24 Seashell Nail Ideas For a Must-Sea Mani

Periwinkle shell mani with French accent nails — @heygreatnails/Instagram

Summer is just around the corner—meaning beach days are nearly upon us. There's no better way to celebrate this cherished seasonal activity than with nail art. In this case, we're talking seashell nails. There are so many ways to play with that theme, from nautical elegance to peaking inside a shell to mermaid-core designs, to name a few. Seashell manis can go nature-inspired, elegant, or feel like pop art.

To help you choose your aquatic adventure, we've rounded up the best seashell nail ideas. See what speaks to you and get ready for unique nail art.

01 of 24

Sea Glass

nails with seashells, shell accents, pearls and a sparkly pastel palette — @myprettyset/Instagram

Did this mani just wash ashore? If you're looking for seashell nail ideas, this design has all the elements: 3D texture reminiscent of shells, shell accents, pearls, and a sparkly pastel palette.

02 of 24

Clam Bake

orange French mani with nail adorned with tiny shells and pearls — @melanated.mani/Instagram

Orange you glad you spotted this seashell nail idea? We love the juxtaposition of the two designs. A bright orange French clashes yet complements the nail adorned with tiny shells and pearls.

03 of 24

Sparkle & Shine

Periwinkle seashell mani with french mani accent nails — @heygreatnails/Instagram

Periwinkle really pops when given an underwater makeover. The subtle seashell motif and matching French tips perfectly play off each other in this mani. The pearl accents pull the look together.

04 of 24

Think Pink

Barbie pink seashell nails — @nuka.nails/Instagram

Pink is still going strong! Bright pink is a fun, unexpected choice for a seashell mani. Add a pearly shine and this mani is fit for mermaid Barbie.

05 of 24

Shell Shock

seashell nails in peachy pink — @rebeccapaintsnails/Instagram

Looking for seashell nails that incorporate more than one trend? Thanks to the darker center, these give off an airbrushed effect. Plus, peachy hues are very of the moment.

06 of 24

Crystal Clear

clear nails with seashells, starfish and bubbles — @myprettyset/Instagram

It's hard to imagine a more perfect mani for a Pisces—or anyone who embraces an underwater theme. The clear polish looks like a waterfall for your tips. Seashells, starfish, and bubbles complete the look.

07 of 24

Pearl Jam

Iridescence and pearls on seashell nail design — @myprettyset/Instagram

They say you can hear the ocean when you hold up a shell to your ear. This mani practically has the same effect. Iridescence and pearls transport you to the beach.

08 of 24

Aw Shucks

This mani truly looks good enough to eat. The hand-painted 3D oyster nail art might work up your appetite.

09 of 24

Gold Rate

Ahoy! X marks the spot for the buried treasure. You'll be the envy of pirates with these gold, pearls, and shimmering nails.

10 of 24

Neon Sign

seashell nails with jewels at base — @gotg0ld/Instagram

This is a mani worth shelling out for. As if the sparkly chrome polish didn't give off enough gleam, an assortment of jewels adds even more bling.

11 of 24

Silver Mine

silver nails with waves, pearls and swirls — @thelaqlab/Instagram

Looking for seashell nail ideas for longer nails? Try waves, pearls, and swirls that bring the ocean right to the nail salon. With that extra real estate, you can create a full sea-worthy scene.

12 of 24

Beach Day

seashell mani with pearls, oysters and shells — @digitzbydev/Instagram

What will you find at the seashore? In the case of this mani, pearls, oysters, and shells. The long almond shape and high-wattage iridescence elevate the look.

13 of 24

Outer Shell

mani with seashells going in different directions — @vanityprojects/Instagram

Seashells going in different directions feel like the ocean floor in the best way. Throw in ombré and pretty pearls and these certainly stand out. Mix in gold-swirled accent nails and it's the ultimate manicure.

14 of 24

Abstract Idea

seashell nails with pink tips — @vanityprojects/Instagram

This abstract take on a seashell, complete with translucent bubbles, provides a less literal interpretation of the theme. The 3D design mimics the lining of a shell but in a beautifully subtle way.

15 of 24

French Class

French tips that look like seashells — @vanityprojects/Instagram

Say oui to this design. Put a spin on French tips with ones that look like seashells. The cool blue hue and shimmery base up the ocean feel.

16 of 24

Oyster Farm

underwater scene with shells, oysters and pearls nails — @vanityprojects/Instagram

The world is your oyster when you sport this mani. Create an underwater scene with shells, oysters, and pearls. You'll feel like a mermaid.

17 of 24

Blue Zone

oceanic nail art with seashells and pearls — @vanityprojects/Instagram

How many nail trends can you cover in one manicure? This oceanic nail art shows off quite a few. Mix up a seashell motif with a 3D shell effect, pearls, French tips, ombré, and glitter.

18 of 24

Mermaid Cove

pearls and seashell texture mani — @vanityprojects/Instagram

If a mermaid got her nails done, we suspect it would look something like this. The silvery white color is like staring at the inside of a seashell. Add in pearls and a seashell texture and the look is complete.

19 of 24

Coasting By

nail art with seashells, starfish and tiny pearls — @vanityprojects/Instagram

You can practically smell the saltwater while admiring this nautical mani, which takes the seashell theme quite literally. The addition of starfish and tiny pearls is like a day at the beach.

20 of 24

Half Shell

nail art that looks like seashells — @vanityprojects/Instagram

The 3D ridges and color palette make these little shells feel like the real deal. You can also thank the tiny pearls for that effect.

21 of 24

Blue Crush

seashell nails in shimmery blue — @vanityprojects/Instagram

The deep blue sea is brought to life with this nail art. We love how the shell plays off the shimmery blue base. It's a sweet take on seashell nails.

22 of 24

Good As Gold

seashell nails in gold — @thelaqlab/Instagram

Anything in gold automatically feels fancier, and that's the case for this seashell nail idea. The inclusion of pearls makes it feel even more precious. Add in the sparkly base and you get a lovely and luxe mani.

23 of 24

Oceans Away

A French mani meets seashell nails in this lustrous look. It's all about the details with this set, like the thin gold lines and pearls. Each adds to the high-wattage shine.

24 of 24

Ride the Wave

oyster nail art with freshwater pearls — @betina_goldstein/Instagram

Every oyster has its pearl. In this case, these are real freshwater pearls! For this set, celebrity nail artist Bettina Goldstein used "a mix of sculpting gel, silver chrome gels, and real freshwater pearls."