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Animal Nails

Animal nails sound exactly like nail art designed with animals or animal prints in mind. These designs can include everything from cute little bunnies to bohemian elephants, so there's something for everyone. Overall, animal nail designs are a fun and creative way to show off your love for animals and add a unique touch to your nail art.
Animal nail designs are flexible in terms of design and color. You can choose a specific animal or even mix up different animals to create unique art. Some popular designs that go well with animal nail art designs include paw prints, scales, stripes, and spots. Animal faces or silhouettes can also be incorporated into the design for a more dramatic effect. You can pair the artwork with glitter or rhinestones for a glam effect or combine it with floral or tribal designs for a more eclectic look. General motifs include paw prints, fangs (like an alligator), claws (like a cat or tiger), feathers, horns/antlers (like a deer), and scales (like dragons). A good color combination for animal nails is one where the base color is similar to the animal's natural habitat—for example, yellowish green for frogs or brownish green for turtles. You can also add splashes of contrasting colors. Metallic colors, such as gold or silver, can also add a stylish touch to animal nail designs.
If you've never tried an animal nail design, now's the perfect time! Whether looking for something cute, cuddly, or edgy and fierce, animal nails can help you get there. We'll share some of the best animal nail designs so you can get inspired!

Animal Nail Designs for Long Nails

Red and Pink Nails with Leopard Spots | Animal Print Nails - NB2569
Red and Pink Nails with Leopard Spots | Animal Print Nails - NB2569

Pink Nails with Dots and Bunnies | Easter Nails - NB3612
Pink Nails with Dots and Bunnies | Easter Nails - NB3612

Tropical Flower with Animal Print Nail Design| Tropical-NB-D-220
Tropical Flower with Animal Print Nail Design| Tropical-NB-D-220

Horned Lizard Inspired Nail Design| Desert Nail Design-NB-D-633
Horned Lizard Inspired Nail Design| Desert Nail Design-NB-D-633

Scary Nails Design with Black Cat | Halloween Cat Nails - NB5875
Scary Nails Design with Black Cat | Halloween Cat Nails - NB5875

Matte Top Coat on a Cartoon Nail
Matte Top Coat on a Cartoon Nail

Nails_by_evelyn9

Valentine's Day Teddy Bear with Heart Nails Design | Teddy Nails for Valentine - NB7227
Valentine's Day Teddy Bear with Heart Nails Design | Teddy Nails for Valentine - NB7227

Pumpkin Nails | Halloween - NB648
Pumpkin Nails | Halloween - NB648

Animal Nail Designs for Short Nails

Forest Animals Nestled Among Leaves | Love the Forest Nails - NB2789
Forest Animals Nestled Among Leaves | Love the Forest Nails - NB2789

Glossy Red Nails with Silhouette Marine Life | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2774
Glossy Red Nails with Silhouette Marine Life | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2774

Hand-painted Cat on Gel Nails
Hand-painted Cat on Gel Nails

Mur.nails.ekaterina

Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB180
Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB180

Short Pink Nails with Peanuts Snoopy Design | Dog Nail Designs- NB7544
Short Pink Nails with Peanuts Snoopy Design | Dog Nail Designs- NB7544

Polar Bear on Iceberg Nail Art | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3119
Polar Bear on Iceberg Nail Art | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3119

Spongebob | Cartoon Nails - NB51
Spongebob | Cartoon Nails - NB51

Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB200
Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB200

Cat Nail Art

Minimal Black Nail Design for Halloween | Halloween Black Cat Nails - NB5779
Minimal Black Nail Design for Halloween | Halloween Black Cat Nails - NB5779

Cute Black Cat for Embellished Nails | Black Cat Nails - NB7115
Cute Black Cat for Embellished Nails | Black Cat Nails - NB7115

Black Cat Nails | Halloween - NB499
Black Cat Nails | Halloween - NB499

Super Cute Cat Design for Glitter Nails | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7133
Super Cute Cat Design for Glitter Nails | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7133

