Caleb Foster
Awesome nail art doesn't have to be done at a salon, and you don't have to be a talented nail artist to achieve it. There are plenty of simple designs that can be created with tools you already have at home, along with your favourite nail polish. To get started, you'll need to prep your nails by removing any old polish, trimming and filing them, and shaping them to your desired style. Then, you can start experimenting with different techniques, such as stamping, hand painting, using stickers, creating dots, or trying out more advanced methods like the shattered glass or fading techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Nail art dotting tool, striping brushes, silicone mat, nail scissors, nail glue, acetone, nail file, toothpick, pin, makeup sponge, stickers, jewels, glitter, foil, crystals, stones |
| Techniques | Polka dots, floral designs, leopard print, watercolour effect, 3D dots, fading, swirling, dragging, stamping, hand painting, bejewelling, French manicure, marble |
| Tips | Practice, go slow, choose a few nails to do designs on, use good gel polish, rotate the nail in the opposite direction with brush strokes, use a fine-tipped brush for details, check the design is dry before applying a top coat |
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What You'll Learn
Using stickers and jewels
To get started, make sure your nails are clean and dry, whether they are polished or bare. If you are using nail polish, ensure it is completely dry before applying any stickers or jewels. You can use nail glue or a clear polish as an adhesive for the stickers or jewels. When you are happy with the placement of the stickers or jewels, gently press them down with a silicone tool or a gloved finger to avoid cross-contamination. Smooth the sticker from the center to the edges to remove any air bubbles, and use long, thin stickers like flexi striping tape from the bottom to the top to prevent creases.
For tiny stickers or jewels, fine-tipped tweezers can help with accurate placement. You can wear them alone or layer them for a 3D effect. Seal the design with a top coat to protect the stickers or jewels and make your manicure last longer.
You can also create your own stickers using a silicone mat. Paint a thin layer of clear gel polish on the mat, cure it with a lamp, and then paint your desired design. Once dry, use tweezers to peel off the design and cut it out with nail scissors. Apply it to your nail using a bit of clear polish as glue and finish with a top coat.
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Creating dots and stripes
To create dots, you can use a toothpick or a nail dotting tool. Start by dipping the tip of your chosen tool into your chosen nail polish and lightly tapping it onto your nail. You can create dots of varying sizes by using thinner or thicker-tipped implements or by cutting the toothpick. You can also create dots of different sizes by dipping the implement into the paint once and applying several dots without re-dipping. For a floral design, create groups of five dots arranged in circles on your nails. For a leopard print design, create light-coloured splotches and draw "C" or "U" shapes with a darker colour once the light colour has dried.
To create stripes, you can use tape as a stencil to ensure straight lines. First, decide where you want the stripe to be placed on your nail and gently place the tape on your nail. Once you are happy with the placement, paint over the tape with your chosen colour. Allow the paint to dry before removing the tape.
Finish your design with a clear top coat to protect your artwork and make your nails shine.
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Painting floral designs
Preparation:
Start by removing any old nail polish with acetone to ensure your nails are clean and ready for the new design. Trim and file your nails to the desired shape, keeping in mind that longer nails provide a larger canvas for your floral masterpiece.
Base Coat:
Apply a base coat of nail polish and let it dry completely. This base coat can be a neutral shade or a colour that complements your floral design. For a simple floral look, choose three colours: a base coat colour, a colour for the centre of the flowers, and a colour for the petals.
Creating the Floral Design:
Use a thin-tipped brush or a toothpick to create the flower details. Start by placing groups of five dots arranged in circles on your nails to form the petals. You can vary the size of the dots by using thinner or thicker-tipped tools. To create a more intricate floral design, try the following:
- Add a tiny white stripe in the centre of each petal to give it a delicate, detailed look.
- Create leaves with green nail polish to add a natural, botanical touch to your design.
- Avoid overcrowding your nails with too many flowers. Aim for a balanced composition, ensuring each flower is distinct.
