How to: Polka dot nail art

Thought that your nail art skill was on par with a ‘Pinterest fails’ gallery? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But, every beginner has to start somewhere and practice really does make perfect. So if you’re looking for a novice-level design before you try a more ambitious look, then polka dot nail art is a great starting point. And it looks fabulous too!

Look 1: Stand-out ring finger

Step 1 – Begin with the base

File down your nails until they are all similar in shape and length. Then coat your nail with a base colour. We’ve gone for white as we want a striking monochrome finish but feel free to experiment! Apply two coats and leave to dry.

Step 2 – Go dotty

Dip a nail art/cuticle stick in black nail polish. To double check you’ve got the right amount of polish to create the perfect dot do a couple of tests on a piece of paper. Once you’re happy, create dots all over the nail.

Step 3 – Top coat

After the dots have dried, finish with a glossy top coat to seal your design for longer. We’ve gone for a single dotty nail look, but you can alternate dots and colours or go dotty all over.

Step 4 – Create a contrast

To make your polka dot ring finger really stand out, then opt for bright block colours on the rest of the nails. Or add a little glitz and glamour with glitter-specked polishes.

Look 2: Jigsaw dots

Step 1 – All about that base

Start with the perfect blank canvas by filing and buffing your nails. Next, apply two coats of white nail polish.

Step 2 – Create a contrast

Using black nail polish draw a diagonal line across the corner of the nail. Build up the colour until you have a block finish.

Gif applying black nail polish in a diagonal line

Step 3 – Add dots

Now for the playful factor, it's time to go dotty! Along your diagonal line, create three dots. To create them, dip a nail art stick/toothpick into black polish and use it to make blobs. Then, spread the polish evenly.

Step 4 – Add white dots

Once the first set of dots are dry, create more contrasting dots that sit in the empty space along the line. As you're using a different colour we recommend using new/clean tools to avoid any colour mixing.

Step 5 – Finishing touch

Once you're confident your design is dry add a glossy top coat to seal your nail art.

gift adding top coat to polka dot nail art

Step 6 – Repeat to complete

Repeat steps 1-5 on all your nails for a striking monochrome polka dot look.

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