15 Waterslide Nail Decals To Try
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 a 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 transfers that I found from some Etsy shops that specialize in water nail decals.

What is a waterslide nail decal?
Water nail decals, also known as water transfer nail decals or waterslide 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 image is cut out and placed into water for 30 seconds, the printed image will slide off of the clear protective film. The decal 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.
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 are many types of waterslide nail decals to choose from in gorgeous colors that are perfect for any season. When it comes to a nail color for spring or summer a pastel base color is the way to go. The light shades add just the right amount of color for spring or summer.

3. Floral Watercolor Designs
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.

4. Halloween Nail Decals
Spooky nail art gets so much easier with a Halloween waterslide decal set. You can add tiny ghosts, pumpkins, bats, or spiderwebs without painting every detail by hand. Use these when you want a cute Halloween manicure that looks detailed but takes less time.

5. Cute Santa Waterslide Decals
This cute set of Santa nail stickers are made with materials and inks that will not streak. I just love these for a Christmas party or when you just want to bring in the holiday spirit.

6. Floral Waterslide Nail Sets
Visit this Amazon shop for everything nail art and water decals. They have so many cute stickers to choose from to suit your nail style. These flower decals are so cute and you can use them for summer and fall which is great. That saves you money when you can use a whole set all year long.

7. Cupcake Water Nail Decals
Some of the most adorable and unique water decals are offered in this shop. From bunny ears to 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 get so many different nail looks at home. All you need is a little bit of time and some patience.

8. Strawberry Water Nail Decals
Colorful and bright nail decals are what you will find in this shop for any time of the year. There are so many ways that you can incorporate these fruit water decals into your nail art designs. These strawberries are perfect for a summer picnic or date night.

9. Pink Silver Water Transfer Nail Stickers
Hundreds of gorgeous nail water transfers to choose from for every season. Their customers are raving about their bright colors and good results. If you are looking for a cute gift 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 if you apply a top coat.

11. Book Lover Waterslide Decals
Bold colors and fun designs can be found in this Etsy shop. They offer water nail stickers that are created with high quality materials and graphics. These waterslide nail decals would look fantastic over top of a silvery 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 these agate waterslide nail decals! With so many shapes and colors, these stickers are a great way to show your love of agates. These would look great on dark colors like black nail polish and color shifting nail polishes.

13. Nature Inspired Decals
Lavender waterslide nail decals have such a soft and pretty garden feel. The tiny purple flowers and slim green stems add delicate detail without covering the whole nail. They would look beautiful over white, cream, pale pink, or light purple polish. Flower nails never go out of style.

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. Unicorn Water Nail Decals
Be a magical unicorn with these nail decals! Just pick your favorite design, and watch your nails transform into a work of art. Cute meets creepy with these unicorn voodoo doll waterslide nail decals. The stitched doll details and tiny horn give the design a fun fantasy twist with a spooky side. These would be so much fun for Halloween nails or anyone who likes unusual nail art.

Waterslide nail decals Tips
Let your nail polish dry completely before adding waterslide nail decals so the base stays smooth. Cut close to the picture, remove the clear cover sheet if your decals have one, and soak the piece for the time listed on the package. Tweezers make it easier to slide the image into place without folding the thin design. Gently blot away extra water with a soft tissue, then let the decal dry before adding a clear top coat around the edges and across the entire nail.
Here is a complete tutorial on how to use waterslide nail decals.
Waterslide nail decals make it easy to enjoy detailed nail art with flowers, spooky characters, animals, and so many other cute designs. I hope this list helped you find a set that fits the look you have in mind. Thanks so much for reading! Leave a comment and tell me which waterslide nail decals caught your eye, or share a favorite set that should be added to the list.
More nail art ideas
- Best press on nails
- Jelly nail polish list
- Best glue options for nail art
- Glitter nail polish
- Real flowers for nails

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for nail art ideas.
