Introduction
Greetings, readers! Ready to embark on a nail-spiration voyage? This guide to nautical nail designs 2016 will serve as your compass, guiding you through the depths of oceanic hues, anchors, and intricate patterns. Whether you’re planning a summer beach getaway or simply want to add a touch of maritime flair to your fingertips, these designs will have you anchored in style.
Anchors Aweigh: The Classic Nautical Motif
Timeless Appeal
The anchor, a symbol of stability and hope, has long been associated with nautical style. In nail designs, anchors take center stage, adding a touch of maritime charm. Consider painting a single anchor in gold or silver on a navy background, or create a cluster of anchors in different sizes and hues for a more playful look.
Sailor Moon-Inspired Designs
If you’re a fan of the iconic anime series Sailor Moon, incorporate its nautical elements into your nail art. Paint crescent moons in shades of blue and white, add starbursts in vibrant yellow, and finish off with a touch of glitter to evoke the celestial magic of the show.
Twists on the Traditional
While traditional anchors are always stylish, consider incorporating unique twists to make them stand out. Try painting anchors with a metallic finish, add a splash of ombre, or create a negative space design where the anchor is cut out of the nail and painted in a contrasting color.
Seascape Serenity: Nailing Nature’s Hues
Ocean Blues
Capture the vast expanse of the ocean on your nails with vibrant shades of blue. Use a combination of light and dark blues, blending them seamlessly to create a gradient effect. You can add subtle shimmer or glitter to mimic the sun’s reflection on the water’s surface.
Green Seaweed and Coral
Bring the underwater world to life with intricate seaweed and coral designs. Use shades of green to paint delicate seaweed strands, adding a touch of red or purple to represent vibrant coral reefs. Layer different hues and textures to create a realistic and eye-catching design.
Shell-Inspired Accents
Incorporate the beauty of seashells into your nautical nail art. Paint tiny shells in white or pastel shades, add a touch of pearl or iridescent polish, and finish off with a glossy top coat. You can also create a geometric shell design using negative space, leaving certain areas unpainted to resemble the intricate patterns found on real shells.
Maritime Miscellany: Embracing All Things Nautical
Ship Shape and Seashells
Combine anchors, ship wheels, and seashells in a playful nautical mix-and-match design. Paint a navy base color, add white stripes to represent a ship’s hull, and incorporate anchors and seashells in a variety of sizes and colors. Finish off with a touch of gold or silver to evoke the ship’s hardware.
Knotty but Nice: Rope and Knots
Add a nautical touch with intricate rope and knot designs. Paint thin lines of white or navy to create the illusion of twine, and add small knots as embellishments. You can also try a negative space design where the rope is cut out of the nail and painted in a contrasting color.
Compass Rose: Guiding Your Way
Incorporate a compass rose into your nail design to symbolize navigation and direction. Paint a circle with eight spokes radiating outward, each representing a cardinal or intercardinal direction. Add a small arrow or star in the center to indicate north. Finish off with a touch of gold or copper to give it a vintage feel.
Nautical Nail Art Table: A Handy Reference
| Design Element | Color Suggestions | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Anchors | Gold, silver, navy, white | Use a thin brush for precise lines |
| Sailor Moon-Inspired | Blue, white, yellow, silver | Add glitter for a celestial touch |
| Ocean Blues | Navy, turquoise, aqua, white | Blend shades seamlessly for a gradient effect |
| Seaweed and Coral | Green, red, purple | Use different hues and textures for realism |
| Seashells | White, pastel shades, pearl | Paint in tiny details for a realistic look |
| Ship and Seashells | Navy, white, gold | Combine elements for a playful mix |
| Rope and Knots | White, navy | Use thin lines for a realistic effect |
| Compass Rose | Gold, copper | Paint on a small scale to fit the nail size |
Conclusion
Ahoy there, sailors! We hope this guide has inspired you to create your own nautical nail designs 2016. Whether you’re drawn to the classic appeal of anchors or the vibrant hues of the ocean, these designs will help you channel your inner seafarer. Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more nail-spiration and creative ideas. Fair winds and following seas, dear readers!
FAQ about Nautical Nail Designs 2016
What are the most popular nautical nail designs for 2016?
Stripes, anchors, waves, and other nautical-inspired patterns are all popular for 2016.
What colors are best for nautical nail designs?
Navy blue, white, red, and gold are all traditional nautical colors. Pastel colors, such as light blue and pink, can also be used to create a more feminine look.
What can I use to create nautical nail designs?
You can use nail polish, acrylic paint, or gel polish to create nautical nail designs. Nail art brushes and tape can also be used to help create specific designs.
How can I make my nautical nail designs last longer?
Applying a top coat to your nails will help to protect your designs and make them last longer. You can also use a UV lamp to cure gel polish and make it more durable.
What are some tips for creating nautical nail designs?
Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Use tape to create clean lines and shapes. Apply your design using nail polish or acrylic paint. Finish with a top coat to seal in your design.
How can I create a simple nautical stripe design?
Use two different colors of nail polish to create stripes on your nails. You can use tape to help create clean lines.
How can I create an anchor design?
Use white nail polish to paint an anchor shape on your nails. You can add details with black or gold nail polish.
How can I create a wave design?
Use a light blue nail polish to paint a wave shape on your nails. You can add details with white or navy blue nail polish.
How can I create a nautical-inspired gradient?
Use three or more different shades of blue nail polish to create a gradient on your nails. Start with the lightest shade at the base of your nails and gradually add darker shades to the tips.
How can I add nautical accessories to my nails?
You can use nail studs, beads, or charms to add nautical accessories to your nails. You can also use gold or silver leaf to create a metallic look.