Tutorial: how to do negative space nail art
Q: I want to master negative space nail art. Where do I start?
Negative space nail art has taken the UK by storm and I have two methods – beginners and more advanced – to help you create the look with ease.
The first is perfect for intermediate nail techs and involves masking tape. Start by applying a sheer or nude colour to the client’s nails and cure. Then, using masking tape, block out the areas of the nail that you want to be negative space and make sure you press the tape on firmly to avoid any seepage.
With your tape neatly in place, paint the desired areas with your colour of choice and cure. Gently peel away the tape to reveal your design and finish with a top coat.
For more advanced techs I recommend doing the look freehand. Apply your sheer tone and cure, before using a fine striping brush to block out the areas to be coloured in so that you can keep your lines sharp. Then, fill them in with your chosen shade.
However, don’t overload your brush with too much product as this will make it harder to keep your design tidy – a little goes a long way. Instead of dipping your brush into the product, decant a small amount onto a palette, load your brush and then roll it to remove any excess.
And, if at first you don’t succeed, use a gel brush lightly saturated in isopropyl alcohol to clean up any errors. If you’re new to nail art, you could first try a stamping plate, such as those made by :YOURS, for a helping hand to achieve a precise nail design.
Nataliya Al-Ta’ai is global team education ambassador for CND, which is distributed by Sweet Squared. She has more than 20 years’ industry experience.
Check out our exclusive video with Al-Ta'ai on mastering the textured metallics nail art trend.
Image: ©Fee Wallce/member of CND's global team