19 Best DIY Nail Arts for 2023 | How to Style

DIY nail art is a fun and affordable way to get creative with your manicure. From bold patterns to intricate designs, the possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your nails at home. In this article, we’ll showcase 19 of the best DIY nail art designs for 2023, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect look. Plus, we’ve included a list of frequently asked questions at the end to help you get started on your nail art journey.

Best DIY Nail Arts

1. Ombre nails

Create a gradient effect by using multiple shades of the same color family on each nail.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, apply a light shade of polish to the bottom half of your nail and a darker shade to the top half.
• Use a makeup sponge to blend the two colors together, creating a gradient effect.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

2. Dot nails

Use a toothpick or dotting tool to create polka dots of various sizes on your nails.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and dot them onto your nails in a random pattern. You can use a toothpick or a dotting tool to create the dots.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

3. Striped nails

Use a striping brush or tape to create thin or thick stripes on your nails

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two colors of polish and use a striping brush or striping tape to create stripes on your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

4. Marble nails

Create a marbled effect by swirling different colors together on your nail.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and apply them to a plastic surface, such as a plastic lid or palette.
• Use a toothpick or dotting tool to swirl the colors together.
• Dip your nail into the polish mixture, making sure to coat the entire nail surface.
• Repeat the process on all of your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

5. Flower nails

Use a small brush to paint delicate flowers on your nails.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and a small brush.
• Paint the base of the flower using the lightest color.
• Add details to the flower using the darker color and the small brush.
• Repeat the process on all of your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

6. Animal print nails

Recreate the iconic leopard or cheetah print on your nails.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and a small brush.
• Paint a series of curved lines onto your nail using the lighter color.
• Add spots to the design using the darker color and the small brush.
• Repeat the process on all of your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

7. Glitter nails

Add some sparkle to your manicure by applying glitter polish or loose glitter.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose a glitter polish or loose glitter in a color that you like.
• If using loose glitter, apply a layer of clear polish to your nails and sprinkle the glitter over the wet polish. Use a small brush to smooth the glitter into place and remove any excess.
• If using glitter polish, simply apply one or more coats to your nails, depending on the desired level of sparkle.
• Seal the design with a top coat to help the glitter stay in place.

8. Chrome nails

Achieve a metallic finish by using a chrome nail polish or chrome powder.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, apply a chrome nail polish or use a sponge to apply chrome powder to your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

9. Watercolor nails

Create a watercolor effect by lightly blending different colors together on your nail.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and apply them to a plastic surface, such as a plastic lid or palette.
• Use a small brush or toothpick to lightly blend the colors together.
• Dab the brush or toothpick onto your nail to transfer the polish.
• Repeat the process on all of your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

10. Negative space nails

Leave some bare nail exposed in a creative design for a modern twist on a classic manicure.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, use a small brush or nail vinyls to create a design on your nail, leaving some bare nail exposed.
• Apply a second color of polish over the entire nail.
• Carefully remove the nail vinyls or use a small brush to clean up the design.
• Repeat the process on all of your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

11. Tie-dye nails

Recreate the colorful tie-dye trend on your nails using a sponging technique.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and apply them to a plastic surface, such as a plastic lid or palette.
• Use a makeup sponge to dab the colors onto your nails, creating a tie-dye effect.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

12. Stamped nails

Use a stamping plate and special polish to transfer designs onto your nails.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose a stamping plate with a design that you like and a special stamping polish.
• Apply the stamping polish to the design on the stamping plate.
• Use a scraper to remove excess polish and transfer the design onto a stamper.
• Stamp the design onto your nail.
• Repeat the process on all of your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

13. Foil nails

• Apply foil to your nails for a unique, metallic finish.
• Here’s how
• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, apply a layer of clear polish to your nails.
• Cut small pieces of foil and place them onto your nails while the polish is still wet.
• Use a small brush to smooth the foil onto your nails and remove any wrinkles.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

14. Caviar nails

Create a textured effect by applying tiny beads to your nails.

Here’s how:

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, apply a layer of clear polish to your nails.
• Pour small beads onto your nails while the polish is still wet.
• Use a small brush to smooth the beads into place and remove any excess.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

15. Galaxy nails

Recreate the cosmic galaxy trend on your nails with a sponging technique and glitter.

Here’s how

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and apply them to a plastic surface, such as a plastic lid or palette.
• Use a makeup sponge to dab the colors onto your nails, creating a galaxy effect.
• Sprinkle loose glitter over the wet polish.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

16. Gradient French tips

Create a gradient effect on the tips of your nails for a modern twist on a classic manicure.

Here’s how

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, apply a light shade of polish to the bottom half of your nail and a darker shade to the top half.
• Use a makeup sponge to blend the two colors together, creating a gradient effect.
• Use a striping brush or nail vinyls to create the French tip line.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

  17. Geometric nails

Use a striping brush or nail vinyls to create geometric shapes on your nails.

Here’s how

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose two or more colors of polish and use a striping brush or nail vinyls to create geometric shapes on your nails.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

  18. Nail art decals

Apply pre-made nail art decals for an easy and unique manicure.

Here’s how

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, choose nail art decals that you like and carefully remove them from the sheet.
• Apply the decals to your nails and smooth out any wrinkles.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

    19. 3D nails

Add dimension to your manicure with 3D elements such as studs or acrylic designs.

Here’s how

• Start by applying a base coat to your nails.
• Next, use acrylic paint or nail polish to create a design on your nails.
• Add 3D elements such as studs or acrylic shapes to the design.
• Seal the design with a top coat.

FAQs

Q1. What supplies do I need for DIY nail art?

To get started with DIY nail art, you’ll need some basic supplies such as nail polish, a top coat, and a few tools such as a dotting tool, striping brush, or toothpick. You may also want to consider using special products such as stamping plates, nail art decals, or chrome powder to enhance your designs.

Q2. How do I remove DIY nail art?

To remove DIY nail art, you can use a regular nail polish remover. However, if you have applied multiple layers or used acrylics, you may need to soak your nails in a bowl of remover or gently scrape the polish off with a wooden cuticle stick.

Q3. Can I use regular top coat for DIY nail art?

A regular top coat can work for some DIY nail art designs, but it may not provide the same level of protection and longevity as a top coat specifically formulated for nail art. Look for a top coat with a strong, flexible formula that will help your design last longer.

Q4. How do I prevent my DIY nail art from chipping?

To prevent your DIY nail art from chipping, make sure to apply a base coat and top coat to your nails. A base coat helps to protect your nails and provides a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to, while a top coat helps to seal in your design and add shine. Additionally, try to handle tasks that may put your nails at risk (such as opening cans or jars) with your fingertips instead of your nails. You can also touch up any chips or scratches with a small brush and polish as needed. Finally, try to avoid using your nails as tools, as this can cause your polish to chip or peel.

Q5. Can I use gel polish for DIY nail art?

Yes, you can use gel polish for DIY nail art. Gel polish has a longer lasting formula than regular nail polish and can be cured under a UV or LED lamp for faster drying. However, keep in mind that gel polish may be more difficult to remove than regular polish and may require soaking your nails in acetone or using a specialized gel polish remover.

Q6. What is the best way to store DIY nail art supplies?

To ensure the longevity of your DIY nail art supplies, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing your polish in a warm place such as near a radiator or in a car, as this can cause the polish to thicken or become gooey.

Q7. How can I make my DIY nail art designs last longer?

To make your DIY nail art designs last longer, make sure to apply a base coat and top coat to your nails. Avoid using your nails as tools and try to handle tasks that may put your nails at risk (such as opening cans or jars) with your fingertips instead. You can also touch up any chips or scratches with a small brush and polish as needed.

Q8. Can I do my own DIY nail art designs?

Yes, you can definitely do your own DIY nail art designs at home with a little practice and the right supplies. Start by practicing simple techniques and designs, and then gradually work your way up to more intricate looks. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – that’s half the fun of DIY nail art!

Q9. Are there any tips for creating professional-looking DIY nail art?

Here are a few tips for creating professional-looking DIY nail art:

• Use a base coat to protect your nails and help your polish last longer.
• Use a top coat to seal in your design and add shine.
• Use a nail polish thinner to thin out thick polishes and make them easier to work with.
• Use a nail art brush or toothpick to create fine lines and details.
• Practice patience and take your time – great nail art takes time and precision.

Q10. How do I fix mistakes when doing DIY nail art?

Here are a few ways to fix mistakes when doing DIY nail art:

• Use a small brush or toothpick dipped in nail polish remover to carefully remove any mistakes.
• Use a small brush or toothpick and polish to touch up any chips or scratches.
• Use nail vinyls or a striping brush to cover up mistakes or create a new design.

Final Words

We hope these 20 DIY nail art designs and FAQs have inspired you to get creative with your manicure. Whether you’re a nail art beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and try in this fun and expressive art form. Happy designing!