3D Nail Art Basics

A woman getting her nails done.

In the past, getting your nails done was a simple job. Women painted their nails one color, usually a shade of pink or red. Today, decorated nails are not just painted. Instead, nails are a canvas for artists to use. Elaborate designs and pictures can be created on your nails, and with 3D nail art, you're no longer limited by what a nail polish brush can do.

The Basics

3D nail art, also called Japanese nail art, is a technique for decorating nails that creates three-dimensional designs. This can include adding gems or small charms to the nails, or using 3D acrylics made in molds. The designs are meant to express the wearer's personality, just as airbrushed nail art does.

Acrylic Nails

While 3D nail art can be applied to natural nails, creating the art on acrylic nails is easier, especially when doing it at home. This gives you a separate surface to work on, and can help prevent molded acrylic from getting broken when applying it. The decorated acrylic nails can then be applied to the real nails more easily.

Designing Nail Art

After you know how big a surface you have to work with, you can design the art for the nails. Create a design that will fit on the nails, and can stand up to any daily activities. For example, if you use your hands at work, an elaborate 3D nail art design that is raised a lot from the nail can be broken more easily. However, if you're designing nail art for your wedding day, it can be more elaborate or raised.

3D Nail Art Molds

Nail art molds can be purchased to create the three-dimensional elements of the nail art. The colored acrylic is poured into the molds and allowed to dry. After removing it from the mold, nail glue will adhere the 3D acrylic to the nail. Clear nail polish can be put over the 3D acrylic to help protect it from damage.

References

• Nail Training: Japanese Nail Art
• Nail Art: Cosmo 3D Nail Art Molds