9 Sakura Nail Art Designs For Singaporean Ladies Who Are Missing Cherry Blossom Season In Japan

By Rachel Yohannan on 04 Mar 2023

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

Singaporeans are simply crazy over anything Japan-related, and between the first and second quarter of the year, one thing that’s hot on everyone’s mind is all things sakura - from pastries to kitchenware and cafe decor. And while they aren’t the real deal, we always go nuts when Trumpet Trees start blooming, because they take us just that bit closer to Springtime in Japan.

Another way to take your sakura obsession to the next level is to adorn your fingernails with cherry blossom art. Here are 9 gorgeous sakura nail art designs to inspire your next manicure - most of which were done by Japanese nail artists!

#1: Petite embellishments

Photo from @ai_nail_nya via Instagram

Sometimes, less is more when it comes to the size of nail ornaments, as evident with this dainty set. While some of the nails are entirely filled with deco like flower petals and gold flakes, you’ll notice that each individual piece is very petite, which prevents the nails from looking excessively cluttered or gaudy.

Photo from @ai_nail_nya via Instagram

The rest of the nails are kept simpler with single-coloured backgrounds, gold mini metal hoops, and irregular pearl clusters.

#2: A lilac twist

Photo from @irotoiro.nail via Instagram

Okay, so we all know that cherry blossoms do not come in purple, but this lilac twist offers something different for those who aren’t fans of girly pink. The matte texture somehow makes these look extra calming - we’d probably be staring at them all day if we had them on our digits!

#3: Heart-shaped iridescent flakes as petals

Photo from @akakabe_nail_bright via Instagram

Flowers on nails don’t always have to be hand-drawn or come as ready-made embellishments. You can also get creative by using heart-shaped flakes to form petals! The iridescent finish of these heart embellishments, coupled with the glitter polish and pastel colours used, make for an ethereal feel.

#4: With 3D gold outline

Photo from @pd_chiho via Instagram

White or neutral backgrounds are the way to go for nail designs that look prominent without relying on loud colours. These sakura flowers come with gold 3D outlines, which are further complemented by pearlescent pieces for a sophisticated vibe.

#5: Gold flakes for a touch of luxe

Photo from @newworld_us_fun via Instagram

Here's another gold-accented design, this time using gold flakes for an expensive look. It's almost reminiscent of the patterns on an exquisite silk kimono, so if you've got a trip to Japan on the cards and plan on renting a traditional outfit for hanami, this design is one to consider.

#6: Shades of mauve with watercolour effect

Photo from @janesafarian via Instagram

Instead of bright “Barbie” pink which may be overly saccharine or girlish to some, this set of nails has its blooms in shades of mauve with a watercolour effect for a more mature outlook befitting office ladies.

#7: Hand-painted flowers and shimmery finish

Photo from @angelnailclub via Instagram

Though the white hand-painted flowers here are kept fairly simple, this set of nails shines bright - quite literally - with a good dose of shimmery backgrounds topped with additional layers of glitter. We love how princessy this is!

Photo from @angelnailclub via Instagram

#8: Colour contrast with soft green

Photo from @veryvery_nail via Instagram

Instead of being confined to a monochromatic colour palette, this set of nails comes with a splash of green to provide some colour contrast between all the pink. A soft sea green is used to prevent the contrast from being too stark or out of place. Subtle streaks of glitter and tiny studs as the sakura centres create additional points of interest.

#9: Alternated with rhinestones

Photo from @petitmana.gakudai via Instagram

A great way to incorporate bling into your manicure without going too over-the-top is alternation, with just 2 to 3 small pieces included on each nail. If you’re not a fan of this particular bubblegum pink, you could always go for a paler shade for a sweeter, simpler look.