The 14 Pretty Ocean-inspired Nails You Will Love To Copy 2024
Would you like to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just relax on a beach? Now you can keep the seashore at your fingertips with pretty ocean-inspired nail designs. There are many creative ways to show off your love for the sea with stunning ocean nail art ideas. From beachy waves to mermaid scales and even sharks, these nautical nails will give you a tidal wave of inspiration for your next manicure.
Top 14 Pretty Ocean-inspired Nails
Acrylic Ocean Nails
Surfers at the North Shore would be stunned by these gorgeous ocean nails. They are acrylics that are not easy for beginners to pull off. However, the nail artists at your local salon may be up to the task. Show them the image and see what they think. Remember, you can customize them to different lengths and shapes, too.
Beach Nails
There's nothing like relaxing on a sandy beach with frothy waves lapping at your feet. This look includes at least three shades of polish, including soft beige, white, and ocean blue. The blue can be diluted with the white for a lighter hue. Then top it all off with a matte top coat.
By the way, the almond shape makes these nails both trendy and comfortable for wearing on vacation.
Seaside Sparkle
Although the glitter clamors for attention, don’t miss out on the hints of purple amongst the waves.
Tools to Help You Do Ocean Nails at Home
Let’s pause for a moment to show you the best polish and accessories to do ocean-inspired nails at home.
First, blossom gel is the secret to marbled waves. It’s easy to use if you’re familiar with gel polish. After you apply the base coat and cure it, brush on the blossom or “blooming” gel. Before you cure it, add a drop or two of colored polish. The color will blossom across the nail. You can alter how it looks and make ocean waves with a brush. Here’s a video that shows how to use blossom gel.
Next, beach nails often feature a pearly or iridescent finish. That’s easy to get in one step with Opal Pearl gel. With three dozen shades to choose from, there’s no end to the mermaid magic you can create.
Moreover, we love Flash Glitter gel which comes in two dozen colors. Each one has a different reflective effect depending on the lighting.
But when it comes to details like adding a coral reef or fish to your manicure, nothing beats line art gel for precision nail art. And if you still need to gain the confidence for hand-drawing nautical themes, there are lots of nail stickers that can help. Also, check out the nail charms and rhinestones to find the perfect accent.
Lastly, you don't need gel polish to do ocean nails. There are many beautiful nail lacquers in ideal shades for a maritime manicure.
Charming Seaside Nails
Yes, you can hand-paint the ocean for this look. But you can also find stickers that imitate the sunlit water. What’s more, a makeup sponge can create the frothy white edge of the waves.
Japanese Ukiyo-e Nails
This manicure is done in the style of Japanese woodblock prints. For all we know, it could've been done by hand. But we've also seen nail stickers that can produce a similar result. Then you only need an opaque neutral base in a natural shade and a matte top coat.
Gradient Ocean Nails
You might also call these mermaid nails or ombre ocean nails. If you’ve never done a gradient design, it’s actually pretty easy. Check out this video for tips on how to blend colors seamlessly.
Shark Nails
The much-misaligned shark is an essential player in a healthy ocean. When you wear an ocean-inspired manicure with sharks, starting a conversation about conservation and protecting the wildlife in our seas is easy.
Whale Nails
These cute cetacean-themed nails don't require extensions to look adorable. It's easy to get the clean-edged stripes with nail tape. Then, you can use stencils or stickers to do the whales. Finally, a nearly dry brush with a dab of white polish creates the spray.
Stamped Ocean Nails
Nail stamps make it quick and easy to do all sorts of designs, like sea turtles and seahorses.
Embossed Ocean Nails
How do they get the raised texture on top of these pretty pastel gradient nails? The white starfish and seaweed might be painted with embossing gel.
Ocean Nails with a Palm Tree
Here’s a maritime-themed twist on French tips. We love these milky pink nails with waves lapping at the ends. They look just like a hazy day at the seaside. Plus, the palm tree accent nail is perfect.
Treasure of the Sea Nails
Beautiful shells are often prized as treasures, as are pearls and bits of colorful sea glass. This mermaid-worthy manicure is elegant, sophisticated, and definitely inspired by the ocean.
Sparkly Ocean Nails
Square nails are a 90s trend that’s coming washing back ashore. We like what the artist has done with them here. The gradient blend with a glittery top coat hints at an ocean theme while still embracing nostalgia for blue nails.
Tropical Glitter Tips
Here's a quick and easy manicure to do at home. You'll need transparent and glitter polish, plus accent stickers like palm trees and tropical flowers. Brush on the transparent base, followed by the glitter on the ends. Affix the stickers and apply a coat or two of a glossy finish.
Conclusion
We hope these beautiful ocean-inspired nail designs got your creative juices flowing. There are so many different ways to incorporate a nautical theme into your manicure. We wish we could see all the innovative sea-themed ideas you try.
While you’re here, get the most from our sales and deals to stock up on nail art supplies today. Moreover, please visit our new arrivals to see what’s trending in the nail world. Remember, we offer complimentary gifts on orders over $35, plus free delivery for shipments over $100!
