If your client has ever wanted nails that make her feel like a rock star, this is the look to try. Pierced nails are a way to try out extra charms and jewelry without the pain of a real ear or belly button piercing. Plus, it’s an extra upgrade you can add to your menu! Find out what you’ll need to try it out.
To create the tiny hole, you can use an electric file and bits made especially for this purpose, or a hand-held drill. The drill bits may either look like a normal (but much thinner) bit, or have a ball-shaped cutting edge at the end. Flimsy natural nails are not always a good choice for piercing, unless the free edge is incredibly strong and stable. You can pierce any type of nail enhancement, as long as you adhere the product to the natural nail completely and evenly. Leave at least 1/8-inch of space around the piercing’s hole.
For posted charms (like post earrings), make sure the charm fits snugly on the nail. Bend it if necessary to follow the curve of the nail. Make sure the post is not too long – make sure it screws on, and then cut the excess with a wire cutter.
Keep polish over the whole thin. Once you’ve finished polishing the nail and it has dried, use the drill to open the hole back up again. Make sure the nut on the back of the nail is tight, and consider encapsulating it with top coat to prevent it from catching on things.
[Images: Brooks Ayola]