Mocha Mousse Ombre Nails Cat Paw Design | Cat Paw Print Nail Designs - NB7127
Mocha Mousse Ombre Nails Cat Paw Design | Cat Paw Print Nail Designs - NB7127

Easy to Do Cute Cat Nails Design | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7137
Easy to Do Cute Cat Nails Design | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7137

Cute Cats and Hearts Nails Design | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7132
Cute Cats and Hearts Nails Design | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7132

Embellished Stiletto Nails with Cute Cat | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7138
Embellished Stiletto Nails with Cute Cat | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7138

Dog Nail Designs

Black and White Climate Crisis Nail Design | Climate Crisis Nails - NB3178
Black and White Climate Crisis Nail Design | Climate Crisis Nails - NB3178

X-long Ombre Yellow Nails with a Dog | Dog Nail Designs- NB7534
X-long Ombre Yellow Nails with a Dog | Dog Nail Designs- NB7534

Retro Stripes with Animals
Retro Stripes with Animals

Daimondhand

Embellished Nails with a Silhouette Dog | Dog Nail Designs- NB7533
Embellished Nails with a Silhouette Dog | Dog Nail Designs- NB7533

Matte Nails Puppy Love Design | Dog Nail Designs- NB7531
Matte Nails Puppy Love Design | Dog Nail Designs- NB7531

Dalmatian Dog Accent for Polka Dot Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7542
Dalmatian Dog Accent for Polka Dot Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7542

Grinch and Max the Dog Nails
Grinch and Max the Dog Nails

Nna_naomynailart_official

Simple Nails Design with Dog Paws | Dog Nail Designs- NB7536
Simple Nails Design with Dog Paws | Dog Nail Designs- NB7536

Panda Nail Designs

Green Bamboo and Panda Nails Design | Panda Nails- NB7586
Green Bamboo and Panda Nails Design | Panda Nails- NB7586

Panda Theme for Pastel French Nails | Panda Nails- NB7574
Panda Theme for Pastel French Nails | Panda Nails- NB7574

Glitter Design for Panda and Bamboo Nails | Panda Nails- NB7572
Glitter Design for Panda and Bamboo Nails | Panda Nails- NB7572

Panda Green Nails with Hearts | Panda Nails- NB7581
Panda Green Nails with Hearts | Panda Nails- NB7581

Blossom Design Ombre Nails with a Panda | Panda Nails- NB7563
Blossom Design Ombre Nails with a Panda | Panda Nails- NB7563

Black and Pink Panda Nails | Panda Nails Design- NB7587
Black and Pink Panda Nails | Panda Nails Design- NB7587

Short Ombre Nails with Panda | Panda Nails- NB7566
Short Ombre Nails with Panda | Panda Nails- NB7566

3D Panda Paw Nails Design | Panda Nails- NB7583
3D Panda Paw Nails Design | Panda Nails- NB7583

Bunny Nails

Blue and Pink Easter Nails with Bunny Ear Design | Easter Nails - NB3397
Blue and Pink Easter Nails with Bunny Ear Design | Easter Nails - NB3397

Blue Easter Nails Design | Easter Nails - NB3579
Blue Easter Nails Design | Easter Nails - NB3579

Spring Easter Nails with a Cute Rabbit | Easter Bunny Nails- NB8057
Spring Easter Nails with a Cute Rabbit | Easter Bunny Nails- NB8057

Flower Design Easter Nails with Bunny | Easter Nails - NB3392
Flower Design Easter Nails with Bunny | Easter Nails - NB3392

Pink Nails Design for Easter Holiday | Easter Bunny Nails- NB8060
Pink Nails Design for Easter Holiday | Easter Bunny Nails- NB8060

Cute Bunny for Short Nails Design | Bunny Nails- NB7663
Cute Bunny for Short Nails Design | Bunny Nails- NB7663

