BeautyThe Nail FilesBeauty / The Nail FilesWild thing: the best in animal print nailsNew year, new nailsShareLink copied ✔️January 17, 2019January 17, 2019TextKro Vargas Dazed Beauty Contributing Editor Kro Vargas (@krocaine) is a nail juggernaut. A love that began in the nail salons of Queens, where she would spend the day with her grandmother as a kid, grew into a full-time career and an Instagram fanbase of over 50K. A psychedelic collage of everything from Sailor Moon to the creation of Adam, Fiji water to fashion monograms - her work is always kitsch and always fabulous. In her monthly column, Kro will shine a spotlight on the nail artists she is loving and the trends we should be following. January. New year, new me, new nails. You've already given up booze, you're surviving on detox miso broth and you're seriously considering investing in a Human Charger, because let's face it, December was a write-off. But there's no reason you can't go ham when it comes to your nails. Why not opt for some bubble gum pink reptile talons? Or a touch of cheetah print? "This month we’re focusing one of the hottest trends in nail art at the moment: animal print," says Kro. "With so many different prints to choose from so the possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favourite animal print manicures." Tiger, tiger Bay area artist @nailjerks uses her amazing airbrush skills to create this perfectly sexy turquoise tiger print look. A new twist on the classic orange tone which can be switched up in any way you’d like! Get the look: OPI Nail Lacquer in Super Trop-i-cal-i-fiji-istic and OPI Nail Lacquer in Lady in Black See you later, alligator NYC-based artist @tiny.luxury uses gentle pink tones to soften this beautiful 3D crocodile print manicure. Topped off with gold nail piercings this manicure is sure to catch your eye. Get the look: Barry M Classic Nail Paint in Bubblegum and Barry M Crackle Effect Nail Paint The leopard Press-on specialist @tres.she uses every colour you could ever love to spice up these leopard tips. Switching it up so you can match this set with any outfit. Get the look: Essie Nail Polish in 98 Turquoise & Caicos Mint Green and Essie Nail Polish in 20 Lovie Dovie Pink Snake Eyes Miami artist @rosebnails added snake print tips with neon green highlights to create the sexiest manicure you could ever have. Neutral tones make this manicure easy to match. Get the look: Snake Skin Nail Wraps Once a cheetah, always a cheetah Miami artist @veedidem brightens up the classic cheetah print with subtle rose gold accents. This print can be made into any colour to fit your mood. Get the look: Animal Print False Nails Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MORE27 beauty creatives to follow for bold, boundary-pushing inspirationThese photos document the evolution of ageing tattoosSalomon SportstyleLord Apex brings together community for 20 years of Salomon’s ACS PROContorted photos of men’s feet in archive Prada heelsSelf-care or self-erasure? Welcome to the age of bio-optimisationCan Ozempic ‘heal’ ADHD and alcoholism? The alt-wellness community think soChappell Roan is MAC’s new global ambassador: ‘It feels full circle’Beauty gift guide 2025: Dazed editors share their wishlistsThe sweat-drenched world of Sukeban wrestling takes Miami Jean Paul GaultierJean Paul Gaultier’s iconic Le Male is the gift that keeps on givingMeet the braider behind the Afro-textured hairstyles at PFW SS26‘Accept your ugly’: I tried ‘beauty shadow work’ to help my self-esteem