Best July Nail Colors for 2025: Stunning French Tip & Festive Design Ideas to Try Now

Red, white, and what a vibe. In the United States, July is the month to really enjoy colorful outfits, bold prints, and everything festive. But with the sheer amount of Fourth of and Summer 4th manicure ideas out there, it’s easy to feel stuck choosing between “simple” and “statement.” So… what actually looks fresh this summer? What feels like 2025 without looking like a throwback?

I have put together my selection of the best polishes from this season’s trends. You can wear them anywhere, from your street fourth to the pool or even when you’re out for a Tuesday latte. If you prefer gel, dip powder, or acrylic 4th looks, this list has a design that will look great on your nails.

Let’s talk nail magic.

Classic Stars & Sparkle Remix

Wearing these nails is like the Fourth of July choosing her most dazzling heels and going to watch fireworks in SoHo. An almond shape looks pretty and is easy to wear, while the changing colors – red, silver, navy blue with stars, and red and white stripes – give us a new take on patriotic glamour. The use of chunky glitter and mini decals? Just enough whimsy without veering into costume territory.

If you’re doing this at home, you’ll want a dip or long-wear summer gel polish set. Look for shades like “Cherry Pop” red, “Deep Sea” navy, and a loose glitter polish like Lights Lacquer’s “Celestial.” I always have some tiny star stickers around — a pack from Amazon costs less than $10 and they stick very well over my topcoat.

My trick for getting those perfect stripes? Striping tape. When the first coat is dry, put on the second layer and remove it carefully while it is still wet. You should finish the manicure with a glossy topcoat like Seche Vite. Lisa Logan, who used to be Beyoncé’s manicurist, says that adding layers of color helps avoid a pinkish or streaky effect.

I wore these last year at a rooftop BBQ and three people I didn’t know asked me where I got them done. This type of manicure makes people want to talk to you. Plus, they match your drink. 😉

Firework French Tips with a Twist

It’s giving French tip, but extra. This manicure pairs a neutral base with a design pop — red, white, and blue dip swoops meet delicate firework bursts, and the overall shape (slightly squared and long) makes it modern without being overwhelming. This is for the girl who wants her nails to show that she’s ready for the parade, but still has plans to eat later.

I like that I can apply “Bubble Bath” as a summer base and draw the colored arcs with a thin brush. I recommend shades like “Big Apple Red,” “Alpine Snow,” and “My Pal Joey” (yes, that’s the blue) for vivid contrast. Dotting tools and glitter liner polish are all you need to make the fireworks.

You should first apply a clear base coat, then work on one curve after another. I like to sketch them lightly before committing. I saw a similar version by Tom Bachik (he’s done J.Lo’s nails for years), and he said layering in quick strokes keeps things looking fresh and clean — no overworked lines.

I think this is the Summer 4th set I like the most this year. It looks editorial, but it’s super wearable. Plus, the way the tips elongate the fingers? Perfection in every flick of the wrist.

Star-Spangled Minimalism

This one’s giving simple fourth realness — but with an edge. Think of a rounded short 4th shape that’s fully filled with white stars, solid red, and navy/blue color blocking. It feels graphic. Chic. Unexpectedly trendy for something so classic.

A great base color should be opaque and not sheer — Olive & June’s “Honest & True” is a navy, while Zoya’s “Snow White” and Essie’s “Forever Yummy” will give you red and white colors. Decals or stamps are especially effective when you use this idea. The fact that the stars look printed instead of painted saves a lot of time.

Here’s what I’d do: prep your nails with a smoothing base coat. If you wish to add a new look, use a small sponge to blend the white and blue colors. Seal in your stars with a no-wipe topcoat (especially helpful if you’re doing dip powder accents).

My best friend chose this style for her birthday last July and it looked great with her cutoffs and dress. The compliments? Nonstop. The upkeep? Basically zero. If you don’t mind simple nail care, this is the Fourth of July set for you.

Polished Parade Perfection

Let’s talk stars and stripes, but glam. All the bold choices in this Fourth set are done just right. The bright red, blue, and white nails form a background for a clear star print and neat line patterns. This manicure isn’t your typical Independence Day look — it’s definitely in line with the latest trends.

Honestly? A good manicure only requires three polishes and a star stencil set. I’d go with ILNP’s “Royalty” for the red (it has a sheen that makes it pop), Essie’s “Butler Please” for that deep blue, and a pure white like Sally Hansen’s “White On.” The stars look great when you use a fine-tip brush or sticker.

