Nailed It

Opal Nails Are the Mermaid-Inspired Summer Mani We’re Obsessing Over

Selena Gomez is a fan.

July 19, 2025

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Opal nails are the magical, iridescent gemstone-inspired mani that we’re loving for summer 2025, and even Selena Gomez is on board.

Gomez is always at the forefront of manicure trends, from lavender milk nails to lip gloss nails and opal nails are the latest trend we're obsessing over. Just like the stone it’s named after, opal nail polish captures light and transforms it into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it perfectly whimsical for the spending days in the sun and ocean all season long.

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Nail minimalists will be thrilled with this trend: Neither overly eccentric nor extravagant, the opal manicure is the perfect compromise for those who love milky nails but at the same time want to add a special, shiny touch. These nails will deliver an ideal balance of nude, pink, and light blue shades, as they are rich in iridescent reflections that catch the light.

Ahead, everything you need to know about opal nails, including how to create the look at home plus tons of inspo pics to share with your nail artist ahead of your next appointment.

What are opal nails?

Opal nail polish is inspired, of course, by the precious gemstone. Opal is formed through an accumulation of marine organisms or silica-rich water, which create wonderful plays of color. The shades range from white to light blue, ochre to purple, and green to pink, which make the texture of the manicure unexpected and colorful, while maintaining a milky, near-nude base.

In the world of gemology, opal is a controversial stone: Its name comes from the Greek word opallios meaning “to see a change.” For this very reason, ancient Greek civilizations thought it carried prophecies, good or bad. In other cultures, however, opal is a symbol of hope and purity, but also occult magic. So whether opal is good or bad luck depends on your cultural and personal beliefs, but all we can say for sure is that you can’t go wrong with this summer manicure.

Thomas Demarczyk

What color are opal nails?

The beauty of opal nail polish is its ability to be multicolored without being loud. The warm white shade is enriched with blue, pink, violet, and golden hues, similar to a glazed donut mani, pearlescent nail polish, or a chrome manicure.

At the nail salon, your nail artist will likely apply a clear base coat to start, followed by fine holographic glitter or sequins and some chrome powder to get the reflective finish. Then they’ll seal it in with a translucent, milky-white polish. It’s a process, but the effect is well-worth the time.

If you’re creating the look at home, it’s much easier and quicker to DIY your manicure. Simply choose a shimmery or frosty nail polish and apply a shiny top coat after for an opal-like effect. To take it to the next level, adhere small colored flakes like gold leaf after your polish to get a three-dimensional effect that makes the color even more eye-catching.