Nail Art Basics

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Nail the basics of nail care, nail art and nail tools with these Nail Art Basics.

Nail Care

Just like with makeup application when it comes to nail art basics nail care is key.

First off I have a great post here all about how to get your nails to grow healthily.

The first step to nail care is hydration. Making sure you are hydrated inside, by drinking enough water, and out, by using cuticle oil and moisturiser.

Nail care top tips

Be sure to clean off any nail varnish with remover. Not by picking or peeling (unless a peely base coat is used)

Choose a nail shape and gently file nails into that shape, filing in one direction only.

Use cuticle oil multiple times a day to hydrate the nail bed.

To help nails maintain neat shape always wear varnish even if it’s just a protective coat.

Nail Tool Basics

For nail care a tool kit like this one from Holo Taco would be perfect.

The key basics you need are

• A nail file. Try glass for a long-term option.
• Trimmers or scissors
• A cuticle pusher

For nail art, the tools you could use are endless.

For simple nail art try hacks such as

• Hairpins
• Cotton buds
• stickers
• stencils
• decals
• tape!

Once you get further into nail art you might want

• a brush set with tiny brushes
• a dotting tool set
• stamping kits
• and so much more

How to apply nail polish

To apply nail polish first start with prepped clean fingers.

Apply chosen base coat

Leave to dry

Then take the brush from the bottle and wipe most of the polish off inside the neck of the bottle.

Start with the middle of the nail and paint from cuticle to tip.

Then complete the sides.

Paint in thin layers

Most (solid-coloured) polish should be opaque in about 3 layers.

Thin layers are better than thick layers for the polish to be able to dry and not smudge. How much polish you need per swipe etc does vary depending on various factors, unfortunately!

When dry apply a top coat.

How to remove nail polish

To remove polish you will need cotton pads and remover. Simply soak the cotton pads, press on to the nail for a minute or so and swipe off.

You might want to go over nails again with a clean pad for any missed bits.

Remember to hydrate your nails with cuticle oil after!

Nail Art Basics

The best nail art takes two things 1) practice and 2) good nail care first!

I’m currently writing a separate post going through all the basics of nail art techniques. From water marbling to dry brushing there are so many techniques to explore.

However simple nail art can be created straight from the bottle. Whether it’s two-tone nails (or more), stripes with tape or simple dot art with a hairpin. There are many ways to get started with nail art basics.

Top tips and hacks for nail art basics

 Wear a base coat. This is particularly useful for stain protection

Wear peely base coat with other base coats on top. This is great for easy removal of glitter polish etc. And with this hack, you can also benefit from other base coats such as smoothing.

Shape nails before, and then wash your hands clean.

Oil or use cuticle cream frequently

Striping tape is a great friend when blocking off sections of your nail for different colours.

Nail vinyls can be a great way to make intricate shapes when beginning with nail art basics.

A great technique is to gradient. Paint your nails the palest colour, then sponge on the next colours quickly and in order. Blend with a top coat.

Layering glitter and unicorn skins makes nails look interesting and beautiful with minimal work

Think about contrasting and complementary colours for beautiful and striking looks.