Holographic nail polish is an eye-catching special effect trend that began in the mid Y2K era and continues to remain popular today. Many nail fanatics look to try new innovative manicures, but like to know more about them and how they apply before undertaking the challenge. What are holographic nail polishes made of? How do they work? What is the best way to make it look good? Here are the answers.
What is holographic nail polish?
Holographic nail polish isn’t too different from regular nail polish. They are the same, except that holographic nail polishes have a pigment, such as Spectraflair, added to them. Spectraflair is a pigment made of aluminium and magnesium fluoride, and diffracts light through bending waves, which gives it it's holographic properties. It is used not just in nail polish, but also in dyes. Spectraflair and other holographic pigments come in many varieties and can be bought on their own as well.
Sapphire blue holographic nail polish with linear flare (above): Lucid Lala Land Nail Polish by SuperChic Lacquer
Holographic polishes come in different varieties, too. Some are called scattered polishes, because the particles in it make a spread-out rainbow that isn’t uniform. More intense and coveted are linear holographic nail polishes, which diffract the light in a way that creates a uniform-flared spectrum or linear rainbow. Different holographic polishes also have glitter flakes of various sizes. There is something for everyone's preference and taste.
White silver holographic nail polish with scattered rainbow effect (above): Fairylight Nail Polish by SuperChic Lacquer
Another option from holographic nail polish is simply layering dry holographic powder, known as burnishing onto the nails. This creates an optimal flared lightwave look is achieved by using a spectraflair alternative powder on top of an existing coat of polish. The options seem literally endless!
How does holographic polish work?
Holographic nails can be very difficult to get right, depending on which method you use. The pigment can easily gray-out base colors or lack luster. But when done successfully, they look incredibly dazzling. There are several methods for a holographic manicure.
First, there are pre-made nail polishes that contain holographic pigments or glitters. These are simple to use - apply them to your nails as you would any other air-dry polish after base coat application. Then apply a high gloss top coat. Holographic gel polish will require curing under a UV or LED light.
Holographic powders are a bit more difficult to use, but here are the steps for those willing to undertake the challenge.
- Apply a base coat then a plain color. Any color works, but beginners may want to consider white or silver, which makes gaps and mistakes less noticeable.
- Apply a burnish air-dry or *gel base coat. This allows the powder to stick.
- Dab the powder on with a clean fingertip, makeup or paint brush, from the cuticle forward.
- Brush off the extra powder gently once it has dried. A delicate eyeshadow brush is best for this step.
- Apply a layer of non-dulling high gloss air-dry top coat.
- *Cure the nails for 30-60 seconds under a UV/LED light (for gel only)
There is endless potential for designs, colors, and accessorizing with holographic nails. With practice and patience, anyone can learn to make gorgeous, vibrant manicures at home.