You’ll want these mermaid manis to be a part of your world.
There’s no doubt that mermaid fever is at an all-time high right now. In addition to an uptick in summer seaside visits, Disney’s Little Mermaid live action movie has made people want to flip their fins more than ever. Mermaid manicures are an easy way to jump into the trend.
“I love that everyone can bring their inner child to play and express the mermaid trend in their own unique way,” says San Sung Kim, a manicurist at Nailing Hollywood Angency. “You can see mermaid nail design elements such as iridescent flakes, seashells, and the water being used in this trend. You can also incorporate the trend in a minimalistic and classy way by adding a hint of shimmer to a neutral color.”
Want to try one of these dreamy manicures? We’ve rounded up 9 mermaid nail ideas to inspire your next visit to the salon.
Mermaid Nail Designs
Shimmering Purple and Pearls
These mermaid nails are pure ocean fantasy. “I used a periwinkle blue base gel color and used nail glue to create the 3D art,” says Allison Eng, a gel manicurist based in Vancouver, Canada. “Next, I glued on the pearls, added a non wipe top coat, and added a purple tinted chrome powder on top to create the effect.”
Teal & Fuchsia
Does it get more mermaid-esque than stamped scales and a contrasting color combination of teal and fuchsia? Manicurist Diana Marie painted two nails the teal color, adding a chunky glitter to one and mattifying the other. Then she did a gradient pink effect and used a nail stamper to create the scale effect on two other nails, and painted the final nail a pale purple-pink and added a hint of shimmer.
Glass Mermaid Nails
Here’s another fun spin on this color combination. This variation features a hot pink and teal gradient on each nail. Adding glitter and a glass effect helps bring these mermaid nails into siren territory.
3D Seashell Nails
We’re here for a 3D seashell moment. Though this mermaid nail idea looks complicated, it’s actually not too hard to tackle. The manicurist tells us she used a rubber top coat to create the 3D effect on the middle nails, then followed up with some chrome powder for a glassy reflection. Iridescent flakes and chunky glitter round out the design.
Blue Seashell Nails
For a similar effect, follow the same steps as above. This mermaid nail design gets a little flashier, though, thanks to star-shaped glitter and clusters of gemstones. “I used colors Breezy and Daring by Luxio Akzentz ($16.95 each, The Nail Hub) and rainbow pigment, sequins for the nail design,” says manicurist Tamara Romantsova.
Under the Sea Mani
These mermaid nails were inspired by seashells, an ocean reflecting the light, and fish scales. “The water effect on the blue ocean nails was done by using Blooming Gel by Mia Secret ($12.50, Amazon) for the water reflection look,” says manicurist Lindsey Cabreros. “The 3D texture on the shell nails was done by using a paint called Tole White by Vetro Nails ($16.99, Vetro). These nails were painted over a cured layer of matte topcoat to give it dimension.” She also incorporated glitter, shimmer, and gems.
Multi-Dimensional Glitter Nails
You can definitely keep your mermaid nails simple and still channel that nymph energy. This manicure is the perfect example of that. “This look was a custom blend of blue glitter as well as pink confetti from young nails, giving it its bold blue and soft pink reflections,” says manicurist for the Pretty Nail Salon in Lakeland, Florida.
Minimalist Mermaid Nails
Go simpler yet by fishing for the perfect mermaid nail polish. Lights Lacquer just debuted their new, limited edition “Beyond the Sea” collection, which consists of four dreamy hues that conjure visions of underwater adventure. Pictured here is Are Mermaids Not Sweet? ($11, Lights Lacquer).
Holographic Mermaid Mani
This non-fussy mermaid nail design can be done in a matter of minutes, but still packs a lot of wow. All you need is a base coat followed by holographic glitter flakes. Seal it with a top coat and you’re ready to go. ILNP’s Wonderland Topper ($12.50, ILNP) adds even more glitter if you can’t get enough.
