How to do a Tie Dye Nail Manicure

How fun is this tie dye nail manicure? Best part? A tie dye manicure is easy and the process is fun! My high school bestie, Annie, is the creator of these tie dye beauties. Tie dye nails should absolutely be on the summer bucket list. It does take a little patience, but I promise you’ll be a tie dye nail manicure pro after this tutorial!

What you need to do a tie dye manicure

Plastic cup or bowl
Room temperature water
A toothpick
5-10 Nail polish colors (nail polish quality matters)
White nail polish
Tape
Nail polish remover

How to do tie dye nails

It’s hard to say what nail polish will work and not work with this technique, but you will absolutely know when you get to step 3. If the drops sink to the bottom, don’t use that nail polish, Generally, nicer, thicker nail polishes work better.

Step 1- Paint a base coat

First, paint fingernails a base coat. We usually pick white because it makes the colors really pop.

Step 2- Tape around nails

Next, tape around your nails so that clean up is a little easier. This step can be skipped but be prepared to do more clean up.

Step 3- Create nail polish bullseye

This process needs to be done quickly to avoid letting the nail polish dry. Fill the plastic cup 3/4 of the way with water and drop your nail polish into the water in a bulls eye pattern.

Step 4- Continue creating nail polish target

Continue dropping drops of nail polish into the center of the circle until you have 6- 12 circles in the bulls eye. If you notice that a drop falls the bottom, this brand/color of nail polish will not work.

Step 5- Use a toothpick to swirl

Use a toothpick to drag and swirl your nail polish colors.

Step 6- Dip the finger nail

Quickly (you don’t want the nail polish to dry) place 1 fingernail, palm up into the center of the bulls eye. Swirl a toothpick to grab the used nail polish in the water and remove it.

Step 7- Continue steps 1-6 for each nail

Repeat steps 1-6 for each finger nail. Yes, you have to remake a nail polish bullseye for each nail! Annie can sometimes get two nails done in one bullseye, but for your first attempts I would start fresh each time.

Step 8- Clean up

Use nail polish remover to clean up around each nail. Or take a hot shower and peel the paint off around each nail.

Have you ever tried to tie dye your nails? I would love to know how it goes! Happy almost summer!

What you need to do a tie dye manicure