How to Do At-Home Nail Designs

Nail art can be done right from the comfort of your home--no more paying a professional to do it. It is easy to do your own nails, and with the wide variety of nail art on the shelves at stores, it is fun to find new designs.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton balls
• Nail file
• Acetone nail-polish remover
• Top and bottom coat
• Nail art designs
• Nail polish in various colors

Instructions

1. Clean your nails thoroughly with a nail brush. Push back the cuticles and use a nail file to shape your nails and then buff them slightly.

2. Find the design you wish to apply to your nails.

3. Have a supply of cotton balls and pure acetone nail-polish remover on hand so any mistakes can be fixed quickly.

4. Brush on a base coat in whatever color you choose. Apply two coats of nail polish to make sure it is dark enough. Let your nails dry.

5. Start your nail art on top of the base cost. You can do stripes, dots or dashes using your nail polish brush. Fine brushes can be used to create any design you choose. Marbling tools can create a beautiful effect: Smear the polish around the nail and, when dry, apply a different shade to the nail and smear again. You can experiment with many different art designs.

6. Dip stickers or gems into nail glue, then use tweezers to hold the item and set it on your nail. You also can add glitter by gently shaking it onto wet nails.

7. After you have finished your nail art, apply one or two top coats of clear, protective coating to protect your nails from chips and other wear. Allow plenty of time for drying.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a place to do your nail art where spills can be handled easily.

• There are hundreds of ways to apply nail art to your nails. Find an easy style to start out with if you are a beginner, and work your way toward more complicated styles.

• Experiment to find items that work best for you. You also can buy kits that come with all you need, such as brushes and marbling tools.

• Make sure your nail design is dry before you apply the clear top coat.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish