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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

Peach Fuzz Glossy Butterfly Nails | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1790
Peach Fuzz Glossy Butterfly Nails | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1790

The Cat of Christmas
The Cat of Christmas

Klamaja

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

Double French Peach Fuzz Nails Butterfly Design | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1810
Double French Peach Fuzz Nails Butterfly Design | Color of the Year 2024 - NB1810

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

Multicolored Butterfly Nails
Multicolored Butterfly Nails

Cdanails

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

Animal Nail Designs for Short Nails

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

Butterflies Silhouette Design with Rhinestones
Butterflies Silhouette Design with Rhinestones

Mari_mari_nailart

Simple Easter Nails with Lambs | Easter Nails - NB3501
Simple Easter Nails with Lambs | Easter Nails - NB3501

Cute Baby Fox Nail Design | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3142
Cute Baby Fox Nail Design | Polar Wonders Nails - NB3142

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

Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB181
Qashqai Nails | Persian | Tribal - NB181

Black Cat Nails | Halloween - NB752
Black Cat Nails | Halloween - NB752

Cat Nail Art

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

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

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

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

Stiletto Nails Bling Kitty Cat Design | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7150
Stiletto Nails Bling Kitty Cat Design | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7150

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

Nails with Frightening Black Cat Design | Halloween Black Cat Nails - NB5785
Nails with Frightening Black Cat Design | Halloween Black Cat Nails - NB5785

Pink Ombre Nails Cute Kitty Cat Design | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7144
Pink Ombre Nails Cute Kitty Cat Design | Kitty Cat Nail Art - NB7144

Dog Nail Designs

Decorated Nails with a Dog | Dog Nail Designs- NB7540
Decorated Nails with a Dog | Dog Nail Designs- NB7540

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

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

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

Dog Paw Print for Pink Ombre Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7530
Dog Paw Print for Pink Ombre Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7530

German Shepherd Print on Embellished Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7535
German Shepherd Print on Embellished Nails | Dog Nail Designs- NB7535

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

Panda Nail Designs

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

Double French Panda Nails Design | Panda Nails- NB7569
Double French Panda Nails Design | Panda Nails- NB7569

Embellished Ombre Nails with Panda | Panda Nails- NB7588
Embellished Ombre Nails with Panda | Panda Nails- NB7588

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

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

Panda and Bamboo short Nail Art | Tricky-Customized Nails- NB8375
Panda and Bamboo short Nail Art | Tricky-Customized Nails- NB8375

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

Black Panda Nails with Foil Embellishment | Panda Nails- NB7557
Black Panda Nails with Foil Embellishment | Panda Nails- NB7557

Bunny Nails

Bunny Accent for Short French Nail | Bunny Nails- NB7661
Bunny Accent for Short French Nail | Bunny Nails- NB7661

Clear Nails with Bunnies and Hearts Design | Bunny Nails- NB7664
Clear Nails with Bunnies and Hearts Design | Bunny Nails- NB7664

Easy Bunny Nails Design with Glitter | Bunny Nails- NB7703
Easy Bunny Nails Design with Glitter | Bunny Nails- NB7703

Pastel Blue Nails for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3584
Pastel Blue Nails for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3584

French Nails with Simple Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7687
French Nails with Simple Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7687

Gray Nails Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7669
Gray Nails Bunny Design | Bunny Nails- NB7669

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

Glitter Ombre Nails with Easter Bunny | Easter Nails - NB3386
Glitter Ombre Nails with Easter Bunny | Easter Nails - NB3386

Chicken Nail Art

Easter Chicks and Flowers Nail Art | Easter Nails - NB3415
Easter Chicks and Flowers Nail Art | Easter Nails - NB3415

Easter Chick and Colorful Eggs Nails Design | Easter Nails - NB3424
Easter Chick and Colorful Eggs Nails Design | Easter Nails - NB3424

Blue and White French Tips for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3549
Blue and White French Tips for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3549

