I love black and white nail designs. They match practically everything (well, except brown outfits), they are classy, and most importantly they make any skin color look amazing! But just painting black and white isn’t all that eye-catching and fun, so I added some zebra stripes and jewels. Now I feel like I could be a queen on an African safari. Here’s what I did . . .
Note: I will be providing instructions on how to achieve this look with plain polish, along with Gel Polish.
Step 1: Prep Nails
View my post on Nail Polish Prep.
Step 2: Paint Color onto Nails
Paint all the nails, except the middle and ring fingers, with two coats of black. I used the Shellac color called, Black Pool
Gel Polish: Apply two coats of polish. Cure 2 minutes in the UV light, or 1 minute in an LED light.
Step 3: Stamping Stripes
On the middle and ring fingers, I used the nail stamp MASH #41
What is nail stamping? How is it done?
Step 4: Rhinestone Jewels & Top Coat
Apply a health top coat to all the nails. Make sure the paint is completely dry before adding top coat to help avoid smearing. While top coat is very wet gently push the jewel into the top coat. This will create the jewel to be sealed into the top coat layer. (Note: I only placed a square jewel {on an angle} on the black nails, centered next to the cuticle.)
Gel Polish: Apply top coat and jewel. Cure in UV light for 2 minutes. If needed, do another application of top coat and cure in light.
– – – Note: The best way to pick up the little jewel is to use a toothpick. You touch the toothpick to a damp cloth and then to the top of the jewel. Place onto the nail. – – –
Step 5: Allow to Dry and Apply Cuticle Oil
Allow your polish to dry completely. Apply a cuticle oil just around your nails on the cuticle and rub into the skin.
Gel Polish: Remove sticky residue on top of nails with a little alcohol or polish remover and apply cuticle oil.
Remove gel polish after 2-3 weeks, check out Gel Polish Removal for the quickest, easiest and best way to remove gels.
