How to do nails with glitter?

Adding glitter to your nails can transform a simple manicure into a dazzling work of art. Whether you prefer a subtle shimmer or full-on glam, mastering the technique of applying glitter is essential. Here’s a simple guide on how to achieve glittery perfection on your nails.

I hope this article serves as a useful guide for anyone looking to add some sparkle to their manicure. Enjoy creating your glittery nail designs!

And if you don’t have time to experiment, put yourself in the hands of professionals. Come to our nail salon in Midtown Manhattan & nail salon in Brooklyn.

How do you apply glitter to acrylic nails?

Acrylic nails offer a strong base for intricate nail art designs, making them perfect for creating show-stopping glitter manicures.  Here's how to apply glitter to acrylic nails.

 Things You'll Need:

• Acrylic nail kit (including liquid monomer and acrylic powder).

• Glitter nail polish (or loose glitter with clear acrylic).

• Acrylic brush.

• Nail file and buffer.

• Cuticle pusher.

• Top coat.

 Steps:

1.  Prep your nails

Gently push back cuticles and buff the natural nail surface to create a smooth base for the acrylic application.

2.  Apply the acrylics

Following the instructions on your acrylic kit, sculpt or apply pre-made acrylic nails to your desired length and shape. Buff the acrylic surface to remove any imperfections.

3.  Choose your glitter application

There are two main ways to add glitter to acrylic nails:

• With glitter polish:  Apply a thin layer of clear acrylic followed by a coat of your chosen glitter polish. You can apply one or two additional coats for more intense sparkle.

• With loose glitter: Mix a small amount of loose glitter with clear acrylic to create a custom glitter blend. Apply this mixture directly onto the acrylic nail using a fine-tipped acrylic brush.

4.  Apply a top coat

Seal your glitter masterpiece with a high-gloss top coat to protect the design and add extra shine.

How to apply glitter powder to gel nails?

Gel polish offers long-lasting shine and a smooth canvas for glitter application.  Glitter powder adds a dazzling dimension to gel manicures. Here's how to use it.

 Things You'll Need:

• Gel polish base coat.

• Colored gel polish (optional).

• Gel polish top coat.

• Glitter powder.

• Gel polish brush.

• Nail file and buffer.

• Cuticle pusher.

  Steps:

1.  Prep your nails

Similar to acrylic nails, push back cuticles, buff your natural nails, and apply a thin layer of gel base coat, curing it under your UV or LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2.  Apply colored gel polish (optional)

If you desire a base color under the glitter, apply two thin coats of your chosen gel polish color and cure each layer under the lamp.

3.  Apply a thin layer of clear gel polish

This layer will act as your adhesive for the glitter powder. Cure it under the lamp.

4.  Time to sparkle

While the clear gel polish is still slightly tacky, use a brush to gently buff the glitter powder onto your nails.  Focus on areas where you want the most concentration of glitter.

5.  Dust off excess glitter

Use a soft brush to gently remove any loose glitter powder from around your nails.

6.  Apply a top coat

Seal your glitter design with a layer of gel top coat and cure it under the lamp.

How to do glitter ombre dip nails?

Dip powder nails offer a chip-resistant and durable alternative to traditional gel polish.  Here's how to create a mesmerizing glitter ombre effect with dip powder.

  Things You'll Need:

• Base coat.

• Glitter dip powder in two or more shades (for the ombre effect).

• Finishing file and buffer.

• Cuticle pusher.

 Steps:

1.  Prep your nails

Push back cuticles and buff your natural nails to create a smooth surface.

2.  Apply the base coat

Apply a clear base coat to your nails and let it dry slightly.

3.  Create the ombre effect

• Dip one fingertip slightly into your glitter dip powder, coating about two-thirds of the nail tip.

• Dip one fingertip slightly deeper into the same glitter powder, covering about three-quarters of the nail tip. Repeat this process for the remaining fingers, gradually increasing the amount of glitter applied towards the tips to create the ombre effect.

4. Brush and Layer

Use a soft brush to remove excess glitter. Apply another base coat and repeat the dip for more intensity.

5. Smooth and Shine

Once you’ve achieved the desired ombre effect, buff the surface to smooth it out and finish with a glossy top coat.

How to do glitter nails with loose glitter?

Loose glitter adds a touch of magic to regular nail polish, allowing for endless customization options.  Here's how to apply loose glitter to regular polish:

  Things You'll Need:

• Base coat.

• Colored nail polish (optional).

• Top coat.

• Loose glitter.

• Nail art brush or dotting tool.

• Cotton swabs.

• Cuticle pusher.

• Optional: Clear polish (for layering).

 Steps:

1.  Prep your nails

Push back cuticles and buff your natural nails to create a smooth base. Apply a base coat and let it dry completely.

2.  Apply colored nail polish (optional)

If you desire a base color under the glitter, apply two thin coats of your chosen color and let each coat dry completely.

3.  Apply a thin layer of clear polish (optional)

This optional layer can help the glitter adhere better and create a smoother finish. Let it dry slightly until just tacky.

4.  Time to sparkle

There are two main methods for applying loose glitter:

 Sprinkling:

  While the clear polish (or your colored polish) is still tacky, carefully sprinkle loose glitter over your nails. You can use a funnel or a small piece of paper to create a controlled stream of glitter.

 Using a brush or dotting tool:

  For more precise application, dip a nail art brush or dotting tool  into the glitter and dab it onto your nails in your desired pattern.

5.  Let the glitter dry completely.

6.  Apply a generous layer of top coat

This will seal the glitter and prevent it from flaking off. You may need to apply an additional coat of top coat for a completely smooth finish.

7.  Clean up any stray glitter

Use a cotton swab dipped in acetone to remove any excess glitter from around your nails.

With a little practice and these handy techniques, you can create a variety of stunning glitter nail designs at home!  So unleash your inner sparkle and flaunt those dazzling nails!

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