Mermaid Nails Are the Prettiest Summer Manicure Trend (2024)

When it comes to nail art, we love a theme, and one thematic summer manicure trend has caught our attention: mermaid nails. The aquatic aesthetic is cropping up on our grid and For You pages with some of our favorite manicurists and influencers leaning into the look.

The mermaid movement has been building for a while, with crimped mermaid waves, wet-look hair, and dolphin skin all making a splash over the past couple of years. And if the autumn-winter ’23 runways are anything to go by, interest in the trend is only set to intensify. Dion Lee painted shimmering scales across the models' foreheads, Chloe gilded its models' eyes in fluid silver, Di Petsa leaned into the aesthetic hard with sandy skin, silver-lined lips and fishnet hair accessories, and wet waves were worn at Collina Strada and Kim Shui.

Now that we're heading into summer, which means sipping co*cktails in the sunshine and sunbathing on the beach, we reckon now is the perfect time to jump onto that ship.

As for mermaid nails, the finish is everything. Think metallic silvers that replicate shimmering scales and aqua tones of sea foam, turquoise, and azure. Likewise, pearlescent shell-like shades are in, which bodes well for the high-shine appeal of chrome and glazed nails, which remain popular for another summer.

If you want to go a little more literal, we have all the inspo there too. We've seen nails decorated with teensy shells, starfish and waves, which may not sound chic, but we've got the pics to prove it. Ditto tiny pearl details dotted across nails play perfectly into the theme.

Want in? See some of our favorite ways to wear mermaid nails below.

Blue chrome splash nails

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Ocean blue shimmer

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Pearlescent Frenchies

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Pearls, sand, and starfish

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Seashell tips

Shimmer scale nails

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Gold starfish accents

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South Sea pearl nails

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Wave nails

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Sea mist blue and seashell accents

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Wave print

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Wet-look chrome nails

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Caught in the net nails

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3D mermaid nails

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Marble water nails

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Scales nails

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3D seashell print nails

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Mermaid tail nails

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Orange starfish nails

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What the shell nails

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Pearl-speckled nails

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Allover pearl nails

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Shimmer and wave swirl nails

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Waterdrop nails

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Seashell-accent nails

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Sand and starfish nails

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Mermaid Nails Are the Prettiest Summer Manicure Trend (2024)

FAQs

Mermaid Nails Are the Prettiest Summer Manicure Trend? ›

As for mermaid nails, the finish is everything. Think metallic silvers that replicate shimmering scales and aqua tones of sea foam, turquoise, and azure. Likewise, pearlescent shell-like shades are in, which bodes well for the high-shine appeal of chrome and glazed nails, which remain popular for another summer.

What is a mermaid manicure? ›

To give you a taste of what a typical mermaid manicure looks like, think aqua shades, metallic silvers and nail art that looks like scales, shimmering with rhinestones, glitter and even shell-shaped press-ons.

What is the nail trend for summer 2024? ›

Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi. She speaks to the versatility of jellies, adding that they can be bright, neutral, or pastel. “The recent Met Gala showcased numerous stunning jelly nail looks, and I had the privilege of creating three out of four of them.”

What is the most popular nail trend right now? ›

10 Hottest Nail Trends Right Now: From Runway to Your Fingertips
  1. Nail Art with an Edge: ...
  2. Minimalistic Elegance: ...
  3. More than French Tips: ...
  4. Ombré Nails: ...
  5. Embellishments Galore: ...
  6. Negative Space Nails: ...
  7. Chrome and Metallic Finishes: ...
  8. Abstract Nail Designs:

What are the nail trends for summer 23? ›

Whether you opt for bubble bath-pink lip gloss nails or a baby blue shade, one of the most popular trends for 2023 is a milky effect.

What is a Princess Prince manicure? ›

Princess or Prince Manicure (for 7 yrs below)

This manicure includes nail shaping, cuticle hydration, and a relaxing lower arm and hand massage. Your selection of polish adds a personalized touch.

How do you use mermaid nail polish? ›

- perform a classic gel polish, acrylic and gel manicure; - apply a top coat (Dry Top or Shine On is recommended), then sprinkle some of the Mermaid Effect dust; - cure in the UV or LED lamp; - with the soft brush remove excess of dust.

What is the most popular summer nail color? ›

Summer 2024 Nail Trend: Pastel Nail Colors

“This summer, soft and delicate pastels will gain popularity with baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon leading the palette,” says Walton. It's fresh and fun for summertime without the intensity of the brights and neons we're used to seeing in the warm months.

Are French manicures out of style in 2024? ›

Well, guess what — that classic French Manicure is trending again in 2024. And Selena Gomez and celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik are here for it and it's being dubbed in the "French Chateau". Originating in the 1970s, this elegant and understated nail style has experienced a revival recently.

What is the most attractive nail? ›

Red conveys a direct attraction and is associated with sensuality and erotic interest. Black, one of the favorite colors, is considered particularly trendy and is therefore also associated with attractiveness.

What color nails should a 40 year old woman wear? ›

When in doubt, a neutral nail color is the way to go. The neutrals range from nude to sheer tints of beige. These more natural-looking colors are perfect if you like to keep things simple, and they work well for both every day and evening occasions.

What nail color is trending right now? ›

Pastel Hues: Soft and delicate pastel nail polish colors are also trending this year. These light shades bring a touch of elegance and femininity to your nails, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and sophisticated look. Metallic Finishes: Metallic nail polish shades are gaining popularity in 2024.

What are milky nails? ›

Milky nails are natural but tres chic manicure that creates a soft, translucent, milky-white sheen on the nails, offering a subtly sophisticated alternative to bolder nail colors.

What is a good nail color for May? ›

"Vibrant oranges, greens, and pretty pinks are perfect springtime manicures to welcome the warmer weather."

What is a unicorn manicure? ›

Unlike glazed-donut nails, which are more neutral and subtle, unicorn nails are playful and fun. The best chrome nail polishes will help you get a similar look, but unicorn nails typically use pastel shades. Think of your nails like a mood ring: You'll see different pastel shades within the reflective chrome finish.

What is mermaid nail powder? ›

“Mermaid” nail powder comes with a ton of different names, which can easily confuse people as to what the product actually “is”. Mermaid nail powder is commonly referred to as unicorn nail powder, pearl, magical, holographic, chrome, fantasy, and more.

What does the Italian manicure look like? ›

What Is an Italian Manicure? According to Hang Nguyen, it is a manicure hack for creating narrow nail beds by applying polish to the center of your nail bed, leaving a little bit of space on the sides and near the cuticle for an elongated look.

What do you call manicures that eliminate soaking the nails in water? ›

What do you call manicures that eliminate soaking the nails in water? waterless manicure.

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