Tools for creating nail art

10.21.2015 / Manicure and pedicure

Nail design is a modern type of aesthetic cosmetology that favorably emphasizes the beauty of women’s hands and also allows you to hide minor imperfections. The history of nail art dates back to Ancient China, where high-status fashionistas grew their nails up to 25 cm long and put tips on top to avoid damaging them.

In different eras in Ancient China, they preferred gold and silver coatings for nails, and their surface was painted with hieroglyphs, images of animals and birds. The coating was made from the sap of the lacquer tree, to which chicken egg white and gelatin were added. Interestingly, they even knew how to grow a nail plate using sized rice paper.

According to other sources, the art of decorating nails in an unusual way came to us from America, where it was invented by African-Americans. The idea of ​​decorating nails in all possible ways drew attention, and this type of aesthetic cosmetology began to gain popularity. Gradually, various materials for decorations, special paints, brushes and other tools appeared. Nail art emerged as a separate trend in the mid-80s of the last century.

Types of nail designs

1. Artistic painting

- the most popular technique that uses special paints that are applied over a base varnish. Paints can be varnish-based (diluted with solvents) or water. Water-based paints are much more convenient to use: they mix with each other and are also easily washed off with water without harming the base. To paint on nails, use special brushes, pins, and wooden sticks.

2. Aquarium design

performed exclusively on artificial nails. Only an experienced master can make such a design on the nail, since it is created at the time of nail extension by mixing colored acrylic with the base of the nail. Finally, an acrylic coating is applied, resulting in the effect of a “drawing inside the nail.” You can decorate the patterns with rhinestones, sparkles, foil or dried flowers.

3. Photo design

– a modern trend, thanks to which you can transfer a drawing of any complexity taken from a printed publication onto a nail. For this purpose, special printers are used that can create designs on 8 nails at the same time.

4. Volumetric design

allows you to create three-dimensional figures of plants, flowers with leaves, animals and birds on the surface of the nail plate. All figures are made by the master himself, without using factory blanks.

5. French

- a special option for applying nail polish, when the regrown part of the nail and the rest of the nail plate are covered with different shades and colors. In the classic version, this is the application of a transparent white or pink base and highlighting the regrown tip of the nail with white varnish. This type of manicure design is suitable for women of different ages and status; it is appropriate for any occasion and helps to look natural at a noisy party, conference, workplace or meeting with friends. A subspecies can be considered a colored jacket (decorating the regrown part with colored varnish), a jacket with glitter, as well as a fan jacket, where mica, foil, rhinestones and “caviar manicure” are used for decoration. The French type, when a pattern is applied to an overgrown fragment of the nail, deserves special attention. Read more about the French manicure in our article: “French manicure”.

6. Nail design with gel polish (shellac)

– involves applying a special composition to the surface of the nail plate, which polymerizes only in ultraviolet rays. There are different options for applying the base coat and top layers, which allow you to perform a lunar manicure, a gradient manicure, a French manicure, as well as decorate your nails with sparkles, rhinestones, designs and broths (“caviar” manicure).

Accessories for design

The choice of materials and tools for nail design - creating patterns and decorations - is huge. Conventionally, all these funds are divided into 2 categories:

• To create a flat manicure. This group includes foil, stickers, ribbons and other materials for nail extensions that do not rise above the main coating.
• Tools for 3D design. These are voluminous beads, rhinestones, bouillons, intertwined threads. They may protrude above the surface of the nail.

Stickers, ribbons and foil

The most popular design accessories:

• Stickers are drawings on a durable adhesive base. They are applied to dry varnish and covered with a quick-drying transparent layer.
• Ribbons. There are different textures (from fabric to metal) and colors (plain, patterned, fabric design). They also have a sticky base and are applied to a dry coating.
• Foil. This is a special film with amalgam coating. The master applies it to the painted nail and presses lightly. The foil print is secured on top with transparent varnish.

• Causes of ectopic pregnancy in women, signs and development in the early stages
• Precursors of labor in first-time mothers
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland - preparation and interpretation of results

Glitter powder

It is not necessary to have a shiny polish in your arsenal - you can always add a little brightness to your nails with the help of a special powder. Small glitter comes in small plastic packages and can have different shapes: round, square, triangular, diamond. Glitter is applied to the top coat of varnish using a brush.

You can also add shine to your nails using special rubs. This is a fine powder with different shades. It is applied to a painted and dried nail and rubbed in using a sponge. Remaining powder can be easily removed with a brush.

The most popular rubbing effects are metallic, holography, chameleon.

Beads and rhinestones

Colored glitters and films can be used alone or mixed with other design components. The most popular accessory for decorating nails is rhinestones. They are attached to a small drop of varnish, acrylic or embedded in gel. Rhinestones give a manicure design a special charm.

The beads are slightly larger than rhinestones and will rise noticeably above the surface of the nail plate. Professional masters use them only for decorating manicures that will be worn for no longer than 7 days. Beads are attached to acrylic or topcoat. There is also a smaller version of beads on sale - broths. They are used in the “Caviar manicure” design.

Stamping

If you don’t have the skills of an artist, you can always use ready-made drawings.

Stamping is a method of applying patterns to nails that does not require additional painting.

This is a nail art tool kit equipped with a stamp, stencil and scraper. Before applying the design, coat your nails with polish of the desired color.

Apply some paint to the stencil. Holding the scraper at a 45° angle, remove excess varnish. Press the stamp firmly onto the stencil with paint and roll it back and forth and on the sides a little. Use the stamp to create decorations on your nails by pressing it onto the desired area. Remove any remaining polish from the skin with a lint-free cloth.

Base and top coat

To ensure that the gel polish sticks well, a base coat is used. This is the first transparent layer that evens out the nail plate, hides minor imperfections and bonds the polish to the surface.

It is better to apply the base coat with a flat brush and dry it in an LED lamp for about a minute.

The top transparent coating is called topcoat. Its purpose is to fix the entire manicure and protect the varnish from external damage. The top can be matte (creates a coating without shine), with a sticky layer (this must be removed with a lint-free cloth) and without stickiness. It is recommended to apply the topcoat after creating the design. It is advisable to purchase the top and base from the same company.

Nail restoration products

With frequent use of gel polish, nails can peel off, become brittle and dull. The following tools will help fix the problem:

• Keratin masks. They contain liquid keratin, medicinal oils and vitamins. The base should be applied to clean nails and left for 5-7 minutes. Rub in the remaining mask with light movements.
• Strengthening varnishes. They contain calcium, wheat proteins and other beneficial substances. The varnish is applied once every 2-3 days to clean nails. The treatment course is 10–15 days.
• Restorative oils . They additionally contain vitamins and minerals. Such products not only strengthen the nail plate, but also make the cuticle softer and more pliable. The oil should be rubbed into the surface of the nail every day. The treatment course is 7–14 days.

Nail art: popular materials

• Water based paints

(feature an unlimited shelf life) and
acetone base
.

• Decals

– transparent films with a pattern placed on a paper base. The design is easily transferred to the nail when the material is wetted and separated from the base. To secure it, a fixing base is applied on top.

• Stickers

attached to the paper base using an adhesive composition. To transfer them to the nail, just peel them off and apply them to the surface of the nail, then fix them with colorless varnish.

• Rhinestones

– shiny pebbles of different shapes that imitate precious stones. Before decorating your nail with rhinestones, you need to apply a light colorless base varnish or special glue and attach the decoration.

• Foil (tear-off or transfer)

. Tear foil consists of thin sheets of material sandwiched in a package with thin paper. The transfer foil is applied to the nail, where the glue has previously been applied, and is abruptly torn off the nail. A thin layer of material remains on the surface of the nail, which is fixed with transparent varnish.

• Glitter

released in the form of dust or pieces of foil. The material is applied with a wet brush.

• Adhesive tapes

Apply only to a dry surface and cut off excess parts so that there are no protruding tails left.

• Lace for nails

placed on the surface of the nail, covered with a thick layer of base varnish. After the base product has been absorbed, a second, fixing layer should be applied.

Nail design: new items

The dynamic pace of life forces designers to constantly come up with new and varied nail care products. Let's look at some of them.

• Temperature gel polish.

The coating applied to the nails changes color depending on the ambient temperature. Thus, you get 3 shades that appear at high, medium and low temperatures.

• Stamping

– application of designs using special discs with a silicone base on which the design is applied. The method does not require professional skills and is quite simple to perform.

• Drawing using a special pen with water-based ink

– you draw in the same way as on paper, first applying a base layer of varnish and a fixing base at the final stage. The main thing: before decorating the nail plate with ink, the base must dry thoroughly.

Master class on nail design step by step

Let's look at the example of applying foil, as well as colored jacket.

The first option involves applying tear-off foil.

Step 1. The nails are covered with a colorless base, after which is completely dry, an adhesive is applied along the contour of the cuticle.

Step 2. Cut off a small piece of gold foil, apply it to the inner edge of the nail and press it, then remove it. A golden coating remains in the area previously treated with adhesive.

Step 3. Apply black polish to the remaining part of the nail.

The second option involves applying transfer foil to the entire surface of the nail. You should purchase a special metallized material with a printed pattern in advance.

