A Guide to Fake Nail Art Painting Techniques: From Basics to Advanced Levels

In my years of doing fake nail art, I’ve gone from nervously drawing wobbly lines while following tutorials to being able to freely create intricate patterns. I’ve encountered many pitfalls along the way and have accumulated a wealth of practical experience. Today, I’ll share these “secret tips” with you, guiding you from being a complete beginner to becoming a skilled nail art painter.

I. A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls with Tools for Beginners

When I first started with fake nail art painting, I made many mistakes when choosing tools. At the beginning, I bought brushes from unknown brands just to save money. Unfortunately, the bristles of these brushes easily split, and the lines I drew were always interrupted. Later, I consulted a manicurist friend and learned that different tools are designed for specific purposes.

For lining brushes, it’s essential to choose ones made of sable hair. These brushes have good bristle cohesion, allowing you to draw fine lines as thin as hair. Round brushes are suitable for filling in colors, and you should select ones with a smooth and rounded tip to ensure even coloring. When it comes to flat brushes used for creating gradients, choose ones with soft bristles to avoid scratching the nail surface. As for pigments, if you have enough budget, opt for canned fake nail art painting gels. These gels, when used with a UV or LED lamp, provide rich and long-lasting colors. If you want to practice at a low cost, acrylic paints are also a viable option. However, remember to apply multiple layers of top coat to enhance water resistance.

II. Simple Methods for Line Practice

The beginning is always the hardest. Drawing lines is the basic skill of fake nail art painting. When I first started, I would spend half an hour every day drawing straight lines, arcs, and wavy lines on paper. I would first draw parallel lines with a spacing of 1 cm on the paper to practice the stability of my wrist. Then, I would draw circles to develop a smooth brushstroke.

When practicing on the nails, I would place a piece of tissue beside me to wipe off any mistakes immediately. When drawing straight lines, I’m used to resting my little finger on the tip of my finger as a pivot to prevent my hand from shaking. I remember that to draw smooth arcs, I practiced hundreds of times on my nails until I found the right feel for a seamless stroke.

III. Pattern Drawing from Simple to Complex

Once you’ve mastered the basic lines, start with simple patterns. When I first learned to draw small flowers, I would use a lining brush to mark five points on the nail to determine the positions of the petals and then slowly connect them to form the petals. When drawing, don’t apply too much pressure; a light touch will make the lines look more natural. Once you’re proficient in simple patterns, challenge yourself with more complex ones like animals. When I first drew a cat, I would repeatedly modify the sketch on paper with a pencil. After determining the proportions, I would gently outline the contour on the nail with an extremely fine lining brush.

I remember that when I drew a cartoon rabbit for a friend, it took me four or five attempts to get the curve of the ears right. However, these repeated practices have made me more familiar with the structure of patterns. Now, when I see a pattern I like, I can basically draw it directly on the nail.

IV. Tips for Color Matching and Blending

Color matching is a headache for many beginners. When I first started, I often matched colors in a messy way. Later, I found that I could refer to the color schemes in fashion magazines or directly imitate the color combinations of well-known nail polish brands. Matching colors within the same color family is the safest option. For example, the transition from light pink to dark pink is gentle and elegant.

The skill of blending requires a lot of practice. When doing wet blending, don’t dip too much pigment. Scrape off the excess pigment on the palette before painting. I’m used to using a round brush to apply the main color first. While the pigment is still wet, use a clean brush to dip in transparent gel and blend the edges. Dry blending is suitable for creating a starry sky effect. Dip a sponge in silver pigment and gently pat it on the black nail surface to create the feeling of twinkling stars.

V. Emergency Solutions for Common Problems

There are always various situations during the nail art painting process. When the pigment goes beyond the intended area, don’t directly wipe it off with nail polish remover. Instead, use a thin cotton swab to dip in a small amount of nail polish remover and carefully wipe away the excess part. If the line is drawn crookedly, you can wait for the pigment to dry and then cover it with a top coat and redraw the line.

Once, when I was drawing a maple leaf pattern, I accidentally dripped red pigment on the nail, and I was really worried. Later, I used a toothpick to scrape off the pigment and then repaired the edges with brown pigment, which unexpectedly made the texture of the maple leaf look more natural. Sometimes, small mistakes can bring unexpected surprises.

VI. Inspiration Collection and Style Development

Most of my inspiration comes from life. When I see cherry blossoms in spring, I would draw petal patterns on my nails. When I go to the beach, I would design patterns with waves and seashells. Usually, I use my phone to collect pictures of beautiful nail art and organize them into categories in my photo album.

Now, I like to incorporate Chinese style elements into my nail art. For example, I would outline the contours of mountains and rivers with golden lines and add pearls as embellishments, giving a traditional charm while maintaining a sense of fashion. In fact, as long as you observe more and try more, everyone can find their own unique nail art style.

Nail art painting is like a cultivation journey on your fingertips, requiring patience and passion. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; every practice is a step forward. I believe that with perseverance, you can also create unique and beautiful works on your small nails.