6 Nail Art Fails That Will Make You LOL

I don’t know about you, but I consider painting my nails without getting any polish on my cuticles a miracle – let alone drawing pretty, intricate patterns on them at the same time.

I often scroll through Instagram and Pinterest to admire all the amazing nail designs, but every attempt I make ends up looking like I dipped my fingers into a paint bucket.

RELATED: How-to: Water marble nail art

If you too are less-than-talented in the nail art department, you can probably relate to these fails I (and many others) have come across.

#1 Applying tape before the polish is dry

nail art fail

Patience is key with nail art, and if you rush this step your polish will stick to your tape and come removal time, you’ll be left with a smudged mess.

#2 Or not using tape at all

nail art fail

Unless you have a steady surgeon’s hand, tape is essential for stripes and lines.

#3 Applying your coats too thick

nail art fail

As most nail art designs require multiple layers and different colours, apply each coat as evenly as possible otherwise it can become pliable and easily smudged. If you’re after volume in your manicure, try using SinfulColours SinfulShine® 2-Step Manicure.

#4 Trying to do it without tools

nail art fail

You could be all fancy and get proper nail art tools like The Body Shop Nail Art Pen, but many household items also do the trick like toothpicks and sticky tape. Or if you already have some cuticle sticks in your nail kit (bh loves: QVS Cuticle Sticks), the point end can also double as a drawing tool.

#5 Pure impatience

nail art fail

If walking behind slow people down the street grinds your gears, nail art probably isn’t for you.

#6 Not watching the entire tutorial

nail art fail

ALWAYS pay attention to the prep, the step-by-step AND the clean up. Missing just one of these could result in a multitude of problems.

And if all else fails, there’s always stick ons:

STICK-ON-NAILS

Have you ever had a funny nail art fail? OR if you can do nail art, what’s your best tip?

91 Member Comments

Niqueyq 5 Sep 2019 4:55 PM

I use mail art stickers as I have very shaky hands. I would love to be skilled at doing awesome nail art.

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xClaudia 23 May 2019 11:37 AM

Yep - my attempts at nail art look a lot like #5.

tinakapoor02 1 Aug 2019 7:16 PM

so vibrant article

RitaB 17 Dec 2018 10:23 AM

Haha the real struggles of nail art - I just avoid it at this point and stick to simple plain colours

Simone 6 Nov 2018 7:23 PM

Oh this is absolutely hilarious. I am fortunate enough to be able to do my nails on both hands. For Halloween last week I did scarecrow designs. For this weeks melbourne cup horse shoes and I have a wedding to attend on the weekend so will be doing my own free hand French mani. With a steady hand you can save so much money

aoperez 4 Jul 2018 10:41 PM

It's like the writer knew me when they wrote the article ...this is why I only really wear light pink and tan and clear polish all the time!

Okatko 27 Mar 2018 12:26 AM

Stick ons it is then.

Shop A Everyday 21 Jan 2018 10:16 PM

Number 3 is seriously bad hey!!!

Gail157 15 Dec 2017 3:55 PM

I cannot understand how anyone would photograph such disasters. Maybe save up for a professional job or stick to polish.

Emilydani 15 Nov 2017 1:30 PM

i move my hand too much

Miss19 11 Sep 2017 10:00 AM

Haha omg this would be me if I were to try nail art

Simonja 31 May 2017 7:21 PM

I tend to stick with Clear or Pastel Colours, don't have the patience any more for Nail Art nor the desire.

onlyoni 31 May 2017 5:43 PM

I wouldn't even attempt it because I don't have the time or the patience. I think I'll just stick to the one colour.

cosmoslyn 9 May 2017 1:53 AM

i can safely say I made alll the mistakes

Stephanie2494 9 Dec 2016 3:53 PM

I always pin amazing nail art on pinterest but I feel like I could not even attempt it, I feel like I would make every mistake possible

anime.tardis 13 Sep 2016 2:28 PM

these are all me!!

Becstar 6 Jul 2016 9:45 PM

Some of those pictures are funny to look at. I am no the best with nail art either, but I think when I try to make it simple it works much better for me.

TheDevineOne 30 Jun 2016 3:51 AM

I love nail art but I just don't think it's for me... That little heart mani is so cute though

Yohanna 26 Jun 2016 5:55 PM

The biggest issue with me is doing nail art on right hand, as I am right handed! My left ends up being quite good, but the right one? oh, dear....

Yohanna 26 Jun 2016 5:52 PM

Must say, this is quite funny! ahhaha. Great tips! I am learning patience, plus speed dry polishes help.

Moonface 21 Jun 2016 4:00 PM

Nail art is really hard because our nails are so small!!!!!!

PandaBear18 12 May 2016 5:49 PM

THis is why i only ever leave it to a professional...

Petal 10 May 2016 6:48 PM

I admire well-done nail art but I don't see the point of it for me. I haven't found a nail polish that does not chip in 24-48 hours.

Cynthia89 4 Jun 2016 4:32 PM

Hi Petal, I find that if you do the proper base, 2 coats of colour and a good top coat, it tends to last a good three to four week without chipping. It doesn't matter too much what you use for the colour coats as long as you used a good top coat to seal it all in. I did like the rimmel pro lycra clear top coat but I think they've changed the formula or something and the new ones don't last quite as long. Sally Hansen's top coat is also pretty good and lasts a good two to three weeks or so :)

Jessica712 9 May 2016 12:23 AM

lol!!! I have had my fair share of nail art disasters too.

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6 nail art fails to make you LOL