It's official: Mermaidcore has arrived in 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 our next manicure appointment.
Halle Bailey has been spotted wearing pearl-encrusted blue nails for The Little Mermaid premiere.
Halle Bailey's pearl-encrusted mermaid nails by nail technician Yoko Sakakura.
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.
Mermaid Nail Designs
These mesmerising shimmering cat-eye nails perfectly capture the mermaid vibe without being too in the nose.
Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein used real freshwater pearls for Whitney Peak's Met Gala mani, in which she adhered to the underside of the nail. It's safe to say I'm obsessed.
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.
This mani perfectly captures how the sea sparkles in the light.
I can practically hear the seaside when I look at this ocean wave nail art.
From clams to starfish and conches, the dainty seashell nail art is quite possibly the prettiest way to tap into the mermaid nail trend.
A sheer wash of iridescent polish allows you to tap into your inner mermaid.
Shop Mermaid-Inspired Nail Polishes:
The perfect iridescent pearl polish that has a seashell-like finish.
This pink pearl is incredibly pretty IRL, with a subtle sparkling effect that makes the nails look like they've just emerged from the ocean.
I was enticed by the name, and sold on the hypnotising dual-chrome finish.
This aquatic sea green allows you to dive right in to the mermaid nail trend.
The perfect seashell pink that will take you through summer.
With gold leaf, pearl and gemstone adornments, this set is perfect for encasing 3D embellishments into your manicures if you already own Mylee's gel lamp at home.
Up Next, These Are the Only 2023 Nail Trends That You Need to Know
-
I'm Desperate to Copy Selena Gomez's Romeo + Juliet Manicure—It's Giving 1996 in the Best WayStar-crossed lovers? More like stunning nail inspo.
-
Kylie Jenner’s Jelly Plaid Nails Prove This OPI Color Is Truly the Most VersatileThe chicest mani staple.
-
Forget Red—Experts Say These 10 Chic Nail Trends Are Taking Over This WinterCelebrity manicurists spotlight moody hues and textured designs.
-
This Viral Nail Polish Brand Is So Good I Bring It to the Salon With Me—My 17 Top ShadesMy manicure will never be boring again.
-
I've Finally Tired of Pink Nails—This Is the Chic Polish Shade I'm Wearing for the Foreseeable FutureEarthy tones are in.
-
This Has Been OPI's Best-Selling Fall Nail Color for Decades—TikTok Says It's Especially Relevant in 2025Search volume has grown 83% month over month.
-
Heads-Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.
-
It's Official: Dua Lipa's Red Halo Nails Are the Coolest Way to Wear a Fall-to-Winter ManicureIt's simple and chic.