What sets this apart is the spacing. It’s all about symmetry. File your nails so they are even and your base color is smooth before you add any other layers. Gina Edwards, a celebrity nail artist, said that most of a clean design comes from having a clean base. She’s right.

These are the kind of nail ideas I’d wear for a block party, kids’ picnic, or even a chill day in the city. They have a grown-up, street-style kind of festive feel.

Barbershop Swirl Meets Americana Chic

This manicure shows street fourth energy — long almond nails decorated in diagonal stripes of red, white, and blue, just like the barbershop pole. Though it is easy to understand, it has a big effect thanks to its perfect symmetry and finish. This style has a nostalgic touch, but it’s presented in a modern way, with sharp lines and a noticeable look, no matter if you’re near the beach or in a Brooklyn café.

To recreate this design, you’ll need a super-pigmented gel polish trio: think Lights Lacquer’s “Ruby,” LeChat’s “Blue My Mind,” and “White Lily” from Beetles Gel. Paint the clean diagonals by using a striping brush or a thin nail art pen, and switch the direction for more detail. Choose dip powder, and begin with white, then place the red and blue on top using a nail art foil or stencil to make it look sharp.

The best way to apply is to use a nude or milky base and draw your diagonal lines with a pencil before you apply the rest. If you want sharp lines, use the “floating brush” method suggested by Miss Pop — hold the brush above the nail and let the polish move by itself along your marked spot.

I took this set for a July 4th trip by the coast, and it was definitely my top choice of the year. It matched my swimsuit and my beach cooler. It’s a concept that brings people together, even when they’re in their casual beachwear and have salty hair. It’s a perfect look for summer — striking, neat, and not much effort is needed.

Playful Pops & Summer Doodles

These nails look like sunshine, combining joy, memories, and a Summer 4th vibe. True red and blue gel polish, along with hand-drawn letters and funky stars, make this manicure look like a beach candy wrapper. The playful type called “A Taste of Summer” gives the design a pop-art look without being too noticeable. The oval shape makes it look nice and comfortable, so it’s perfect for any weekend or family picnic.

Using Essie’s “Rock the Runway,” “Butler Please,” and “Blanc” will give you this manicure. Doodles and text look best when you use nail pens or thin striping brushes. You can also use stamping plates if your handwriting isn’t steady (I totally relate). Stars are also easy to place with decals, and you will save time.

If you are doing this at home, do one nail at a time. Put on the base coat, let it dry or cure, and then gradually add your design with gel liners or acrylic paint. I often go over my letters with a pencil before I start writing, which is something nail artists do in Allure or Cosmopolitan shoots.

I love that kids react to this set too — I wore it to a pool party last summer and some little cousins asked to have their nails done the same way. It’s cheerful and effortless, like biting into a rocket pop under the sun. Honestly, isn’t that what summer is about?

Red Roses & Firework Sky

This one? It’s giving romantic rebel. Despite all the different elements, the design still looks good. The designs are like various characters in one story. On the middle finger, you have a French tip with a twist, and your Fourth of stripes are followed by sparkling blue nails that look like fireworks and a dip powder pinkie to finish it all. This collection is both trendy and wild in a good way.

I would advise using press-ons or going to a salon if you aren’t very confident. You’ll need a layering glitter polish (like “Fairy Dust” by China Glaze), rose nail stickers or hand-painting tools, and a chrome powder for the silver nail. Stars may be made by foil-pressing or using stamping plates.

This kind of detailed set takes time. I’ve found that breaking it into stages (base coat day, art day, top coat day) makes it manageable — like mood-boarding your street fourth vibe across the week. Always remember to prepare your cuticles, or else they won’t look smooth and even.

What I love here is how unapologetic it feels. It’s glam and feminine but still loud and proud. If you want your nails to shout “I’m the main character” or you have a birthday, this is for you.

Stars on Velvet Blue

In this case, the almond shape fits your fingers and allows you to use bold colors. The navy blue base is decorated with white stars and white dots, which meet deep red and a shiny top finish. This look is made special by the way it contrasts and how it is positioned — just like a polished, slow-moving fireworks display.

