Nail Art

Nail art is the practice of decorating fingernails. People paint their nails with colorful polish. They add tiny designs like flowers, stars, or stripes. Some nail artists use stickers, gems, and glitter. Nail art lets people show their creativity on their fingertips.

How Nail Art Is Done

First, nails are shaped and cleaned. Then a base coat is painted on. Colorful polish is added in one or more coats. Artists use thin brushes, dotting tools, or stickers to add designs. A top coat keeps everything shiny and lasting. Some designs are simple dots and stripes. Others are tiny works of art.

Nail Art Around the World

Nail art is popular worldwide. In Japan, nail art is very detailed with tiny 3D decorations. In South Korea, cute character designs are popular. In America, bold colors and patterns are common. Nail art competitions bring artists together to show off their best work.

Fun Facts

• People have been painting their nails for over 5,000 years.
• In ancient Egypt, nail color showed a person's social status.
• Some nail art designs are so tiny they need a magnifying glass to see the details.

Did You Know?

In ancient China, royalty painted their nails with a mixture made from beeswax, egg whites, and flower petals!