"Marble" Your Clients' Nails With This Technique

I just learned a very cool, and unique, nail technique and I'm so excited about it!

I'm not sure if this is something just done at beauty schools like mine, or if "marbling" of nails is common at salons, also have heard it called "water colors"-but in my few years in the industry, I've certainly never heard of it! So while it may not be new to you, the professional, it's new to me and my class and we're really excited! It's perfect for teens or for those who like to theme their nails (red, white and blue for the 4th of July, anyone??!!)



Step one: Choose nail polish colors-usually three work best. A mixture of lights and darks tends to work well, too. Also, choose bottles that aren't almost empty, as you'll need to work fast.

Step two: Fill a cup with room temperature water. Styrofoam can also work, but if nail polish drops to bottom of cup, it can melt through the material. Plastic is a good choice, reuasable is great, too!

Step three: Unscrew each of the polish lids. This will help you to work faster.



Step four: Drip a drop of nail polish into the center of the water, it will float on top. Working quickly, drip another drop of the next color. Repeat with another color if desired. Bull's-eye style.



Step five: Use a toothpick and swirl the three colors together, quickly. Making any design you like.



Step six: Have client dip her nail into the area where the design looks the best. Dip nail on an angle, so the entire nail is covered. Polish will get on the skin, but will be removed later in steps.



Step seven: Blow lightly on the top of the water to dry polish (about 3 seconds). Use a Q-tip to swirl the remaining polish off the top of the water-Cotton Candy style. Remove finger from water.



Step eight: Continue in this manner until all nails are covered.



Step nine: Use nail polish remover to remove the polish from skin.

Step ten: Use a top coat to make color last and pop.