The Ocean Nails Trend Is Giving My Manicure Serious Summer Vacation Energy —19 Manicure Designs to Try
Come on in, the water's shimmery, jeweled, and reflective.
I'm a February Pisces so I was basically born with ocean water in my veins, which makes summer my favorite season and a beach vacation my particular idea of heaven. Since I can't make it to the seaside every day, I've turned to bringing the ocean to me—with my manicure. Dubbed "ocean nails," the look is the ultimate cusp-of-summer nail trend to get us ready for long hours of sunshine, sea breezes, and salty hair. "Summer is all about travel, water, and that relaxed vacation mindset," says nail artist Valeriia Telemaniuk. "The ocean represents freedom, calm, and escape so naturally, this trend feels especially right for the season—it instantly delivers that vacation energy."
You don't have to be a Pisces to fall in love with the sea-inspired nail trend—there's many different ways to get in on the look. "Ocean nails are all about movement and translucency," says celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein. "Nothing feels flat or one-dimensional—instead it feels more fluid with depth and dimension." For color, it can be anything inspired by the sea—sheer washes of blue, aquas, seafoams, milky blues, soft teals, cool iridescent whites, sandy neutrals, and more. According to Gerstein, ocean nails have a diluted, airy, layered tones, and light-reflective finishes that mimic water. But the coolest thing about ocean manicures is that they can be as intricate or low-key as you want. "Pearlescent foils, water ripple cat eye, starfish and pearls, soft wave effects, and shell or sand textures are some ways to wear the trend in an elevated way," says Gerstein. "Nothing feels flat or one-dimensional."
Telemaniuk agrees, noting that you can be playful with your ocean nails, too, adding marine life like fish or whales or ocean details like water droplets by using dotting techniques. Either way, ocean nails are my newest mani obsession, and below, you can find all the coolest inspiration for your next manicure appointment.
Seafoam Ocean Nails
If you want your manicure to resemble the Caribbean waters, copy this stunning color combination. The mix of velvet and chrome instantly transport me to an island state of mind.
Mermaid Tail Nails
Maybe it's that Aquamarine is my comfort movie, but I am so into these gradient nails. To recreate the look, use a makeup sponge to blot a mix of blue and purple onto the nail. Finish it off with a glitter top coat and you'll be good to go.
Sandy Seashore Nails
While this guy is a little above my DIY capabilities, I have it screenshotted for my next nail appointment. You'll need a little builder gel and some nail gems, but the two hours in the chair will be well worth it for this hyper-realistic payoff.
Under the Sea Shell Nails
Press-on nails have come such a long way in the past few years. They're easy to remove, last for a good 10 days, and look incredibly natural. While the classic brands are always reliable, I've been really enjoying finding intricate designs on Amazon and Etsy.
Glassy Ocean Cat Eye
For my moodier, more mysterious friends: don't sleep on aura nails. Combine navy with a pop of teal for an instantly calming set that helps you stay grounded during the crazy summer months.
Blue Crush Chrome Ocean Nails
While I don't recommend baking in the sun (we're big self-tanner fans over here at Marie Claire), I can't emphasize enough how flattering this iridescent blue would look next to sun-kissed skin.
Oyster Shell Nails
The ocean nails trend doesn't have to be so literal. Try an opalescent white that mimics a seashell, pearl, or even the sand (you know, right when the sun hits it), to channel the same tropical energy.
Mother of Pearl Nails
Want expensive looking nails? This hue is my number one pick. It balances a bit of whimsy with a sophisticated, super chic tone. The best part: it matches with literally everything, so I can keep the color on for weeks.
Seaglass Nails
I'll level set with you: sea glass nails are pretty much just a fancy way of saying jelly nails. Regardless, they're very on trend. Just look for a polish that has a sheerer finish, and don't do more than one coat.
Mystic Sea Tips
You can't deny that the French manicure has reinvented itself. It was the single biggest nail trend of 2025, and it's reign is continuing through the greater part of 2026. This set is little more. funky than a solid, colored tip.
Stormy Seas Nails
For nails that double as an optical illusion, show your nail tech this inspo from San Sung Kim. While this iteration is fairly intricate, you don't have to be so precious with the application. A messy, watercolor vibe would achieve the same effect.
Aqua Bubble Nails
I won't even begin to attempt to understand how nail artist Queenie Nguyen executed these bubbles (there's a reason she's one of the best pros out there), but I will say that this is hands-down the most eye-catching iteration on my list.
Starfish Nails
Patrick, is that you? This mani is the ideal option for anyone that prefers a neutral nail. the base is tame, but thanks to a little nail art, you still get to have your hand (literally) in the trend.
Something's Fishy Nails
A nail brush is key for this, but if that still feels to complicated, I have a little beauty editor hack. Find a set of ocean-inspired nail stickers, pop one on your pointer finger after your polish dries down, and lock in the look with a glossy top coat.
Aquamarine Shimmer Nails
Perfecting this look boils down to picking an uber-reflective cat eye nail polish or glitter shade. Lucky for you, I've done the hard work for you. Shop below—you're welcome.
Siren Song Nails
In Kylie Jenner's nail artist I trust. The one and only Zola Ganzorigt whipped up this modern take on a missed-matched manicure. After some intense inspecting, I suspect she used a matte top coat.
Fresh Dip Nails
Another Ganzorigt original, this set is more pool than ocean-inspired. Lucky for us, the nail pro dropped her full tutorial on Instagram so recreating the look couldn't be easier.
Tidal Waves Swirl Nails
Last, but certainly not least is a marble effect manicure that features some delicate silver flakes. For what it's worth, silver flakes are much easier to use than you'd think. They adhere to polish with ease and a top coat locks them in.
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Meet The Experts
Elle Gerstein is a New York City based manicurist. Her celebrity clients include Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan, Blake Lively, Natasha Lyonne, Kate Hudson, Drew Barrymore, Sigourney Weaver, Hailee Steinfeld, Gigi Hadid, Storm Reid, Jessica Chastain.
Valeriia Telemaniuk is a San Diego-based nail artist, beauty judge, OMC world champion, and educator shaping the next generation of nail professionals.
