Snakeskin nails are the perfect blend of sexy and sophisticated—a bold look that turns heads and boosts confidence. Young Nails’ own Greg shared a simple yet stunning snakeskin nail design using only the ManiQ gel polish system. Despite its intricate appearance, this technique is beginner-friendly and works on both natural nails and acrylics, making it incredibly versatile.
Prep the Nails
Every great manicure starts with proper prep, and snakeskin nails are no exception. If you're applying gel polish to acrylic nails, use an arbor band on your electric file to create texture on the surface. This ensures the gel adheres properly—gel won’t stick to a smooth, shiny surface! Both acrylics and natural nails should be brushed with a clean, dry manicure brush to remove any dust and then cleansed with Swipe. Cleansing can be done by applying Swipe to a lint-free wipe and wiping the nail or to the manicure brush and gently scrubbing. Both natural and acrylic nails should get a generous layer of Protein Bond to create a sticky base for the gel.
Apply the Base Color
Once the Protein Bond is set, it’s time for color. If you're working with natural nails, apply a gel base coat first (not necessary for acrylics). Greg’s client chose four different gel polish colors for a multidimensional effect, but you can use one or more hues of your choice. The best colors contrast well with black—jewel tones are especially striking. Lighter colors pop, while darker shades create a more subtle effect.
Start by painting a thin stripe of color down the center of each nail, then cure under a UV light. Follow with a thin second coat to intensify the color and cure. Don’t worry about perfect lines—this design is very forgiving. Next, apply two coats of black gel polish on either side of the colorful stripe, curing between layers. This creates a three-stripe effect: black-color-black. Again, precision isn’t critical—the goal is full coverage.
Finish by applying a thin coat of ManiQ topcoat from cuticle to free edge and curing both hands.
Create the Snakeskin Effect
Now comes the magic. Apply a very thin coat of black gel polish over the entire nail—don’t cure it yet! You’ll see the base color subtly showing through the black layer. Using ManiQ topcoat, apply small, irregular dots from the cuticle to the free edge. As you do this, watch the black separate to expose the color underneath, creating the snakeskin pattern. Once satisfied with the design, cure the nails.
To lock in the look, apply a final topcoat and cure again.
Finish the Manicure
After curing, use ManiQ cleanse solution and a clean wipe to remove the dispersion layer. Finally, apply cuticle oil to nourish the nails. The result? Glossy, seductive snakeskin nails that feel bold, stylish, and a little dangerous—whether you're doing them on yourself or for a client.