I suggest using a gel polish set in “Midnight Drive,” “Crimson Cream,” and a fine white liner pen or brush to get a similar result. The key is precision. Paint your nails blue, and then add the stars, then the red glitter arc, and finally the white dots. Finish the model with a thick topcoat to get a glass-like effect.

Betina Goldstein, a famous manicurist, suggests adding flat sequins or glitter flakes to get the floating star look. Put the beads on with tweezers and seal them twice to stop them from getting caught.

I tried this outfit last year by adding a leather jacket and a messy bun, and it somehow gave my whole look a planned effect. It’s great for going out, fireworks displays, or any place where you can show your hands with a beverage.

Rhinestone Trim & Painted Waves

This is a Fourth manicure for the detail-lovers. One nail has the classic French tip, another is covered in glitter, and the last is lined with rhinestones on the cuticle of a white nail. It’s equal parts clean and extra. The shape is a squoval (square-oval hybrid), and the color scheme is textbook Best July Nail Colors for 2025: pure red, cobalt blue, and snowy white.

You’ll need rhinestones (flatback red or clear), a wax pencil for placement, and a detailed brush for the marbled stripes. Try The GelBottle’s “Electric Blue,” “Daisy,” and “Rouge.” For a softer look at the lines, you can apply a jelly topcoat.

When you want your rhinestones to last, put them on with builder gel, not just glue, so they won’t fall off after the summer gel weekend. Often, Julie Kandalec tells her clients that “accessory nails” are similar to jewelry, and you should plan your look around them.

For me, these are perfect for a rooftop Fourth of July event, since your nails should be as fashionable as your rings. For a wedding or some other formal occasion, it looks bold but elegant.

Popsicles & Present Bows

This is what I imagine a July manicure created by kids would look like, and I am all for it. There are tiny popsicles, a gift bow, and glitter-coated navy in the set, all done in red, white, and blue polish. The design is done on short square nails, so it’s a perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t like long nails. This summer, you can wear this design for errands, parties, or just to make yourself happy with a fresh manicure.

With the help of dotting tools and small brushes, paint the shapes. If you want a perfect palette, try Essie’s “Bikini So Teeny,” Olive & June’s “Poppy Pop,” and DND’s “Coconut Milk.” Give a touch of sparkle by painting the middle finger with “Indigo Ink” shimmer.

The good thing is that each nail offers a unique story, but everything is still connected. You can choose to wear this on a trip, or simply to remember that it’s fine to have fun. This idea has also become popular on Pinterest for Fourth of July birthday parties, and it looks great, stays festive, and won’t chip when you grab your ice cream.

Checkered Pop Star

This design mixes pop art with a picnic blanket and is all about the Summer 4th. With checkers, large red-dotted stars, and mini striped French tips, this set includes all the fun aspects of the season in a neat square shape. The bright blue color is youthful, and the neutral base makes the look less complicated. This is the Acrylic 4th manicure that stands out in a good way.

To get this bold look, grab a pigmented dip or gel polish in bright blue (try “Ocean Drive” by Modelones), fire engine red, and a true white. To get the checkered look, apply striping brush or stick on square nail vinyls. Dotting tools allow you to make the polka dots in exactly the right spots. If you’re not confident painting stars, there are plenty of stickers that look hand-drawn and stay put under a thick topcoat.

It takes time to do this set — finish your base, let it dry, and use a pencil to help you draw the stars in a symmetrical way. Checkers must be evenly spaced so that the nails look even. Chaun Legend, a nail artist, once said that an illusion manicure relies on symmetry and color blocking, and that is true here too.

Is this something I would choose for a birthday party or a concert in the open air? Absolutely. It’s a good topic to discuss, and it fits well with a red bikini or your usual denim jacket. Totally trendy, totally Fourth of-ready.

Minimal Arty Arrows

Here’s a modern twist on patriotic. The combination of red, white, and blue diagonal stripes on almond nails gives off a chic and modern look. It’s minimalist French tip meets abstract geometry. I really like that this design is so polished, with straight lines, carefully chosen shapes, and lots of empty space. Gold rings and a cold espresso would be a great match for this. Casual luxe, but still festive.

This design calls for a glossy nude base from OPI called “Bare My Soul,” and then add bold lines with “Really Red,” “Butler Please,” and a striping brush. Use some kind of guide or tape if it’s tough for you to paint neatly, and always clean your brush before using the next color to prevent the edges from getting muddy.

