On the heels of what many affectionately called a “tomato girl” summer last year, another garden-inspired trend has, ahem, sprouted. This season, nail aficionados have turned to a different, yet also widely-loved, red garden inhabitant: the ladybug. Ladybugs are widely regarded as lucky, and if one lands on you, it’s thought to be an extra special sign of good luck.
That said, we of course want to keep the lucky charm close, and what better way than with some ladybug nail art? Whether you’re letting your nail artist work their 3D magic or painting on the lucky garden bug yourself, ladybug nails are the charming trend bringing both good fortune and good vibes to your summer mani.
Ahead, everything to know about ladybug nails, from the inspiration for the trend to how to create the whimsical look.
The Ladybug Nail Trend
Take a walk (scroll) down Instagram and TikTok, and it’s just about guaranteed that you’ll see some of your favorite nail artists creating ladybug nail art on clients’ nails. Showing off your personality with a unique manicure is nothing new, but with airbrushing, 3D builder gel, and other enhancements, customized manis are on a whole new level. Ladybug nails are a vibrant, playful iteration of this, and we’re so on board.
This summer, we’re enjoying the outdoors. The vision: Summer afternoon picnics with friends, sharing laughs and snacking on sweet, juicy fruit (and perhaps even spotting a ladybug or two?). And if we can’t get out there ourselves, we’re bringing the vibes to our nails. From succulent strawberry nail art to coveted cherry nail art, ladybug nails have slid right into the cutesy, outdoorsy summer manicure rotation.
The trend has been growing for quite some time and is celeb-approved, too. Singer SZA wore a nature-inspired manicure back in April 2024 (what a trendsetter!) for the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles. Her long, squoval-shaped French manicure was topped with several bug species, including ladybugs, dragonflies, ants, and more. So though bug nails are nothing new, this resurgence of ladybug nails is very welcome.
@sza / Instagram
The Inspiration
Not only were tomato-themed manicures the talk of summer last year, but other insect-inspired nail designs have also become majorly popular recently. From bugs like beetles and bees to critters like caterpillars and grasshoppers, the insect nail art game is surprisingly on point. Between hand-painted nail art and nail stickers, there are numerous ways to incorporate garden creatures into your manicure.
It makes sense, then, that the ladybug nail trend would be so popular this time of year. A fun way to add a little extra luck to our manis? By pairing the ladybugs with some butterfly art as well, which we’ve seen on many a nail. If you love the idea of ladybug nails but aren’t quite ready to fully commit to the little insects on your fingertips (we get it), a red manicure with black polka dots is a creative and abstract way to get in on the look without totally taking the plunge (besides, polka dot nails are celebs’ go-to mani right now, so you’d certainly be on trend).
How to Get the Look
Creating a ladybug nail look can be as straightforward or as intricate as you’d like. The most basic designs require nothing but nail dotting tools, while more challenging designs may need thin nail art brushes, builder gel, dotting tools, and possibly even some red nail pearls or rhinestones. If you’re a beginner trying to DIY your ladybug nail art, choosing a simpler look is best. However, for more detailed designs, it may be best to visit a professional. Check out these photos below for inspo.
Picnic Ladybugs
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
Adding a little black and white gingham plaid to the tips of Frenchies gives a ladybug mani an extra outdoorsy touch. If you want to try this at home, make sure to grab super-thin nail brushes to create the dainty design.
3D Garden Party
@myprettyset / Instagram
These larger, 3D ladybugs are easy to, ahem, spot. Plus, green leaf detailing provides extra contrast to a couple of nails.
Micro Frenchies
@tinybrushes / Instagram
Squoval micro Frenchies with a super thin black square finish bring out the ladybugs’ dots. The jelly-like ladybug color is oh-so summery.
Ladybugs in the Leaves
@overglowedit / Instagram
Is there anything cuter than these little ladybugs sitting atop green leaves? It looks like they’re enjoying an afternoon nap. Plus, the butter yellow French tips complement this summer mani perfectly.
Garden Greens
@myprettyset / Instagram
Love the idea of ladybugs, but don’t love the color red? No issue here—this outdoorsy, garden-inspired mani has green ladybugs to match.
Simple & Fresh
@betina_goldstein / instagram
Nail art minimalists can also play with the ladybug trend. With simple, glass nails and ladybugs atop just a few nails, this fresh look keeps the lucky charms at the center of attention.
Black and Red Dots
@tinybrushes / Instagram
Whether you see ladybugs or watermelon in these red and black polka dot nails, the abstract take on the outdoors is simply delightful. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes (or fingers, rather) into nail art.
