A good manicure is one of the easiest ways to step up your personal style. In fact, nail art can speak volumes for you without you even needing to open your mouth. Love a good french tip? You’re likely a fan of more classic, understated trends. Are Kawaii designs more of your jam? You’re the trendsetter in your friend group, aren’t you? There are so many options to choose from, and they’ve likely all filtered onto your “For You” page at one point or another. Still, we’re almost certain that there’s a new form of nail art that you’ve never come across: nail tattoos.
Yes, you read that correctly. Nail tattoos are having a moment, and they look just as wild as you’d expect. “Yes, people can get tattoos on their nails just like they can on their skin,” tattoo artist Syd Smith tells PS. “It can add an extra level of creativity and personalization to your nails.” The process is very similar to getting a regular design on your skin. So, if you’re just as curious about how this works as we are, ahead, Smith breaks down everything you should know about nail tattoos, including the pain level to expect and who is (and isn’t) a good candidate to get them.
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Syd Smith is a tattoo artist based in Arizona and Pennsylvania.
What Are Nail Tattoos?
Tattoos can be done virtually anywhere on your body, including your nails. “Just like with polish, the ink is not permanent and does not touch the skin underneath the nail,” Smith says.
Similar to swapping out your nail polish art, you can simply file off a nail tattoo if you no longer want it, but they can also have some longevity. “Nail tattoos can last for a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how well you take care of your nails and the type of ink used,” Smith says. “The tattooed design will grow out naturally as your nail lengthens.”
Your next question is likely whether or not nail tattoos hurt. The answer depends on who you’re speaking to. “Nail tattooing is generally painless or very minimally painful,” Smith says. “For me, I’d rate it a one or a gentle two out of five if I’m tattooing myself. Still, pain is subjective and differs from person to person, which is true for all tattoos.”
Who is the Best Candidates For Tattoo Nail Art?
As fun as they are, nail tattoos aren’t for everyone. “The best candidates are people who have relatively ‘healthy’ nails,” Smith says. “If someone has brittle, thin nails, the tattoo is going to hurt more and their nail beds may overheat.”
There isn’t any aftercare associated with nail tattoos, so there’s no downtime and you don’t have to avoid any of your regular activities. “Nail tattoos are great for those who love experimenting with beauty and are looking for a fun and temporary way to express themselves creatively,” Smith says. “It’s low commitment, more affordable than a permanent tattoo, and less painful — a great option for anyone who wants to add a little flair to their nails without committing to a permanent design.”
Contemplating your own nail tattoo? Keep reading to see a few of our favorites.
