Easy Gold Stripe Nail Tutorial

I am always on the lookout for pretty-yet-easy nail tutorials because, well, I guess I’m just usually more of a simple gal when it comes to my nails! I love a lot of elaborate things in other categories, but I usually like a less-is-more approach when it comes to manicures.

I saw a picture of some pretty polished nails sporting some thin gold stripes and I thought that nail tape would be the perfect way to replicate the look and it’s waaaay easier than trying to freehand those tiny stripes with a brush! 

Looking for more nail tutorials? Check out:

• 40+ Festive Christmas Nail Designs

Supplies:
-thin gold nail tape
-nude or light pink nail polish
–top coat
-sharp nail scissors or small sewing scissors
–cuticle oil (optional)
Paint your nails with two coats of your favorite nail polish (the one I used is a 5-free polish!) with dry time between each coat.Cut a strip of your gold nail tape that is about 1″ long and place it 1/3 of the way up from your middle nail and let it hang over the edge.Use your nail scissor (or even nail clippers!) to cut off the overhang and press the tape down firmly in place. Cut another 1″ long piece across your nail where the first vertical piece ends and trim the overhang with scissors.

It’s better to cut off a little too much than too little since a strip hanging over the edge will get caught on clothing or pull away more easily.Repeat the process but reverse the placement on the ring finger nail and then do simple horizontal lines on the rest of your fingers about 1/3 of the way up the nail.Repeat on the other hand, give your tape pieces all a firm press again and then finish with 2-3 top coats with dry time in between.Once your topcoat is dry, add a thin layer of cuticle oil and take your new nails out on the town!So simple but I just love how the end result turned out! If you want your manicure to last a little longer, place your strips into your polish while the top layer is still the tiniest bit tacky.

Do a different design on the middle finger as strips that end out towards the open end of the nail seem to be the ones that want to peel first, since they touch the most things as we use our hands throughout the day.

I think this is a really pretty special occasion nail as well, so keep this in mind if you want a little something extra for a night out soon! xo. Laura

P.S. Here are 10 Easy Nail Art Tutorials (Step-by-Step) if you’re looking for more ideas!