Aquarium nail design (50 photos)

Aquarium nail design, as a way of self-expression, can be done independently. This is a relatively new technique in nail design, which has thoroughly taken a leading position on the Olympus of fashion. The popularity of this trend is growing exponentially.

What is the secret of his popularity?

This is what we have to find out today.

Peculiarities

The cost of such a design in showrooms is catastrophically high. But that doesn't stop the fashion lionesses. Why?

Everything can be explained by the advantageous features it has:

Versatility and volume. The design “under glass” looks very unusual and extremely beautiful. The inner layer can be created from a variety of decorative elements, including volumetric ones.
Versatility. When the situation changes dramatically, for example, you are an office worker and the organization’s dress code does not accept such a design, you can cover your nails with any solid color that does not contradict it. Then feel free to delete it without damaging the original image.
Deadlines. If your manicure is properly cared for, it will last you about 3 months. Neither the top layer nor the picture inside undergoes wear and does not fade. True, there is one condition, since the nail grows, then as it grows, it is necessary to make a correction - to complement or modify the picture.
Practicality. Visually the volume seems quite large. However, the entire internal decor is securely fixed, the surface of the plate remains flat. Therefore, you can do any homework. The quality and appearance of the manicure does not suffer.
Self-sufficiency. This manicure is so unusual and original that it attracts outside glances many times more often than expensive jewelry on the hand. You can refuse them, remaining constantly in the spotlight.

We invite you to watch the video:

This is why aquarium design has gained such total popularity.

What and how to decorate your nails

Design methods using the aquamanicure technique are influenced by fashion, the desire of the owner of the nails and imagination. Some decorate 10 fingers the same way, others highlight 1-2 nails.

Options for aquarium nail design and how to do it correctly

Fimo is a decoration made from colored polymer clay. For an original summer manicure, the theme is juicy fruit slices, in the fall - bright leaves. To cover the tips of the nails, use acrylic powder of the appropriate color.
Summer designs are created from small shells and sparkles, painted with marine-themed paints.
Rhinestones and glitter along the entire length of the nails on a nude or gradient background. Suitable for an evening look. Sequins or floral designs are sometimes added to sparkles.

Small feathers with glitter look original under the gel layer. As an addition, it is allowed to insert drawings and rhinestones. This decor is suitable for artificial nails.
More than 2 layers of gel are applied to bouillons (beads) with sequins to hide the bulge.
A recognized aquarium technique is the design of dried flowers on elongated nails. The decor looks gentle and feminine, especially if you add glitter or broth. Suitable for romantic natures.
Artificial nails with paper products pasted on them look unusual: pictures, photographs and even scraps of newspapers or wallpaper. The applied gel covers the images like glass, creating a 3D effect.
An attractive design is achieved with colored sand.
A recognized trend in aquarium manicure is decoration with special small beads or halves of beads. This decor is combined with other round elements: kamifubuki, sequins, broths. Stick on extended nails or tips.
Manicure foil or mica combined with acrylic powder. This foil is available in two types: after applying the first type, a shiny imprint remains. Another type is glued in cut pieces or strips.
Decoration with pieces of lace or a lace pattern. In addition, rhinestones, sparkles and other suitable materials are taken. Stamping, stickers or pieces of thin lace are suitable for natural nails.

What happens

There are many ways to perform aqua manicure. You can highlight either a few accent nails or all five on each hand. For those who are truly bored by everyday life, you can make an unusual jacket in the form of imitation animal fur or something else - it all depends on your imagination and taste preferences.

Techniques that are at the peak of popularity:

painting;
modeling;
acrylic drawings;
glitter compositions;
combinations of stones, pearls and broths, dried flowers.

What is aquadesign?

Marine aquarium design

Aquarium manicure, or aquadesign, is the most spectacular type of nail design.

In this case, the design and/or decoration is placed inside the nail during the extension process.

The result is a three-dimensional image, as if under glass, hence its name.

An aquarium manicure is created when forming an extended nail, which allows you to create incredibly beautiful compositions that are not available with other methods.

Women who work with their hands and are accustomed to short-cut nails should consider this type of nail design before vacation or the New Year holidays.
Those who can afford long nails in everyday life do not need to wait for a special occasion; they can go straight to the salon.
Before a special celebration, wedding or anniversary, everyone wants to attract attention with their beauty. With an aquarium manicure, the eyes of others will be directed only at you.

