Special Effects: Nails, Claws, and Paws

Another creature feature detail to add flair to a costume are claws. Some of us may grow our nails that long or utilize nail art to get a similar effect. But I will provide as many options as I can think of to add claws to the costume.  

Claw Placement and Style

We'll start with claws then go into hoof creatures. Claws are typically the last digit on the paw. When comparing to our human hands, it comes out of our fingertips. (Our "claws" are covered in flesh.) 

 

While it is a way to attach fake claws, most costumes benefit from extending those fingernails we have to look like claws. This will usually not hinder the use of fingers as normal. 

Nail Style

In these methods, you extend the length and shape of your nails (usually with artificial materials). As you may notice in my first image, I used fake nails on GLOVES so you are not limited to putting nails directly onto your real nails. 

Acrylic Nails

I find that "fake nails" are generally the most accessible and oftentimes inexpensive method for adding a clawed look to your costume. Since nail polishes come in so many different shades, you can get the right tone, texture, and look. They come in a variety of lengths and shapes too, some of which are already quite claw-like. 

The nails came with this shape and length. Just painted them.

Another thing you can do with nails is a thing called "flocking" which in which you add a velvety powder to the nail. It also makes the nail matte instead of shiny. 

Most fake nail kits come with an adhesive that's not too difficult to remove. But you can make gloves out of skin-tone nylon leggings or any colored gloves if you want to use stronger glue. Or just don't like the feel of fake nails. 

Also neat thing with gloves, you can make nails light up. 

I was inspired by LED gloves. Check them out!

Nail Jewelry

For this, I'm not referring to jewels you can use for nail art, but rings that sit on the tips of your fingers. The high-end ones are covered with gemstones, but you can take this as a concept and built out your own version out of jewelry making supplies and fake nails...again. 

I've also seen these rings look like talons or larger claws. 

Claw Armor

If you look for finger armor or full-fingered claw jewelry, you again get a ring that sits on the tip of your finger. While not necessarily an "animal" look, it does make a lovely impression. 

Finger Tip Extension

Now for claws extending from the tip of your finger instead of from your fingernails, you are looking at a "glove" type solution. 

The obvious example is to get screw on claws or claws that protrude from the finger tips of a glove. Paw gloves or fursuit gloves are a more common method of this tactic. 

The glove does not have to cover your whole hand mind you. You can create a latex/silicone finger glove or fingertip cover that you mold the claw from. Essentially, making a finger tip prosthetic. (Like these goofy witch fingers.) 

And there we have several ideas for adding claws to your costume. Hopefully one of these solutions works for your next costume build!