Easter Bunnies Nails with Polka Dots | Easter Nails - NB3381
Easter Bunnies Nails with Polka Dots | Easter Nails - NB3381

Pastel Neon Nails with Cute Easter Bunny Design | Easter Nails - NB3385
Pastel Neon Nails with Cute Easter Bunny Design | Easter Nails - NB3385

Chicken Nail Art

Chick for Orange Ombre Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7793
Chick for Orange Ombre Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7793

Chick and Bunny for Easter Nails Design | Chicken Nails- NB7782
Chick and Bunny for Easter Nails Design | Chicken Nails- NB7782

Watercolor Nails with Easter Chick | Easter Nails - NB3417
Watercolor Nails with Easter Chick | Easter Nails - NB3417

Pastel Nails with Cute Easter Chick | Easter Nails - NB3422
Pastel Nails with Cute Easter Chick | Easter Nails - NB3422

Black Easter Nails 3D Designs | Easter Nails - NB3570
Black Easter Nails 3D Designs | Easter Nails - NB3570

Cute Chicken for Ombre Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7790
Cute Chicken for Ombre Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7790

Easter Chick on Light Pastel Nails | Easter Nails - NB3413
Easter Chick on Light Pastel Nails | Easter Nails - NB3413

Colorful Chick Nails Design for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3416
Colorful Chick Nails Design for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3416

Giraffe Nail Designs

Safari Theme Nail Art with Giraffe | Animal Nails- NB8034
Safari Theme Nail Art with Giraffe | Animal Nails- NB8034

Giraffe Design for Gradient Nails | Animal Nails- NB8037
Giraffe Design for Gradient Nails | Animal Nails- NB8037

Giraffe Head Nails Design with Gold Glitter | Animal Nails- NB8039
Giraffe Head Nails Design with Gold Glitter | Animal Nails- NB8039

Embellished Giraffe Theme Nails | Animal Nails- NB8036
Embellished Giraffe Theme Nails | Animal Nails- NB8036

Safari Peach Nails with Giraffe | Animal Nails- NB8035
Safari Peach Nails with Giraffe | Animal Nails- NB8035

Giraffe Nails with Glitter Design | Animal Nails- NB8038
Giraffe Nails with Glitter Design | Animal Nails- NB8038

Giraffe Calf for Matte Nails Design | Animal Nails- NB8033
Giraffe Calf for Matte Nails Design | Animal Nails- NB8033

French Manicure Giraffe Design | Animal Nails- NB8040
French Manicure Giraffe Design | Animal Nails- NB8040

Mouse Nails

3D Mouse and Cheese Nails Design | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8116
3D Mouse and Cheese Nails Design | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8116

Jerry on Accent Nail
Jerry on Accent Nail

Olga_soloveva._

Christmas Mouse
Christmas Mouse

Blondivika_nsk

Cheese Tips and Mouse Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8119
Cheese Tips and Mouse Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8119

Jerry the Mouse Nail Art
Jerry the Mouse Nail Art

Nna_naomynailart_official

Mouse and Cheese Theme Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8113
Mouse and Cheese Theme Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8113

Jerry Stilleto Matte Nails
Jerry Stilleto Matte Nails

Nna_naomynailart_official

A Cute Mouse for Colorful Nails Design | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8110
A Cute Mouse for Colorful Nails Design | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8110

Animal-Inspired Toe Nail Designs

Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB242
Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB242

Easter Bunny Pedicure Design | Easter Nails - NB3786
Easter Bunny Pedicure Design | Easter Nails - NB3786

Tropical Parrots Matte Pedicure Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-444
Tropical Parrots Matte Pedicure Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-444

Tropical Parrots Minimal Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-451
Tropical Parrots Minimal Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-451

Turkey Toe Nail Design | Thanksgiving | Holiday- NB1212
Turkey Toe Nail Design | Thanksgiving | Holiday- NB1212