Wedding acrylic manicure design

Which nails is it suitable for?

Aquamanicure is convenient for long and short nails. Most often performed simultaneously with extensions. The design only seems convex, but in fact it is uniform and does not cling to any third-party surfaces.

The interior design is covered with a layer of acrylic, which is why it creates the impression of being under glass.

Extensions

On such nails it is very convenient to create designs in the form of sculpting and drawing. The longer they are, the more space there is for the realization of artistic imagination.

Alternatively, you can use tips if you make it yourself. On a removable plate, abstract motifs will be more neat and well-drawn.

Short

For short periods, aquamanicure will act somewhat differently. An already short nail will appear smaller, and the visual volume will hide the length. Therefore, the build-up still needs to be done, at least small.

When choosing an aquarium design, you need to approach the style very carefully. Carnival or too pretentious will be judged by outsiders as a sign of bad taste. Besides, you yourself will soon get tired of it.

Aquarium manicure using gradient technique

The basis of the gradient is a smooth transition from one shade to another, and in design, as a rule, two or more shades are used. In the original, this technique looks very attractive and expressive, can be used as an independent design and goes well with various types of decor. As for the combination of a gradient with an aquarium design, such a proposal looks unusual and will definitely appeal to fashionistas who love to combine all the most unusual things. Gradient stretching in aqua manicure is used as a background on which the master will gradually lay out jewelry or apply drawings. However, this fact does not mean at all that a gradient without additions and decorations will look less attractive in an aquarium design.

Step-by-step algorithm for nail art at home

You can implement the idea yourself only if you have all the necessary materials and tools:

Ultraviolet lamp;
gel base;
gel for foundation;
primer;
color gel;
top gel;
colored paints;
brushes, dots;
decorative material.

It is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of actions and the required time in the drying lamp. Only in this situation will the result please you.

The algorithm of actions is described in detail in the video - watching it with your own eyes is more clearly perceived and remembered.

So, how are 3D motifs made on the nail plate? Let's watch the video.

Useful tips

Aquarium manicure is an expensive pleasure. If you have never had your nails extended before, it is recommended that you do the extensions for the first time using the same materials that you are planning for the aquarium, but with a simpler design, as a test of drug tolerance.
It is better to choose a color scheme that will suit most things in your wardrobe.
The procedure is quite long, it is better to plan it on a weekend.

Aquarium nail design will allow you to effectively stand out from the crowd and express your creative and interesting personality.

This manicure is practical, relevant both for holidays and in everyday life, and with proper care it can last you a long time.

Aqua manicure design with gel

Tools you need to prepare:

colorless gel;
household UV lamp;
primer;
materials for work: sparkles, rhinestones, dried flowers and whatever your heart desires;
nail polish remover;
lint-free wipes;
files for filing.

Sequencing:

Step 1. Give the nails the desired shape.
Step 2. Degrease the surfaces of the plates.
Step 3. Apply the first layer (primer), dry for 2 minutes.
Step 3. Apply the 2nd layer, but now with gel (not thick).
Step 4. Before it freezes, quickly lay out the planned composition. For the inexperienced, you can limit yourself to simple sparkles. As your skill level increases, your motives can become more complex.
Step 5. Place the nails in the lamp and dry for the same 2 minutes.
Step 6. Apply another layer of gel. It should completely cover the decorative elements. To check this, look at the surface from the side by raising your hand. We also dry everything for 2 minutes.
Step 7. All that remains is to remove the sticky layer with a lint-free cloth moistened in liquid.
Step 8. Cover everything with colorless varnish. We moisturize the cuticle with oil or nourishing cream.

It is recommended to use this method for those who have at least the slightest idea how to work with gel. Or those who constantly go to salons and know by heart what the master does, why and how.

Fimo aquarium design

Polymer clay is one of the most popular and sought after materials for creating excellent aquarium design. Most often, summer multi-colored designs are made using polymer clay using rich shades of clay. This pattern is made by cutting clay with a special blade. Next, the pattern is assembled from various elements. To secure the unusual decor, the nails are covered with several layers of gel or acrylic, since fimo is small particles that require good fixation. Most often, fimo is used to decorate a moon or French manicure.

The same aquamanicure, only with varnish

The tools are the same as in the previous description, only instead of gel we take varnish. The algorithm of actions is the same. You cannot dry the varnish in a lamp, so we wait until it dries naturally.