Mei Kawajiri, a nail artist, has often shared that displaying your natural nail gives color a more deliberate look, and I totally agree. This set is proof that simple doesn’t mean boring.

They are ideal for those who want to celebrate Fourth of July without a lot of glitter. I wore an outfit similar to what I had at the summer gel event at a local gallery, and people paid attention to it. It’s quiet, but it makes noise.

Curved Candy Ribbons

Everything about this set screams summer parade. Swirling, ribbon-like stripes in bold red, crisp white, and electric blue are seen on a neutral background. The curve of the lines matches the nail, which makes your hands appear longer and gentler. This is the more mature version of the traditional kids red-white-blue design for those who like something fun, yet polished.

A sheer pink base will give your makeup a light and transparent look. You should use Madam Glam’s “Builder in a Bottle” for structure and then apply gel liner colors on top. Begin your curvy lines at the cuticle and go slowly, as this will make the design look more natural and well-formed. Finish the design by coating it with a shiny topcoat that doesn’t need any wiping.

If you’d like to take the easier route, you can buy nail wraps with lines already printed, but painting them is more enjoyable. It feels meditative, and that’s part of the joy.

You can wear this short 4th look at the beach, at a backyard bonfire, or on your front porch with sparklers and rosé. It suits all kinds of nails, so it’s great for everyone and every occasion.

Glitterburst Fireworks & Americana Mix

This is the definition of Fourth of flair. Five different designs on short, round nails — stripes, fireworks, gold stars, navy, and glossy red — all make the nails look like a celebration in action. The gold in the stars gives it a touch of luxury, and everything is still in balance despite the different pieces. This is for those who like their nails to express something unique.

If you’re looking for strong nails, use both dip powder and gel. For example: “All the Way Red” (DipWell), “Indigo Finesse” (DND Gel), and “Gold Dust” flakes from Daily Charme. Dotting tools will help with the firework effect, and you can stamp or foil the stars if you’re after cleaner lines.

In this set, using a lot of texture and contrast makes the image even better. Just keep the shapes uniform. Even those who are experts in nails like Deborah Lippmann recommend keeping your nail length the same when you use many different patterns.

Putting on this mani is like listening to your favorite July songs — strong, cheerful, and completely from 2025. It’s great for children too, as they can pick the nail that stands out to them.

Stars & Stripes Bold and Brilliant

Sometimes, simple is powerful — and this manicure nails it (pun intended). The simple design of this set uses stripes and stars to make a noticeable statement. Things are arranged cleanly, with no apologies, and it’s easy to tell it’s Fourth of , yet the clutter is gone.

To get a patriotic look with polish, you can use the “American Dream” trio by Lights Lacquer or the “Patriot Pop” gel kit from Beetles. If you are doing the job yourself, using stencils or striping tape will ensure the lines and stars are neat. If you want your makeup to look editorial, apply a matte top coat; for a party, choose a glossy one.

I find the visual style in this place to be quite refreshing. This mani makes your hand movements seem more meaningful, and it’s clear to see it looks great with a cold drink or a popsicle wrapped in a flag.

Whenever I look at this design, I realize that bold can be simple as well. This look is proof.

Red, White & Bloom – A Sparkling Summer 4th Design

This combination of stripes, rhinestones, and florals really reminds me of fireworks at sunset. This style is a real party happening on your hands. Red and white stripes give the Fourth of July feeling, while blue diagonals and little daisies add a fun and gentle touch. Rhinestones on the center finger make the nails look fuller and more sparkly, just like the last rays of a July sunset. These colors are perfect for the Best July Nail Colors for 2025 and would get everyone’s attention at a rooftop Birthday party or a casual street barbecue.

To recreate this combo, you’ll want a high-shine gel base (I like the Aprés Gel-X Neutral Nude), a bright dip powder in scarlet (Kiara Sky’s “Red Hot Mama” is 🔥), and a crisp white striping brush polish. You can add some turquoise or cobalt striping tape for a different look, and use Swarovski crystals or any holo gems for a shiny effect. When working on florals, a dotting tool and a nail art brush will help you avoid any shaky results.

The best way to handle this hand is to act separately with each finger. Use your base color first, and then put on your stripes using either striping tape or a micro liner. Allow every color to dry separately under a lamp to prevent them from getting mixed. Apply nail glue or gel top coat and a dotting tool to put each rhinestone in the right place, and cure it after. I make sure to apply a top coat to each gem alone, because it helps them keep their sparkle, as I learned from a YouTube tech.

