Here are the best waterslide nail decal ideas for a colorful and fun manicure using stickers that you actually dip into water.
Water nail decals, also known as water transfer nail decals & waterslide nail decals, have never been more popular. They are easy to use and also come in many different shapes, colors and sizes.
I remember the first time I tried waterslide nail decal. I was so excited but made a few mistakes. The first decal was soaked for way too long, and it broke apart before I could even place it on my nail!
After a little practice, I figured out the right timing and how to slide them on smoothly. Now, I love using them, especially for seasonal designs like pumpkins in the fall or snowflakes in the winter. They make nail art so much easier, and I always get compliments!
If you like the look of soft watercolor artwork then you will love some of the waterslide transfersthat I found from some Etsy shops who specialize in water nail decals.
What is a waterslide nail decal?
Water nail decalsalso known aswater transfernail decals orwaterslide decals are nail art designs that are printed onto thin paper sheets that use waterproof inks so that the image doesn’t run.
When the desired image is cut out and placed into water for 30 seconds, the printed image will slide off of the clear protective film. Thedecal can then be placed onto the nail with tweezers and then smoothed out with a soft nail brush. Once dry, a final top coat can be applied.
There are two different kinds of nail decals. Water decal images that you cut out and water decals that cover your whole nail. Waterslide decals will come with a protective film that you will remove before dipping the image into the water.
Let’s go through this list together to help you pick out the perfect designs for your DIY manicures or salons.
Best Waterslide Nail Decals
1. Fall Nail Decals
With cozy autumn colors, pumpkins, leaves, and cute fall designs, you can give your nails a cozy touch without any tricky hand painting. Just a little water and a top coat, and you’re all set with a beautiful fall manicure.
2.Pastel Floral Water Decal
Another cute design from EZ Nails Store. Pretty florals that look like real watercolor paintings.There’s many types of waterslide nail decals to choose from in gorgeous colors that are perfect for any season.
When it comes toa nail color for spring or summer a pastel base color is the way to go. Thelight shades add just the right amount of color for spring or summer.
3.FloralWatercolor Designs
Visit Etsy Shop
With a set of pretty floral nail decals, you can have gorgeous nails without having to go to a salon.
These water nail decals are easy to apply, and there are lots of different colors to choose from so you can create your own unique nail art designs.
This shop is packed full of gorgeous water decals like florals and nature inspired treats.They have a large selection and their prices are amazing.
Try applying these decals onto ajelly nail polishfor a soft and subdued look to your manicure.
4. Tribal Nail Designs
Search through their tribal collections when you visit their shop for these cool designs. Just add some gems and you have a great set of nails thatare so easy to make.
When using gems and rhinestones, the best glue will give you a strong hold so that the gem does not fall off. Here are thebest glue options for nail art.
5.Cute Santa Waterslide Decals
This cute set ofSanta print nail stickers are madewithmaterials and inks that will not streak.
6.Custom Waterslide NailSets
Visit this shop for everything nail art and water decals. They have hundreds of listings to choose from to suit your nail style. I love that you can order custom waterslide nail decals.
7. Cupcake Water Nail Decals
Some of the most adorable and unique water decals are offered in this shop. Frombunny earsto cute cats. You’ll want to spend time picking out your favorite nail waterslide decals like these cute cupcakes.
Using nail decals is a great way to achieve salon-looking nails at home. All you need is a little bit of time and some patience.
8.Fruit Water Nail Decals
Colorful and brightnail decals is what you will find in this shop for any time of the year. There’s so many ways that you can incorporate these fruit water decals into your nail art designs.
There are a variety of ways to do a DIY manicure with nail decals, but one of the simplest is to use the nail decals onto regular nail polish and then cover with a top coat.
9.Pink Floral Water Transfer Nail Stickers
Hundreds of gorgeousnail water transfersto choose fromfor every season. Their customers are raving about their bright colors and professional results.
If you are looking for a cutegift idea for a nail artist, they arrive in these little packages.
10.Sunflower Water Transfer Decals
When I saw these, I knew they would be fantastic for a fall themed nail. These decals are easy to apply and give your nails an instant pop of color. Plus, they’ll last for days without chipping or fading.
To apply, simply soak the decal in water for a few minutes, then slide it onto your nail. Press down to secure, and you’re done! For a complete nail art look, pair your sunflower decals with a nude or go all out with aglittery nail polish.
11.Book Lover Waterslide Decals
Bold colors and fun designs can be found in this Etsy shop. They offerwater nail stickers that are created with highquality materials and graphics. These waterslide nail decals would look fantastic over top of asilvery nail polish color.
Do check back often because this shop is always finding new and trending nail art decals to add to their shop.
12.Agate Slices Water Decals
Add some fun and whimsy to your nails with theseagate waterslide nail decals! With delightful shapes and colors, these stickers are a great way to show your love of agates.
They’re easy to apply and look great ona darker color nails likeblack nail polishandcolor shifting nail polishes.
13.Nature Inspired Decals
For all of the nature lovers out there, check this set. Youreceive 24 sheets of fun and beautiful DIY water nail decals. All you have to do is cut the flower pattern to fit.
Flower nails never go out of style. Make a whole set of floral nails and applyreal flowers for nailsfor a nature inspired manicure.
14.Heart Water Nail Decals
Gorgeous waterslide decals with hundreds of designs to choose from in this top selling Etsy shop.
Check their announcements for bulk buys and sales if you are looking for nail supplies for your shop or salon.
15. Full Color Water Nail Decals
Be a magical unicorn with these easy-to-use nail decals! Just pick your favorite design, and watch your nails transform into a work of art.
And they are long lasting too as long as you apply two coats of a clear top coat.
16.Botanical Waterslide Decals
With pretty floral designs in a range of colors, these stickers are the perfect way to add some fun and personality to your nails. I had so much fun going through this shop, they have a ton!
17.Nail Decal Templates
Nail art is a fun and creative way to express your personality, and there are endless possibilities for design. Why not try using nail decal templates? Etsy is the place to go for using this type of decal.
With downloadable templates, you can create your own nail art designs that are unique and stylish.
18.Gold Foil Waterslide Decals
These gold decals are easy to apply, and will give your nails a dazzling golden finish. This shop has excellent review and customers are talking about how easy these are to use.
One of the nice things about nail decals is that they remove easily with nail polish remover. Just get some paper towel, apply the remover and rub gently until the decal is removed.
19. Pumpkin Decals
I found an Etsy shop that sells the most adorable pumpkin waterslide nail decals! These easy-to-apply designs are perfect for fall, Halloween, or anyone who loves a cozy autumn aesthetic.
With just a little water and a top coat, you can create beautiful, seasonal nails at home.
Waterslide nail decals Tips
1. Cut Out Each Decal Carefully
Trim around the design as close as possible. This helps the decal blend better on your nail without extra edges showing.
2. Soak in Water for a Few Seconds
Place the decal in water for about 10–15 seconds. It should slide off easily from the backing once it’s ready.
3. Apply to a Smooth Nail Surface
For the best results, apply the decal over a dry, smooth nail. A light base coat can help make the design pop.
4. Seal with a Top Coat
Once the decal is in place, let it dry, then apply a clear top coat to protect it and make it last longer.
5. Avoid Too Much Water
Too much water can make the decal curl or tear. Use just enough to release it from the backing without soaking it too much.
Using waterslide nail decals is such a fun and easy way to get salon-style nails at home. With a little patience and the right steps, you can create beautiful designs that last. Thanks for reading!
