Nail Makeup

Butterfly Nails: Infuse Nature Quotient Into Your Fashion Quotient

Fashion Quotient + Nature Quotient = Butterfly Nails.


Written by Rani Premkumar

On Apr 27, 2023 – 12 minutes read

butterfly nails - Feature

Take your nail art a notch higher with butterfly nails. Your fingers can showcase the artist in you. Nail art is an artwork in itself. Nails can double as artwork with nail art.  Whether you are the artist or not, you can flaunt your painted nails to show your artistic finesse. Butterflies, unicorns, flowers…imagination can lend it all. it’s easy to paint nails like a pro even if you are not an artist.

Why Butterfly Nails?

Firstly, because it is a nail art that has artistic potential and wider coloring potential. If nail art is being done, it is done for being noticed. What can draw your eye more than the beautiful magnificent thing loitering in your garden every morning?

Secondly, butterflies are associated with pure high vibrations like joy, peace, pleasant nostalgia, etc. We all have a childhood when we followed these heavenly delights trying to catch them in a pinch of fingers. When we leave them to fly away, the colorful pollen that remains on our fingers was pure magic. Butterfly nails can create that nostalgia for me- the exact one. How about you?

Why Butterfly Nails?

Philosophy & Psychology

The third reason is philosophy. The butterfly starts its life cycle as an egg, then goes through metamorphosis until it forms into a dazzling butterfly. Those who love butterfly nail art are ones who understand that life is short and beautiful. It is loved by those who are in the process of changing themselves for the better. This is what they want to shout out with the butterfly nails.

The fourth reason is psychology. Butterflies denote freedom. Freedom to fly around as and when they want. It denotes the freedom one has for chasing other butterflies, mating in the air, and drinking nectar till you get drunk. In short, it stands for a carefree life.  

The fifth reason is the stars. You heard it right. Your zodiac signs do affect your thinking and your choice of nail art. Those born in the zodiac signs(1)of Taurus and Libra, the Venusian houses, would love butterfly art for the exquisite beauty it exudes. Gemini and Virgo will also be a game for butterfly nails, but for the sense of freedom, it stands for. Aries would want bold and more aggressive butterfly nail designs that cry out ‘freedom’- loud and clear. Leos will want unique butterfly nail designs that will make them stand out in the crowd, while everybody will be talking just about them and their unique nail art.

The sixth reason is that your nail artist suggested it for you as a trendy nail art, or perhaps you read this article and fell in love with one of the 30 butterfly nail art designs I have curated for you!

Ways To Achieve Butterfly Nails

Simple. If you draw a cat and it looks like a peacock, you have to head to a manicurist who can paint what you choose from this article or elsewhere! But if you are doing a professional manicure at home by yourself, get some nail paintbrushes and different colored lacquer. Butterfly stencils, glittery nail polish, sparkles, and bling accessories are optional.

Butterfly Nails Procedure

Before you start painting your nails, start with a clean slate or nails! Wipe the nails of any residual color from the last mani. Buff your nails for ensuring an even finish of the nail polish. Push your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher- or even a toothpick will do. But if you are attempting to cut the cuticles with cuticle clippers, you should make sure that you do not cause any infection. You could use tea tree oil to prevent infections at the cuticles. You should clean your nails entirely before applying the nail polish base coat. It is done not just for the sheen but also to prevent the nails from absorbing the colors of the nail polish. Then you can go with the color you want your butterflies on. 

Different Butterfly Nails Choices

There are different methods to showcase the butterflies. A simple one would be painting a single color on all nails and painting butterflies on all nails. The next level of choice would be painting all nails in the same color and then drawing half a butterfly on two nails. You could also attract full butterflies in two or three nails of your choice. This is an example of not overdoing the butterfly nail art! Another choice would be multi-colored nails like cute pastel nails on which butterflies will be placed. The next level of the choice will be the mix of florals in the nails which may or may not have the butterflies. Another choice is a thematic one- the sky theme, dream theme, garden theme, etc with butterflies painted on selected fingers.

I’m not finished! Yet another choice is the painting of butterfly nail art mixed with classical themes like polka,  floral, gothic nail, marble design, leather print, etc. French is another classical theme that can be used as such or with colored variants like neon tip, blue tip, etc. Butterfly tips are also a rage. Stiletto nails, bling nails, shimmery nails, etc which appeal to fashion junkies, will also make space for butterfly nail art.  

The point is in playing with colors, creating multi-colored nails, choosing the fingers, and painting butterfly elements or full butterflies. Creating artwork for yourself will be exciting.

30 Butterfly Nails Ideas That Will Wow You And Everyone!

1. Polka Dots Butterfly Nail

Polka dots never go out of fashion! On nails, this creates the best theme for butterfly nails to show out as exquisite artwork. It gives a minimalist taste to the butterfly nails by not overemphasizing the butterfly theme.

