Easy Polka Dot Nail Art

Winter really did a number on my nails. They’ve been in a sad state for months with lots of breaks and splitting.

I’ve been super diligent about moisturizing and filing lately though, and I think things are looking up. To celebrate, I created this easy polka dot nail art!

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If you’ve been intimidated by nail art, this polka dot manicure is a great place to start. It’s super easy, and the only special item you need is a dotting tool.

You’ll want to use two complimentary polish shades, one light and one dark. I chose a bright coral color and a fresh minty polish. They ended up looking great together!

I painted two nails mint and the other three coral. This creates a nice contrast in the finished manicure, and takes the nail art from simple to special … with no added effort!

Want to try your own polka dot nail art?

Here’s what you’ll need:

• nail file
• base coat (Orly Bonder is my fave.)
• light polish (I used Essie Mint Candy Apple.)
• dark polish (I used Essie Sunday Funday.)
• dotting tool
• paint palette
• top coat (I love Seche Vite.)
• nail polish remover or Sally Hansen No More Mistakes Manicure Clean-Up Pen

Start by filing your nails. I prefer short, square nails when doing nail art. However, if you want to go for a dragon lady effect, go for it (just kidding!).

Apply a base coat and let dry.

Cover your thumb and fourth finger with the lighter polish and your other fingers with the dark polish. Apply a second coat, if needed, to get complete coverage. Let the polish dry between coats.

Easy so far, right?

For the dots, you will be applying the light polish over the dark nails and the dark polish over the dark nails. Start by adding a little of one color to your paint palette. I used the nail polish brush to do this rather than pouring the polish, because I wanted more control and less waste.

Dip your dotting tool into the nail polish, then gently place it on your nail, creating a dot. Continue this process until your nail is covered with as many dots as you’d like. Repeat with your remaining nails.

Finish by cleaning up any mistakes with nail polish or a manicure clean-up pen. Add a top coat, and you’re done!

Tip: I found it easiest to load my dotting tool with plenty of nail polish, and then I placed it on my nail and let the dot form with little movement on my part. Don’t worry if your dots aren’t perfect. Mine sure weren’t! No one is going to look at your fingers that closely anyway.

I’m really pleased with how this easy polka dot nail art turned out. It’s fun and whimsical, plus it’s a great way to add a little pop to a boring outfit.

I want to try this with gold and white next. Wouldn’t that look pretty?

Have you tried nail art before?