DIY: Rhinestone Nails

Nail designs with rhinestones are the new current rage. Beautifully polished nails embellished with dazzling rhinestones are sure to make a fashion statement. But have you checked out those salon prices? Yikes, definitely not in your budget! However, you’d still like to have the look of rhinestone nails for that upcoming party. But the question is, can you do it yourself?

Yes, you can for both regular nail polish and gel, although the methods are slightly different. If you use regularly use gel nail polish, you probably already have a LED light. Otherwise, if you are new to gel nail polish, you'll need to buy an LED light to cure the gel. Prices run anywhere from $10-$40 on Amazon. Regular nail polish will require nail glue and top coat.
​

How to Apply Rhinestones to Nails

Let’s start with regular nail polish. Make sure you use a good quality nail polish. Certainly, if you use a cheaper brand, the polish may chip and cause the rhinestone to fall off. Furthermore, this can occur even if you glued it correctly.

First, apply a base coat then your favorite nail color and allow to dry completely. This may about 5 minutes. Next, using a toothpick, apply a small amount of nail glue to the nail where you place the rhinestone. Using a wax tipped tool or tweezers, pick up a rhinestone and gently press it into the nail glue. After that, use a small detailing brush to apply a top coat around the edges of the rhinestone. Do not apply the top coat over the top of the rhinestone, only the edges. This helps seal the rhinestone so that it doesn’t peel off. 
​

Now let’s go over how-to rhinestone nails with gel polish. Apply the gel foundation and cure under your LED lights. Then apply the gel color again curing under the LED light. In the area where you are applying the rhinestone, roughen lightly with an emery board. Wipe nails clean with rubbing alcohol using a lint free wipe. Once you are done, apply a gel top coat over the entire nail. Pick up a rhinestone using a wax tipped tool or tweezers and apply the rhinestones to the nail. Cure under the LED light. Finally, using a small detailing brush, apply the gel top coat around the edges of the rhinestone. When you are finished, cure under the LED light one final time. 

With a little practice, you’ll be creating fabulous designs on your nails suitable for every occasion. Plus, you won’t pay those high prices at the nail salon. Practice enough times and you’ll be creating your very professional own one-of-a kind nail designs.

Free Shipping

​Want to get started on your nail designs right away? Buy quality rhinestones from Rhinestones Etc and get free shipping on your first purchase!