Love succulents? It’s time to take your green thumb to a whole new level — with a trend that’s taking root (literally) on your nails.
Australian artist Roz Borg has pioneered a way to incorporate real, living succulents into nail art. While Borg is renowned for her stunning terrariums and botanical jewelry, she recently ventured into an unexpected medium: fingernails. Through a bit of experimentation, she discovered a way to make tiny plants thrive right on your fingertips, creating a look that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Real Living Nail Art: How It’s Done
To achieve this unique manicure, Borg uses Oasis floral adhesive to attach baby succulents onto acrylic nails. Once the adhesive sets, she secures the decorated acrylics onto natural nails. While the process is meticulous and takes several hours, Borg insists that the result is worth every minute. The final look? An eco-friendly twist on nail art that you definitely won’t find at your local salon.
But here’s the best part: once the succulents outgrow their nail space, they can be repurposed. As Borg explained, “The Oasis glue eventually dissolves, allowing me to replant the baby succulents so they can continue to grow.” So, instead of chipping polish, you’re left with a sustainable manicure that’s temporary but purposeful — talk about a green thumb makeover!
Bold and Beautiful: Living Nails That Make a Statement
While these living nails are undeniably striking, they might not be practical for everyone (especially if your day job involves typing or handling delicate objects). If sporting real plants on your fingers seems a bit too daring, there are plenty of other ways to channel your love for succulents. For those looking for a less extreme option, you can still embrace the trend with beautifully painted cactus and succulent designs using nail polish, decals, or stamping techniques.
Fresh Succulent Nail Art Inspiration
Not ready to dive into living plants on your nails? Here are some stylish and more manageable alternatives to inspire your next trip to the nail salon:
Cactus Accent Nails
Bring a touch of the desert to your manicure with cactus accent nails! This playful yet chic design features tiny, hand-painted cacti on a neutral or pastel base, creating a fresh and modern look. Pair it with a matte finish for an earthy vibe, or add a touch of sparkle with glitter polish for a fun twist. Whether it’s a single cactus on one nail or a few scattered across your manicure, these designs add just the right pop of personality to your nails. Perfect for those who love nature-inspired aesthetics with a hint of whimsy!
Mini Succulent Nails with Gold Accents
Elevate your nail game with a touch of botanical glam by combining mini succulent designs with elegant gold accents. These intricate, hand-painted succulents are brought to life on a soft, neutral base, adding a refreshing pop of greenery. The addition of delicate gold foil or metallic lines creates a stunning contrast, giving your nails a chic, luxurious vibe. Perfect for those who love a blend of nature-inspired beauty and sophisticated elegance, this look is ideal for a special occasion or to simply add a bit of sparkle to your everyday style.
Earth Day Succulent Nails
Celebrate Earth Day with chic succulent-inspired nails that showcase your love for the planet! Featuring hand-painted succulents in soft greens and earthy tones, this manicure captures the beauty of nature. Add matte finishes or subtle gold accents for an eco-friendly touch. It’s a stylish way to honor Earth Day while keeping your nails looking fresh and vibrant!
Mini Cacti Nails
Add a playful touch to your manicure with mini cacti nails! These adorable, hand-painted cactus designs are perfect for a fun, desert-inspired look. Set against soft pastel or nude backgrounds, the tiny cacti pop, adding a charming yet subtle flair. Perfect for those who love a touch of whimsy and a nature-inspired aesthetic on their fingertips!
Cactus Nails
Embrace a chic desert vibe with cactus nails! This trendy design features hand-painted cacti, adding a touch of nature to your manicure. Opt for a neutral or pastel background to let the cactus art stand out, or go bold with vibrant colors. Perfect for summer or whenever you want to add a playful, boho-inspired twist to your nails!
Cactus Design-Inspired Nails
Add a fresh, botanical twist to your manicure with cactus design-inspired nails! These playful and trendy nails feature delicate cactus motifs, paired with earthy tones or soft pastel backgrounds for a nature-inspired look. Whether you choose hand-painted details, minimalist silhouettes, or subtle green hues, these nails are perfect for a chic, bohemian vibe. Ideal for those who love a hint of desert flair!
FAQs
1. How long do living succulent nails last?
Living succulent nails are temporary and generally last a few days to a week, depending on how you care for them. Once the adhesive starts to loosen, you can remove the succulents and replant them.
2. Is the process safe for natural nails?
Yes, the process involves using Oasis floral adhesive, which is gentle enough for your nails. However, since the succulents are attached to acrylic nails first, there’s minimal contact with your actual nail bed.
3. Can I recreate this look at home?
While it’s possible to try this at home, it requires a steady hand, patience, and the right materials. If you’re not confident, it’s best to seek a professional nail artist who has experience with floral adhesive and delicate designs.
Ready to take your succulent obsession to the next level? Whether you go bold with living plant nails or opt for cute painted cacti, this trend is sure to bring a fresh, green twist to your manicure game!
