There’s nothing quite like the incredible sensation of dipping your toes into the ocean and feeling the waves gently caress your feet. It’s a simple pleasure that instantly transports you to a place of pure bliss.
So, imagine capturing that feeling on your nails!
Whether you’re attending a poolside party, lounging by the beach or going on a beach vacation soon, these nail designs are guaranteed to make a stylish statement and add excitement to your day. Plus, you can style them for both long and short nails.
Ahead are 20 gorgeous ocean-inspired nail trends that can bring the magic of the sea wherever you go.
Ocean-Inspired Nail Trends for Short Nails
Sunset in a Yacht
Credit: @lunulanaillab
Just imagine cruising through the ocean on a luxurious yacht, basking in the sun’s warmth (slathered in sunscreen, of course). Isn’t that what life is all about?
Well, for us, it’s definitely one of the top adventures on our list! And this nail design perfectly captures our dream, expressing it with vibrant colours and elements that bring our oceanic fantasies to life.
Ocean Blue
Credit: @chelseaqueen
If you’re looking for a nail design that’s both simple and eye-catching, this marble-like pattern is just what you need.
This beautiful and attractive design doesn’t go overboard with complicated details. Its subtle elegance makes it perfect for anyone who wants their nails to look effortlessly stunning during this summertime.
A Whale’s Tale
Credit: @the_tinypainter
The deep blue sea has nothing on this design!
Get lost in the enchanting allure of these illusionist blue wave ripples, transporting you to the depths of the sea. With a palette that mirrors the serene hues of the ocean and sky, this nail art design evokes the refreshing sensation of taking a dip or, better yet, go whale-watching?!
Marble Vibes
Credit: @spa_de_manos
We’re losing ourselves in admiration over this ocean-inspired nail design!
Let your nails make a splash with this eye-catching marble-like design that adds a pop of colour and excitement to your summer adventures. It’s fun and cute, and your nails are going to look so on point when you take a dip into the ocean.
Sunset Oasis
Credit: @nbnailart
No need to hop on a plane to California when you can bring the beach vibes, stunning sunsets, and palm trees right to your fingertips! But hey, if you’re set on going to California, who are we to stand in your way? Just know that with this nail art, you’ll have double the vacation vibes.
Not only can you enjoy the beach, sunset, and palm tree feels, but you’ll also have a mini getaway right at your fingertips.
Tidal Wave
Credit: @betina_goldstein
Nothing feels better than floating in the ocean and gazing up at the sky while letting all your burdens melt away as the waves hit your skin. With this design on your fingertips, you’ll definitely want to plan your next beach vacay soon!
Mermaid Glass Nails
Credit: @nuka.nails
Another nail design that has caught our attention is this 3D manicure that oozes irresistible mermaid vibes.
This beautiful nail design reminds us of Glass Beach, where you can find lots of pretty colourful glass pieces on the shore. To create this design, the manicurist skilfully applies builder gel, a specialised type of gel polish that enhances the length, thickness, and strength of your natural nails.
Summer by the Sea
Credit: @betina_goldstein
Sandy toes and salty kisses aren’t the only things you need when going to the beach.
Complete your beach-ready look by getting your nails done with these stunning seashell-inspired designs. If you prefer a minimalist approach, this would suffice. However, you can also add a vibrant base hue like turquoise or orange to give this manicure a bold and eye-catching twist.
Ocean-Inspired Nail Trends for Long Nails
Perfect Match
Credit: @joelyoceannails
Elevate your summer style with perfectly coordinated nails that match your swimwear, making a splash wherever you go! These stunning colours come together to form a harmonious blend that perfectly complements your swimwear, adding an extra touch of summer magic to your overall look.
Sea-Side Bliss
Credit: @joelyoceannails
For those who love simple nail designs but love to stand out, this is for you! This nail design incorporates two shades of blue and a delicate touch of pink as the base colour for a soothing ambience, allowing you to achieve the desired effect effortlessly.
Ride the Waves
Credit: @rebekahxpritchard
This nail design flawlessly captures the essence of oceanic beauty, drawing inspiration from the graceful waves and vibrant hues of the sea.
Intricately crafted, it artfully blends shades of green to recreate the mesmerising movement of waves, creating a truly captivating and unique design.
Mermaid Tales
Credit: @heygreatnails
This exquisite blue nail design with its shell-like detailing evokes the enchanting vibe of an open seashell, adorned with shimmering pearls, reminiscent of the captivating scenes we’ve cherished in the beloved show, The Little Mermaid.
Coastal Beauty
Credit: @nailsinurcoffin
Indulge in the elegance of pearl-hued nails that effortlessly radiate sophistication, reminiscent of precious pearls glistening under soft lighting. The exquisite shell-like texture adds a touch of whimsy and charm to these nails, creating a captivating and unique look that catches the eye.
These nail designs, decorated with pretty pearls, will surely make a strong impact wherever you show them off.
Baby Shark
Credit: @home_of_deva
If Great White sharks were as cute as this adorable one, we definitely would have considered cage diving (perhaps even without the cage).
With a cute shark motif and pirate-inspired elements, this adorable nail design is perfect for showing off your adventurous side while sailing or diving. This playful nail art will surely make you stand out!
Aquamarine
Credit: @phoebesummernails
We can’t help but be amazed by this absolutely stunning nail design that features a swirling pattern in a beautiful aquamarine colour. It’s like a work of art on your nails! The talented nail artist, Phoebe Cascarina, used different shades of blue nail lacquer to create this masterpiece.
The rich and vibrant colours make you think of relaxing beach vacations. It’s the perfect choice when you want a little piece of that beachy vibe right at your fingertips.
The Red Crab
Credit: @home_of_deva
We don’t know about you, but we’ve always had a soft spot for Sebastian, the lovable character from The Little Mermaid. This nail design, skilfully captured by @home_of_deva, beautifully showcases Sebastian’s charms.
Plus, whenever we visit the beach, we can’t help but go on shell-hunting adventures, secretly wishing to stumble upon a shell that resembles Sebastian himself!
Under the Sea
Credit: @phoebesummernails
The manicurist definitely has a steady hand while creating this work of art!
For an under-the-sea moment, this playful twist on a beach-inspired nail look gives you all the feeling you need when you’re out in the ocean. It evokes feelings of being beneath the sea and gazing up as the sun rays penetrate the water.
This design also has a snake-like vibe to it. So, if you’re someone who isn’t a fan of reptiles, then this design might not be for you!
Starfish Chic
Credit: @hellygreenman
Starfish are such a pretty theme to choose for your summer beach nails, especially if you’re planning to go on a beach trip soon.
Using bright and vibrant neon hues, these manicures are bursting with lively colours. These fun and playful designs perfectly capture the tropical vibes and are sure to add a touch of excitement and joy to your summer outings.
Mermaid Tail
Credit: @diananailedit
The swirled texture and colour of this nail design resembles the enchanting appearance of a mermaid’s tail. It creates a captivating and whimsical look, perfect for adding a touch of fantasy to your style.
Catch The Little Mermaid film yet? If not, add a touch of glamour to your fantasy and musical movie night with this enchanting mermaid-inspired nail and sparkle along with the characters on screen!
Dreamy Corals
Credit: @nailsmyth
Let your nails become a gateway to a world of wonder and excitement! This stunning nail art featuring a matte blue with colourful corals complemented by adorable jellyfish and whale designs is truly one of our favourites!
It effortlessly captures the magical ambience of starry nights at the beach, invoking a sense of adventure, exploration, and the thrill of diving into the ocean’s depths.
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