consistency: Maintaining a clear theme throughout a design is key to creating cohesive works. Carole’s nail art tells a story of tropical abundance, reminding us as technicians to think about the narrative our designs convey.

Tips for Long-Lasting Holiday Nails

Heading to the beach with fabulous nails sounds like a summer dream, but the sun, sand, and sea can be tough on your manicure. Here are some essential tips to ensure your nails stay gorgeous, no matter how many dips you take in the ocean:

1. Use UV Top Coats: Just like sunscreen protects your skin, a UV top coat shields your nails from the harsh sunlight which can fade and yellow polish. Apply a UV-protective top coat over your nail polish to extend the colour’s vibrancy and shine throughout your beach days.
2. Opt for Waterproof and Chip-Resistant Products: Beach activities can be demanding on your nails. Choose waterproof and chip-resistant nail polishes and treatments to prevent your nails from chipping or peeling. These products are specially formulated to withstand the wear and tear of active, outdoor activities, keeping your nails looking pristine.

Seasonal Nail Care Tips

Summer is not just about flaunting beautiful nail art; it’s also about keeping your nails healthy under the sun. Here’s how you can maintain healthy nails during the summer:

1. Hydrate with Cuticle Oils: Sun exposure and frequent swimming can dry out your nails and cuticles, making them brittle. Regular application of cuticle oils can hydrate and nourish your nails, keeping them strong and healthy. Look for oils enriched with Vitamin E and natural oils like jojoba or almond oil.
2. Use Hydrating Treatments: Besides daily hydration, consider deep-conditioning treatments for your nails. Weekly hydrating masks or creams can replenish the moisture lost to the summer heat and exposure, helping to prevent breakage and splits.

By integrating these care tips into your summer routine, you’ll not only sport stunning nails but also maintain their health and strength throughout the season. Whether you’re building sandcastles or lounging by the pool, these strategies will ensure your nails are both stylish and well-cared for.

What Now?

Our nail art courses are designed for all skill levels, from beginners who are just starting to explore the beauty of nail design to advanced technicians aiming to refine their skills and push creative boundaries. Each course is tailored to enhance your abilities, teach new techniques, and inspire you with the latest trends in the nail art industry.

If you’re ready to take your nail art to the next level, I invite you to join us at Blossom Academy. Learn more and enrol in our nail art courses at Blossom Training Academy.