Tropical Parrots Matte Nail Design | Tropical-NB-D-447
Tropical Parrots Matte Nail Design | Tropical-NB-D-447

Tropical Parrots Floral Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-453
Tropical Parrots Floral Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-453

The Most Popular Animals for Nail Designs

Panda Nails
Bear Paw Nails
Tortoise Shell Nails
Butterfly Wing Nails
Ladybug Nails
Fish Scale Nails
Dragonfly Nails
Eagle Claw Nails
Bee Nails
Spiderweb Nails
Cat Nail Designs

Bat Nails
Owl Nails
Peacock Feather Nails
Flamingo Nail
 Octopus Nails
Jellyfish Nails
Dolphin Nails
Seahorse Nails
Crab Nails
Lobster Nails
Dog Nail Designs

What Nail Designs Go Well With Animal Patterns?

How to Choose the Best Colors for Animal Nails

When it comes to animal nail design, the best are those that complement the animal's natural coloring while also accentuating its unique features. First things first: what kind of animal are you going for? Do you want something that looks like a tiger? A lion? A dog? A cat? For example, if you want to paint a lion or an elephant on your nails, you may want to use shades of orange because they are both animals that live in warm climates. If you want to paint a dog or cat, you could use bright colors like green or blue because these animals have short hair, and it will make their coat look even shinier than it already is. It's also important to consider your animal's color naturally before choosing one for them.

Tips for Animal Nail Designs

Use thin nail art brushes to create intricate details and textures, such as the spots on a leopard pattern or the scales on a snakeskin pattern.

Don't overdo it with animal patterns. Instead, incorporate them into your overall style in a subtle and tasteful way.

Choose colors that complement each other and the animal pattern you are trying to create.

Start with simple designs and gradually move on to more complex ones as you gain experience.

Use reference images to ensure accuracy and attention to detail.

Use glitter or rhinestone embellishments to add dimension and sparkle to your animal nail design.

The Best Animal Nail Art Ideas

Walrus on Iceberg Nail Design | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3125
Walrus on Iceberg Nail Design | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3125

Embellished Polar Bear Nail Design | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3124
Embellished Polar Bear Nail Design | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3124

Arctic Wolves Beneath the Hues of the Aurora Borealis Nail Art | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3123
Arctic Wolves Beneath the Hues of the Aurora Borealis Nail Art | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3123

Nail Design of Playful Penguins Sliding on Ice | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3122
Nail Design of Playful Penguins Sliding on Ice | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3122

French Aurora Nails with Snowshoe Hare | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3121
French Aurora Nails with Snowshoe Hare | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3121

Polar Lights Design French Nails with Hares | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3120
Polar Lights Design French Nails with Hares | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3120

Polar Bear on Iceberg Nail Art | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3119
Polar Bear on Iceberg Nail Art | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3119

Snowy Owls Perched on Frost-covered Branches | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3118
Snowy Owls Perched on Frost-covered Branches | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3118

Silhouette Reindeer Under Aurora Night Sky | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3117
Silhouette Reindeer Under Aurora Night Sky | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3117

Reindeers Beneath the Vibrant Hues of the Aurora Borealis | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3116
Reindeers Beneath the Vibrant Hues of the Aurora Borealis | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3116

Magical Aurora View and Arctic Hares on Nails | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3115
Magical Aurora View and Arctic Hares on Nails | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3115

Plastic On Our Oceans & Sea Life | 3D Nails Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3108
Plastic On Our Oceans & Sea Life | 3D Nails Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3108

Plastic Pollution Of the Ocean Bottom | 3D Nails Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3107
Plastic Pollution Of the Ocean Bottom | 3D Nails Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3107

Effects of Ocean Plastics on Marine Life | Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3105
Effects of Ocean Plastics on Marine Life | Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3105

Plastic Waste Danger for Marine Life | Nail Art | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3100
Plastic Waste Danger for Marine Life | Nail Art | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3100