This manicure is meant for special occasions, not for doing chores, but July is all about bold looks. I wore a similar outfit for a picnic at Venice Beach last year, and five times girls stopped me to ask about where I got the tattoos. It is a simple 4th design that doesn’t look simple at all.

Matte Americana – Minimal Meets Bold

I love that these matte shades give the 4th of July manicure a different look. It’s minimal, yes — but not basic. We’ve got solid fire-engine reds, matte powder blues with cheeky embossed text (“Stars & Stripes”? Say less), and a splash of grid and star pattern to keep things playful. This style is giving “graphic tee meets pop art” — and I love it. This is the 4th nail trend for 2025, which you can wear with denim shorts, white sneakers, and not feel sorry about it.

For this kind of manicure, I’d use a matte dip polish system like Revel Nail in “Static” (for the red), “Sky” (for that chalky baby blue), and a neutral white for the stars. The grid and embossed text are either achieved through nail decals (easy route) or gel stamping (if you’re feeling extra).

Apply two layers of dip powder and file the surface lightly so it becomes very smooth. After that, layer on your designs. When you use decals or stamps, finish the project with a no-wipe matte top coat. The soft look is important because it gives everything a professional touch. Nail artist Sarah Nguyen pointed out in Allure this year that matte textures give a quiet look to summer’s bold colors, and I really like that idea.

Honestly? These are the ones I choose when I’m looking for a modern style but not heavy glamor. You could wear them to work, to brunch, or on your kids’ field trip — and still feel like you’ve got a style secret no one else cracked yet.

Retro Swirl Meets Starry Night

Let’s talk curves. This nail design is the perfect summer 4th choice, thanks to its waves of red, white, and navy, along with starbursts and a bit of glitter. It’s as though a vintage ribbon candy and fireworks came together to make this candy. Despite the retro look from the navy stars and the ribbons, the flag still feels very modern. Great for a pool party or a parade when the weather is hot in 2025.

To get this look, start with a neutral gel base (try “Pink Nude” from OPI’s Summer gel collection). Draw the swirls in red, white, and blue by using a fine nail art brush. You might want to try Orly’s “Star Spangled,” “White Tips,” and “Indigo Night.” Scatter some silver glitter along the edges to make it look like fireworks in the sky.

You only need to be steady and calm, and have music that helps you relax. Begin with the red central curve, and follow it by adding white and blue hugging lines. Let each section cure fully under the lamp. Put silver glitter on the highest or lowest points of your wave, where the light shines naturally. Finish with a glossy seal.

This one hits different. I decided to try it out early on, and it made me want to enjoy ice pops and listen to the music of old jukeboxes. One of my friends thought it looked like a picture taken on the Fourth of July. I’ll take that.

Glitter Stripe Game Strong

Sharp diagonal lines, glossy royal blue, and sparkly silver? In my opinion, these are the fancy relatives of the basic fourth manicure. This design is high-impact but not overworked. It’s all about rhythm: red-white-blue-silver, repeat. For those who want to feel the street 4th energy but don’t want to wave stars and flags, this is perfect. The almond shape makes the look a bit more sophisticated.

You’ll need a rich navy polish (try Zoya’s “Ryan”), a fire red, and a white gel liner. I prefer using the Mirror Chrome powder from Born Pretty — it gives a mirrorball effect when used over silver gel, without making everything too glittery.

I typically use striping tape to cover off the diagonal areas — I paint each section in turn, allowing the paint to dry before moving on. Apply silver gel and then sprinkle chrome pigment on top of it before letting it cure. Take your time on this style, since it always looks sharp and people notice it.

You should wear this if you’re going to a summer wedding or a night market in your area. I wore these shoes out for drinks in July and one girl asked if I had gotten them done at Paintbox NYC. Only a bit of DIY effort and a few clicks on your computer are needed.

Curved & Chic – Silver Accents for the Win

It looks natural and smooth — the French tips are curved and in Fourth of shades, with just the right amount of metallic glitter to reflect the light. It is a soft fabric that is also neatly put together, and it can be worn with everything from summer dresses to your everyday shoes. The stripes look like fabric as they wrap around the nails. If you like something more subtle than bold graphics, this is one of the Best July Nail Colors for 2025.

