by Sparkling crystal nails are glamorous and eye-catching. While getting them professionally done is an option, you can also achieve gorgeous acrylic crystal nails at home with just a few affordable products and tools. Follow this guide to learn techniques for applying rhinestones, gems, glitter, and more to your natural nails or polished base. Dazzling nail art is easier than you think!
Gather Your Materials
You likely have many of these supplies already or can pick them up at a drugstore:
- Clear nail polish – Gives a smooth base for gems to adhere to
- Rhinestones, gems, glitter – Assorted sizes, shapes, and colors to decorate with
- Tweezers – Precise placement of small embellishments
- Toothpick – Helps position and move gems
- Nail glue – Specialty glue formulated for nails
- Nail files – Shape and rough up nail surface for better adherence
- Cuticle pusher – Keep cuticles tidy for a neat look
- Cotton swabs – Help tidy up excess glue
- Makeup wipes or nail polish remover – Take off polish and glue when needed
Prepare Your Nails
Proper nail prep ensures embellishments stick and results last longer:
- Remove old nail polish completely with remover or acetone
- File nails into your desired shape using various grit nail files
- Push back and trim any overgrown cuticles with a cuticle pusher
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove oil and residue
- Use a dehydrator prep wipe to remove trace moisture and oils from nail surface
Filing into a rounded or squoval shape provides the most surface area for sticking gems. Remove shine from nails for best adherence.
Create Ombre Nails
Ombre nails fade gems from concentrated at the cuticle to sparse at the tip:
- Paint on a neutral base color in a gradient, darker near cuticle fading lighter towards tip
- Use tweezers to pick up small gems, starting with larger ones near the base fading into smaller stones towards tip
- Brush a tiny bit of nail glue onto each nail where you want a gem placed
- Press gems down firmly for 30-60 seconds once placed for full adhesion
- Finish by sealing with a glossy clear top coat to protect look
Do Abstract Nail Art
Abstract designs place gems in unique patterns on each nail:
- Start with a solid color base coat in a color that complements your gems
- Use a toothpick to put a small dot of glue wherever you want a gem placed
- Use tweezers to pick up individual gems and press them down into the glue on your desired pattern
- Focus gems towards the base of the nail for stability and maximum visibility
- Seal the finished abstract design with shiny clear polish
Make Geometric Nails
Geometric patterns use straight lines and rhinestones:
- Paint your nails with a neutral or brightly colored base coat
- Place small gems in straight lines across each nail to create geometric shapes like triangles, squares, diamonds etc.
- You can outline shapes fully or just do strips
- Fill in open spaces with complementary colored smaller gems or glitter
- Finish by coating with a glossy top coat for sheen and protection
Apply Rhinestone French Tips
Rhinestones modernize the classic French manicure tips:
- Apply a sheer, pale pink or nude base color to all nails
- Brush a thin line of glue along the very tip of the nail edge
- Use tweezers to place gems side-by-side along the edge to create a sparkling French border
- Make sure gems fully cover the nail tip and press down well before sealing the look with top coat
Do Full Sparkle Nails
Covering the entire nail with gems and glitter creates a dramatic sparkly effect:
- Start with a clear base coat only to allow the glitz to really stand out
- Brush a thin layer of glue over the entire nail from cuticle to tip
- Press down assorted shapes/sizes of gems to fully cover the nail in sparkle
- Fill any gaps with extra fine glitter for complete coverage
- Finish by coating with glossy top coat to smooth everything out and lock it in place
Apply Rhinestones Securely
Proper technique ensures maximum adherence and longevity:
- Only use a tiny dot of nail glue – too much causes sliding
- Use sharp, precise tweezers to pick up gems and place them directly where desired
- After placing a gem, press down on it firmly for 30-60 seconds – don’t slide it around
- Allow 10 minutes for nail glue to fully cure and harden before applying top coat
- Avoid using too large of gems which can pop off easier
Finish and Protect the Look
Finishing steps help the manicure last days longer:
- Always apply a glossy clear top coat over designs to seal and smooth surface
- Let polish and glue dry fully – about 10 minutes before rinsing hands in water
- Use cuticle oil daily to keep the nail edges from lifting or peeling
- Wear gloves during cleaning, dishes, yardwork etc. to prevent damage
- Go slowly and avoid picking at gems to prevent them popping off
Remove Crystals Safely
Taking off stubborn gems requires patience and gentleness:
- File surface of nails lightly to loosen the nail glue
- Soak nails in pure acetone or acetone-free remover 10-15 minutes
- Gently push gems off from one side using a cotton swab or edge of a towel
- Never pull directly up on gems as this can take layers of nail with it!
- Remove remaining residue and glue with a wood stick and cotton pad
Caring for Crystal Nails
Keep your manicure beautiful using these tips:
- Stick to gentle products free from harsh ingredients
- Avoid picking at or pulling on gems which damages nails
- Check for lifting or gaps daily and re-glue stones immediately
- Use cuticle oil to keep nail edges adhered to prevent lifting
- Remove gems properly when ready for a new manicure to avoid damage
Crystal nails require some occasional upkeep but give you gorgeous glam hands!
FAQ
How long do crystal nails last compared to regular polish?
With proper application and precautions, crystal nails can last up to 1-2 weeks without lifting or popping off compared to 2-4 days for regular polish.
What’s the best way to remove old nail glue?
filing the surface lightly helps break the glue bond for easier removal. Pure acetone works best to dissolve stubborn old glue. Avoid pulling off gems forcefully.
Can I wear crystal nails every day or are they for special occasions?
You can definitely wear crystal nails daily if you don’t mind some occasional maintenance. Use smaller gems and avoid heavy use of hands for longest wear.
Is nail glue bad for your nails?
High quality nail glue formulated specifically for nail art won’t damage nails when used correctly in thin layers. Avoid getting glue on skin or cuticles.
How do I avoid getting glue on my skin or cuticles?
Use a toothpick to place a tiny drop exactly where needed before pressing down gems. Wipe away excess immediately with cotton swabs. Precision is key!