There is no difference between these two methods, except time. The first one is done much faster, drying is carried out better. After the latter, the coating is very durable and difficult to damage.

In the second, drying the varnish takes a lot of time. After completing the last step, the finish cannot be said to be strong. It takes several hours for it to dry completely.

Acrylic powder and nail sculpting

You can sculpt anything - any objects that correspond to a given theme.

To make the manicure harmonious, it is recommended to paint the edges of the nail in the color of the sculpted objects for design.

Acrylic powder perfectly complements massive decorative elements on nails - it can shade or saturate the entire image without distorting the color palette.

The use of modeling and powder is only suitable for long acrylic or gel nails - on short natural nails it will look too massive and convex.

Combined with French

You can decorate your nails using the aquarium technique in any way you like, and in each individual case you can get pretty gorgeous results. Including French style.

For clarity, let’s look at a few successful projects:

An original idea for summer, made using fimo on a fruit theme.
The nude background with rhinestones and sparkles looks laconic. This design can be a worthy addition to any bow.
A voluminous motif using dried flowers with glitter will not leave romantic natures indifferent.
Look how beautiful and elegant a floral-themed jacket looks, decorated with almond-shaped bouillons.
Translucent with printed printing can liven up the most boring image.
Another variation of the French coat using colored sand looks very original and feminine.
Small shells and sparkles, neatly drawn with a brush - an ideal marine theme, appropriate for a summer holiday.
An original traditional jacket, decorated with a floral accent, will completely complete your evening outfit.
Sequins and helium detailing in a delicate color palette will add femininity and sophistication to the image.

The video will tell you how it all looks with your own eyes.

Broths and sequins

When choosing this decor, first of all you need to pay attention to its shape and size. For example, starfish or golden shells are much easier to attach if they have a flat surface. When using broths, it is necessary to cover the nail with several layers of gel. You can safely combine sequins with sparkles; they can be used to create any patterns and designs. You need to be able to use such decor in accordance with the theme of the design. For example, for floristry you can safely use broths; for sea manicure, stick to shells and stars.

Ideas for Perfect Nail Art

A few simple, fresh ideas for stylish aqua decor.

Flowers

One of the trending trends is floral themes. The motifs turn out to be truly dazzlingly beautiful, voluminous, and delicate. This decor seems to breathe femininity.

But this is how they look on nails of medium length and elongated. This effect cannot be achieved on short nails.

Sequins and glitter

Sparkling decor is always a win-win option for an evening outfit. They can be used to decorate any length of plates. Glitter can be mixed with different shades.

This technique is especially relevant when performing the ombre smooth stretch technique. You can mix different tones, but the most universal choice is the pastel group.

Foil

An ideal material for creating an amber jacket. Manicure foil is freely sold in stores and is inexpensive. Together with it, acrylic powder can often be used in decoration; it forms the surface of the newly extended nail plate along with the base coat.

Foil, if it is in the form of a sheet, is cut into small pieces and laid out in the desired shape, motif, design.

Fimo

This is a polymer based clay. The most popular component in aqua manicure design. Most often, summer versions of ideas are made from it, which is why clay has such a multi-colored, rich and bright range.

Compositions are formed by thinly sliced elements. To ensure that the particles are securely fixed, not one, but several layers of transparent gel are applied on top of them.

And due to the fact that fimo is a very fine material, it can be used to play with reverse French manicure and French manicure in any way you like.

Broths with sequins

When choosing them for decoration, it is very important to take into account color, shape, especially size. Sequins are good for decorating with a marine theme.

The broths are fixed with several finishing layers of gel, since they are very voluminous. They can be easily combined with glitter.

Aquarium with glitter

Shimmering and sparkling sparkles are one of the excellent solutions for holiday and evening manicure. This decor goes well with different lengths and shapes of marigolds. You can safely mix glitter of different colors and create an ombre effect in different tones with a smooth transition. You can also create various designs and patterns using glitter. It is also possible to add glitter to a manicure using various techniques, which adds beauty and elegance.

French aquarium: advantages and disadvantages

Aquarium design allows you to quickly change style. For example, if you urgently need to change the color of your nails, you can simply coat them with varnish without causing harm to the aqua design. Subsequently, the varnish coating is removed with ordinary nail polish remover without acetone.

The correct aquarium composition on the nails looks self-sufficient, so it exists separately, without accessories on the hands. However, they won't hurt. Rings and bracelets in summer shades will go well with this design.

