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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

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

Red and White Silhouette Marine Life Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2772
Red and White Silhouette Marine Life Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2772

Colorful Butterfly Nails
Colorful Butterfly Nails

Blondivika_nsk

Mickey Mouse | Cartoon Nails - NB13
Mickey Mouse | Cartoon Nails - NB13

Decorated Christmas Tree and Silhouette Reindeer Nails | Christmas Nails - NB1372
Decorated Christmas Tree and Silhouette Reindeer Nails | Christmas Nails - NB1372

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

Ombre Nails with Reindeer Nail Art | Christmas Nails - NB1379
Ombre Nails with Reindeer Nail Art | Christmas Nails - NB1379

Thumper of Bambi Cartoon Nails
Thumper of Bambi Cartoon Nails

Nna_naomynailart_official

Animal Nail Designs for Short Nails

Pop Art Bulldogs of Andy Warhol
Pop Art Bulldogs of Andy Warhol

Daimondhand

Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB168
Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB168

Micro French Nails Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7707
Micro French Nails Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7707

Mickey Mouse | Cartoon Nails - NB24
Mickey Mouse | Cartoon Nails - NB24

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

White Birds on Nude Nails
White Birds on Nude Nails

Belyyhome

Christmas Theme Nails with Baby Reindeer | Christmas Reindeer Nails - NB6836
Christmas Theme Nails with Baby Reindeer | Christmas Reindeer Nails - NB6836

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

Cat Nail Art

The Cat of Christmas
The Cat of Christmas

Klamaja

Cat in Snow Nails Design | Winter 2025 Nails - NB6624
Cat in Snow Nails Design | Winter 2025 Nails - NB6624

Cat Nails | Halloween - NB643
Cat Nails | Halloween - NB643

White Kitty Cat with Bow Design for Nails | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7146
White Kitty Cat with Bow Design for Nails | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7146

Confetti Nails Design with Cat Paw | Cat Paw Print Nail Designs - NB7125
Confetti Nails Design with Cat Paw | Cat Paw Print Nail Designs - NB7125

Black Cat Nails | Halloween - NB450
Black Cat Nails | Halloween - NB450

Glitter Purple and Cute Kitty Cat Nails Design | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7148
Glitter Purple and Cute Kitty Cat Nails Design | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7148

Happy Cute Cats Design for Matte Nails | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7139
Happy Cute Cats Design for Matte Nails | Cute Cat Nail Art - NB7139

Dog Nail Designs

Cute Simple Dog and Bone Nails Design | Dog Nail Designs- NB7538
Cute Simple Dog and Bone Nails Design | Dog Nail Designs- NB7538

Blue Dog Love Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7537
Blue Dog Love Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7537

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

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

Retro Stripes with Animals
Retro Stripes with Animals

Daimondhand

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

Dog Paw Print on Coffin Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7541
Dog Paw Print on Coffin Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7541

Snoopy from Peanuts Nails
Snoopy from Peanuts Nails

Nna_naomynailart_official

Panda Nail Designs

Cute Panda for X-long Blue Coffin Nails | Panda Nails- NB7559
Cute Panda for X-long Blue Coffin Nails | Panda Nails- NB7559

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

Bamboo and Panda Nails with Glitter | Panda Nails- NB7589
Bamboo and Panda Nails with Glitter | Panda Nails- NB7589

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

Marble Nails Panda Head Design | Panda Nails- NB7562
Marble Nails Panda Head Design | Panda Nails- NB7562

Panda Accent for Gold Swirl Nails | Panda Nails- NB7555
Panda Accent for Gold Swirl Nails | Panda Nails- NB7555

Panda Design for Purple Ombre French Nails | Panda Nails- NB7575
Panda Design for Purple Ombre French Nails | Panda Nails- NB7575

Decorated Baby Pink and Blue Panda Nails | Panda Nails- NB7565
Decorated Baby Pink and Blue Panda Nails | Panda Nails- NB7565

Bunny Nails

Bunny Nail Design for Bling Style | Bunny Nails- NB7673
Bunny Nail Design for Bling Style | Bunny Nails- NB7673

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

Matte Pink Nails Easter Bunny Ear Design | Easter Nails - NB3400
Matte Pink Nails Easter Bunny Ear Design | Easter Nails - NB3400

Bunny in the Meadow
Bunny in the Meadow

Klamaja

White Nails Easter Design | Easter Bunny Nails- NB8041
White Nails Easter Design | Easter Bunny Nails- NB8041

Easter Egg and Bunny Accent Nails | Easter Nails - NB3452
Easter Egg and Bunny Accent Nails | Easter Nails - NB3452

