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Nail art: hand-painted, made for you

Nail art is any design added on top of your color, from a simple French tip to hand-painted florals, chrome, cat-eye or ombre. At Nail Shadow, nail art is painted by hand, and you are welcome to bring inspiration photos. It can be added to manicures, gel, acrylic, dip powder, builder gel and Gel-X sets.

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Red holiday nail art with hand-painted details

What kinds of nail art can you get?

You can get anything from a quiet accent to a full set of detailed designs. Every design is hand-painted, so each set is shaped around your taste.

French and modern French: classic white tips, colored tips or tiny details along the smile line
Hand-painted designs: florals, dots, hearts, flames, seasonal and holiday art
Chrome: a mirror-like shine over your color
Cat-eye: a shimmering band of light that shifts as you move
Ombre: a soft fade from one shade into another
Matte top: a velvety, no-shine finish

For more on these finishes, see our guide to chrome, cat-eye and ombre nails.

Can you bring inspiration photos for nail art?

Yes, inspiration photos are welcome and they help a lot. Save a few pictures on your phone and show your technician before you start.

Your technician will talk through what will work on your nail length and shape, and may suggest small changes so the design suits your hands. If you are planning ahead for an event, our guide to bridal and wedding nails has more ideas.

Which nail services can you add art to?

Nail art can be added to most services on our menu. The base you choose affects how long the design lasts and how much room there is for detail.

Basic and gel manicures for short, natural nails
Acrylic nails for length and bold shapes like almond, coffin and stiletto
Gel-X, dip powder and builder gel sets
Pedicures, where a design or French finish ($8 and up) is a popular add-on

Gel-based services tend to hold detailed art well, since the design is sealed under a cured top coat.

How long does a nail art appointment take?

Simple accents add only a little time, while full sets of detailed, hand-painted designs take longer. The total depends on the base service, the number of nails with art and how intricate each design is.

If you have something detailed in mind, mention it when you book so your technician can plan enough time. Booking ahead is best for larger designs.

How do you make nail art last?

A few simple habits help your design stay crisp. Most chips and lifting come from everyday wear on the tips of the nails.

Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes
Apply cuticle oil daily to keep the skin around the nail soft
Avoid using your nails to open cans or peel labels
Come in for professional removal instead of picking at gel or acrylic

Where can you get nail art in Atlanta?

Hand-painted nail art is available at both of our salons, in Buckhead and Kennesaw. Every guest gets sterilized tools and fresh liners.

Bring your favorite photos and visit a Nail Shadow salon near you. Design add-ons start at $8, and your technician will walk you through options and the total before painting begins.

Questions, answered.

Is nail art painted by hand?

Yes. Nail art at Nail Shadow is hand-painted by licensed technicians, which means designs can be adjusted to your nail shape, length and color choices rather than following a fixed template.

Can I get nail art on short nails?

Yes. Short nails suit many designs, including dots, tiny florals, French tips and accent nails. Your technician may simplify a busy design so it still reads clearly on a smaller nail.

What is cat-eye nail polish?

Cat-eye is a gel polish with fine shimmer particles that are pulled into a band of light with a magnet before curing. The result is a glowing stripe that shifts as your hands move, similar to the look of a cat's eye.

Can I get nail art on just one or two nails?

Yes. Accent nails are a popular choice and a nice way to try a design without committing to a full set. Many guests pick one nail on each hand for art and keep the rest in a solid color.

Do I need to book ahead for nail art?

Booking ahead is best, especially for detailed designs. Let the salon know what you have in mind so enough time is set aside for your appointment.