This technique is used only in nail extensions. Doing it at home is quite possible, but it is better to contact Moscow salons, as experience and forms for extensions are required. The whole procedure takes about 1-2 hours.

Other benefits of aquarium nails:

Three-dimensional appearance and volume.
Use any season's theme. It is not necessary to perform the summer version. The marigolds also depict leaves, grass, pebbles and objects that correspond to the current season.
This manicure is durable and reliable. The coating fits tightly on the nail and is not subject to chips or cracks.
Even with a large composition, it will be convenient for a girl to carry out household duties. Finally, the plate is coated with a layer of transparent liquid, which creates a smooth surface.
It is not necessary to file a growing nail. Some masters complement the picture in places where the natural nail has grown.

It is also worth noting the variety of decorative materials. In addition to glitter and rhinestones, feathers, sand, and shells are used. The main thing is not to overdo it with the decorative coating so that everything looks harmonious.

Disadvantages of aqua-french:

If you perform this technique without experience, your nails will end up too thick.
The same picture on the fingers looks colorful, loading the jacket as a whole.
Accuracy and precision are the most important thing in creation. With crooked lines and sloppy drawings, the value of such a design disappears.

As you can see, the disadvantages appear due to the lack of experience in creating complex designs. Therefore, girls usually entrust their hands to professionals, which turns out to be a little more expensive than doing it at home.

How to care for Frenchies

Aquarium manicure does not require special care. The rules are the same as for other types of design:

Do not subject to rough physical contact;
Wear gloves when handling household chemicals. Often the composition contains chemicals that harm fingers and records;
Don’t forget about masks and nail baths;
Follow a diet, sleep schedule, and maintain your health in good condition. After all, this directly affects the condition of the nail plates.

These are the basic rules of care that every girl needs to follow. It is also necessary to use manicure tools carefully so as not to damage the records.

Shell aquarium on marigolds

Most often, nail shells are made from acrylic - this is a practical and versatile material.

In addition to acrylic, you can make shells from natural shell chips or from artificial ready-made decor.

Due to the volume and richness of the composition, it is advisable to use shell nail design only on long extended nails.

General recommendations

Since ancient times, stones with insects and plants frozen in them have been highly valued. Thanks to the use of transparent or translucent materials in the nail industry, it has become possible to repeat this effect on nails.

Giving wide scope for experimentation, this technique has formed a whole direction in the field of nail art. All design elements are sealed in the middle of a transparent material, which visually resembles an aquarium.

Photos of examples of aquarium design on nails can be seen further in the article.

It gained its popularity due to many factors:

universal;
applicable to decor of any nature;
harmonious in both pastel and bright shades;
performed with any hard material (gel, acrylic, acrylic).

Nail technicians love aquarium design because it can be perfectly combined with other types of techniques:

modeling;
patterns;
foam manicure;
gradient;
French

The complexity of performing such a manicure largely depends on the chosen design and skills in working with materials.

Features of artificial material used for aquarium equipment:

Material	Texture	Features of application
Acrylic	It is a finely ground powder of various shades.	It gains plasticity due to the use of a monomer. Dries in the open air, does not require polymerization.
Gel	Thick or jelly-like mass. Self-leveling depending on thickness.	Does not require additions. Polymerizes in a lamp.
Polygel	A mixture of acrylic powder and gel.	The most dense material. Distributed with a brush dipped in a special liquid. Polymerizes in a lamp.

Today, the most popular are gel and polygel. However, due to the heat generated during polymerization, discomfort may occur. For thin and sensitive nail plates, you can use acrylic.

Fashion trends in 2021

Aquarium design has always been in trend since its inception. This is due to its ability to harmoniously fit into various new techniques, enhancing their effect on the nails.

The popularity of different aquarium options varies depending on the time of year:

In summer, bright shades, shimmering sparkles, sea and fruit themes are more popular.
In spring, delicate manicure options with dried flowers and butterflies are popular.
Shades of red, burgundy, and yellow gel polish are in demand in the autumn months. Twigs and leaves of dried flowers look very aesthetically pleasing in such designs.
The shimmering winter theme looks relevant in the cold season. Designs with a New Year theme look especially fabulous. As a rule, they depict Christmas tree balls, voluminous snowflakes, glasses of champagne and other holiday attributes.

Aquarium design is not the easiest manicure technique possible. It requires minimal skills in working with shapes and artificial material on nails.