Nail Art Tutorial: Mermaid Scales

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Hiya guys. Today I have nails made for a princess...an underwater princess that is! The nail art I'll be sharing was actually created for a Nail It Magazine theme so we'll have to see if it makes the cut in the July issue. Fingers crossed. Along with sharing this look I have included a step-by-step tutorial and a video as well. It's definitely one of those manis that are easier than you think, but it is a little time consuming.

Mermaid nails have been something I have wanted to do for a long time, but could never really pull it off. I know what you're probably thinking... that accent nail am I right?! That was actually the first nail I did in this mani and the rest of the concept was built around it.

Here's a breakdown on the tools used to create this mermaid look.
- Polishes used: OPI My Vampire is Buff, Sincerely Polish Jasmine, and Sally Hansen: Mermaid Tears
- Makeup Sponge
- Small Detail Brush
- Black Acrylic Paint or Polish
- Seche Vite Topcoat

To start off paint your nails a teal glitter, I used a chunky glitter from Sincerely Polish called Jasmine. Now using a makeup sponge, dab on a heavier glitter (here I used Sally Hansen: Mermaid Tears). It's time to give the tips of your nails a sandy effect, which you can achieve by sponging OPI My Vampire is Buff.

For the next step, I prefer to use acrylic paint but black nail polish works just as well. Now taking your detail brush, use the black paint to start creating the mermaid scales from below your cuticles. The scales don't have to be perfectly matching, but should remain relatively thin and with a curved upward shape. Continue the pattern until the tip of your nail and once you're done give yourself enough time before applying topcoat.


And, of course, I can't skip out on sharing the macro of the accent nail. It's probably my favorite accent I have ever done in the last two years. If only glitter placement wasn't such a pain I would say I would do it more often, haha.

Let me know what you guys think of this look? Is it too over the top for you or would you like to see more glitter crazy placement manis in the future?