Flip manicure for natural nails
To create a flip manicure with your natural nails, you'll want to make sure your nails are at least a medium length so that you can see the underside of the nails. This manicure is easy to do and should only take a few extra minutes on top of your regular nail painting routine. It's a perfect way to jazz up your nails with a contrasting pop of color.
Supplies:
- Base coat
- Top coat
- 2 contrasting colors of nail polish
Tools:
- Nail art brush
- Toothbrush/nail brush
- Nail file
Directions:
Step 1: Clean and prep nails
Prep your nails as usual. Make sure to clean under your nails with a little soap, water and an old toothbrush or nail brush.
Step 2: Prime, paint and top coat
Paint your nails starting with a base coat, followed by 2 coats of polish, and a top coat.
Step 3: Paint tips
Put a drop of your contrasting polish on a scrap piece of paper. Use your nail brush to carefully paint the back of your nails. Once dry, apply a second coat.
Step 4: Clean up
Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any excess polish that may have been applied to the skin around your nails.
Final result:
This is a great look for day or night. It's super easy to do and adds a quick pop of color to any regular manicure.
Dramatic flip manicure
This look is a more dramatic version of the flip manicure. It features a longer nail length embellished with nail crystals. To achieve a longer nail length with a dramatic effect, I've used the assistance of press-on nail pieces.
Materials:
- Press-on nail pieces that are medium to long in length
- Nail glue
- A contrasting color of polish
- Nail gems/crystals
Tools:
- Nail file
- Nail brush
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare your nails
Prepare your nails by trimming them down. You'll want to clip them as short as possible so they will remain hidden under the press-on nails once they are applied. Smooth and file nails.
Step 2: Prepare your nail pieces
File and shape your press-on nail pieces so they fit snugly over your natural nail bed.
Step 3: Paint the backs of your press-on nails
Using a contrasting nail polish color, paint the backs of your nail pieces with 2 coats of polish and allow 10 to 15 minutes to dry.
Step 4: Decorate your nails
Decorate the tops of your nail pieces with nail gems. Use a drop of nail glue to adhere the crystals and finish off with a top coat to keep them secure.
Step 5: Decorate the backs of your nail pieces
Keep in mind how much of the nail tip you will have extending past your regular nails while decorating the back side of your nail pieces. I've utilized a single crystal on each nail for a statement effect. Like step 4, apply the crystals with a drop of nail glue and finish off with a top coat to secure.
Step 6: Apply nails
Once your nail pieces are dry, apply them to your natural nails with nail glue. Place a drop in the middle of your nail, press on your nail pieces and apply light pressure for a few moments to adhere your nails. If your natural nails are showing a little, just use your nail brush and a little polish in the same color to blend them in.
More fun nail ideas
Tropical-inspired nail designs
Moroccan pattern dotted nails
Cuticle tattoo trend is taking nail art off your nails