Cover your nails in cellophane for a look you'll absolutely love

Shattered glass nails are a fashion-forward trend that captivates with their unique and intricate appearance, resembling the reflective beauty of broken glass. This style, which has become a favorite in high-end nail salons, typically features small, shimmering pieces of cellophane arranged on the nails to mimic the look of glass shards. While stunning, getting this nail art done professionally can be costly, making it a luxury not everyone can indulge in regularly.

Fortunately, you don't need to visit a salon to achieve this glamorous look. With some basic nail supplies and a bit of creativity, you can create shattered glass nails at home. This DIY approach not only saves money but also allows you to customize the design to your liking. Using simple items like cellophane, nail polish, and an eyeliner pencil for precision, anyone can transform their nails into a dazzling, salon-worthy masterpiece right from the comfort of their home.

Base coat
Nail polish (color of your choice)
Cellophane (preferably iridescent or holographic)
Scissors
Eyeliner pencil (for precise application)
Top coat

1. Prepare Your Nails:

Start with clean, shaped nails. Apply a base coat to protect your nails and create a smooth surface for the nail polish. Allow the base coat to dry completely.

2. Apply the Nail Polish:

Choose a nail polish color that will complement the cellophane. Dark shades like black or navy create a striking contrast, while lighter shades offer a subtle, chic look. Apply two thin layers of nail polish, letting each layer dry thoroughly.

3. Cut the Cellophane:

While your second coat of nail polish is drying, prepare the cellophane. Using scissors, cut small shards of cellophane. These pieces should be varied in shape and size to mimic the random, jagged edges of broken glass. The beauty of this design lies in its randomness, so don’t worry about precision.

4. Apply Cellophane Shards:

Once your nail polish is completely dry, it’s time to apply the cellophane pieces. Pick up each piece with a slightly dampened tip of an eyeliner pencil—this makes handling the delicate cellophane easier without adding oils from your fingers. Place the shards onto the nails, arranging them in a scattered pattern to achieve the shattered glass effect.

5. Seal with Top Coat:

After placing all your cellophane pieces, seal your design with a generous layer of top coat. This not only protects your artwork but also enhances the glassy look of the cellophane. Allow the top coat to dry thoroughly.

6. Final Touches:

Check for any sharp edges or overly protruding pieces of cellophane. If needed, apply an additional top coat to smooth out any irregularities and ensure a long-lasting finish.

Polish Choice: Metallic or shimmering nail polishes can also add an extra dimension to the shattered glass effect.

Cellophane Placement: For a more dramatic look, overlap some of the cellophane pieces. This layering can create a more intricate, multi-dimensional appearance.

Working Quickly: Nail polish can start to dry quickly. Work efficiently to place cellophane pieces before the polish dries completely, as they need to stick properly.