How to Paint Your Nails Zebra Print

Go beyond the classic nail colors and turn your manicure into nail art. Painting prints is the ultimate nail trend because it allows you to get creative whether you want to emulate your favorite celebrity's nails, or be totally unique. Before you execute your safari inspired-design, remember to polish evenly and always buff nails prior to painting, it will make zebra-printed manicure last longer. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• White and black nail polish (or any two of your favorite colors)
• Base coat
• Clear nail polish
• Small basin
• Nail polish remover
• Mild liquid soap
• Nail file
• Moisturizer or hand lotion
• Small paintbrush (optional)
• Cotton swabs

Instructions

1. Manicure nails to remove any natural oils and dirt from the nail bed. Remove old nail polish thoroughly using nail polish remover. Soak nails in a small basin with lukewarm water and liquid soap for 10 minutes. Dry hands and nails thoroughly. Clip and file nails to a medium length to best feature the zebra nail design. Add a moisturizer, scented oil or hand lotion to nails.

2. Apply a base coat. Follow one coat of clean nail polish with two coats of your bottom color. Start polishing in the middle of the nail. Add polish in smooth strokes until the nail is completely covered with polish. If you are making a traditional zebra print design, using black and white nail polish, the bottom coat will be white. Let nails dry for 20 minutes.

3. Paint the zebra stripes. Use short, small strokes to create thin lines of black (or your favorite nail polish color). If you do not have a steady hand, use a small paintbrush, half the size of the nail polish brush, to create thin, small stripes. Place the paintbrush into the nail polish remover, before dipping it into the nail polish color, to adhere the bristles together. Paint a minimum of five thin stripes on each nail to achieve the zebra print effect (use the above photo as a guide).

4. Allow the nails to dry for 20 additional minutes. Check for any nail polish spills on the side of your fingers. Dip a small cotton swab in the nail polish remover to remove any excess polish.

5. Apply one coat of clear polish, using small, quick strokes to prevent smudging the design. Let nails dry an additional 10 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a small fan, on a low speed setting, to dry nails quickly.

• To extend the life of your nail design, wear gloves when washing the dishes. Refrain from placing your nails into solutions with harsh chemicals and cleaning supplies.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Portuguese