Polka Dots Butterfly Nail

2. Sky-Themed Butterfly Nail

This is a cheer to the freedom of living. Nail Work made into an inspirational artwork is a stretch of the imagination. What more can portray freedom than butterflies? This theme of cloudy clear summer skies that stand as a backdrop for the fluttering butterfly, is a unique artwork with some word work!

Sky-Themed Butterfly Nail

3. Richy Golden Butterfly Nails

This is a pure extravaganza! Golden nails with bling and butterfly work make for a nail show of a lifestyle that is nothing less than queen-size. The intricacies and choice of color palette to display golden butterflies show pure artistry.

Richy Golden Butterfly Nails

4. Cheery Yellow French Manicured Butterfly Nails

This is for those who are cheerful and want to remain so. The yellow French manicure is a twist in itself and the butterflies make it marvellously yum! The bright color complements almost all skin tones. Ideal for the beach and pool parties, not to mention! Let us set some party on fire!

Cheery Yellow French Manicured Butterfly Nails

5. Neon Glow Butterfly Nail

It is not just the glow worm that can glow. These neon butterfly nails will glow in the dark and you will love it. This is for the quirky party animals who can get spotted even in the dark. You glow girl!

Neon Glow Butterfly Nail

6. Antique Butterfly Nails

This is a low-key nail setting for vibrant artwork.  Join two fingers to get a peek of a butterfly, as it is half-butterfly nail art. The creamy-hued background highlights the blue butterfly in a subtle fashion.

Antique Butterfly Nails

7. Short Butterfly Nails

Who said that nail art is the prerogative of those with long claws? Butterflies on one or two fingers to a backdrop of pastel blue stays cohesive with the cute nail art on the other nails which are floral and wavy in theme. 

Short Butterfly nails

8. Orange Plus Floral Butterfly Nail

Orange nails with one or two floral nails that pop out is a trend that is going to rock this summer. These butterfly nails are for those cheery ones who love to live life every moment to the fullest. These nails sure are the fave of optimistic and artistic souls.

Orange Plus Floral Butterfly Nail

9. Stained Glass Nails

The stained glass butterfly nails take inspiration from the architectural accents, reminding us of the beautiful spiritual ambiance of the ancient cathedrals. stained glass butterfly nails are easy to do nail art. 

Stained Glass Nails

10. Baby Pink And Black Stencil French Manicured Butterfly Nails

Baby pink nails with black stencil French manicure variants are a trendy choice that is suave and elegant. This is for the classy lady who does not want to overdo her nails but stays stylish with minimal artwork. The butterfly is carefully perched on one or two nails max.

Baby Pink And Black Stencil French Manicured Butterfly Nails

11. Vibrant Butterfly Nail

When you have decided to do butterfly nails or any other nail art, there is no stopping your imagination. You can draw butterflies in more themes than you can imagine. Here is a vibrant splash of colors in a floral and bright way, underlining the dashing vibes of the person who is displaying the art on the claws.

 Vibrant Butterfly Nail

12. Stiletto Manicured Butterfly Nail

Stiletto butterfly nails are for the fashionistas who love to take nature into their hands! In a good way, of course! This is for the flying beauties who are strong in their personalities. Artistic and strong artwork to be displayed by the woman with purpose!

Stiletto Manicured Butterfly Nail

13. Goth Butterfly Nails

Goth is always the in thing! These nails can house the iron butterfly! Do you love horror movies and fiction? This is a subtle way to go goth without looking vampy. You are in an artistic gothic energy with this one. It lends the message that we should be strong without being scary!

Goth Butterfly Nails

14. Pink French Manicure With Bling Butterfly Nails

This pink manicure with the classy bling butterfly nails does not overdo it! Quite minimal but the appeal is sky-high. Girls and women dig this! This brings the soft effeminate vibes into the spirit of freedom. Bringing art to French is effortless- both ways!

Pink French Manicure With Bling Butterfly Nails

15. Lavender Sparkly Butterfly Nails

Lavender is soothing – in sight and smell. The beauty of lavender nails with sparkles is an ideal canvas for butterflies- hither thither! These nails are minimalistic yet with all girly sparkles and vibes. Butterfly stencils added in strategic places bring out a cohesive look.

Lavender Sparkly Butterfly Nails

16. Glamorous Butterfly Nails

This is for the glamorous lot who want to shine wherever they go. This is a popular choice for those who want to go the flamboyant way. Butterflies are naturally created with the best colors and best designs on them. This is a glamorous tribute to the glamorous ones gracing our gardens once in a while!

Glamorous Butterfly Nails

17. Dark Green Glittery Butterfly Nails.

Where aesthetic sense matches creativity! This dark green glittery nail polish sets the stage for a butterfly magnum- royal and graceful balanced on two fingernails!  The verdant beauty of nature is recreated with added glitter. These eye-catching Butterfly nails are candy to the eyes and fingers!

Dark Green Glittery Butterfly nails.

18. Pastel Charmingly Cute Butterfly Nails

This butterfly nail is a beautiful tale all by itself! Recreating the fairy tale skies with butterflies flying around, the one thing that goes missing is the unicorn!

Pastel Charmingly Cute Butterfly Nails

19. Green V- Tip Butterfly Nails

Yet another way to wear your greens! Greens are cooling to the eyes and it makes for a beautiful butterfly nail design. Butterflies always look great around greens. No doubt about it! This butterfly nail design stands mid-way between minimalistic and showy nail art. 

Green V- Tip Butterfly Nails

20. White And Violet Better-Half Butterfly Nails

This is for the secretive lot who do not want to show the full picture every time. This is an aesthetic design with white nails strategically placed between the violet ones to stand out and show off the artistic work that shows the two halves that can stick together to make a whole if need be. This a reminder of the couple tattoo that you have been wanting to get! This is complementary energy, so loud!

 White And Violet Better-Half Butterfly Nails

21. Latte Swirls Butterfly Nail

What if the nails remind you of your morning cuppa coffee latte?  The coffee theme is set in a peach background with butterflies perching on some nails making it a hot brew of artistry and minimalism.

Latte swirls Butterfly Nail

22. Plenty And Cute Butterfly Nails

There is no limit to the butterflies. It is all over every nail- neatly manicured with an off-white pearly base coat with colorful butterflies vying for attention. This is for the artistic gang who loves to show what they have.

Plenty And Cute Butterfly Nails

23. Red Butterfly Nails 

Red is always a catch-all when it comes to attention! this color makes for a glamorous backdrop for those butterflies and makes nails ultra sexy. This butterfly nail design is for the bold and the beautiful who knows what she wants. She is not going to shy away from the attention she rightly deserves!

Red Butterfly Nails 

24. Ultra Minimal Pastel Butterfly Nails

Ultra minimal pastel butterfly nails. If you do not know how to draw or you do not want to complicate things – this pastel dominant nail-do will work for you. Do you like it simple? Here it is!

25. French Tip-On Butterfly Nails 

These are the butterfly nails that go French with butterflies. Unique design. For those who love the wow factor always! The nude nails push the blue butterflies to eye level for everyone!

French Tip-On Butterfly Nails 

26. 3D Butterfly Nails

These pink ombre nails house 3D butterfly nails which stand out in white. It is like icing on a cake, taking the first bite from the eyes. You will love the feel of it when you touch it. Satisfies two senses for sure! These 3D butterfly nails are both visual and tactile! 

3D Butterfly Nails

27. Neon Tipped Butterfly Nails

If you do not want to overdo the neon thing, then French it and flaunt your butterflies. Your butterflies will show out really nicely with the bright yellow neon hue beckoning the right attention and some jealousy.

Neon Tipped Butterfly Nails

28. Dreamy Short Pastel Butterfly Nails

This is like a miniature dream in pastel. You can have the clouds and your favorite color to show off your butterflies. Another minimal work that is easy on the eyes and artist.

Dreamy Short Pastel Butterfly Nails

29. Partial Goth

We get it if you don’t want to go fully goth. This is a  mix of goth and dreamy afternoon. The goth nails are matched with neutral nails with butterflies. These blue butterflies are like flying around in clean summer air, freely and happily.

Partial Goth

30. Bling Butterfly Nails 

Bling is always hip! These bling butterfly nails are great for the ones who love to keep their shine going. This is for those who love stardust on their fingers forming a butterfly that shines- in the darkest nights! We all want that shine of the ray of light and hope to go on! These bling butterfly nails are for the optimists among you.

Bling Butterfly Nails 

Wrapping It All-

You have to try this, girls! Get back to your childhood days and play with colors with Your nails as a canvas. For those less artistic folks, there are butterfly nail stick-ons that you can flaunt without any fussy procedure involved. Alternatively, you could color your nails and stick butterfly stencils on them. The whole process should be enjoyable and that is the primary purpose of getting butterfly nails. If you are not willing to take any risks and you don’t have time for this, yet you want to get a bite of the trend, you can always head to a salon and get your nails done with butterfly nail art on it!

Girls! This is a trend worth a try! We are all butterflies – free, pretty, and evasive ( guys will agree!). So say cheers to butterflies!🦋

  1. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.(2023).Zodiac signs and personality. Availability:

    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01994375

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rani

Rani is a women’s lifestyle coach with a knack for translating high fashion into accessible, everyday looks. She has helped countless women embrace their personal style, fostering confidence and self-expression.

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