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Celebrity manicurist Temeka Jackson (@customtnails1) shares how to recreate the nail set for rapper and singer Saweetie that is currently on display in the GRAMMY Museum’s “Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit,” celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop.
How-To:
Step 1: Apply one coat of gel polish. Cure 30 seconds in an LED light or 2 minutes in an UV light. Apply your second coat. Cure 30 seconds or 2 minutes. Apply one coat of no-wipe topcoat. Cure 60 secs. With your nail file, etch only the places on the nail where you are going to apply your bling and charms.
Step 2: Now you are ready to start creating your bling/charm arrangement. Apply your nail glue in small sections only on the etched areas, one nail at a time. Place charm pieces first or large bling pieces first. This will help you center how your arrangement will start. Like a puzzle, begin to add smaller pieces that fit and look nice. Remember: add glue and apply charm/bling. Now you are ready to apply glue dry spray to freeze everything in place.
Step 3: With a small detail brush, add hard gel around big pieces and small pieces. Cure for 60 seconds in a LED Light or 2 minutes in a UV light.
Step 4: Apply non-wipe top coat only on the nail around the charms and bling. Do not apply any top coat on the charms or bling.
Step 5: If you want to add a little drama, pierce the nail: At the free edge, though not too close to the edge, with a small, narrow, piercing bit, drill two holes with a small space next to each other. With nail pliers or old nippers, add jump rings and or The Editorial Nail bamboo hoops. If you add jump rings, make sure to add a little nail glue at the opening, glue dry spray and you’re done! If you are adding bamboo hoops, open the hoop, like an earring, enter the hole and close shut.
Now, you are a picture ready with your glamorous Icy Saweetie nails.
About the Author:
Temeka Jackson (@customtnails1) is a celebrity manicurist and business owner with 20 years of experience in the industry.