Step 1. The surface of the nails is covered with an adhesive base.

Step 2. Cut off small pieces of foil and press tightly to the surface of the nail plate. In order for the drawing to be completely re-shot, a cotton swab is passed over the surface several times.

Step 3. Remove the foil and apply a layer of colorless varnish.

In the third version of nail design, we will tell you how to create a colored jacket.

Step 1. Apply dark blue varnish to the surface of the nail.

Step 2. Using a special brush, a dark blue edging, 1-1.5 mm wide, is applied to the edge of the nail. Cover the varnish layer with a colorless fixative.

It’s very easy to learn how to paint on your nails; read an article on this topic on our website.

Nail designs with photos

Gradient

For several seasons now, this technique has not lost its relevance and is combined with many modern stylistic techniques: stamping, smooth and geometric patterns. Both glossy and matte gradient coatings applied vertically or horizontally look great. A combination of gradient and shiny inserts, as well as a gradient abstract pattern, are in demand.

It is preferable to apply a horizontal gradient to long nails; the vertical option is also suitable for short nail plates, as it visually lengthens them. New this season - angular, radial, chrome gradient, as well as coverage for all fingers, when each nail is covered with its own gradient shade.

The most popular nail design - French with photo

The demand for French has not subsided for several seasons. A big plus is the possibility of using different stylistic techniques for its implementation: prints, different colors and their combinations, decorative stones.

In 2021, decorating an accent on one nail out of five is especially popular. A colored arc, floral, “animal” or any other print is made on it, and the rest of the nails are decorated with a classic jacket.

Translucent design

A translucent nail coating always looks elegant and is suitable for a cocktail event, for a walk, or for everyday wear. The best option for young women who prefer short nail plates. Cream, pastel, light red and soft purple shades are popular this season.

Abstract photo

This trend is becoming increasingly popular. With each new execution, even the same design turns out different, so abstraction is in demand by fashionistas who quickly get bored with familiar designs that have been trending for a long time.

You can add a “zest” to the original design with additional elements: twisted and geometric patterns, gradient tints, drops, dotted pictures.

Nail art

The most creative and stylish nail design option for 2021. There are a huge number of stylistic variations of applied drawings: cute animals, funny or serious text, objects, elements of flora, thematic plots on a romantic theme and much more.

The uniqueness of nail art design is its ability to influence the mood, emphasize the character and life priorities of the wearer of the manicure. The only difficulty may arise with the choice of a master, because he must also be an artist.

Animalism - original nail design

One of the variations of nail design, and the most popular. “Wild” prints do not lose their leading positions: the skins of zebra, snake, leopard, crocodile, and tiger have been applied to nails for more than one season. Designers assume that “animal” decor will not leave the list of the most popular prints for a long time.

In addition to the impressive and exquisite designs of “skins” on the nails, clients order images of cute animals and birds: rabbits, bears, turtles, kittens, puppies, flamingos, parrots, peacocks, hummingbirds.

Splashes - the most original nail design

This manicure has existed for a long time, is characterized by a primitive technique and does not lose popularity, as it gives the nails an original, attention-grabbing look. It's hard not to glance at nails covered with specks of different colors and sizes. From a distance, the nail plates resemble the surface of a quail egg shell. Both the matte base and the specks sprayed onto it can be of any color. The main thing is contrast.

Glitter - nail art with sparkles

According to designers, sparkles will always remain in demand, so they continue to be actively used for nail design. Glitter as an emphasizing element can be inserted into almost any stylistic base: into a geometric pattern, “marble” coating, or a French arch. Glitter is popular precisely as an additional element; completely covering the nail plates with it has begun to lose its relevance.

Glitter

Rhinestones on nails

Ideal for a sophisticated, eye-catching evening manicure. Bold women who are confident in their own irresistibility decorate their nails with iridescent stones.

This year, it is preferable to use rhinestones, like glitter, as an emphasizing element in a different stylistic basis: in a matte finish, French, ombre. It is advisable to decorate only one finger out of five in this way, for example, the thumb or ring finger.

The popularity of laying out original figures from pebbles on nail plates is growing: exclamation and question marks, stars, hearts.

Rhinestones

Rubbing - shining manicure

A pleasant, eye-catching shine, reminiscent of the shimmer on the surface of a pearl, is created by applying the coating using the rubbing method. Nails covered with mother-of-pearl look amazing both on their own and in combination with rhinestones, floral motifs, and nail art.

This season, a holographic, iridescent and emerald rub, reminiscent of the color of the carapace of a bronze beetle, is relevant. Covering classic “pearl” tones remains trendy: soft lilac, cream, pale pink, white.

