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 shell-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. Browse pearlescent nails, shell-inspired 3D nail designs and more for your next sea-themed nail look!
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.
Below are some gorgeous mermaid nails to get your summer manicure ideas flowing!
Marble Ocean Nails
Channel ocean vibes and serenity with these wave-inspired marbled blue mermaid nails for your next beach vacation.
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.
Seafoam Blue Short Round Nails
Seafoam blue is a gorgeous color for ocean-themed nails. Keep your nails simple but mermaid-inspired with a solid seafoam blue polish shade.
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!
Mermaid Nails With Pearls and Crystals
Look like a mermaid who’s just raided some sunken treasure with pearl encrusted nails. For a quick look, you can also shop press-on acrylic mermaid nails when you can’t make it to the salon.
Shell & Starfish-Inspired Nail Art
Use mermaid-inspired colors with ocean-themed nail art like starfish, sand dollars or shells for your nail look.
Shell-Shaped 3D Nails Designs
Create a 3D nail look that looks like the outside of a shell for an ocean-inspired manicure using mermaid-inspired nail colors. Add a pearl for an extra touch!
Pearlescent Mermaid Nails
These nails have an iridescent shimmer that changes color in different lighting for an eye-catching mermaid nail look.
Blue Glass Mermaid Nails
Mermaid don’t have to be intricate to be stunning – just take a look at these cyan blue glass nails that have a simple, but stunning oceanic vibe.
Mermaid themed nails are a fantastic way to show off your style this summer.
So, whether you’re heading to the beach or just hanging out with friends, give these ocean inspired nails a try and let your inner mermaid shine!