The combination of red, blue, and silver glitter that lightly outlines the curves is what makes this sing. I chose DND “Red Red” and “Blueberry Tart” and then paired it with OPI’s “Silver on Ice.” These colors balance each other without clashing. The shape? Definitely almond, which adds elegance to the casual curves.

Sometimes, when I don’t want loud music, I use this approach. You can change this design to fit your outfit or make it less glittery for a casual event. But personally? I leave the sparkle on. Always.

Fireworks Finale in Full Color

These nails? Literal explosions of joy. Like on July 4th, the hand-painted fireworks cover the red and blue backgrounds with bright colors. Thanks to the stars and dots, the design looks festive and full of American spirit. This is the Fourth of July look that goes well with shorts, some sparklers, and a melting popsicle. If you’re craving an attention-grabbing summer gel option, this one turns your fingertips into a full-blown street 4th event.

For polish, I always go with a highly pigmented red (DND “Ruby Flame”) and an inky sapphire blue (Madam Glam “Royal Blue”). The fireworks can be drawn with thin brushes and gel paints in white, pink, yellow, and blue. Apply a shiny seal on top to hold onto the brightness of the firecracker. No glitter is needed, because the artwork itself is impressive.

Creating those firework bursts is about symmetry and layers. You start from the center, add color arcs and dots one after another. Hearing Mei Kawajiri say on IG that fireworks are about contrast, I always try to make my nails stand out by making them pop.

It took me a very long time the first time I tried these. But girl, was it worth it. These nails are for nights when you stay out past curfew and forget your phone because you’re just living. You know that feeling? This is that — in acrylic 4th form.

Hot Flame Tips with a Cool Twist

If you’re done with stars and stripes but still want to feel festive, this hot flame tip look is 🔥. Literally. The crimson, orange, and electric blue flames are placed over the milky nude base, making it seem like fire is moving on your nails. Because of the soft curved edges and almond shape, these glasses don’t stand out too much to be worn on any Fourth of occasion, or even for a birthday night out.

To recreate this, start with a semi-sheer base — I love OPI’s “Bubble Bath” or Beetles’ dip powder in “Soft Nude.” The flames should be painted with a thin nail brush and gels such as Beetles “Scarlet Flame,” “Clementine Pop,” and “Bright Cobalt.” That cobalt edge is everything.

You’ll want to sketch the inner flame with the lightest color (orange), then layer red and blue at the tips. The effect gets better as the colors overlap slightly. A good trick is to cure in between every flame layer to get the crisp look. I got this idea from a tech on TikTok based in Miami, and she thought it was a good way to show patriotism without being too obvious. Agreed.

This mani is energy. I had it on for a casual day and three people commented, “Is that fire?” Yes. Yes they are.

Stars & French Stripes Remix

Now this? This is a remix on every Fourth of classic. Even though it’s a full-coverage acrylic 4th drama, the mix of vertical candy stripes, bold blue French tips, and star-spangled banner elements is what makes it unique. It looks like the Stars and Stripes, but it’s more stylish, sharper, and fits the future.

For this one, use high-gloss gel in true red (I swear by Bio Seaweed’s “Cherry Pie”) and bright blue (try “Pacific Blue” from Essie’s limited summer line). Make those neat lines with striping tape, and use either a dotting tool or a stencil to add the stars. Let the natural base be smooth and shiny to enhance the colors.

Before anything else, decide where the stripes and stars will be by using your middle and ring fingers. Finish your French tips at the end so they stay the cleanest. Always cure between color layers to keep things crisp.

This style just screams streetwear cool. I once put my costume together with a bomber jacket and high-top sneakers, and people at Whole Foods gave me a lot of compliments. Street fourth chic, for real.

Clean Fade with Stripe Geometry

After all, some people aren’t interested in having fireworks right in their hands. Certainly, some of us like clean lines, soft gradients, and just a bit of patriotic feeling. Red-white ombré, crisp lines, and color-blocked blue are combined in this design to make a 4th look that is stylish and still festive. If nail trends could be described as genres of music, this would be “elevated Americana.”

Start with dip systems in red and blue (I love the strength and saturation from DipWell). You begin with a sponge and apply white over the red polish, and then add sharp white stripes to some nails.

