Design DIY: Tie Dye Nails

Nail art has become quite the phenomenon this year. From retro chevron patterns, inverse french manicures, to ombre, the possibilities and patterns are endless.

Changing your nails is an inexpensive way to experiment with your style and creativity. I am somewhat notorious for having a new hue on my nails every week, and this week is no exception. When I found a fun tutorial on how to make a “tie dye” effect, I was ready to test this nail art trend. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2-3 different colors of nail polish. Make sure the colors aren’t too similar in the color spectrum, as the more contrasting of colors, the better.

– Toothpick

– A glass of lukewarm water

– Cottonballs/swabs

– Nail polish remover

Begin by painting the base of your nail a bright color (white, preferably). I painted my lovely assistant MacKenzie’s nails a light pink. Above all, make sure it is opaque.

After letting your nails dry, have your glass of lukewarm water ready along with your selected three polishes. We had our caps twisted off  as this step is required for you to work quickly in order for the effect to work.

Hold the brush of the nail polish above the glass until a blob drops into the water. Quickly, take the next color and repeat the step, until you have all three colors in your glass.

Next is my favorite part. Take your toothpick and “swirl” your colors around. Make sure you do this step immediately after placing your colors into the cup, or else it will harden and won’t swirl.

After swirling, place your nail onto the design, hold under the water for five seconds. Use the toothpick to clean up any excess nail polish.

As you can see, this project is inevitably messy. You’re more than welcome to use scotch tape to cover your skin around the nail bed. We didn’t partake in that technique here at Carbon Magazine ’cause we don’t mind getting our hands dirty 😉

Use your cottonballs and swabs to wipe away the excess nail polish and marvel at your one-of-a-kind tie-dye creation!

Far out, right? Enjoy this simple and fun DIY nail art! Thanks again to my hand model, MacKenzie, for having killer phalanges and also for being a great sport!