Colorful Easter Bunny Nails with Sparkle | Bunny Nails- NB7681
Colorful Easter Bunny Nails with Sparkle | Bunny Nails- NB7681

Micro French Nails Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7707
Micro French Nails Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7707

Chicken Nail Art

Easter Eggs French and Chick's Head Design | Easter Nails - NB3617
Easter Eggs French and Chick's Head Design | Easter Nails - NB3617

Colorful Mini Eggs Nails Design for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3455
Colorful Mini Eggs Nails Design for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3455

Cute Chicks on Nails for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3419
Cute Chicks on Nails for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3419

Long Nails with Easter Bunny and Chick | Chicken Nails- NB7779
Long Nails with Easter Bunny and Chick | Chicken Nails- NB7779

Easter Chicks and Eggs Nail Design | Easter Nails - NB3418
Easter Chicks and Eggs Nail Design | Easter Nails - NB3418

Chicken Accent for X-long Coffin Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7787
Chicken Accent for X-long Coffin Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7787

Chicken for Egg-inspired French Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7789
Chicken for Egg-inspired French Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7789

Rooster Accent for Rose Gold Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7796
Rooster Accent for Rose Gold Nails | Chicken Nails- NB7796

Giraffe Nail Designs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mouse Nails

Valentine's Day Mickey Mouse Nail Art
Valentine's Day Mickey Mouse Nail Art

Nna_naomynailart_official

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

Glitter Tips and Mouse Nail Art | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8107
Glitter Tips and Mouse Nail Art | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8107

Jerry on Accent Nail
Jerry on Accent Nail

Olga_soloveva._

Opossum Design for Black Tip Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8115
Opossum Design for Black Tip Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8115

Happy Disney Nails
Happy Disney Nails

Nailartbychlo

Mouse Design for Holographic Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8104
Mouse Design for Holographic Nails | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8104

Neutral Nails with Minimal Mouse Accent | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8106
Neutral Nails with Minimal Mouse Accent | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8106

Snake Nails

Snake in the Woods
Snake in the Woods

Mari_mari_nailart

Coffin Snake Design Nails | Snake Nails- NB8139
Coffin Snake Design Nails | Snake Nails- NB8139

Snake Design for Black and Gold Nails | Snake Nails- NB8128
Snake Design for Black and Gold Nails | Snake Nails- NB8128

Simple French Manicure With Snake
Simple French Manicure With Snake

Nailartbychlo

Snake and Rhinestone Nails Design | Snake Nails- NB8125
Snake and Rhinestone Nails Design | Snake Nails- NB8125

Chrome Snake Nail Design
Chrome Snake Nail Design

Korelviktoria

Snake Accents for Green Marble Nails | Snake Nails- NB8124
Snake Accents for Green Marble Nails | Snake Nails- NB8124

Matte Pastel Nails Snake Design | Snake Nails- NB8121
Matte Pastel Nails Snake Design | Snake Nails- NB8121

Crab Nail Designs

Blue Swirl Nails with a Cute Crab | Crab Nails- NB8160
Blue Swirl Nails with a Cute Crab | Crab Nails- NB8160

Easy Crab Theme Design for Orange Nails | Crab Nails- NB8154
Easy Crab Theme Design for Orange Nails | Crab Nails- NB8154

Crab Accent for Glitter Nails | Crab Nails- NB8158
Crab Accent for Glitter Nails | Crab Nails- NB8158

Matte Crab Nails Design | Crab Nails- NB8157
Matte Crab Nails Design | Crab Nails- NB8157

Cute Crab Accents for Gradient Pastel Nails | Crab Nails- NB8161
Cute Crab Accents for Gradient Pastel Nails | Crab Nails- NB8161

Silhouette Marine Life with Seahorses | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2764
Silhouette Marine Life with Seahorses | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2764

Cute Crab Glitter Ombre Nails | Crab Nails- NB8165
Cute Crab Glitter Ombre Nails | Crab Nails- NB8165

The Little Mermaid Nail Art | Crab Nails- NB8164
The Little Mermaid Nail Art | Crab Nails- NB8164

Bee Nail Designs

Minimal Sunflower and Bee Nails | Sunflower Nails - NB5241
Minimal Sunflower and Bee Nails | Sunflower Nails - NB5241

Butter Yellow Nails Simple Bee Design | Bee Nails- NB8144
Butter Yellow Nails Simple Bee Design | Bee Nails- NB8144

Aura Nails with 3D Bees | Bee Nails- NB8143
Aura Nails with 3D Bees | Bee Nails- NB8143

Black and Yellow Bee Theme Nails | Bee Nails- NB8145
Black and Yellow Bee Theme Nails | Bee Nails- NB8145

