Nail Designs

Getting The Nails

The average reader would get the idea that going straight to the local manicurist and getting false nails applied to their natural ones is the best route to go when it comes to nail designs. However, this is not the case. Keep in mind that synthetic nails can be a lot of work and a considerable expense to upkeep, and that getting them removed can be a difficult and painful process. While acrylics have been consistently popular over the years, know that when you get them done, you will have to revisit your salon every few weeks to get them filled, or deal with the tackiness as they grow out. Always go to a professional when applying acrylics. This is the easiest way to keep your nails as damage-free as possible.

Creative Nail Designs

Homemade Shapes and Originality

If you are looking to paint specific shapes or designs onto your nails, get out the band-aids! While it may sound strange, band-aids are a great way to get fantastic at-home results. Cut the band-aids into the designs and patterns that you want, and apply them to a dry coat of colored nail polish. Then paint over the entire nail with a different color, and let dry. Carefully remove the band-aid and, if you have been cautious and meticulous, the original color of polish will show up in the shape of perfect hearts, stars, or whatever else you have chosen!

The positive part of creating homemade designs such as these is the fact that it basically costs you nothing at all, making it a low risk first step into the world of nail designs. If you make a mistake, simply break out the nail polish remover and try again! However, the downside is that these do tend to look very homemade unless you have a steady hand and a natural ability for things small and artistic. While the band-aid designs do have the potential to come out looking fantastic, unfortunately a lot of people tend to meet frustration and mess before they are greeted with flawless looking nails.

Putting On The Ritz

Using metallic colors in combination with mattes or clear polish is another great way to add depth and dimension to your nails. Silver stripes with a background painted in today's popular deep dark reds and purples can look amazing, as can clear nail polish with shimmering designs placed strategically on the nail.

Ladies who frequent the nail salons can tell you that adding tiny rhinestones to your nails is another great way to get some sparkle and pizzazz on your hands without spending a fortune. Adding these little jewels to your manicure is relatively inexpensive and makes a huge difference. If you are looking for a subtle uniqueness that goes a long way, consider getting rhinestones as the center of a flower design, in a row along the edge of your nail, or just scattered in some fun and creative pattern.

This genre of nail design is great for those who desire to be a little edgy but feel that they can't afford it financially or practically. Does your job have a strict dress code? Do you need to be taken seriously? Then a fun little sparkle enhancement may be just the thing you need. The downside? If one of these little jewels falls off, then your nails end up looking unbalanced and inconsistent. Ask your manicurist if you can purchase some extra jewels and clear polish, or visit your local craft store and try to match the rhinestones that you already, quite literally, have on hand.

True Artwork

Airbrushed nails have become increasingly popular, first in Europe and now in the U.S. as well. Women have really caught on to how gorgeous these designs can be and to many it is worth the extra time and expense. From beautiful sunsets to swimming dolphins to dramatic flames, you can get practically anything that you can imagine airbrushed onto your nails, leaving your hands nothing short of an impressive miniature art gallery! Dragon flies, rainbows, and fireworks are other popular choices when it comes to airbrushed nail designs.

Just as its name suggests, airbrushed nails are completed with an extra small airbrush gun and specialized nail paint. If you like to be creative on your own terms, you can also order airbrush kits through websites such as the Nail Art Airbrush System. With this kit you can custom design your nails to your exact specifications and save some money in the long run, too!

The only downside to airbrushed nails is the fact that it can take awhile to complete. Don't make an appointment on a day where you have a lot going on or are going to feel rushed. Airbrushed nails should be part of a day of serious beauty and personal pampering, so that you can take the time and thought necessary to get the exact design that you want.

Nail Piercing

A final area of nail design that has been popular for quite awhile, is the concept of nail piercing. This can give you a really unique look, but again you have to be cautious of nail damage and weakening that is easily caused by this form of nail decor.

Refrain from ever using a razor blade, pin, or any other homemade piercing device. Instead, invest in a professional nail piercer which can be found at most drugstores or beauty supply shopts. This will make a huge difference and is much easier to use.

Nail piercing can be a great, cutting edge way to give your nails a whole new look. However, be cautious of split nails or other downfalls to this design. Nail piercing really should be done by a professional manicurist at least for the first time, so that you can watch and learn how to get the job done correctly on your own.