Liam Carter
Candy canes are synonymous with Christmas, and it's no surprise that the red-and-white striped treats have inspired a host of festive nail art designs. From classic takes to more creative approaches, there are countless ways to join in on this trend. Whether you're a novice or a pro, creating candy cane gel nails is an achievable task, and with just a few tools and some polish, you can have a fun and festive manicure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colours | 2 |
| Colours | Red and white |
| Tools | Dotting tool or brush, base coat, top coat, paper towels, tweezers, nail art tape, scissors, nail polish remover, Q-tip or wooden stick |
| Steps | 1. Draw candy cane shapes with red gel polish and cure for 60 seconds. 2. Create tiny white lines on the candy canes with white gel polish and cure for 60 seconds. 3. Apply a top coat and cure in your lamp for 60 seconds. 4. Apply cuticle oil. |
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What You'll Learn
Using nail art tape
To create a candy cane design on your gel nails using nail art tape, start by prepping your nails. File your nails into your desired shape, etch the base of your nail plate, and wipe them clean with a prep solution. Then, apply your gel base coat and cure for 60 seconds.
Next, decide on your colour scheme. The most common Christmas candy cane colours are red and white, but you can choose any colours you like. Paint some of your nails with white polish and others with red polish. Remember to paint your nails right after covering them with the base coat, but always wait until it dries.
Now it's time to apply the nail art tape. Cut small strips of tape and place them on your nails to create the candy cane stripes. You can place the strips at different distances and in various patterns to achieve different looks. Try to place the tape in easily accessible spots, and use tweezers to stick them onto your nails.
Once you're happy with the placement of the tape, paint over the exposed parts of your nails with your chosen colour. You may need to use more than one coat to cover the nail completely. Allow the polish to dry for five to seven minutes, but don't let your nails get completely dry. Instead, wait until they're almost dry, then carefully peel back the tape. This makes the removal process easier and reduces the risk of ruining your design.
Finally, seal your design with a top coat to prevent chipping, and cure your nails in a lamp for 60 seconds. To keep your nails healthy and strong, apply cuticle oil to your cuticles once your top coat is cured.
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Applying the base coat
To apply the base coat for your candy cane gel nails, start by gathering all your materials. You will need a base coat, top coat, white polish, red polish, paper towels, tweezers, nail art tape, scissors, nail polish remover, and a Q-tip or wooden stick. Prepare your nail art tape by cutting it into small strips to create candy cane stripes. Place the strips in a convenient location where they will be easily accessible.
Before applying the base coat, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Apply a thin, even layer of the base coat to each nail, taking care not to flood the cuticles. The base coat will create a smooth canvas for your colour application and help the polish adhere better to your nails. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This may take a few minutes, depending on the type of base coat you are using.
It is important to choose a high-quality base coat that is suitable for your nail type. A good base coat will not only help your nail polish last longer but also provide a protective layer for your nails. If you have sensitive nails, opt for a hydrating or nourishing base coat to keep your nails healthy and strong during and after your manicure.
Additionally, consider the finish you desire for your candy cane gel nails. There are various types of base coats available, such as matte, glossy, or glittery, that can enhance the overall look of your manicure. Choose a base coat that aligns with the aesthetic you wish to achieve.
Once your base coat is completely dry, you can move on to the next step of creating your candy cane design. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take your time to ensure a precise and neat application.
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Painting the red stripes
Firstly, prepare your nail art tape by cutting it into small strips. Nail art tape or masking tape can be used to create crisp, clean stripes on your nails. Place the strips in an easily accessible spot, as you will need to work quickly once you start painting. The tape acts as a barrier, preventing the red polish from covering the entire nail and creating the desired stripe effect.
Next, apply your tape strips to your nails. Place them in the desired pattern, deciding beforehand how many stripes you want on each nail. For a classic candy cane look, use the tape to section off the areas you want to keep white, leaving the remaining areas exposed for the red polish.
