How to Decorate Nails

Are you looking for ways to add beauty and appeal to your appearance? So nail art can enhance your outfit for a special event or add a unique touch to your everyday life. Although some ornate styles require the help of skilled craftsmen, there are still many styles that you can make yourself. Try two-color paints, add sparkles or glitters, create polka dots, blend colors, create marbles, or stamp textures for an eye-catching effect.

Table of Contents

Prepare

Remove old nail polish. You need to ensure that the nail will be painted when you have completely removed the old paint that is still on the nail.

Cut and file nails. Shape to make nails look neater. Since you will be decorating your nails, don’t cut them too short. The foundation needs a lot of space to easily implement the designs.

Paint the base coat . The base coat is usually transparent or bluish in color and is available at most nail polish stores. A base coat that protects the nails from yellowing or damaging the effects of nail polish and nail decoration materials. You will apply a thin base coat and let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step. Some base coats are still quite sticky after they dry. This texture will support the next layer of paint to hold for a long time without peeling. You can choose any base paint you like.

Basic style

Paint a different color for the tip. Choose two contrasting colors that can be combined beautifully on one nail.

Paint the base color or colorless. Then wait for the base paint to dry.
Sticking on the stickers gives you a French nail polish, exposing only the tip of the nail. If you don’t have this sticker, you can use a sticker similar in shape to the round patch to overwrite the perforated paper.
Paint the tip of the nail above the sticker. It’s okay if you accidentally paint on the sticker.
Peel off the sticker while the paint is still wet so that the paint won’t come off when you remove the sticker.
Wait for the paint to dry completely and finish with a clear top coat.

Add glitter or stickers to your nails. Paint your nails with your favorite nail polish color and highlight it with a nice decoration.

Paint the base color or colorless. Then wait for the base paint to dry.
Put some nail glue or gel on your nails. Apply glue to the highest position on the nail, towards the tip of the nail or at a lower angle. You can place it in a position that makes your nails look their best.
Use tweezers to take the beads or stickers and place them on the gel or glue on the nail. Then, use tweezers to gently press the glued position. Next is to wait for the glue to dry.
Apply a clear top coat to the nail to keep the stickers or beads from falling off.

Create glitter effect with glitter. You can try one of the following methods:

Stir glitter into gel or clear nail polish and paint over nails. When the paint dries, you will apply another coat of topcoat.
Paint one or more nails with gel or nail polish. Sprinkle glitter on your nails and wait for them to dry before finishing with top coat.

polka dot style

Create a simple polka dot pattern. Choose 2 paint colors, background paint color and color to make polka dots. If you like, you can use multiple colors for the polka dots.

Paint the base color for the nails. Then wait for the paint to dry completely.
Dip a small brush, toothpick, or pin into the color of your choice for polka dots and gently dab the nail polish. Continue until the nail has the number of dots you want. For a different effect, you can create dots of different sizes using a small or large dot tip. To create a light polka dot or long streak, you can dip the tip of the dot into the polish just once and dab it on your nails without adding any more paint. You can use a tool with a small tip to pull the paint off the wet dot for rays, twists, and other designs.
Once the dots have dried, you’ll finish with a clear topcoat.

Create a floral pattern. The polka dots can be stylized to create flowers. Choose 3 paint colors: background color, color for the pistil and color for the petals.

Paint the base coat and wait for the paint to dry completely.
Use a small tip brush or toothpick to make 5 dots in a circle on the nail. This will be the petal part.
When the dots for the petals have dried, you will use another color to make a small round dot in the middle of the petals. You can add some detail by adding some white stripes in the center of the petals or creating the leaves with green paint. Be careful not to create too many flowers on each nail. Make sure the flowers are separate from each other.
Once the flower is dry, you can finish it off with a clear topcoat.

Create a leopard print. To make this style you need 2 paint colors: a light color and a dark color. Choose bright pink or orange and black.

Use a light color to create a few splashes of color on the nail. The shape doesn’t have to be uniform as the spots on the leopard are not exactly the same either.
Once the streaks have dried, draw a “C” or “U” around the outer edge of the blob in a darker color.
Once the leopard print has dried, you can apply a clear top coat to complete it or to add a splash of color you can apply a clear coat of glitter.

Color blending style

Make the colored part swirl. You will need 3 different colors: the background color and 2 other colors to help create an eye-catching swirl on the background color layer.

Paint the base color and wait for the paint to dry.
Apply a clear top coat to keep the base color and wait for the paint to dry.
Use a toothpick to dot the first paint in the swirl.
Use another clean toothpick to add a splash of color on top of the first dot while it’s still wet to create a second swirl.
Pull both colors out and create a swirl using a clean toothpick, a pointed brush, or another pointed tool. You can also create a marbled effect by dotting random nail polish, then adding a second color around and above the first dots. Twist the dots in a circle and blend them together by moving the tool diagonally, in an S shape, or in a figure 8.

Create a gradient color effect (ombre). The ombre effect is best when using colors from the same group, such as purple and blue. To create this look, you need 3 colors: dark, medium and light.

Apply a thick layer of color on the nail and wait for it to dry.
Dip a makeup sponge into medium polish (a little paint is fine with a sponge) and dab onto the tip of the nail, starting at the tip and working down to create a pale effect.
With another clean makeup sponge, dab light nail polish in the same way, starting at the tip and fading down to the nail below. The result will be a light color at the tip of the nail and gradually spread to the darker part below.
Apply the clear coat while the paint is still wet so you can spread the color more evenly.

Create a watercolor effect. In this case, you will need two or more colors: white and another color or two that you like.

