close button

FOLLOW US

Message IconNewsletter Sign Up Book Icon Magazine Subscription Search IconSearch
Sustainability
culture
Food & Drink
Travel
Style
Interiors
Property
SCHOOLS
#trending
@stephanies.beautybar on Instagram
The Mermaid Mani Is Swimming Its Way Into Nail Salons

@stephanies.beautybar on Instagram

The Mermaid Mani Is Swimming Its Way Into Nail Salons

By Charlie Colville

1 day ago

The manicure worth shelling out for

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Our FYP has spoken. We’re kicking off 2025 with the bubbliest manicure around: mermaid nails. Here’s how to get the look, according to a professional manicurist.

What Are Mermaid Nails?

‘Mermaid nails are a fun nail trend inspired by the shimmering colours (and inhabitants) of the sea,’ explains manicurist and Mylee Senior Ambassador, Tinu Bello. ‘They often feature iridescent shades –  think turquoise, seafoam green, lavender and pink, blended into soft gradients that feel like sunlight on water – with touches of glitter or even holographic or metallic finishes to create an oceanic underwater sparkle. Some elevated designs can also include intricate details like shells, scales and pearl accents.’

Mermaid nails

@nailsby.ellietee on Instagram

This isn’t the first time we’ve been lured in by the call of the sea. From mermaid bobs and pearl nails to Pinterest’s sea witchery trend, we’ve always been partial to an ocean-inspired trend. And now, the time has come for mermaid nails to take the spotlight.

But aside from the glamour of the ocean, what makes the nail trend such a hit? ‘It’s super shareable for social media content,’ Tinu points out. ‘With its shimmering colours, glittery details and underwater-inspired textures, mermaid nails bring a sense of fantasy that feels fresh and exciting to the FYP.’

How To Ask For Mermaid Nails In The Salon

‘If you’re asking your nail tech for a mermaid mani, start by describing the overall look you want,’ instructs Tinu. ‘Mention iridescent or holographic colours like turquoise, lavender and seafoam green, and say you’d like a design inspired by the ocean or mermaids. If you’re looking for specific textures, ask for details like scale patterns, seashell accents or a glossy, wet-look finish. You can also request glitter, pearls or gems to add sparkle and dimension.’

@endi.nails Mermaid Core 🐚 🫧 Using @BeetlesGelPolishOfficial Mermaid Legend collection All Products on my amz0n sf &lt3 #beetlesgelx #beetlesgelpolish #mermaidnails #pearlnails #pearlgelpolish #almondnails #pinterestnailsinspo ♬ Still With You – Jung Kook

How To Recreate The Look At Home

Fancy giving the look a go at home? Tinu shares her step-by-step process to create at-home gel mermaid nails:

  1. Start by prepping your nail. File them into your desired shape, gently push back cuticles and buff the surface for smoothness.
  2. Next, apply a base coat, and cure it under an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
  3. Once the base coat is dry, choose a couple of complementary gel colours. Apply them in thin layers, curing each layer under the lamp for 30 seconds.
  4. For the mermaid effect, you can create a gradient by applying a second colour at the tips of your nails and blending it down, ensuring each layer is cured.
  5. To add texture, use a 3D gel or a stamping plate with scale designs. You can also apply a layer of glitter gel or top it off with gems or pearls for added sparkle. Make sure to cure each layer under the lamp.
  6. Finish with a top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

What Next?

Expect more mermaids in 2025. ‘I can see this trend evolving with more innovative designs and unique twists,’ forecasts Tinu. ‘Think holographic flakes or iridescent powders for an added dimensional effect. I also see more experimentation with new colour combinations, incorporating deeper sea tones, or even bioluminescent shades that glow in the dark.’

Manicure Inspiration

1. Mermaid Nails

2. Glitter Finish

3. Mermaid Tips

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Katie Davis (@katiesnails_)

4. Pearl Stilettos

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by nailsinurcoffin (@nailsinurcoffin)

5. Oyster Mani

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Katie Davis (@katiesnails_)

6. Pink Holograph

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ℕ (@santamarianailss)

7. Seafoam

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tunyogi Nikolett (@__tn_nails__)

8. Sealife Mani

9. Pink Pearl

10. Jellyfish Nails

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @nailsbyisisluna

11. Seashell Frenchies

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dayanna Issey Sapiens (@disseynails)

12. Blue Mermaid Nails

13. Jelly Nails

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mo Money (@mo.money.nails)

14. Siren Mani

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Guirose Nail Artist (@guirose.nails)

15. Glitter Pearl Mani

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by | – & (@santa.maria_be)

Featured image: @stephanies.beautybar on Instagram

Read More