Freehand Nail Art

Freehand nail art is a unique way to add a little pop of color and flair to a traditional manicure. Popular on both pedicures and manicures, freehand art is a hands- on skill you can teach yourself. Whether you choose to practice your own talent and designs or book an appointment with a professional, the following information will help you better understand this expressive form of wearable nail art.

A swirl of glitter adds drama!

Rather than opt for a basic color, many women prefer to adorn their nails with painted designs or scrolls. This art can be applied with an airbrush or, for those with a steady hand and skill, with a freehand nail art technique.

This art can be mastered at home with practice and simplistic stencil designs. Many people master the skill with a nail art DVD or nail art training manuals. Although nail art can be applied onto any nail, medium length or long nails offer the most canvas.

Once you're comfortable with the basic flower, scroll, or butterfly design, you can make your designs more exciting by adding elaborate details and embellishments to the nail such as rhinestones or crystals. For many people, the art of nail design is a great way to express a mood or a trend. The following nail art designs are the most popular:

• Flower: A flower is by far the most chosen design for nail art. Often added to the large toe after a pedicure or on the pinkie finger, a scrolling vine or flower packs a feminine punch. To keep this design simple, choose no more than three colors. A green stem and a colored flower with a contrasting stamen completes this easy to paint design.

• Scrollwork: Scrolls are easy for the novice to master and add a touch of sophistication to the manicured nail. To get the most contrast, choose a dark color for the scrollwork and a lighter shade for the base nail color. Small implements such as a toothpick make drawing a scroll easy and foolproof.

• Birds: A flock of seagulls look right at home on a beachy pedicure. To add a unique touch to a bird design, add colored wings and use a small tool such as a toothpick to create a black eye. Birds can be designed easily by making small V shapes for the body, or, for the more experienced, birds can be styled more elaborately with intricate wing designs.

• Toadstool: For the gal who wants a psychedelic touch on her manicure, a mushroom or toadstool design is easy to create. A simple white mushroom with a red cap comes to life with the addition of playful polka dots. A mushroom looks right at home when layered on neon pink shades of polish.

• Logos: Some women just can't get enough of their favorite brands. If you love to name drop, a logo design makes a bold statement while paying homage to your favorite designer. Heidi Montag of the The Hills created her own fashion trend when she painted Chanel's signature interlocking Cs on her fingernails. See the look on BellaSugar.com.

Unfortunately, hand painted nail designs don't have the same wear as airbrushed art. Just like a regular manicure, freehand nail art is subject to wear and chipping. To prolong the life of your nail art, apply a top coat regularly. Once you've mastered the skill of nail painting, you can add designs and practice your craft as needed.

Although nail art is not a look that everyone desires, the artful techniques and playfulness in the designs make them perfect conversation starters. If you're ready to delve into the world of nail designs and ditch the basic manicure or pedicure, opt for a simple piece on your toenail and try the process out. Adding a small design during a basic service at a nail spa is a trendy and inexpensive way to accessorize and customize your look.

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