For a perfect fade, paint red on the base and then use a sponge to apply white starting from the tip and blend it down to the red. Apply nail tape or a precision brush to get the striped fingers. Be sure to cure every part of your painting properly, since smudging a gradient can be very disappointing.

I have been doing this design for the past three years, making small changes with each version. It’s a timeless style, looks neat, and looks good on nails of any length. My mom, who usually likes simple outfits, asked me to use this style for her last July.

USA Love Letter in Nail Form

Okay, I think these nails are the most patriotic you could imagine. The bold girls will definitely love the “USA” logo art and the bright stars and firework patterns on this dress. The designs bring together the excitement of a birthday party and interesting graphics. It has elements of pop art and is ready for a big parade — all aimed at 2025.

To get this look, go full gel. You’ll need a bold red (LeChat “Firecracker”), true blue, and opaque white. Put the “USA” text and stars on with water-slide decals or use nail art brushes to paint them by hand. Finish the painting by applying a gloss coat — shine is what makes it look great.

Layering is important here. Start with your stars, move on to the fireworks, and finish with the letter accents. Some professionals prefer to use a silicone stamper for pressing decals, as it really makes the process easier.

I don’t usually choose this outfit every year, but when I do wear it, I feel special. It’s the main character. You should be ready to explain where your outfit came from at least 25 times. This song is bold, trendy, and gives me just the right energy to start the second half of the year.

Classic Flag Meets Modern Gloss

Although the design is inspired by the American flag, it is so stylish it could appear in a fashion magazine as an ad. The stripes and stars on each nail make things look rhythmic, and the full red nails add a simple but bold touch. The oval shape gives the look a neat finish, and the very glossy surface makes everything look refined and festive. In fact, this Fourth of manicure is perfect for a fancy dinner as well as for watching fireworks from the front seat of a car.

Start with a luxe gel in true red (I love Gelish “Hot Rod Red”) and navy blue (try The Gel Bottle “Royal Navy”). For the stripes and stars, go with a highly pigmented white art gel or use striping tape and star decals if you’re not up for hand-painting. A good way to make the design look premium is to apply two top coats.

I usually make a sketch of these designs to decide which finger will hold which part, how many stars and stripes to use. That way, I avoid overloading one hand. I dot the stars on my nails first with a tool, then I add them with gel.

Whenever I want to show my patriotism in a subtle way, I go for this style. Imagine Chanel’s style at the parade, not a flag printed on a shirt. It is a simple fourth that looks very chic.

Playful Patriotic Pops for Short Nails

Short nails are perfect for the 4th of — and this design shows it off perfectly. Having solid red and blue nails with a tiny American flag placed on the ring fingers? It’s playful, poppy, and totally wearable. Also, the shiny look and bright colors make it seem more grown-up, not childish. This idea for the 4th nail is perfect for your summer picnic.

Use a dip powder or polish in cherry red (Lights Lacquer “Cherry Jelly”) and bright cobalt (Olive & June “OMG”). If you use nail wraps, you won’t have to worry about the tiny lines that come with painting by hand.

Work on the base red and blue colors on each nail in turn, and finish by adding the flag design so it doesn’t get smudged. I prefer to use a liquid latex skin guard to make the clean-up process simpler, mainly when the canvas is tight on the nails.

I like this style most when I’m not doing much and still want to look nice. I wore it at a street food truck fair and got praise from both young and old people. Big win for a simple look that delivers impact.

Minimalist Luxe with a Hint of Gold

Okay, let’s talk elegant patriotism. The stiletto design has red and blue French tips that taper off, a nude base, and a gold foil line at the point where the color meets the nude, making the design look more sophisticated. This is a sophisticated, elegant look, which is not what you’d expect for a Fourth of theme, and that’s what makes it special. This is where “quiet luxury” meets July.”

To replicate, go for a nude base gel like CND “Field Fox,” a scarlet red (like OPI “Big Apple Red”), and a true cobalt or sapphire blue. You can use foil flakes or a thin metallic tape as gold, I chose Deco Miami’s gold leaf and it was very easy to apply.

These French tips take a steady hand and patience. I advise using French tip nail guides unless you feel comfortable doing it without them. Apply the color tip first, cure it, and then gently press in the gold foil and top it with a shiny sealant. Always apply your base layers, since every detail will be seen with a neutral color.

When I used this set for my birthday, everyone kept complimenting me. A lot of people are surprised when they see how amazing red, white, and blue can be. Yep, you can.