Beauty

17 Ideas For Mermaid Nails, From Subtle Shimmer To Pearl Designs

Channel your inner Ariel.

by Erin Stovall and Olivia Rose Rushing
Here are the best design ideas for mermaid nails.
@sansungnails
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With Memorial Day Weekend signaling that sweet summertime is (nearly) upon us — The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey is set to premiere in just a few short days, and is no doubt primed to be one of the biggest films of summer. I mean, anyone else had “Part Of Your World” live rent free in their mind since the trailer dropped?

While the actor and singer has been teasing her role as Ariel with stunning mermaid-inspired gowns, extra-long island girl locs, and ocean-inspired manicures — all things mermaidcore have actually been trending for quite some time. Case in point? Siren eye makeup techniques have been taking centerstage amongst the trends for over a year now, and sultry wet hair has been all over red carpets and beyond as of late. What’s more, the ethereal trend is having a moment cross-category, as TikTok is currently completely obsessed with the mermaidcore home aesthetic.

Whether you are traveling to a breezy beachside resort this summer, need a fresh set for a The Little Mermaid watch party, or perhaps just want to live your mermaid fantasy as the weather gets warmer in the coming weeks — here are 17 mermaid nail art ideas for salon goers and at-home painters alike.

1Beach Treasures

These conversation-starting nails are reminiscent of found sea glass.

23D Pearly Seashells

Upgrade your netural nails with some 3D shell detailing and a bit of sparkle for good measure.

3Sparkling Sand

A neutral, peach-toned mani with some subtle sparkle mimics the looks of sandy beaches shimmering under the summer sun.

4You Want Thingamabobs?

Yoko Sakakura created Halle Bailey’s chromatic turquoise tips for The Little Mermaid premiere with Aprés Nail Gel-X lacquers. The very mermaidcore 3D pearls and colorful crystals of different sizes make the look all the more quintessentially Ariel, reminiscent of her unique collection found objects and “thingamabobs” aplenty.

5Blue Frost

This glittering set looks like the deep blue sea’s surface glistening in the sunlight.

6Pearl-Lined French Tips

Glamorously elegant, itty bitty pearls outlining your French tips is the embodiment of “quiet luxury.”

7Ocean Chrome Press-Ons

Craving a mermaid-inspired manicure in a pinch? These blue chrome press-ons from Quickies are an easy add-to-cart.

8The World Is Your Oyster

This neutral mani shifts to a green-hued holographic shade in the light, and is inspired by oceanic pearls found within colorful oyster shells.

9Subtle Seashell Art

For seashell-inspired nails that aren’t 3D, this pearly nail art gives a subtle mermaidcore vibe.

10Holographic Glaze

For all of the mermaid vibes, a sheer layer of holographic polish over some textured 3D tips gives a seriously otherworldly effect.

11Dark Siren Chromes

Embrace your dark side with these colorfully chromatic tips (with 3D water droplets and fishnet texture for good measure).

12Release The Kraken

This tiny octopus portrait is *chef’s kiss.*

13Blue Jelly Lacquer

For the at-home painters, this mid-tone blue polish à la Lights Lacquer has a jelly-like finish that gives your mani some juicy high-shine.

14Textured Seashell French

A fan of French nails, but want a mermaid twist? Opt for a 3D coral-hued pop of color for a manicure that looks like seashells IRL.

15Under The Sea Set

This ocean-inspired set adorned with gold nail gems is giving all of the pirate’s treasure vibes.

16Baby Blue Chrome French

Adorn your colorful French with some tiny pearls for a siren-esque set.

17Buried Treasure

For XXL nails that have a whole lot of personality, this pirate-inspired set is truly magical.