Now, it's time to grab your red nail polish. Choose a vibrant shade to capture the festive spirit of candy canes. Apply the polish carefully over the nails with the tape. You may need to use more than one coat to ensure an even and opaque finish. Allow the polish to dry for about five to seven minutes, but do not let it dry completely. This is important to prevent the tape from sticking to the nail polish and ruining your stripes.
Once the red polish is almost dry, carefully peel back the tape. Start from one corner of the tape and slowly lift it off your nail. This will reveal the crisp white stripes underneath. If you're satisfied with your candy cane shapes, cure the red gel polish for 60 seconds to lock in the design.
You can further customize the look by adding glitter or sparkles to your red stripes. A touch of glitter will give your manicure a festive and whimsical feel. You can also experiment with different shades of red or even try a dark pink or baby pink base for a unique twist on the traditional candy cane colors.
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Adding the white polish
To add the white polish to your candy cane gel nails, you can follow these steps:
First, prepare your nail art tape. Cut small strips of nail art tape or masking tape to create the stripes of the candy cane. Place these stickers where they will be easily accessible. You can use as many stripes as you like, depending on the desired thickness of the white lines. It is recommended to have them ready before starting your manicure.
Next, apply a layer of base coat to your nails and let it dry. A hydrating base coat will create an even canvas for your colour application and work as an adhesive surface for the polish. Once the base coat is dry, you can start creating the candy cane design.
Place the small strips of tape on your nails to create the stripes. Try to press down the tape firmly to prevent the polish from bleeding underneath. You can create different patterns and vary the number of stripes on each nail for a unique and creative look.
Now, take your white nail polish and carefully paint over the exposed parts of the nail, following the direction of the tape stripes. Make sure to cover any gaps between the tape and the nail to achieve crisp, clean lines. Allow the white polish to dry for a few minutes.
Once the white polish is dry to the touch, carefully peel back the tape. Start from one side and slowly lift the tape off your nail. If you wait until the polish is completely dry, you risk the tape peeling off some of the polish as well, so it is best to remove the tape while it is still slightly wet.
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Finishing with a top coat
When it comes to finishing with a top coat, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure your candy cane gel nails are long-lasting and chip-free. Firstly, it's crucial to let your nails dry completely before applying the top coat. This step cannot be overstated, as applying a top coat to wet nails can cause the colours to mix and ruin your carefully crafted design. Be patient and allow ample time for your nails to dry.
Once your nails are completely dry, it's time to select your top coat. You can opt for a protective top coat, such as the one recommended by nail care expert Amy Lin, or choose a no-chip coat like ORLY's to seal in your design. Apply the top coat carefully and evenly to all your nails, making sure to cover the entire nail surface. This step will help lock in your design and provide a protective barrier against chipping.
After applying the top coat, it's now time to cure your nails. Place your hands under a UV lamp for approximately 60 seconds. The curing process will harden the gel polish and ensure your manicure lasts for weeks. If you don't have access to a UV lamp, some top coats may also be air-dried, but be sure to check the instructions on your chosen product.
Finally, don't forget to apply cuticle oil to your nails after curing. This step will help nourish and moisturise your cuticles, keeping your nails healthy and strong. By following these detailed steps for finishing with a top coat, your candy cane gel nails will not only look festive and fabulous but will also withstand the holiday season's demands!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a base coat, top coat, white polish, red polish, paper towels, tweezers, nail art tape, scissors, nail polish remover, and a Q-tip or wooden stick.
First, cut small strips of nail art tape to create candy cane stripes. Then, paint a layer of base coat onto your nails and let it dry. Next, apply the tape stripes to your nails and paint over with red nail polish. Let the red polish dry for 5-7 minutes, then peel back the tape. Finally, apply a top coat to seal in the design.
You can add holly, snowflakes, or gemstone designs to your nails. You can also pair your candy cane design with a soft green, gold, or glittery base colour.
