There was a time 3-dimensional nail art held a certain stigma of being too urban or artsy. But today the textured look is more popular than ever. From the runways to celebrities and Instagram creators, 3D manicures seem to be everywhere on everyone. Creating the look isn’t an easy feat. If you're going the DIY route, you need to have a skill set that borders professionalism and a steady hand. Even if you’re headed to the salon, things can be just as tricky. Sure, bringing pictures helps articulate your desired look, but what about the rest of the appointment? Ahead, we tapped two celebrity manicurists and 3D nail art enthusiasts for everything else you need to know about getting a 3D manicure.
Featured experts
- Brittney Boyce is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Nails of LA
- Iram Shelton is a celebrity nail artist
What to know before getting a 3D design
They're customizable
Experts say 3D designs offer a much more customized look than regular nail designs and have a more artistic look. “More often than not, they’re handcrafted and made specifically to fit your nails,” says Shelton. They are meant to be personable and long-lasting, so it’s important to take your time when deciding on the design and work with your nail tech to come up with something you like.
Your appointment will take some time
Handcrafted 3D designs take a while to create, so you should plan for extra time spent in the salon. Shelton explains that the exact time varies depending on how detailed your design is but that you should expect the appointment to be longer than one with new extensions and a polish change.
The cost will vary
Similar to the appointment time, the cost of 3D nail designs varies and depends mostly on the intricacy of the design. The notoriety of the salon and the artists themselves can also play a factor in the price. However, the pros agree that while there is a range, $200 is a common average for custom 3D art.
3D nail art looks to try
