Cat eye nails are trending in a big way, from “quiet luxury” manicures to beachy, sea glass-inspired designs. But what exactly are cat eye nails? We spoke to three nail techs to find out…
What are cat eye nails?
“Cat eye nails create an interesting 3D effect, often with a velvet, glassy or shimmery finish – without being overly glittery,” explains nail artist Jiak Hing. “The outcome can vary depending on the technique and magnet used, which makes the look incredibly versatile and fascinating to wear.”
Sometimes referred to as velvet nails or glass nails, cat eye nails get their name from the multidimensional effect that resembles light reflecting off a cat’s iris.
How can you create cat eye nails?
To create cat eye nails, you need to use a specific type of magnetic gel or polish. “The magic lies in tiny metallic particles suspended within the polish. When a magnet is held over the wet gel, these particles are drawn to it, creating stunning patterns and effects that shift with every movement,” says Giorgia Cappella, head of education at The Gel Bottle.
What other effects or designs can be created with magnetic polish?
Magnetic polish allows nail techs to create a range of multi-dimensional finishes. “It all depends on the type of magnet and how you angle it – there’s a bit of trial and error, but once you get the hang of it, the designs are endless,” says Hayley Badgery, nail tech and educator.
For example, Cappella explains that using magnetic beads over an uncured gel can create a water ripple effect, while using a dual-ended magnet tool can allow you to create, sleek, slanted lines for a bold finish.
“There was even a huge trend around Valentines this year, with nail techs creating hearts by reshaping paperclips and then holding the magnet above,” adds Badgery.
The creativity doesn’t have to stop there, with Hing noting that you can also combine cat eye polish with other trends like chrome, 3D textures, or jelly gels to create unique, layered designs.
What are the common mistakes when creating cat eye nails?
As with any new technique, mastering cat eye nails will require some practise. “When working with magnetic polishes, precision and patience are key. It’s easy to go wrong if you rush or overwork the product,” explains Cappella.
Overworking the product happens as a result of the magnet being moved too much or too forcefully, which can disperse the particles in the product, losing the effect completely.
Using magnetic gel polishes will add time on to your appointments, as it is important to cure one nail at a time – or at least flash cure after placing the magnet. “If not cured immediately, the pattern can shift and change,” highlights Hing.
Meanwhile, Cappella also advises playing close attention to your magnet positioning: “If the magnet is too close, you’ll create a harsh, solid line. If it’s too far, nothing will happen. You need to find the sweet spot.”
If you do end up overworking the product or producing a harsh line, Cappella explains that you can rectify this by reapplying a thin layer of the polish on top to reactivate the magnetic particles
How much should you charge for cat eye nails?
When introducing a new nail service or design to your service menu, you’ll need to consider where it falls in your pricing structure, which begs the question: should nail techs charge extra for cat eye nails?
“Definitely,” says Badgery. “You’re using a specialist product and taking extra time to perfect the design – plus, your skill and creativity are what make it look amazing!
“I always say: if it’s taking you longer or requires more technique, it’s 100% worth charging for. It’s a premium look and clients are happy to pay for that little extra wow factor.”
When it comes to setting a price, Cappella suggests basing your pricing on the time taken to complete the look. “One way to simplify this is by creating a client lookbook, showcasing your magnetic polish designs and other nail art styles.
“You can then categorise your options into time-based tiers, for example: tier 1 – up to 15 mins, tier 2 – up to 30 mins, and so on. This helps set clear expectations for both time and pricing, while showcasing your creativity and expertise.”
You can read more about how to price your nail services here.
Why are cat eye nails so popular?
With so many cat eye nail sets being shared across Instagram and TikTok, it does pose the question: why are cat eye nails so popular?
"Honestly, it’s just so mesmerising! It gives that high-end, luxury feel without a load of effort – although it is a skill that requires practise. Clients love how the design catches the light and shifts as they move their hands – it feels a bit magical."
Hing agrees, sharing: "This trend is visually attractive and full of depth. Many people love the subtle shine of cat eye polish as it’s more refined than traditional glitter and comes in a wide range of colours, making it appealing to different audiences."
Lead image: Jiak Hing