Pink Striped Nails with Easter Chick Design | Easter Nails - NB3421
Pink Striped Nails with Easter Chick Design | Easter Nails - NB3421

Colorful Stripes on Black Nails for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3569
Colorful Stripes on Black Nails for Easter | Easter Nails - NB3569

Easter Eggshell Nails with a Chick | Chicken Nails- NB7784
Easter Eggshell Nails with a Chick | Chicken Nails- NB7784

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

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

Giraffe Nail Designs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mouse Nails

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

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

Nails_by_evelyn9

Galaxy Nails with Opossum Accents | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8117
Galaxy Nails with Opossum Accents | Mouse Nail Designs- NB8117

Valentine's Days Jerry Nail Art
Valentine's Days Jerry Nail Art

Nna_naomynailart_official

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

Jerry the Mouse Nail Art
Jerry the Mouse Nail Art

Nna_naomynailart_official

Minnie and Daisy Disney Nails
Minnie and Daisy Disney Nails

Nna_naomynailart_official

Disney Halloween Nail Art
Disney Halloween Nail Art

Nna_naomynailart_official

Snake Nails

Snake-inspired Rhinestone Nails | Snake Nails- NB8122
Snake-inspired Rhinestone Nails | Snake Nails- NB8122

Simple French Manicure With Snake
Simple French Manicure With Snake

Nailartbychlo

Nude Nails with Snake Design
Nude Nails with Snake Design

Project_paznokcie

Marble Green Nails with 3D Snake Design | Snake Nails- NB8127
Marble Green Nails with 3D Snake Design | Snake Nails- NB8127

Matte Nails with Snake | Snake Nails- NB8123
Matte Nails with Snake | Snake Nails- NB8123

Snake Nail Art
Snake Nail Art

Melificentnailartistry

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

Snake in the Woods
Snake in the Woods

Mari_mari_nailart

Crab Nail Designs

A Crab Accent for Blue Nails Design | Crab Nails- NB8166
A Crab Accent for Blue Nails Design | Crab Nails- NB8166

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

Glossy Clear Nails with Crabs | Crab Nails- NB8153
Glossy Clear Nails with Crabs | Crab Nails- NB8153

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

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

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

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

Silhouette Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2771
Silhouette Marine Life Nail Design | Save the Ocean Nails - NB2771

Bee Nail Designs

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

3D Sunflower and Bee Nails | Sunflower Nails - NB5232
3D Sunflower and Bee Nails | Sunflower Nails - NB5232

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

Short and Easy Bee Nails | Bee Nails- NB8151
Short and Easy Bee Nails | Bee Nails- NB8151

Bee and Honey Drips Nails Design | Bee Nails- NB8149
Bee and Honey Drips Nails Design | Bee Nails- NB8149

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

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

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

Ladybug Nails

Blue Nails with Ladybug on Leaf | Ladybug Nails- NB8356
Blue Nails with Ladybug on Leaf | Ladybug Nails- NB8356

Ladybug Theme for Matte Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8343
Ladybug Theme for Matte Nails | Ladybug Nails- NB8343

3D Sunflower and Ladybug Nails Design | Sunflower Nails - NB5239
3D Sunflower and Ladybug Nails Design | Sunflower Nails - NB5239

Coffin Nails with Ladybug Accents | Ladybug Nails- NB8261
Coffin Nails with Ladybug Accents | Ladybug Nails- NB8261

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

Embellished Ladybug Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8339
Embellished Ladybug Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8339

Simple Ladybug Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8268
Simple Ladybug Nails Design | Ladybug Nails- NB8268

Animal-Inspired Toe Nail Designs

Glitter Turkey Nail Design | Thanksgiving | Holiday- NB1208
Glitter Turkey Nail Design | Thanksgiving | Holiday- NB1208

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

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

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

Black and White Cow Print Pedicure Design | Animal Print Nails - NB4382
Black and White Cow Print Pedicure Design | Animal Print Nails - NB4382

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

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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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