Come summer, there is a yearning for the sun, surf and sandy retreats. Like you throw your favorite bathing suits and SPF into a suitcase, your manicure should throw it back to the season. Beach nails have been all the rage this summer, literally! With mermaid-inspired glitter, nautical stripes, punny pastel shells, beach nails are a fun and stylish way to commemorate the season.
What Are Beach Nails?
Beach nails are the design of the nails derived from the ocean, vacation and tropical mood. A bright turquoise, coral, yellow or seafoam green combined with little elements of fun, from palm trees and sea shells to waves and even starfish.
Beach nails are fun, and not as straightforward as simple manicures. They certainly encapsulate summer and are great for vacays, beach parties or, to put that seaside feeling into your everyday!
Why Choose Beach Nails?
There’s a lot to love about beach nails, and not just because when summer rolls around we all switch to the beach mode:
- Summer Aesthetic – They match swimsuits, sundresses and summer attire.
- Fun and Playful – Great for cosplay, Halloween, and even just for fun!
- Versatile – Patterns can be loud and vibrant or muted and subtle.
- Photogenic – Perfect for Instagrammable summer selfies.
- Mood-Elevating – Light, tropical colors are reminiscent of happy feelings and chilling vibes.
Popular Colors for Beach Nails
A beach nails is all about the color palette. The proper palette will transport you immediately to the shore. Here are some must-have shades:
- Turquoise & Aqua Blue – the colour of the ocean waves.
- Coral Easily Tide – A beachy coral collar – the beachy hair must HAVE of summer 2015!
- Sunny Yellow – Happy and bright like the sun.
- Seafoam Green – Fresh and airy in feeling.
- White – Elegant and minimalist, ideal to create contrast.
- Pastel Purple & Lavender – Like shells in your palm and the sunset.
- Glitter & Metallics – That shine of sand and water.
Beachy Nails vs. Every Day Summer Nails
To be clear, beach nails are not exactly the same as any ol’ summer manicure.
| Feature | Beach Nails | Summer Nails |
|---|---|---|
| Inspiration | Ocean, sand, shell, palm tree | Vibrant colors of summer, surrounded by flowers and greenery |
| Design | Waves, horizontal stripes, mermaid sequins | Fruit, abstract flowers and so on |
| Colour | Blue green, coral, metallic | Neon green, matte pink, glossy blue |
| Occasion | Beach holiday, overseas party, vacation | Summer fun party, boating, daily wear |
Trending Designs for Beach Nails
Beach nails are very versatile, they can be simple and cute or as bold and glamorous as you would like. Here are some trending options:
Ocean Wave Nails
Blue and white swirls that call to mind crashing waves. Perfect for ocean lovers.
Seashell Nails
Pearlized soft pastels, or 3D shells.
Mermaid-Inspired Nails
Shimmery scales, holographic polish and glitter for a magical finish.
Nautical Nails
Navy, white & classic red stripes with anchor/star designs.
Palm Tree Nails
Tropical sunsets with black palm silhouettes for those vacation vibes.
Glitter Sand Nails
Champagne and gold glitters to imitate sparkling beach sand.
Minimalist Beach Nails
Small seashell stickers, starfish decals or a slight fade would work, too.
Sunset Nails
Mix orange, pink and purple tones to create a tropical sunset.
How to Achieve Beach Nails
It’s easy to do beach nails in a salon or at home with a bit of imagination.
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
- Clean and shape your nails.
- Push back cuticles.
- Coat nail with a base coat to protect it.
Step 2: Choose a Base Color
-
Choose colors that are inspired by summer such as turquoise, coral, or nude.
Step 3: Add Designs
- Thin brushes are good for palm trees or waves.
- Stick on nail designs for seashells and starfish.
- Mix in glitter for a sand-like twinkle.
Step 4: Seal the Look
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Finish with an even-moving glossy or matte topcoat to protect your beachy nails.
Benefits of Beach Nails
- Stylish for all seasons – Finish off your summer style.
- Adjustable – Great for both short and long nails.
- Trendy – Always an internet hit.
- Confidence Booster – Helps you feel smoothed out and ready for summer play.
Downsides of Beach Nails
As lovely as beach nails may be, though, there are some downsides:
- Wear and Tear – More intricate designs could chip sooner.
- Seasonal Restriction – Many of the bold beach motifs may not be suitable for other seasons.
- Not as Fast – Complex patterns take more time to generate.
Beach Nails for Different Occasions
Beach nails can translate to any type of summer outing:
- Beach Vacations: Embrace waves, glitz or seashell art.
- Pool Parties: Any bright neon or holographic polish could be perfect.
- Casual Summer Days: Try small designs on your nails in soft pastel shades.
- Weddings or Events: Nude and gold shimmer for a subtle beach touch.
Beach Nails Fans: Famous and Influential Personalities
Beach nails are popular with celebrities at their tropical escapes. Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing oceanic looks. Influencers on Instagram and TikTok have helped perpetuate the trend with tutorials for mermaid nails, glitter sand looks and palm tree art.
Do It Yourself – Tips to Last Through the Day for Beach Nails
If you’re painting beach nails yourself at home, here are some tips to ensure they’ll last longer:
- Use basecoat and topcoat, always.
- Apply a very thin layer of Miracle Gel™ to avoid smudging.
- Apply top coat again in 3–4 days.
- Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes.
- Keep polish in a cool, dry location to keep polish at the proper consistency.
FAQs About Beach Nails
What are beach nails?
Beach nails are manicures that draw inspiration from the ocean, using bright and vibrant colors with sea-themed designs such as palm trees, shells, and waves.
Beach Nails: Which colors would look best?
Most popular are turquoise, aqua blue, coral, yellow, white, and glitter shades.
Can I do beach nails on short nails?
Yes! On short nails, minimalist designs such as seashell decals or wave tats look great.
How long do beach nails last?
Gel beach nails will typically last between 2 to 3 weeks, while a traditional polish will last for about a week.
Are beach nails expensive?
It depends on the design. Basic colors are cheap, but fancy art can run $50–$100 at salons.
How are beach nails different from summer nails?
Beach nails take direct inspiration from the sea and sand, while summer nails represent the theme of the season overall, including anything from fruits to florals.
Can I wear beach nails all year?
Yes, though they’re most common in summer. An understated oceanic shade or a sparkly design can carry into the next seasons.
Conclusion
Beach nails are so much more than a manicure trend — they represent the energy, the vibrance, and the fun of summer. There are infinite variations, from oceanic swirls to sparkly sand looks, so beach nails really can conjure your mood, style, and soiree. Whether you’re on vacation or just embracing beach vibes in your everyday life, beach nails are the perfect summer statement.
So when you’re packing up your summer necessities to head out for the day, make sure to elevate your manicure. Your nails will sparkle as much as the summer sun with beach nails.
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