Are you the type of person who spends every second of a beach vacation diving through waves and challenging people to water handstand contests? Did you watch The Little Mermaid so many times that you memorized every line and choreographed move? Then we bet you’ll love these mermaid nails.
And we bet that you’ve paid way too much for a mermaid tail. At least once.
And you know what? We don’t blame you! Mermaids embody the essence of oceanic beauty, channeling the allure of the deep blue waves and the iridescent treasures found beneath. And…they have great fashion sense. Seashell tops and shimmery scales everywhere? Sign us up! Once we figure out that whole “breathing underwater” thing, anyway.
Until then, these creative mermaid nail art ideas will have to do.
35 Mermaid Nails
1. Mermaid Core Nails
Bubbles, swirls, and pearls, oh my! Wait…wrong movie.
2. Opalescent Scales
This look is a slightly more understated way to say, “I would rather be diving for seashells than explaining how you can print a PDF file for the 10th time.”
3. Sunset Nails with Stars
An ocean sunset has nothing on this manicure. Other than being a way bigger, jaw dropping, daily act of Mother Nature. Okay…well these are a close second.
4. Pink Pearly Shells
Are the shells? Are they rays of light? Or are they just a great conversation starter?
5. Seashells & Pearls
Are these the seashells that Sally keeps talking about?
6. Lily Pads and Sea Sirens
This is giving “rowing through a pond while singing ‘Kiss the Girl'” vibes. In a totally consensual way, of course.
7. Blue Pearl 3D Nails
Pearly whites? No, no. We’re all about these pearly blues. And that has nothing to do with the fact that we spilled our blue polish on our white polish.
8. Mermaid Vibes
It’s the tentacles for us.
9. Green Mermaid Nails
You’ll be the Kelp Queen with this manicure. King Triton would be so lucky.
10. Accent Scales
Don’t mind us as we rewatch Aquamarine for the 100th time. (We only wish that was an exaggeration.)
11. Little Mermaid Nails
Tell us you’re absolutely stoked for Halle Bailey‘s Little Mermaid without telling us.
12. Mix ‘n Match Mermaid Nail Art
It’s a little bit mermaid, and a little bit Mermaid Man. It’s not, however, a little bit Alexis. But that’s fine.
13. Ocean Dipped Nails
Take your ombré game to the sea with these stunning nails. Bring us back a cool shell, while you’re at it.
14. Under The Sea Little Mermaid Nails
Darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter…but only after this manicure dries!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CsnkcCjOafl/
15. Scales And Shells With Pearls
Don’t lay out on the beach with these in the open for too long, or someone might try to add them to their shell collection. Also, you don’t want to get a sunburn.
16. 3D Seashell Nails
There Ariel goes, diving for more forks.
17. Little Mermaid-Inspired Nail Art
The blues and pinks, the starfish, the subtle pops of gemstones…sorry what were you asking? We were just listing our ideal interior decor ideas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Csm9OMVRAPA/
18. Blue and Purple Mermaid Nails
Go big and bold with this mani idea. And then go home, because honestly it’s been a day and you deserve a break.
19. Neon Mermaid Stiletto Nails
Neons? For mermaid nails? Miranda Priestly would be impressed with your creativity.
20. Simple Sparkle Nails
If you want to keep things simple, this is an easy way to give off the mermaid vibe without needing any artistic abilities. We peaked in our 4th grade art class, and we’re okay with that.
21. Mermaid Nail Art
When they take the “art” part of “mermaid nail art” literally. Isn’t this supposed to be in a museum somewhere?
22. Glitter Scale Accent Nails
We told you that glitter from New Year’s Eve was going to be impossible to get rid of!
23. Oyster and Pearls Nails
The world is your oyster? Or you are the world’s oyster? That’s what we thought.
24. Mix and Match 3D Mermaid Nail Designs
Why pick your favorite part about being a mermaid when you can choose them all! Or, at least 10. Take that, octopi.
25. Short Mermaid Nails
Short nail girlies can still rock mermaid nails with the best of them. And still be able to zip up a coat. What a time to be alive.
26. Sea Creature Nails
We all know that Flounder is the best Disney sidekick to ever exist, and this manicure gives him the spotlight he deserves. Not now Sebastian!
27. Reverse French Tip Sparkles
Add a little bit of sparkle to your life with this nail design. It’s way more practical than carrying that disco ball around.
28. Multicolor Pearl Nails
Are we seeing all these different colors shining through, or have we just been sitting out in the sun for too long?
29. Blue and Gold Scales
Nothing screams “mermaid” like gold and blue scales. Other than that guy on the dock who keeps yelling “mermaid!” Wonder what’s going on?
30. Pink and Teal Mermaid Nail Art
Lisa Frank, meet mermaidcore.
31. Ursula Nail Art
Ursula might have made Ariel’s life a bit difficult, but you can’t say she’s not a good business woman! To think how much more we could with eight hands…
32. Breakthrough Scales
Did your manicure start to chip? Or was this totally intentional? We’ll never tell. XOXO, Gossip Girl.
33. Sandbox Nail Art
We’re not totally sure how this nail design works, but we imagine it was as easy as going to the beach with wet nails. We still have some in our hair from last year’s vacation.
34. Wave Tips
Surf’s up! We’ll watch from here. You’re doing great, sweetie.
35. Pearly White Nails
Subtle and simple, these chrome nails would definitely be the go-to nails for any mermaid royalty. Is Hailey Bieber trying to tell us something?
When not sitting behind a computer writing and editing, she’s an avid runner and yogi with an RYT 200 certification. Follow her on Instagram @hannah_rex and LinkedIn.
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