Cobweb - manicure

One of the recently emerging, but gaining great popularity types of nail design. The application technique is simple: thin thread-like patterns reminiscent of a cobweb are drawn on a standard plain base.

The classic web was supplemented with more complex elements: geometric lines and figures, patterned weaves, thematic inscriptions, large pictures, inclusions of foil, sparkles, small rhinestones. The monochromatic base continues to maintain a trendy position, although dark or matte cobwebs on the mother-of-pearl surface of the rub are increasingly being ordered.

Geometry on our nails

Geometric design captivates with its laconicism, rigor, and restraint. Business women continue to choose it, but not in a flashy way.

Fashionistas who prefer an interesting, eye-catching design order a new seasonal item - a complex, multi-colored, sickly-bright geometry. It can be made in the form of two-dimensional origami, African or other ethnic patterns, complemented with glitter and stones.

Inscriptions and letters in nail art

A spectacular design novelty that is rapidly gaining popularity. Inscriptions on any topic, made in any style and applied using the stencil method, reveal the character and life motto of the wearer of the manicure. Designers offer romantic messages, bold and funny slogans, and philosophical phrases. Inscriptions created in both Russian and English go well with kamifubuki glitter, foil, ombre, and humorous nail art.

Eye see you - portrait nail design

The nails depict not only women’s and children’s faces, but also their individual parts: eyes, lips. The design is incredibly popular and is included in the top line of modern manicure ideas. Masters create both serious romantic and funny humorous portraits.

Many clients order couple portraits: a guy and a girl. Portrait compositions are also in demand, for example, a girl’s face surrounded by fancy ornaments, twigs, flowers and other floral elements.

Young people often order portraits in Disney or anime style. Older women prefer contour images made with a special manicure wire, or portraits in the pop art style.

Foil in nail art

A new, but already loved by many fashionistas, element of nail design and decoration. Creates a festive, solemn, memorable image. Pieces of foil are placed on a plain base, creating the effect of iridescent silver or golden drops.

Designers use both smooth and crumpled material, laying out not only drops, but also transverse stripes, holes, and various shapes.

One of the interesting and fashionable options for this design is “unicorn tears”. To create it, round pieces of foil are placed on a matte base, and gel is placed on top of them. Visually, it seems that shiny drops of tears are frozen on the nails.

Lunar manicure

This is the name of a manicure in which the nail hole is painted a different color from the rest of the plate. Holes painted in a metallic color, as well as those made using the negative surface technique, when the area of ​​the nail remains transparent, remain trendy.

If both the hole and the plate are painted, then it is advisable to choose either two pastel colors or contrasting ones. The shape of the hole can be made not only round, but also triangular, straight, beveled, and decorated with pebbles. Lunar manicure harmoniously combines with a French manicure, gradient, geometric shapes, rubbing, and “marble” decor.

Lunar manicure

A big plus of lunar manicure is the long-term preservation of an attractive appearance. The coating does not lose its aesthetics, even when the nails have grown.

Pixie - nail design with crystals

The trending idea of ​​the season is decorating nails with pixie crystals. This is the name given to pieces of crystal of different sizes. When they are combined into a composition on the nail plate, they create a visual resemblance to a diamond scattering. By varying the size of the pebbles, you can create a strict and elegant or a formal and sophisticated look. The color of the crystals also varies.

It is advisable not to overdo it when attaching a pixie, so that sophistication does not turn into vulgarity: it is enough to decorate one finger on your hand.

Stamping

This is the name of the increasingly popular method of applying a pattern using stamping. It allows you to decorate your nails with the most complex and interesting patterns and shapes. It goes well with both a single-color matte and glossy finish, as well as with a gradient finish.

The design on the nails looks rather restrained, so it is considered business-like, although designers also offer interesting youth options.

Stamping designs rarely look good when applied to all nails at once. To avoid redundancy, it is advisable to decorate one or two fingers out of five.

Kamifubuki

This Japanese word, translated as “paper storm,” refers to thin, almost weightless figures made of foil or polymer material that are well attached to the nail plate. Kamifubuki are produced in different sizes and shapes: round, diamond-shaped, multi-faceted. Usually there are different kamifubuki mixed in a batch, but they only come in the same color or the same size.

The plates attached to the nail sparkle like precious stones. Large diamonds, hearts, and single-color decorations are popular this season.

Floristics

In 2021, floral nail designs are trending. However, large exotic flowers with bright petals are not in fashion. A seasonal hit is floral minimalism: small flowers, thin branches with leaves, curls.

The drawing can be monochrome or multi-colored, the main thing is dimness. It is advisable to choose a muted, pastel color for the base coating: soft scarlet, lilac, blue, peach, pale emerald, milky.

