23 Fourth of July Nails That Are Actually Really Chic

When the warm weather hits, there are three things we get excited for: fun at the beach, summer makeup trends, and Fourth of July festivities. If you're like us, you'll take any excuse you can get to change up your nails — and Independence Day is one of them.

We're seeing impressive Fourth of July nail art ideas all over Instagram, ranging from simple stripes to intricate fireworks. The beauty of celebratory nail art is that you have the freedom to get creative, whether you DIY your manicure or enlist help from a professional nail artist at a salon. You're sure to find drool-worthy Fourth of July nail designs, from classic french manicures in patriotic colors to abstract, swirly designs or the simple, all-white nail look.

Prepping for a holiday, no matter if you're staying close to home or going far, is an event in and of itself. There's nothing quite like running around to get all of your errands done, and in the summertime, the list of beauty-related tasks doubles. Between your spray tan and your manicure and pedicure, it can take all day. Be prepared by browsing the best Fourth of July nails, ahead. Whether you're looking for simple Fourth of July nails or something extremely intricate, we've got you covered.

Mismatched Summer 4th of July Nails

If you don't want to go with your traditional 4th of July themes like stars and strips, get a manicure featuring your favorite summer designs. Cherries, french tips, and polka dots in a red and blue color scheme make this mismatched set feel on-trend for the holiday.

French Manicure Stars and Stripes

There's nothing more American than stars and stripes. Use a neutral base and accessorize the tips with tiny blue and red stripes, and white stars for the perfect Fourth of July nail design. Switch things up by making your French manicure diagonal instead of straight across.

Red, White, and Blue Swirls

Red, white, and blue swirls on a simple manicure add a patriotic touch and are one of our favorite Fourth of July nail art ideas.

Patriotic Florals

If you're into florals but want to remain on theme, opt for this easy design featuring red nails, a neutral base, and blue, red, and white flowers.

Red With White Stripes

If you want something understated, go with a vibrant red base color and add contrast with white lines.

Sparkly Stars

Start with a matte neutral base and dress up your nails with glittery stars in patriotic colors for a fun Fourth of July nail art idea. This example has accent nails that feature rhinestones.

Pastel Blue American Flag

Show your country love by adding a cute, heart-shaped American flag Fourth of July nail design on an accent finger.

Gold Stars

If your nail style is more minimal, and you just want simple Fourth of July nails, this neutral set with gold stars is perfect for you and easy to DIY.

Red and White Checkers

These red and white gingham nails are an ode to the classic summer print. You'll want to keep them on forever, but they also make a stunning Fourth of July nail design.

Negative Space Stars and Stripes

Can't decide between stars and stripes? Get both designs on different hands, and try a negative space design to keep it simple but impactful.

Blue and Red French Tips

For the perfect Fourth of July nail design, put a unique twist on the iconic french manicure by doubling up with red and blue lines at the tip.

Blue and Gold Negative Space

Get extra festive this year with your Fourth of July nail art by throwing some gold accents on your mani, layered over blue tips.

Solid Red, White, Blue, and Silver Nails

Not a huge fan of Fourth of July nail art ideas? Keep your manicure simple by using a patriotic color combo like red, white, blue, and silver. This one features an accent nail with ombré glitter.

Abstract Shapes

Mix red, white, and blue in varying shapes to create a manicure that's unique to you. This Fourth of July nail design is completely up to you — there's no right or wrong way to do it.

Red, White, and Blue Accent Nails

This manicure has a clean, red base color with a blue and red star design on a single accent finger, which makes it a cute Fourth of July nail design you can DIY on your own at home.

Deep Red French Manicure

For easy Fourth of July nail art, start on a neutral base and mix things up with red and white curvy tips for a look that's not too on the nose.

Abstract Red, White, and Blue Designs

This manicure plays with negative space and abstract designs in the classic red, white, and blue color scheme.

Rainbow Stars

Get extra creative with Fourth of July nail art by incorporating different colors, like this jelly rainbow set featuring white stars.

Mismatched Red and Blue Stripes

This super-clean Fourth of July nail design has red and blue stripes on top of a gray base for a nice contrast. If you want to try doing it yourself, use nail tape to help you get clean, straight lines.

White With Blue Lines

Put a fun twist on a trendy holiday pattern with this white base featuring blue lines. It's a simple Fourth of July nail art idea that can be done at home or with the help of a professional.

Neutral Patriotic Stars

Clearly, you can never go wrong with a neutral base, so simply add matte stars in the patriotic colors to finish off this Fourth of July nail design.

Pool Floats

Want a Fourth of July nail design that doubles as the perfect summer manicure? These pool float nails will certainly have you swim-ready this Fourth of July.

Blue French Manicure

Who knew blue french manicures could look so good? You'll certainly want to rock these nails all summer long, but they also make the perfect simple Fourth of July nails.

— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez


Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.