This summer, let’s bring a bit of the garden to our nails! Following the “tomato girl” trend of last year, another garden-inspired design is taking over—ladybug nails. Ladybugs have always been associated with good luck, and now they’re here to bring that luck straight to your fingertips.
Whether you’re visiting a nail artist for 3D magic or creating them yourself at home, ladybug nails are a fun, charming, and whimsical addition to your summer mani.
The Ladybug Nail Trend
Have you scrolled through Instagram or TikTok lately? If you have, you’ve probably seen ladybug nail art. Nail artists are creating unique, playful designs, with ladybugs leading the charge this summer. With the rise of airbrushing, 3D gels, and other creative nail tools, customized manicures have reached new heights.
Ladybug nails are the perfect blend of vibrant colors and outdoor vibes, making them the ideal choice for summer. Imagine enjoying a picnic on a sunny afternoon, laughing with friends, and spotting ladybugs while snacking on juicy fruit. Can’t get outside? No worries, just bring the vibes to your nails.
This trend has been growing steadily and even celebrities are embracing it! For example, in April 2024, singer SZA showed off a nature-inspired manicure at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Her nails featured ladybugs, dragonflies, and other cute insects. So, if you love ladybugs and their lucky charm, you’re in great company!
The Inspiration
It’s not just ladybugs that have been taking over nail designs. Insects, in general, have become a popular trend. From bees and beetles to caterpillars and grasshoppers, garden creatures are making their way into our manicures. And it makes sense, doesn’t it? Spring and summer are the seasons when gardens are in full bloom, and adding a little garden-inspired art to your nails is the perfect way to feel connected to nature.
Ladybug nails are especially popular because of their symbolism. They are lucky, cheerful, and undeniably cute. But if you’re not sure about going full-on ladybug, you can always try something simpler—like a red manicure with black polka dots. It gives off a ladybug vibe without being too bold. After all, polka dots are trendy, and you’ll still be on point!
How to Get the Look
Creating ladybug nail art can be as simple or as intricate as you like. If you’re a beginner, start with basic designs. You don’t need fancy tools—just a dotting tool and some patience. For a more detailed design, you might need a thin brush, builder gel, or even rhinestones.
Basic Ladybug Nail Art for Beginners
If you’re a DIY-er, the easiest way to start is by using a red base with black dots. Simply paint your nails red, and then use a dotting tool to add black spots to make them look like ladybugs. If you want to add a little extra charm, you can even paint a tiny black line down the middle of the red to mimic a ladybug’s signature split.
Picnic Ladybugs
For a fun, outdoorsy touch, try adding black and white gingham plaid tips to your ladybug nails. This design is especially perfect for those who love picnics and outdoor fun. You can make it even more delicate by using super-thin brushes for those tiny lines. These nails will surely stand out at any garden party or afternoon picnic!
3D Garden Party
@myprettyset / Instagram
Want something a little more dramatic? Try adding 3D ladybugs to your nails. These bugs will be hard to miss and will really “pop” on your nails. To make it even more lively, you can add some green leaves around them to create the perfect garden vibe. This is a great design if you want to go big and bold.
Micro Frenchies with Ladybugs
If you’re a fan of French tips, here’s a twist! Try squoval micro French tips with a thin black finish. Add some red ladybugs on the tips, and you’ve got yourself a cute, playful, yet elegant summer look. This design is perfect for those who want to keep things subtle yet chic.
Ladybugs on Leaves
How about adding some green leaves to your ladybug nails? It’ll make your nails look like a garden in full bloom! Imagine tiny ladybugs relaxing on fresh green leaves—how adorable is that? You can even play with yellow tips for that soft, sunny vibe.
Garden Greens Ladybugs
Not a fan of red? No problem! Green ladybugs are a fresh take on this trend. These vibrant creatures can be paired with other garden elements, like flowers and leaves. Green ladybug nails will give you the same charming vibe, but with a unique twist.
Simple & Fresh Ladybug Design
@betina_goldstein / instagram
For those who prefer minimalism, ladybug nails can still be simple and fresh. Try a glassy or clear base, and just add a ladybug or two on your ring or pinky fingers. This keeps the design clean and elegant while still giving a nod to the ladybug trend.
Black and Red Dots
Not sure if you want to commit to full-on ladybugs? Try a fun abstract design with red and black dots. These could be ladybug spots or even watermelon slices! This design is perfect for beginners because it’s easy to do and looks super cute.
Where to Get Ladybug Nails Done
If you’re ready to rock this look but need some help, a professional nail artist can bring your vision to life. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out with 3D bugs and garden details, a pro can help you achieve your dream nails. Many salons now specialize in intricate nail art, and ladybug nails are a top request this summer.
Final Thoughts
Ladybug nails are the whimsical, lucky design everyone is talking about this summer. Whether you’re looking for a fun, playful look or a lucky charm to keep with you all season, ladybug nails are the perfect choice. So, grab your nail polish, get creative, and start adding a little luck and charm to your fingertips. Who knows? A ladybug might just bring you the good fortune you’ve been waiting for!
