Get Holographic Nails in No Time With This Step-by-Step Guide

Updated on 12/5/2018 at 8:35 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Tori Crowther

You don't have to look far to find holographic beauty in 2018. It's been incorporated into products, on people's hair, and in manicure designs. Doing it on your nails is one of the easiest ways to try the holographic trend with little effort, especially if you've got a tutorial to guide you. Whether you don't have the time or money to get your nails done consistently or you want to take up a new hobby, we're breaking down how to create the look.

Once you have your hands on the materials, all you need is some practice and you'll be an at-home mani pro in no time. Check out our step-by-step guide ahead.

Step 1: Prep

Before starting, get all your materials ready to use. To re-create this look, you'll need:

A gel manicure kit including bonder, base coat, topcoat, and lamp
Holographic powder
Two small brushes

If you don't have a gel kit on hand, there are plenty of nail polish alternatives. Our current favorite is Seche Vite Holographic Effect Top Coat.

Step 2: Paint the Bonder

After filing down the nail to the desired shape, apply the bonder to a clean nail.

Step 3: Paint the Base

After applying bonder to the nail, add a thin layer of base coat to all nails, making sure to cap the tip of the nail. Often, holographic powder is added under a dark base like black or deep purple, but I like to apply it to a clear base coat.

Step 4: Cure the Base

Cure the base coat for 10-30 seconds.

Step 5: Holographic Powder

Once you've applied the base coat to all nails, use either a sponge or your finger to smudge on the holographic powder. Work it into the nail without going over the same area too many times. If any areas haven't taken the holographic powder, just dab on more base coat, cure, and reapply carefully. Alternatively, to create an ombré effect on the nail, apply in the same way but add an extra coat of holographic powder to the tips of your fingernails.

Step 6: Top Coat

Wipe away the excess fallout powder around the nail bed and outside of the nail with a clean, dry brush. Then, use a smaller-size brush to apply the first topcoat. Be careful to not use your regular topcoat brush because you might get some holo fallout into the bottle. After curing for 60 seconds, go in with another coat using the regular topcoat brush and cure for a further 60 seconds.

The Finished Look

Here is the final outcome. As well as adding holographic to the entire nail as mentioned previously, you can also create a holographic waterfall for a less dramatic finish.