If you are new to nail art and wanting to experiment with this season’s latest trend, the polka dot nail is an ideal starting point. A timeless and playful style that can be as subtle or bold as you like. With a steady hand and a simple tool kit, this is a nail art style you can master at home. Play around with colours, patterns, and finishes to make this look truly your own.

Follow these simple steps for a professional finish:

Step 1: Prepare and protect

Start with clean, dry nails. File and shape them to your preference, and gently push back your cuticles. Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect your nails and help the polish last longer.

Step 2: Apply the base colour

Paint your nails with your chosen base shade. This could be a neutral like nude, white, or black, or something bright and bold. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 3: Create the dot design

Pic credit: Samantha Cox

Pour a small amount of your dot colour onto a piece of foil or a palette. Dip the tip of your dotting tool into the polish and gently press the tool onto your nail to create a dot. Repeat as desired across the nail. Be as playful as you desire by experimenting with dot size and placement. Allow your design to dry completely before applying a top coat to avoid smudging. 

Tips: practise on paper first to get the feel for how much polish you need on your tool. Keep clean-up kit close to hand for any mistakes

Step 4: Seal with top coat

Seal and protect your work of art with a glossy, smoothing top coat. Reapply every 2 days to extend the life of your nail art. 

Polka Dot Nails Checklist

• Base coat (to prepare and protect your nails)
• Nail polish in at least two colours (one for the base, one for the dots)
• Dotting tool (a bobby pin, toothpick or specialised brush)
• Top coat (to seal in your design)
• Nail polish correcteur pen (for clean-up)