Ridley says many of her clients are now asking for the look. And Julie Kandalec, a nail artist in New York City, says that beyond the cutesy vibe of the nail design, people love deer print nails because the look “combines three nail trends: shades of brown, polka dots, and animal prints.”
Kandalec is spot-on (no pun intended): According to data from Fresha, a booking platform for beauty and wellness services, polka dot nails are the highest searched manicure. Deer print nails give classic polka dots a more rustic, fanciful feel as the precise dots are replaced with freehand splotches.
While this design looks simple, it requires an artistic hand and quality nail tools. “A gradient and fine-tip brush are key to getting deer print nails right,” says Kandalec. There are different ways to approach creating this design (no two deer have the same spotted coat, after all). Ridley likes to create the base by blending different shades of cream and brown polish with a gradient brush (a thin nail brush with spiky bristles) to create the fur-like look and texture.
You’ll want to take your time layering each shade and blending it all—if this step feels like you’re back in high school art class, you’re doing it right. Ridley recommends using gel polishes for a deer print mani, since the curing step locks each layer in, keeping them from blurring together and becoming a muddled mess.
Once you’re satisfied with your base, both Ridley and Kandalec suggest using a thin, spiky brush to create teeny tiny dots all over each nail. The spacing is meant to be sporadic and natural-looking, so don’t obsess too much over the placement or shape of the dots. “I think this is what makes this print more interesting and textured,” says Ridley. You can opt for dainty deer specs or larger spots, but dots of varying sizes look most realistic.
So if you’re in the mood for a nail set that blends trends, looks luxe, and feels different than what you’re used to, opt for a deer print mani at your next appointment. To get started on inspo, scroll ahead for all the deer print nails we’re putting on our Pinterest boards.
Deer Nails Inspiration
French Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @lilithdidthem
Coquette Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @Alicestry
French Deer Print Nails With Gold Arch
Courtesy of @bbygrrlnails
Duo-Tone Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @nails_and_females
Dark-Brown Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @nailsbyheather.errington
Ombré Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @nailsbyheather.errington
Matte Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @thatglosssauce
Light-Brown Deer Print Nails
Courtesy of @abbinail
