Mermaid Nails Are Summer’s Prettiest Nail Trend—11 Designs I’ve Screen-Grabbed

It’s official: Mermaidcore has arrived to the world of beauty. We’re already well acquainted with tousled beachy hair and mermaid waves, and now the trend is taking to our fingertips via mermaid nails. Searches for “mermaidcore” have soared 80% on Pinterest in the past three months, and the term has 187 million views and counting on TikTok. With the release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid—and the beautiful Halle Bailey cast as Ariel—it’s unsurprising that we’re turning to all-things under the sea when we’re booking in for our next manicure appointment.

I’ve been spying how celebrity nail techs are tapping into the mermaid-inspired nail art, and their takes are seriously chic and surprisingly wearable. From ocean nail art to shimmering seashell effect polishes and even freshwater pearl adornments, there are so many mermaid nail designs to get excited about this summer. Ahead, you’ll find the best mermaid nail art designs we’ve found as well as the polishes you’ll need to recreate the mood. 

These mesmerising shimmering cat-eye nails perfectly capture the mermaid vibe without being too in the nose. 

These pearl-tipped nails are a chic nod to the mermaidcore trend.

If you’re a milky nail stan, then swap your usual sheer white in for a seashell-inspired lacquer with an iridescent finish.

Osyter shell nails, anyone? This micro nail art is both delicate and fun.

I love the subtle pearl accents on this neutral nail colour base.