Looking for anything but simple mermaid nails for summer?
Make a salon appointment now, because I’m serving up some shimmery, scale-covered mermaid nails for the beach and beyond!
One of the hottest trends each summer on my #nailinspo board is mermaid themed nails. These scale-inspired manicures are all about capturing the magic of the ocean, and they’re perfect for anyone who wants to add a little fantastical shimmer and sparkle to their summer look.
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What Are Mermaid Themed Nails?
Mermaid nails are nail designs that look like the shimmering scales of a mermaid or reflect ocean themes. They often include:
- Iridescent nail colors: Think colors that change in the light, like the inside of a seashell.
- Glitter and shimmer: Lots of sparkle to make your nails shine like the ocean.
- Ocean blues and greens: Pastel colors like teal, aqua, and seafoam are a must for mermaid nails, while soft pinks, peaches and golds are just as stunning.
- Gem and pearl decorations: Little 3D pearls or gemstones that look like treasures from the sea.
- Ocean-Themed Nail Art: Think shells, sand dollars and starfish nail art.
How To Get The Look:
You can get mermaid nails at a nail salon, or you can even try doing them yourself! Here are some ideas:
- Ombre Effect: Use different shades of blue and green to create a smooth color blend on your nails.
- Glitter Top Coat: Add a sparkly top coat over your favorite nail polish for an instant mermaid vibe, because mermaid nails are all about the shimmer and shine!
- Scale Designs: You can use nail stickers or special tools to create scale patterns. Nail sites like What’s Up Beauty have mermaid-themed nail stamps for a diy mermaid nail look at home.
- Adding 3D elements: You can buy little plastic shells, and pearl like nail decorations to really give that under the sea look.
- Shell-Shaped Nails: A more advanced look, create a gel or acrylic mermaid nail that mimics a seashell.
Why Mermaid Nails are Perfect for Summer:
- They’re fun and playful.
- They match the summer vibe and are a perfect nail idea for that summer beach party or boat trip.
- They add a touch of magic to any outfit.
Below are some gorgeous mermaid nails to get your summer manicure ideas flowing!
Chrome Mermaid Nails
These glowing nails have a chrome finish for a stunning shimmer! Add some ocean nail art or pearls to further glam up this look.

Glitter Mermaid Nails
Add extra shine on your mermaid nails with a glitter tip or top coat to shine all the way down the beach!

Scale-Inspired Mermaid Nails
Add some fish scales to your nails for an instant mermaid look. You can find nail stamps or stickers that can help you achieve this look at home!
