Scalloped Nail Tutorial

Scalloped Nail Tutorial (1)

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Hey Everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty laid back, but I’m kinda glad because this week ahead is going to be crazy. I’ve got several meetings over the next couple days and then Wednesday afternoon I’ll be leaving for an out of town work trip/training through Friday.

Anywho, I’m excited today to be sharing my latest nail creation-scalloped nails! Aren’t they the cutest? There’s something so girly and feminine about scalloped detail, and I’ve loved seeing them incorporated into the fashion world lately.

This nail tutorial is super easy to put together and requires only a few tools. For the dots, I used a toothpick, but you can also use a bobby pin or anything with a pointy tip, really. The nail polish I used is Wet n’ Wild “Wild Shine” Nail Color in White and Blazed, which was in my May Favorites post over here. I also used Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Clear Top Coat, which I swear by when I do nail looks. It always helps the look last so much longer and gives it that nice sheen.

Let’s get started!

1. Pour a small amount of white nail polish on a paper plate, and using a toothpick begin making white dots diagonally across each nail.

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2. Using the nail polish brush, paint the nail white above the dots until completely filled. Allow nail to completely dry before next step. (I suggest waiting 10 minutes to prevent smudging)

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3. Repeat the dotting process with the second color right above the original white dotted area.

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4. Fill in the entire tip of the nail with the second color.

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5. Allow nails to completely dry before applying a clear top coat.

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Ta-da! Scalloped nails complete! Now enjoy your pretty, girly nails!

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Shop the look!


What do you think? The color possibilities are endless here! And it’s such a cute and easy way to spruce up the nails! Let me know what you think in the comment section! 🙂

Have a great week!- Cara

Linking up on Happiness is HomemadeInspiration MondayBusy Monday, Merry Monday, Amaze Me MondayTotally Terrific Tuesday, Create, Link, Inspire, You’re Gonna Love It TuesdayTutorials & Tips, Wow Me Wednesday, Best of the Blogosphere, Wonderful Wednesday, Think Tank Thursday, Create it Thursday

100 Comments

  1. So cute! And it looks pretty simple, too, which is always a plus 🙂 Thanks for linking up with our Merry Monday party.

  2. This is so pretty– you make it look too easy. I don’t think mine would come out like this 😛

  3. This summer I’ve been working hard at having my nails polished and good looking but I’ve stuck with the basics. I think it’s time to branch out and give this a try. Too cute. – Katy

    1. Thanks! Ah I hadn’t even though of that, but yes kind of reminds you of seashells a little bit!

  4. I love this! This actually looks so much easier than I thought it was going to be when I clicked on it to read it. Thanks for sharing!

  5. These are sooo cute Cara and perfect for Summer! You make them look so easy but I dunno…I’ll give it a try but thank goodness for polish remover and q-tips hahaha. Thanks for sharing this fun tutorial! I hope you’re doing well my beautiful friend! XO -Kim

    1. Thanks Kim! Haha I totally use nail polish remover and q-tips too girl, no shame! These really are easy, I hope you’ll give them a try! 🙂

  6. How lovely?! I just started taking care of my nails within the last 2-3 years and LOVE giving myself DIY manicures. Haven’t tried one like this though! Seems fairly easy too! 🙂

  7. Oh my gosh SO creative! I love the look. Would be perfect for the holidays too! You are always such a cutie-pie Cara!

  8. Wow Cara, these turned out so great! They are so feminine and chic and I love the details…you did a great job!

  9. I love the nail look – it’s so creative yet doesn’t seem overly complicated! Thanks for sharing!

  10. This is so cute and looks easy enough even I could do it – if I can ever find time to paint my nails lol

    1. Thank-you! It had been awhile since I painted mine, but I’m super happy with how they turned out! 🙂

  11. Man I haven’t painted my nails since like Christmas I really need to haha I love this design!

  12. This is so cute! I usually get my nails done, but next time I do them on my own, I’m trying this!

  13. Awesome idea!! I wish I could do stuff like that. Everytime I try to do my own nails I mess them up bad. Wonder if the girl at the nail salon could do this…hmmm

  14. Oh my gosh that is WAY easier than I thought it would be! I love the scalloped look and may have to try this out later today… Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. Of course girl, anytime! Maybe while I do your nails you can teach me all your awesome Youtube video tips and tricks! 😉

  15. So cute. I wouldnt have thought that’s how the step process would go but I guess when you play with white, it makes all the difference.
    Love the scalloped look

    1. Thank-you! The white layer underneath acts as the base coat, which makes the top color more vibrant. You could do it with any color, and it’d be gorgeous! 🙂

    1. Thank-you! Oh my gosh the struggle is real! I have such a hard time waiting too lol, no worries! 😉

  16. Love your nails! With the tutorial, these nails seem easy enough for anyone to do! Thanks for sharing!

  17. So adorable! I wish I were good at doing my own nails but alas, I’m lucky if I’m able to get a solid color on straight, haha! However, this is a really cute idea for me to take to the nail salon. 🙂

  18. These turned out so cute! I have no skills what so ever when it comes to making my nails look cute. If it’s not a solid color or something with a topcoat I need a nail salon to do it haha! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  19. This is so so cute!!! But I dont think I have the patience to do it hahahaha. I am lucky if I even paint my finger nails because I hate waiting for them to dry in between coats and stuff.

    1. I’m right there with ya, girl. Haha I have to make myself sit still and not like start opening up jars of food and stuff and smudge them lol. But they do look pretty in the end! 🙂

  20. Absolutely beautiful!! OH you are so talented!! They look so professional and Summery. Come do mine, lol!! Happy Monday!

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