Transparent Nails with Hexagonal Honeycomb Design | Bee Nails- NB8150
Transparent Nails with Hexagonal Honeycomb Design | Bee Nails- NB8150

Bee Design for Pastel Yellow Nails | Bee Nails- NB8148
Bee Design for Pastel Yellow Nails | Bee Nails- NB8148

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

Hexagonal Honeycomb Design for Short Nails | Bee Nails- NB8146
Hexagonal Honeycomb Design for Short Nails | Bee Nails- NB8146

Ladybug Nails

Shimmer Ladybugs Design for Black Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8258
Shimmer Ladybugs Design for Black Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8258

Tiny Ladybugs for Nude Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8341
Tiny Ladybugs for Nude Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8341

Red Ladybug Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8259
Red Ladybug Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8259

Ladybug Design for Short White Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8271
Ladybug Design for Short White Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8271

Ladybugs and Leaves for Pink Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8273
Ladybugs and Leaves for Pink Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8273

3D Ladybug Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8342
3D Ladybug Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8342

3D Ladybug Design for Black Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8264
3D Ladybug Design for Black Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8264

Tiny Ladybug Design for French Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8260
Tiny Ladybug Design for French Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8260

Animal-Inspired Toe Nail Designs

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

Panda Negative Space Toenails
Panda Negative Space Toenails

Nail_sunny

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

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

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

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

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

Easter Pedicure Nail Design with a Bunny | Easter Nails - NB3782
Easter Pedicure Nail Design with a Bunny | Easter Nails - NB3782

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

Ombre Nails with Silhouette Marine Life Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2769
Ombre Nails with Silhouette Marine Life Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2769

Minimal Silhouette Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2768
Minimal Silhouette Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2768

Silhouette Marine Life on Ombre Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2767
Silhouette Marine Life on Ombre Nails | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2767

Coral Reef with Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2766
Coral Reef with Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2766

Gradient French Ocean with Marine Life Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2765
Gradient French Ocean with Marine Life Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2765

Silhouette Marine Life with Seahorses | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2764
Silhouette Marine Life with Seahorses | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2764

Embellished Marine Life Nails with Starfish | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2763
Embellished Marine Life Nails with Starfish | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2763

Nail Extensions with Marine Life Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2762
Nail Extensions with Marine Life Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2762

Glossy Marine Life Nails with Whales| Save the Ocean Nails - NB2761
Glossy Marine Life Nails with Whales| Save the Ocean Nails - NB2761

Blue Ombre Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2759
Blue Ombre Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2759

Eco-Friendly Practices Nail Design | Climate Crisis Nails - NB2689
Eco-Friendly Practices Nail Design | Climate Crisis Nails - NB2689

Biodiversity Conservation Nail Design | Climate Crisis Nails - NB2648
Biodiversity Conservation Nail Design | Climate Crisis Nails - NB2648

Valentine Sweetheart Candy Nail Design | Valentine Nails - NB2298
Valentine Sweetheart Candy Nail Design | Valentine Nails - NB2298

Cute Candy Nail Design for Love Day | Valentine Nails - NB2189
Cute Candy Nail Design for Love Day | Valentine Nails - NB2189

Anti Valentine Kid Theme Nails | Valentine Nails - NB2164
Anti Valentine Kid Theme Nails | Valentine Nails - NB2164

Haida Gwaii Salmon Motif Nail Design | Canadian | Tribal - NB1849
Haida Gwaii Salmon Motif Nail Design | Canadian | Tribal - NB1849

Abstract Salmon-inspired Haida Gwaii Nails | Canadian | Tribal - NB1848
Abstract Salmon-inspired Haida Gwaii Nails | Canadian | Tribal - NB1848

Salmon-inspired Haida Gwaii Nail Design | Canadian | Tribal - NB1847
Salmon-inspired Haida Gwaii Nail Design | Canadian | Tribal - NB1847

Peach Fuzz Nails with White Tips and Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1834
Peach Fuzz Nails with White Tips and Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1834

Peach Fuzz Shimmer Nail Design with Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1833
Peach Fuzz Shimmer Nail Design with Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1833

Embellished Peach Fuzz French Nails with Butterfly | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1832
Embellished Peach Fuzz French Nails with Butterfly | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1832

Double French Butterfly Peach Fuzz Nails | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1831
Double French Butterfly Peach Fuzz Nails | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1831

Double French Peach Fuzz Nails with Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1830
Double French Peach Fuzz Nails with Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1830

Peach Fuzz Shimmer Nails with Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1829
Peach Fuzz Shimmer Nails with Butterflies | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1829

Read the Latest on Nails Tails!

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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