Sure, you can go to the nail salon to get a manicure that will make your nails look amazing. And the salon might be your go-to choice when it comes to getting a fun design on your nails, in addition to a pretty color. But did you know that you could also create your own nail designs at home surprisingly easily?
Whether you don’t have the time or the budget to go to the salon all the time, doing your own nail designs is a great way to take control, and keep your hands looking beautiful. With minimal effort, it’ll look like a professional got the job done, and you’ll be proud to show off your nails.
What are some of the easy nail designs that are worth trying? We’ve compiled a helpful list of tips and ideas below to help you get started, but feel free to get creative, too, when you want to try coming up with your own unique designs.
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Simple Stripes and Dots
One of the easiest ways to dress up your nails is by polishing them in a neutral color of your choice, and then selecting another color so you can apply a single stripe down the center of the nail, or a little dot on each nail. A couple of attractive examples include a gold colored stripe or a bright white dot on pink nails. Alternatively, you could also go for a polka dot effect with multi-colored dots, some of which can even overlap one another for a really neat looking, yet simple, design. And, to apply dots more easily when you are struggling to do it with your nail polish brush, you can try using the round end of a bobby pin instead. Dip it into your nail polish, and then gently apply the polish in a perfect little dot.
Two-Tone Diagonal Design
Another pretty nail design is one that features two colors that are separated by a diagonal line. To accomplish this on your own can be tough, though, unless you use a super simple strategy: take a piece of tape and place it diagonally across your fingernail. Then, paint one half of your nail in whatever color you choose. Remove the tape, and then paint in the remaining half of your nail with a complementary color, while following the diagonal line that you have already established. Just be careful to keep the line as straight as possible.
The Clever Plastic Wrap Design
Using some plastic wrap can create a really attractive marble design that will make your nails look like they were professionally painted. And the best part is that this is a surprisingly easy design to pull off. Start by applying whatever color you want, taking the time to apply two coats neatly, and then allowing it to dry completely. Then, choose a darker color that complements your base coat. Apply it, but don’t let it dry. Instead, while it is still wet on your nail, take a bit of crumpled plastic wrap and dab it onto the wet nail polish. This will remove some of the color that you just applied, creating that attractive marble look. If you end up taking off too much of the top color, you can always apply more and then use the plastic wrap again to dab some of it away. When you like the way your nail looks, apply a top coat, and then you’re all done!
Glitter Tips
You can change up the usual French manicure design and make it a little more fun by applying a bright color of your choice as your base coat. Then, select a pretty glitter nail polish, and only apply it to the tips of your nails. Alternatively, you can apply it to half of your nails, making sure that you apply it more heavily on the tips to create an attractive gradient style that is sure to catch people’s attention.
Super Easy French Manicure
Speaking of French manicures, if you love this classic look, and you wish that you could do it yourself, there is an easy hack that you can use to get it done. As you know, the trickiest part of the French manicure is getting the tip to look just right. Well, you can strategically use a piece of tape to create a clean edge that you can paint against to get that beautiful white tip. Remove the tape while the polish is still wet. Let it dry, and then apply a sheer pink color over the nail.
Ombre Nails
Combining the beauty of two shades of the same color that blend perfectly together, ombre nails are definitely worth trying when you want to create the look of a salon-quality manicure right at home. One easy way to achieve this look is by applying whatever color you choose as your base. Next, you’ll need to get a basic makeup sponge. Onto that sponge, apply your base coat in a line across the sponge. Then, do the same underneath that color with a different shade that you want to use as part of your ombre look. A great example is two shades of blue. Once both colors are on the sponge, dab it onto your nail. Repeat these steps two or three times, adding more color to the sponge before dabbing more onto your nail, until you get the desired look. Remember, the colors should blend together softly.
Which Design Will You Try First?
With so many fun, yet easy, nail designs, you don’t have to spend a lot of money going to a professional manicurist all the time. Just be patient, especially at first, as you get used to the different techniques that will allow you to create awesome nail art. It might take a bit of trial and error, but before you know it, you’ll be confident in your abilities to make your nails look fabulous with some simple polish and maybe some household items that will make the job even simpler.