Ocean Plastics Effects on Marine Life | Nail Art | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3098
Ocean Plastics Effects on Marine Life | Nail Art | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3098

Plastic Pollution Affect Marine Life | Nail Art | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3096
Plastic Pollution Affect Marine Life | Nail Art | Save the Ocean Nails - NB3096

Tropical Parrots Floral Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-453
Tropical Parrots Floral Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-453

Tropical Parrots Tulip Almond Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-452
Tropical Parrots Tulip Almond Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-452

Tropical Parrots Minimal Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-451
Tropical Parrots Minimal Toenail Design |Tropical-NB-D-451

Tropical Parrots Pink and Gray Minimal Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-450
Tropical Parrots Pink and Gray Minimal Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-450

Tropical Parrots With Leaf  Nail Design With|Tropical-NB-D-449
Tropical Parrots With Leaf Nail Design With|Tropical-NB-D-449

Tropical Parrots Matte Nail Design | Tropical-NB-D-447
Tropical Parrots Matte Nail Design | Tropical-NB-D-447

Turquoise Color with Tropical Parrots Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-446
Turquoise Color with Tropical Parrots Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-446

Tropical Parrots with Flower Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-445
Tropical Parrots with Flower Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-445

Tropical Parrots Matte Pedicure Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-444
Tropical Parrots Matte Pedicure Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-444

Tropical Parrots on Brown Matte Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-443
Tropical Parrots on Brown Matte Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-443

Tropical Parrots Glossy Long Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-442
Tropical Parrots Glossy Long Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-442

Tropical Parrots Colorful Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-441
Tropical Parrots Colorful Nail Design |Tropical-NB-D-441

Bees and Flowers Nail Art | Pollinators Nails - NB3053
Bees and Flowers Nail Art | Pollinators Nails - NB3053

Mushrooms and Other Creatures of Forest Nails Design | Love the Forest Nails - NB3034
Mushrooms and Other Creatures of Forest Nails Design | Love the Forest Nails - NB3034

Cartoon Theme Graffiti Nails | Graffiti Nails - NB2916
Cartoon Theme Graffiti Nails | Graffiti Nails - NB2916

Winnie the Pooh and Stripes Nail Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2886
Winnie the Pooh and Stripes Nail Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2886

Baby Winnie the Pooh Nail Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2885
Baby Winnie the Pooh Nail Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2885

Ombre Winnie the Pooh Nails | Cartoon Nails - NB2884
Ombre Winnie the Pooh Nails | Cartoon Nails - NB2884

Bright Nails Winnie the Pooh Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2883
Bright Nails Winnie the Pooh Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2883

Nails with Winnie the Pooh Accents | Cartoon Nails - NB2882
Nails with Winnie the Pooh Accents | Cartoon Nails - NB2882

Winnie the Pooh and Bees Nails Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2881
Winnie the Pooh and Bees Nails Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2881

Winnie the Pooh Nails Flower Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2880
Winnie the Pooh Nails Flower Design | Cartoon Nails - NB2880

Simple Design Forest Species Nails | Love the Forest Nails - NB2874
Simple Design Forest Species Nails | Love the Forest Nails - NB2874

Mushrooms and Flowers Nail Designs | Love the Forest Nails - NB2847
Mushrooms and Flowers Nail Designs | Love the Forest Nails - NB2847

Almond Nails with Ocean Conservation Theme | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2826
Almond Nails with Ocean Conservation Theme | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2826

Ocean Conservation French Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2822
Ocean Conservation French Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2822

Cute Ocean Conservation Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2820
Cute Ocean Conservation Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2820

Ombre French Nails with Dolphins | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2819
Ombre French Nails with Dolphins | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2819

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FAQs:

Animal nail designs can be suitable for all ages if they are age-appropriate and done safely and hygienically. Some animal nail designs, such as a cartoon or cute animal designs, can be suitable for children and young adults, while more sophisticated designs featuring animal prints or patterns can be appropriate for older adults.
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