Achieving Stunning Black And Silver Glitter Nails

Glitter nails are having a major moment right now. The sparkly, eye-catching look is perfect for making a statement. If you love edgy nail art, then black and silver glitter nails are for you.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: black and silver glitter nails create a bold, glamorous look that’s perfect for parties, events, or anytime you want to spice up your manicure. Use black glitter polish as a base, then add silver glitter on accent nails for extra pop.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get striking black and silver glitter nails, from the best polishes to use to application tips and top coat recommendations.

Choosing the Right Black and Silver Glitter Polishes

Black glitter polish

When choosing a black glitter nail polish, it’s important to find one that provides good coverage and has different sized glitter particles for dimension. Look for polishes labeled as “black glitter” or “black shade with glitter” rather than just plain black polish, which likely won’t have as much sparkle.

Some top brands for black glitter polish include OPI, Essie, and China Glaze which offer creatively named shades like “Onyx in the Afternoon,” “Wicked,” and “Gothic Gala.” Go for a micro- or multi-sized glitter for the most interest.

Silver glitter polish

For silver glitter nails, look for polishes that contain light gray, silver, or even iridescent shimmer particles. The glitter will really pop against the darker black base color. Again, brands like OPI and Essie have stellar silver glitter shade options like “Lights of Emerald City” and “No Place Like Chrome” with eye-catching glitter mixes.

China Glaze also makes a gorgeous one called “Ruby Pumps” that contains red glitter flecks in silver – so cool! Aim for variable glitter shapes and sizes.

Consider nail polish brands

When selecting black and silver glitter polishes, keep nail polish brand in mind. Salon quality brands like OPI, Essie, and China Glaze are always a safe bet for getting opaque, dimensional glitter in on-trend colors.

Drugstore Finds like Sinful Colors and Wet n Wild also offer good glitter polishes at lower price points. Overall, reading online reviews can help identify beloved glitter shades before purchasing. With the right black and silver glitter polishes, you’ll achieve stunning shimmery nail looks!

Nail Prep for Glitter Polishes

File and shape nails

Prepping your nails is a crucial first step for achieving stunning glitter nails that will dazzle and shine. Start by filing and shaping your nails into your desired length and shape. Use a fine grit nail file in long strokes going in one direction to smooth and shape the edges of each nail.

File gently to avoid weakening the nails. File the nail edges into a rounded or squared shape based on your personal preference. Smooth any rough edges and use a nail buffer block afterwards to refine the surface. Properly shaped nails will help the glitter polish adhere evenly and smoothly.

Use a dehydrator

After filing and buffing, be sure to thoroughly dehydrate the nails. This removes any oil and moisture from the nail plate so the glitter polish and base coat will bond properly. Apply a nail dehydrator liquid or wipe each nail with acetone-based nail polish remover using a lint-free pad.

Allow the nails to air dry completely until there is no residue left on the nails. Dehydrated nails appear matte rather than shiny. This simple dehydrating step helps glitter polish glide on smoothly and evenly for a professional salon-like manicure.

Apply a base coat

Base coat is a must for any manicure, but especially when using glitter polishes. Apply a thin, even layer of base coat to each nail and allow it to dry fully. Base coat fills in any ridges on the nails and creates a smooth canvas for polish.

More importantly, it prevents staining of the natural nails that can be caused by pigmented glitter particles. It also helps the glitter polish adhere properly to the nail. Let the base coat dry for 2-3 minutes before applying glitter polish.

Using a good quality base coat ensures your glitter manicure will last without chipping or peeling. For maximum wear, apply two thin coats of base coat and let dry in between.

Proper nail prep with filing, dehydrating and base coat application is time well spent when doing glitter nails. These simple steps help the glitter polish glide on evenly for show-stopping nails. Following these prep steps allows the glitter polish to fully adhere for long-lasting nails that dazzle with shimmer and shine.

Applying the Polishes

Paint on the black glitter polish

Start by applying a base coat to prep and protect your nails. Once dry, apply two thin coats of black glitter nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. Black glitter polish provides an edgy and dramatic background for your silver accent nails.

Choose a polish with different sized flecks of glitter to add depth and dimension. Go with a quick-drying formula, so you don’t have to wait long between coats. For the smoothest finish, use thin and even strokes when painting on the polish.

Add silver accent nails

After the black glitter polish has dried, paint two accent nails on each hand with a shiny silver polish. Silver will beautifully complement the dark background. Focus the silver on your ring fingers for symmetry and balance. You can also add silver to your middle or index fingers if you prefer.

Apply two or three thin coats of silver, allowing drying time between each one, for super shiny metallic nails. Make sure to seal the edges around your cuticles for a neat look.

Finish with a fast-drying top coat

The final step is to seal your stunning black and silver design with a fast-drying top coat. This will help smooth any bumps from the glitter polish and make the manicure last longer. Apply a thin, even layer over all your nails and let it dry completely.

A quick-drying top coat will help set the polish and prevent chipping. Your glittery black and silver nails are complete! Flaunt your edgy manicure with pride. People will be mesmerized by the sparkly, high-contrast design.

Caring for Black and Silver Glitter Nails

Avoid chipping

Glitter nail polish, while fun and eye-catching, can be prone to chipping and peeling more quickly than creme polishes. Here are some tips to help your black and silver glitter manicure last longer:

• Use a base coat under your glitter polish. This helps the glitter adhere better to your nails.
• Apply a top coat over the glitter polish to help seal it in. Reapply top coat every other day.
• Avoid using your nails as tools (i.e. opening soda cans) as this can cause chips and cracks.
• Be gentle with your nails. Avoid picking, peeling or scraping the polish.
• Consider getting a gel manicure, which is more durable than regular polish.

Remove glitter polish properly

Glitter nail polish can be tricky to remove. Here are some tips for easy, damage-free removal:

• Use pure acetone nail polish remover. Non-acetone removers may not break down glitter polish effectively.
• Soak cotton balls in remover and hold on each nail for 30-60 seconds before swiping. This helps break down the polish.
• Gently roll the cotton ball off the nail rather than swiping hard. This reduces pressure on the nail.
• Use foil method – wrap nails in remover-soaked cotton then aluminum foil. Let sit 10 minutes then remove.
• Consider buying a peel-off glitter polish base coat. This dissolves in remover for easy polish removal.
• Use cuticle oil after removing polish to rehydrate nails and cuticles.

Take occasional nail polish breaks

While glitter nails are fun, giving your nails an occasional break can help them stay healthy. Here are some tips:

• Take 1-2 days per week off from polish. Let your nails breathe!
• Use a strengthening treatment 1-2 times per month. Look for products with calcium, biotin, or keratin.
• Massage cuticle oil into bare nails and cuticles to nourish them.
• Consider taking 1-2 weeks off polish every 2-3 months. This allows nails to fully rehydrate.

With some TLC, you can enjoy stunning black and silver glitter nails while still keeping your nails healthy and strong!

Conclusion

With the right polishes and techniques, you can easily achieve striking black and silver glitter nails. For lots of sparkle and shine that makes a statement, this edgy nail art look can’t be beat. So be bold, go glam, and enjoy your glittery new manicure!

Now that you know how to get salon-worthy black and silver glitter nails at home, it’s time to try out this on-trend look. Dazzle everyone with your sparkling accent nails at your next event or girls’ night out!