VIDEO: Snakeskin Nail Nail Art Effect with Gel Polish
This is a nail art look that I created using negative space and a snakeskin effect using gel polish. My clients have been loving the snakeskin effect so I put together a short video demonstration that shows how to get the look. I’m unsure of where the technique originated, but it’s been around a while and can be done in many different color combinations.
For the white snakeskin nails I started with a neutral base using Pink Gellac Nude Beige. I applied a coat of Soft White over top and BEFORE curing I added drops of Pink Gellac Ultra Shine top coat into the white layer using a dotting tool. When doing this, try to apply the dots without letting the tool actually touch the nail or it will leave a little mark in the center of the circle – just let the droplet of top coat touch the nail. Cure & top coat after adding the dots.
I freehand painted the negative space nails using LeChat My Serenity. The lighter blue is actually My Serenity mixed with white because I wanted the colors to have the same tone. I used a small nail art brush to first paint the light blue triangle, and then I painted the dark blue portion of the nail leaving some space in between.
Below is a video demo of the snakeskin effect. Enjoy! :)
Are the blues on the color wheel at the end LeChat My Serenity with and without white, as used in the demo?
I don’t think so. I don’t remember exactly what colors I used, but it wasn’t LeChat. I think the darkest blue might be Cuccio London Underground.
You continue to amaze me! Beautiful!
This is genious! I know the technique for ordinary polishes, but they take forever to dry. Using it with gel polish makes so much more sense!
I prefer this to the blobbicures done in regular polish! I need to try this out – made easy thanks to your great video. Thanks!
Very cool. How do you get the chevron design? Are you using nail guides or free hand? I’m assuming free hand but would love to know if there’s certain nail guides you recommend!
I did it freehand. Guides don’t always work well with gel polish.
Very cool. To do the snakeskins with different colors, do you always use the white on top of the color?
No, the top color is the most prevalent color. Mix it up :)