Sharpie Nail Art: A Detailed Guide to Coloring Your Nails with Markers

Sharpie markers, those ubiquitous tools found in every office and art supply closet, might just be the secret to your next unique manicure. While not traditionally designed for cosmetic use, Sharpies can, with the right precautions and techniques, create striking and intricate nail art. This guide will walk you through every step, from preparation to sealing your masterpiece, to help you achieve stunning sharpie manicures. We will delve into the pros and cons, necessary precautions, and offer expert tips to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.

Is it Safe to Use Sharpies on Nails?

Before we dive into the creative process, let’s address the elephant in the room: safety. Sharpie markers are not intended for use on the skin, and their ink contains chemicals that could potentially cause irritation or allergic reactions for some individuals. However, with proper precautions, the risk can be significantly minimized. The key here is using a protective base coat, and not applying sharpie directly to the nail, only on the dried base coat. Sharpie ink is typically alcohol-based, and the alcohol evaporates quickly, but it’s important to understand the risks involved.

Here’s a breakdown of safety concerns:

• Skin Irritation: The ink can cause dryness or minor irritation if it comes into contact with the skin around your nails. Thorough hand washing and cuticle care before and after the process is vital.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may be allergic to the components in the ink. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling, immediately remove the nail art and discontinue use. Test the ink on a small area of skin first if you are concerned.
• Nail Discoloration: Sharpies can potentially stain the nail if not properly applied or if left on for too long, particularly if using darker shades directly on the nail. However, by properly using a base coat, you’ll avoid the stain issue.
• Chemical Exposure: While the alcohol base will evaporate, prolonged and direct skin contact with any chemicals should be avoided.
• Breathing Vapors: Using sharpie in a very well ventilated area minimizes exposure to chemical vapors.

Important Safety Measures:

• Base Coat is Key: Always apply a thick base coat to protect your natural nails from the ink.
• Proper Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhaling fumes. Open a window or use a fan.
• Don’t Overdo It: Do not apply Sharpie ink directly onto the natural nail. Always use a base coat as your canvas.
• Quick Removal: Remove the sharpie art as soon as you wish to change or it begins to fade or chip. Don’t leave the sharpie on for an extended period.
• Skin Protection: Use hand cream liberally after the process is complete. Avoid touching your face while working with the sharpies.
• Do not attempt with children: This process requires care and focus. For the child’s safety do not let them use sharpie on their skin or nails.
• Use only markers intended for craft: Some markers can have harsh chemical makeup. Ensure the markers you are using are intended for craft work.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• Clear Base Coat: This is crucial for protecting your natural nails and providing a smooth surface for the Sharpies to adhere to. Use two layers for extra protection. A peel-off base coat can be useful for quicker removal.
• Your Sharpie Markers: Choose your favorite colors and point sizes. Fine-tip markers are best for detailed designs, while standard-tip markers are suitable for filling larger areas.
• Top Coat: A clear top coat is necessary to seal in your Sharpie design and prevent it from smudging or fading. Look for a quick-drying formula for the best results. Two coats are preferable.
• Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol): This is useful for correcting mistakes.
• Cotton Swabs or Small Brush: For applying rubbing alcohol precisely.
• Lint-Free Wipes or Cotton Pads: To clean your nails and the surrounding skin.
• Cuticle Oil: To moisturize your cuticles after the process.
• Nail Polish Remover: For removing the entire manicure when you are finished.
• Paper Towels or old cloths: To protect your workspace from ink.
• Hand Lotion: To moisturize and care for your hands.
• Optional Nail Art Tools: If you are planning a more intricate design, have toothpicks, dotting tools, or other craft supplies available.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpie Nail Art

Now that you have all your supplies, let’s get started! Follow these detailed steps to achieve beautiful and unique Sharpie nail art:

1. Prepare Your Nails: Start with clean, dry nails. Remove any old nail polish, trim your nails if needed, and gently push back your cuticles. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and ensure that your nails are clean, and free of oil. Apply hand lotion to your hands, but avoid putting any lotion on your nail plates.
2. Apply Base Coat: Apply a generous layer of clear base coat to all of your nails. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Apply a second coat of basecoat for best protection, and wait for it to dry completely. This is your protective barrier, so patience is key.
3. Start Designing: Once your base coat is completely dry, take your Sharpie markers and begin drawing your design on your nails. Use light strokes to build up color intensity. Don’t worry if your initial lines are shaky or imperfect, you can refine them later. Be creative and try different patterns, such as dots, stripes, geometric shapes, or intricate floral patterns.
• For Beginners: If you’re new to nail art, start with simple designs such as stripes, dots, or simple geometric shapes.
• Layering: If you want to layer your colors, allow each color to dry completely before adding another. This prevents colors from bleeding into each other.
• Mistakes: Don’t worry about mistakes! You can correct them.
4. Correcting Mistakes: If you make a mistake, don’t panic! Dip a cotton swab or small brush into rubbing alcohol, and gently dab the error. The alcohol will dissolve the sharpie ink, allowing you to clean up the area and start again. Be very gentle and use a very small amount of alcohol to avoid damaging the base coat. Allow that area to dry completely before adding more sharpie.
5. Allow to Dry Completely: Once you are satisfied with your design, allow the sharpie ink to dry completely. Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes. This is crucial to prevent smudging when applying the top coat.
6. Apply Top Coat: Gently apply a layer of quick-drying top coat to seal in your design. Avoid using too much pressure. Let the first coat dry completely and apply a second coat to help keep it sealed. This is the most important step in making your design last. Be careful to apply gentle strokes and not to disturb the sharpie underneath.
7. Clean Up: After your top coat is dry, use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any excess polish around your nails. Apply cuticle oil to moisturize your cuticles.
8. Admire Your Work: Once everything is completely dry, admire your unique and artistic sharpie nail art.

Design Ideas and Inspiration

Need some ideas to get your creative juices flowing? Here are a few design suggestions:

• Geometric Patterns: Use a ruler or striping tape to create straight lines, triangles, squares, and other geometric shapes.
• Polka Dots: Use a dotting tool or the tip of a toothpick to create evenly spaced dots in various colors.
• Floral Designs: Draw simple flowers, leaves, or vines for a delicate and feminine look.
• Abstract Designs: Let your creativity run wild and create random lines, swirls, and shapes for a modern and artistic design.
• Animal Prints: Try leopard print, zebra print, or even turtle shell patterns.
• Ombre: Color your nail with several shades of one color, creating a smooth, shaded transition.
• Galaxy Nails: Create a miniature galaxy using a dark base coat and white, blue, purple, and pink sharpie to create stars and nebulas.
• Tribal Patterns: Use black and white sharpie to create bold tribal and aztec inspired patterns.
• Simple lines: Use fine tip sharpies to create simple lines and geometric patterns.
• Seasonal Themes: Try snowflakes for the winter, pumpkins for fall, or patriotic designs for holidays.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the best possible results:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Practice on paper first to get comfortable with your design.
• Use Fine-Tip Markers: Fine-tip markers are ideal for creating intricate details and thin lines.
• Work in Layers: Apply the ink in thin layers and let them dry completely before adding more. This will prevent smudging and ensure vibrant colors.
• Choose Quality Markers: Use a good quality brand of markers for consistent color application. Avoid markers that have dried out or do not apply consistently.
• Be Patient: Don’t rush the process. Allow the base coat, ink, and top coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
• Protect Your Work Surface: Place paper towels or old cloths down to protect your workspace from ink.
• Use a Light Hand: Apply the sharpie ink with gentle strokes to avoid damaging the base coat.
• Test Colors: Test your sharpie colors on paper or a spare base-coated nail to make sure they will look the way you expect. Some colors may appear slightly different over a nail than they appear on paper.

Removal

When you’re ready to change your design, you’ll need to remove the entire manicure. Regular nail polish remover will do the trick. However, you can use a peel off base coat underneath the base coat to make the process much faster. Here’s how to do it:

• Soak a Cotton Pad: Saturate a cotton pad with nail polish remover.
• Press and Hold: Press the cotton pad onto your nail and hold it for about 10-15 seconds.
• Gently Wipe: Gently wipe away the polish and sharpie. You may need to repeat this process several times, especially if you’re using a thicker or darker design.
• Wash Your Hands: After removing all of the polish, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Moisturize: Apply hand lotion and cuticle oil to hydrate your hands.

Final Thoughts

Sharpie nail art is a fun, creative, and inexpensive way to express your personal style. With a little practice and patience, you can create stunning designs that are sure to turn heads. Remember to always prioritize safety by using a protective base coat, working in a well-ventilated area, and being mindful of the potential risks. So, grab your Sharpies and get ready to unleash your inner artist! Happy crafting!