Nail art, the practice of painting decorative designs on your fingernails, is a fun way to brighten up your everyday look or accessorize a special occasion outfit. There are a variety of nail art designs available, ranging from subtle and understated to funky and outrageous. For example, you could choose to paint flowers on your nails for a date or spell out the name of your favorite athletic team on the day of the big game. While the more intricate designs are best left to a professional, it’s possible to create simple nail art at home.
There are many different methods you can use to come up with nail art designs. Many beginners like to copy from pictures they have found on the internet or in nail art books. Some larger nail salons also offer classes for people interested in learning how to do their own nail art. However, even people with minimal artistic talent can learn to freehand geometric shapes or floral designs.
While most nail art designs are created simply using various colors of nail polish, you can add sparkle to your designs by mixing glitter into one or more of the polish colors before painting your nails. Using stick-on nail art jewels is another great way to jazz up a simple nail art motif. Tiny stickers can make it easier to create more elaborate designs.
Once you’ve finished your design, proper maintenance will help keep your nail art in top condition for as long as possible. Apply a coat of protective clear nail polish every two or three days for the duration of your manicure. Wear gloves when doing tasks that may damage your nails and resist the urge to pick or bite your nails.