Floristics

The review presented trendy nail design options for 2021 - both new and long-existing, but not losing their relevance. A variety of design proposals will allow the fair sex to easily choose the best option for short or long nails.

Easy nail design video tutorials

Nail Design Ideas

Nail design: video

Nail Design: Smoke Effect

Nail design with colored pearlescent acrylic powder

Nail design with gel polish: natural stone effect

Nail design: reptile effect on nails

Nail design: sweater effect. Knitted manicure

Nail design with gel polish: video tutorials for beginners

Gradient foil casting

Nail design: drip technique with glitter

Water nail design without putting your fingers in the water

Nail design with acrylic powder

Tags: nails

Market Analytics

• 2020 in the beauty industry – innovation without borders
• Black Lives Matter movement: reaction and consequences for the beauty industry
• COVID-19 is changing the rules of the game in the cosmetics market

Convenient search for beauty salons on our website
Beauty salons in Moscow Beauty salons in St. Petersburg Beauty salons in Ekaterinburg Beauty salons in Novosibirsk

Latest blog posts on our website

• Naturecream / Arnica - the magical plant of alchemists
• Naturecream / Tremella Extract - Snow Mushroom Detox for Skin
• Prostye-sovety / How to visually enlarge your lips with makeup
• Naturecream / Apricot kernel oil for face
• Naturecream / MATRIXYL3000 - the best skin elasticity stimulator
• Naturecream / SPF in Natural Oils
• Naturecream / Geranium (Pelargonium) oil for skin health and beauty
• Prostye-sovety / Save on a beauty salon: procedures that can be done at home
• Naturecream / Growth Factor - brings back youth?
• Oksana-Lezina / 3 effective abdominal exercises from a fitness instructor for beginners

Latest forum topics on our website

• Natalya / How to properly make a gelatin mask?
• Mrs._Smith / Badly sunburned! What to do?((
• Ice / Is it necessary to combine fitness classes with a diet?
• Antonova / What can be used for hair loss?
• Radio operatorKat / Who was on a protein diet?

Other articles in this section

How to choose brushes for nail art

Home / This is interesting

18.08.2020

Decorative nail art is unthinkable without manicure brushes. And if professional craftsmen have no difficulty choosing brushes, beginners may get confused about the range and accessories of the tool. Also, the right choice is often difficult for those who design nails at home and want to have different types of brushes at their disposal. Here we will consider not only the types of tools, but the components of brushes, the rules for selecting them for nail art in accordance with their functions, and storage instructions. If there is not enough information for purchase, be sure to contact our consultant online.

Brushes are purchased for decorating nails with paints, decor, and varnishes. They can not only draw or apply decorative material, but also sculpt and form some types of decor. A manicure brush is similar to the tools used by painters and artists, there is nothing new here: a bundle, a crimp ring and a handle. The handle is ergonomic, often made of wood or plastic. The crimp ring is metal; it serves as a reliable retainer for a bunch of fibers, which can be of natural or artificial origin. It cannot be said unequivocally that only natural brushes are the best tools, because they deteriorate faster and are more expensive. But on the other hand, if a master is ready to purchase a tool from whose bristles varnish or watercolor flows smoothly, allowing him to paint leisurely, he can pay dearly for such brushes. On the other hand, each type of pile has its own purpose, and where one has its disadvantages in its work, the other has its advantages. For example, nylon and synthetic tufts are ideal for using gel colors because the material flows quickly from them onto the nail.

To combine the pros and cons of different types of bristles, manufacturers came up with the idea of ​​using both natural and artificial bristles in one brush, achieving new working qualities from the bunch. Brushes are also distinguished by the thickness of the beam. For fine drawings you need thin brushes, for volumetric ones - with a larger beam. To avoid confusion, the brush handle is marked with the number of its thickness and bristle material. Brushes are also distinguished by their beam shape, which is important when working with different types of materials. On our website, in order to make the right choice, it is not necessary to understand the accessories of brushes according to the shape and size of the beam, because in the catalog the tools are divided into categories according to the type of work for which they are intended. In addition, if it is difficult to choose brushes individually, you can purchase a whole set at once, which will probably contain all the tools for a nail designer’s work. After the purchase is delivered, be sure to knead the bristles on your brushes, removing the protective composition from it. Then the brushes are washed in warm water and dried. Subsequently, tools should be washed after each work, and if acrylic is used as a decorative material, then after each stroke.

Do not soak brushes in water for a long time, wash them immediately so as not to damage the tool. To completely clean the pile from decorative material, use special products. Store brushes vertically with the bristles facing up.