If you are new to nail art and wanting to experiment with this season’s latest trend, the polka dot nail is an ideal starting point. A timeless and playful style that can be as subtle or bold as you like. With a steady hand and a simple tool kit, this is a nail art style you can master at home. Play around with colours, patterns, and finishes to make this look truly your own.
Follow these simple steps for a professional finish:
Step 1: Prepare and protect
Start with clean, dry nails. File and shape them to your preference, and gently push back your cuticles. Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect your nails and help the polish last longer.
Step 2: Apply the base colour
Paint your nails with your chosen base shade. This could be a neutral like nude, white, or black, or something bright and bold. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 3: Create the dot design
Pic credit: Samantha Cox
Pour a small amount of your dot colour onto a piece of foil or a palette. Dip the tip of your dotting tool into the polish and gently press the tool onto your nail to create a dot. Repeat as desired across the nail. Be as playful as you desire by experimenting with dot size and placement. Allow your design to dry completely before applying a top coat to avoid smudging.
Tips: practise on paper first to get the feel for how much polish you need on your tool. Keep clean-up kit close to hand for any mistakes
Step 4: Seal with top coat
Seal and protect your work of art with a glossy, smoothing top coat. Reapply every 2 days to extend the life of your nail art.
Polka Dot Nails Checklist
Base coat (to prepare and protect your nails)
Nail polish in at least two colours (one for the base, one for the dots)
Dotting tool (a bobby pin, toothpick or specialised brush)
Top coat (to seal in your design)
Nail polish correcteur pen (for clean-up)
