Beauty Trend: Patterned Nails

Everywhere we look, fingernails and toenails are catching our attention with their bright, fun and sometimes mind-bogglingly intricate patterns. So how do you achieve this trend of the moment? There are several options, ranging from the easy to the difficult, depending on how much time and effort you want to put into it.

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Nail Polish Strips

Oh so hot right now, nail polish strips are exactly what they sound like – strips of nail polish that you heat and apply directly to your nails. They’re already designed with intricate patterns so you don’t have to do any grunt work and they last up to ten days.

Nail Decals

Similar to nail polish strips, nail decals are small stickers that come in a wide variety of designs. Typically you will paint your nails first and then apply the decals on top of a coat of dry polish.

Special Nail Polish

Crackle and glitter nail polishes offer a lot of flair with very little effort. To use crackle nail polish you should apply a base color, wait for it to dry completely and then layer on the crackle. Within five minutes the top layer will start to split so the bottom color shows through, creating a gorgeous, edgy effect. Glitter nail polish is pretty straightforward. Apply your bottom coat and then put sparkly polish on top!

Nail Stamping

Nail stamps are a cool and easy way to do delicate patterns on your own. Just buy nail stamps at your local beauty supplies or drug store and apply your stamp of choice to dry base color.

Nail Art Pens

Nail art pens are a good choice for the talented at-home nail artist. They’re essentially fine-tip pens that dispense a small amount of nail polish when you press on the tip. For the lady with the steady hand, these are a fun way to get creative and funky with your own nail designs. These are also a great way to do your own French tips.

Professional Nail Art

If you don’t have the skill or patience to try a patterned polish at home, head out to the salon and let a professional take over. Going to professional nail artist will guarantee a quality manicure. If you want something really elaborate, such as an airbrushed pattern, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.