9 4th of July Nail Ideas to Light Up the Sky

From hotdog-eating contests to fireworks displays, there's no holiday quite like Independence Day in the US. It's a day for unrestrained patriotism, where people rock the stars and stripes on clothes, shoes, hats, tablecloths, and even their nails. 

From understated holiday-themed nails to full-on red, white, and blue, our 4th of July nail ideas will help you rock this American holiday.

Sure red, white, and blue nails may seem a little on the nose, but so are all the American flag tank tops that you'll see at every Independence Day gathering. We love this for the subtlety of it all. You're giving a nod to the stars and stripes without wearing it over every part of your body.

Get the look:

• OPI nail lacquer in Big Apple Red
• OPI nail lacquer in Yoga-ta Get This Blue
• OPI nail lacquer in Funny Bunny
• OPI Infinite Shine primer and top coat

We love the delicate sparks that light up the night when we hold sparklers. And these sparkling fingertips are perfect for lighting up the night in your own special way.

Get the look:

• LA Colors Glitter Craze nail polish in Glitter Bomb

Is there anything more American on the 4th of July than apple pie? These apple-green nails are the perfect nod to this all-American dessert.

Get the look:

• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in Limestone
• Sally Hansen Advanced Hard Nails in topcoat

We all remember the school story of 6-year-old George Washington chopping down the cherry tree and then owning up to his antics. It's one of many myths about the man, the legend, GW. And while it may not be true, it's still a tale that's as enmeshed in Americana as a 4th of July party. Which is why we love these demure red and white nails with their simple cherry art for Independence Day.

Get the look:

• OPI nail lacquer in Funny Bunny
• OPI nail lacquer in Big Apple Red
• Cherry nail art stickers
• OPI Infinite Shine primer and top coat

Squeeze the day... nothing is more satisfying on a hot and sunny Independence Day than a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade. So, how cute are these lemony nails, anyway? You'll get lots of compliments as you pour everyone a glass.

Get the look:

• Essie nail polish in Wild Nude
• Lemon nail art decals
• Essie nail polish in Sunny Business
• Essie nail polish in Blanc
• Essie stay longer top coat

As rousing as a Sousa march saluting the American flag, these stars and stripes toenails are the stuff that super cute pedi dreams are made of. 

Get the look:

• Star nail decals
• OPI nail lacquer in Big Apple Red
• OPI nail lacquer in Tile Art to Warm Your Heart
• OPI nail lacquer in Funny Bunny
• OPI Infinite Shine primer and top coat

If it's understated patriotism you're going for, then this red, white, and blue mani is the one for you. It has all the Fourth of July elements but in a subtle and adorable way, with matte white nails, dots, and just a skosh of fireworky glitter on a few fingers.

Get the look:

• OPI nail lacquer in Big Apple Red
• OPI nail lacquer in Tile Art to Warm Your Heart
• OPI nail lacquer in Funny Bunny
• OPI matte topcoat
• INM Northern Lights silver glitter top coat
• Nail art brushes and dotting tools

We love this full-on matte version of red, white, and blue. It gives your nails a patriotic tinge but leaves the real fireworks for the sky.

Get the look:

• OPI nail lacquer in Big Apple Red
• OPI nail lacquer in Tile Art to Warm Your Heart
• OPI nail lacquer in Funny Bunny
• OPI matte topcoat

Your Fourth of July nails will be fireworks-ready with this night-sky background and glimmering sparkles of light. It's a one-coat wonder (plus top coat), so it's so easy to do.

Get the look:

• ILNP nail polish in After Midnight
• ILNP Glass Candy ultra-glossy top coat

Related: Need More Ideas? Here are 7 July Nail Ideas That Showcase Summer Shades

Sure, America should take center stage on Independence Day. But that doesn't mean you can't do a little sparkling of your own. And we think these Fourth of July nail ideas will give you just the right amount of sparkle while still letting the USA shine.