Final Touches:
Once your flower designs are dry, seal them with a clear top coat to protect your artwork and add shine. If you want to get creative, you can use a clear glittery top coat for an extra sparkly effect.
Advanced Techniques:
If you're feeling adventurous, try using a silicone mat to create more intricate designs. Paint a thin layer of clear gel polish on the mat, cure it with a lamp, and then paint your detailed floral design. Once dry, peel off the design and apply it to your nail using tweezers and a bit of clear polish as glue.
Practice and Creativity:
Nail art is a form of self-expression, so feel free to experiment with colours, patterns, and techniques. Practice is key, and it's okay to start slow. You can also use tools like toothpicks, chopsticks, or dotting tools to help with uniformity and creating precise shapes. Remember, the more you try, the easier it gets, and soon enough, you'll be blooming with floral nail art masterpieces!
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Using stamping techniques
Stamping is a popular technique for decorating your nails. It can be a little tricky and frustrating for beginners, but with practice, it becomes easier.
Firstly, you'll need to prepare your nails. Remove any old polish with acetone, trim and file your nails, and give them a nice shape. Try not to cut them too short, as you'll want a good canvas to work on. Apply a base coat and let it dry.
Now, you're ready to stamp. Choose a good-quality nail polish for your design. You can use regular polish, but gel polish tends to work better for stamping as it gives you more time to work before drying. You can also use acrylic craft paint, which dries quickly and is stiffer, making it easier to work with.
There are different stamping techniques you can try. A simple method is to paint directly onto the stamping plate, then use a scraper to remove excess polish before pressing the design onto your nail. Another technique is reverse stamping. For this method, you'll paint the design onto the stamping plate, then use a stamper to pick up the design before filling in the details with a brush. Once you're happy with your design, you'll press it onto your nail.
You can also create your own nail decals using a silicone mat. Paint a thin layer of clear gel polish on the mat, cure it with a lamp, then paint your design. Once dry, peel off the design, cut it out, and apply it to your nail with a bit of clear polish as glue before sealing it with a top coat.
With stamping, it's important to take your time, practice, and not be overwhelmed by doing intricate designs on every nail. Start with a few nails and work on rotating them in the opposite direction with your brush strokes for smoother, quicker results.
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Applying a top coat
There are various techniques for applying a top coat. One method is to use a stamper to stamp a protective layer of top coat onto your nail, clean up around the cuticle area, wait about ten minutes, and then apply a normal layer of top coat. Another technique is to gently dab a thin layer of top coat onto your nail art, being careful not to swipe. Once that layer is dry, you can apply a normal layer of top coat to finish.
If you are applying a top coat over nail art, it is important to use a light touch and minimal strokes. You want to "float" the brush and use a big drop of top coat so you can spread it in three easy strokes without having to redip the brush into the bottle. This technique helps to prevent smearing and smudging of your nail art.
Additionally, you can apply a clear top coat while the polishes are still wet to more completely smear the colours together and create a watercolour effect.
To achieve the best results, it is recommended to apply two coats of top coat rather than just one. This will ensure your nail art is long-lasting and protected from chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with a clean slate by removing any old polish. Trim and file your nails, shaping them to your desired style. Apply a thin layer of base coat and let it dry before getting creative with your chosen design. Finish with a top coat to seal your design.
Aside from nail polish, you can use a variety of tools to create awesome nail art. These include a nail art dotting tool, striping brushes, a silicone mat, a fine-tipped brush, a clean makeup sponge, stickers, jewels, and crystals.
Some simple nail art designs include polka dots, stripes, floral patterns, and leopard print. You can also use stickers or jewels to create a maximum impact with minimum effort.
Intricate nail art designs require practice and patience. Go slow, choose a few nails to focus on, and invest in good gel polish and tools. Practice rotating the nail in the opposite direction with your brush strokes to improve your control and grip. You can also try stamping or creating your own stickers using a silicone mat.