Paint white base color for nails.
Before the base coat dries, use a toothpick or another tool to dab multiple dots of different colors or two of certain colors onto the base paint.
Dip a wide-tip brush in acetone and spread over colored dots. Use acetone and a brush to fade and blend the color on a white background. If done successfully, you will have Monet’s impressionist design.
Once the watercolor styling has dried, you will apply a transparent topcoat.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7f/Do-Nail-Art-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7f/Do-Nail-Art-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Create a nail look that looks like it’s been bleached with acid. To create the same effect as acid-bleached jeans, you will use white and blue paint.

Use blue as the background color. Wait for the paint to dry and apply another clear coat.
Once the layers have dried, you will paint a very thin layer of white over the base.
Dip a makeup sponge in acetone and use it to gently apply and lighten the white paint. Stop when the green paint is exposed enough for you to have an acid-bleach effect.
Once the acid remover paint has dried, you’ll be finished with a clear top coat.

Styling a marble pattern with water

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/eb/Do-Nail-Art-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/eb/Do-Nail-Art-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Preparing instruments. Styling marble with water is a creative technique that uses water and other colors to create unique nail designs. You will need the following materials: base paint and 2 or 3 other paint colors that can work well together like light blue, yellow and white. A low, wide-mouthed cup or bowl is filled almost with room-temperature water. Vaseline.

Paint the base coat. Then wait for the paint to dry completely.

Add colored paint to the water. Put some paint in the water at a relatively low height. Notice how the paint creates colored circles in the water.

Add another color in the middle of the first color. Continue adding colors in the same way, adding color in the middle of the previous color wheel one by one until the color shape looks like a dart board.

Use a toothpick to change the style. Put a toothpick in the water and drag the colored rings to create a pattern. Spider webs are very popular, along with floral and geometric patterns. Do not overdo styling with toothpicks; If you mix colors too much, you will no longer be able to distinguish the colors. If you don’t like the style created with the toothpick, just discard it and start over.

Put the pattern on the nail. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around the nails and on the fingers. Carefully place the nail in the design you just created and gently dip the nail down. Then wipe off the water on the nail. Absorb all the water on the nail and use a cotton swab or cotton ball (absorbed with acetone if necessary) to clean the edges and remove the nail polish from the fingers.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4f/Do-Nail-Art-Step-20-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-20-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4f/Do-Nail-Art-Step-20-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-20-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wait for the paint to dry completely. Paint with a transparent top coat to finish.

Find inspiration for styling

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a1/Do-Nail-Art-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-21-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a1/Do-Nail-Art-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-21-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take a nail art class. With just a few hours of study with a professional instructor, you can improve your skills more effectively than years of self-study.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/81/Do-Nail-Art-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-22-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Do-Nail-Art-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-22-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Read books on nail art. You can find books in the library, buy books at bookstores, or order materials online.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bb/Do-Nail-Art-Step-23-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-23-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bb/Do-Nail-Art-Step-23-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-23-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Search on Internet. The web offers a wide variety of sources of information, especially when you’re looking for new ideas. In addition to finding websites with new design images, you can also find forums to discuss techniques and experiences for nail art enthusiasts.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/af/Do-Nail-Art-Step-24-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art- Step-24-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/af/Do-Nail-Art-Step-24-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Do-Nail-Art-Step-24-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Watch videos on sites like YouTube. These videos will guide you step-by-step through the different styles.

Advice

Use a different tool for each color, or clean the brush or tool when using a different color, similar to when you clean a paintbrush every time you need to change paint colors.
You can purchase a dot maker to accurately create dots of different sizes.
Prepare all the tools when you need to paint your nails. Paint dries very easily and you have to race against time. Therefore, you will need to have everything ready before you start.
You can put tape around your nails so that the paint doesn’t get on your skin.
You can also create a ‘crystal’ effect by applying a base coat, then a base coat, then a second coat of color paint and then you can sprinkle with sugar or glitter before applying the top coat. together.
When you want to do the marble technique with water, using glitter paint will not be as effective as plain paint. The glitter will usually separate.
Apply a clear top coat after two or three days to protect the nail polish and keep it shiny. Besides, you should oil your cuticles every day.
You can also use bobby pins or toothpicks to create small, round dots of the same size on your nails, or you can purchase a small-tip brush at an art supply store.
If one of the nails breaks, you can start over and file the nail evenly. If you don’t want to file your nails, you can paint them in a bold color. French nail polish will draw attention to uneven nails.
Take good care of your nails – wear gloves when gardening or doing other things and do everything with care, such as when opening soda cans, as this can cause damage to your nails.
Nail decoration should be done on healthy nails. Your nails should be even and in good condition (not bitten). Cuticle around the nail should be strong and not peeling.
Find styling inspiration by looking at magazines or the scenery around you.

Warning

Do not wash the brush with water. This will make the paint stick more firmly to the brush. Instead, you should clean the brush with nail polish remover.
Make sure each paint color is completely dry before applying another (unless you want to blend colors) because if the first coat is still wet it will smudge and ruin the decor.
Acetone and paints are both smelly and flammable. You should use these products in a well-ventilated area and away from fire, sparks or smoke around the product or while the polish is still wet on the nail.
Some people may be allergic to nail products. If you try and have an allergic reaction to a product, you should wash your hands thoroughly, use acetone to remove the paint if necessary, and stop using the product.

Things you need

nail polish
Nail glue or gel
Cotton
Decorative beads or stickers
Tweezers
Coating
Purl
Stickers for French nail polish
Pointed brush, toothpick or toothpick
Makeup sponge
Cotton swab
Acetone
Wide mouth cup or bowl
Vaseline
Stamp tool
Scanning Tools
Patterned plate
Paint used to create patterns
Books, websites and YouTube channels for more ideas

Steps