Magnetic polish formulas needed a black base for the glitter particles to appear shinier, Park continues. Now, brands are formulating velvet polishes with finer magnetic particles (so there are more of them), so the glitter appears softer and more subtle—but with just as much shine. “I think that’s what’s extending the velvet nail-trend’s life,” she says. “You’re getting all these different variants of the look.”
In addition to more sophisticated nail polish formulas, we’re seeing manicurists get more creative with their art. They have been pairing the velvet finish with “chrome, subtle jewels, or artistic sculptural,” says Lupita Alonso, a nail artist in Stone Park, Illinois. We’ve also seen it with heart motifs and manipulated into ombré designs. “These details make it look more updated and modern.”
How to create velvet nails
Sure, the appointment can be shorter than other nail art appointments, but I understand if you still want to skip the salon trip completely and DIY your velvet nails. You’ll need a few things, though, like a base coat, topcoat, magnetic nail polish, and a magnetic wand. (Mooncat sells the magnetic wand on its own, but will include one for free if your order includes a magnetic polish.)
First, coat your nails with a base polish before applying a magnetic polish. Then, use a magnet to disperse the shimmery particles across the nail to create that glistening velvet effect. Holding the magnet at the tip or side of the nail creates the velvet effect, while holding it above the nail’s center drags the particles into a straight line for the traditional cat-eye look.
If you’re not ready to wield a magnetic wand, Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, suggests trying gel nail strips. (Note: This method does require you have an LED lamp.) She recommends the Dashing Diva Glaze strips, which come pre-painted with a velvet design. All you need to do is apply the adhesive strip to your nail, cut it to your desired length, cure it with an LED lamp, and file it into the shape you want. We also recommend press-ons; Static Nails has a velvet press-on set that will give you a salon-level manicure in seconds.
Looking for inspiration? Scroll for some of the prettiest velvet nail ideas, including looks that are simple enough to do at home and works of art you might want a professional to help create.
Velvet Nails Inspiration
Plaid velvet nails
Courtesy of @nailartbyqueenie
Velvet polka-dot nails
Courtesy of @nailartbyqueenie
Sheer velvet nails
Courtesy of @overglowedit
Velvet frame nails
Courtesy of @nailartbyqueenie
Courtesy of @nailsbyshirlecrop
Velvet French nails
Courtesy of @gracielanails
Courtesy of @nailartbyqueenie
Ombré velvet nails
Courtesy of @nailartbyqueenie
Green-and-black velvet nails
Courtesy of @sofiamiroslavanails
Courtesy of @nailsbyshani
Velvet amethyst frame nails
Instagram / @heygreatnails
Velvet nails with 3D embellishments
Courtesy of @sansungnails
Courtesy of @sansungnails
Velvet aura nails
Courtesy of @sansungnails
Chrome velvet nails
Courtesy of @sansungnails
Instagram / @nailartbyqueenie
