Assortment of artificial nails with airbrush designs.
Airbrushing is used to create freehand artwork on things like clothing, walls, and even fingernails. To create an airbrush manicure, a nail technician uses an airbrush machine to produce small artistic designs on the nails. Commonly called “nail art,” venting is an art form that not all manicurists know how to do, but almost anyone can learn.
An airbrush manicure can be used on the nails.
Not all licensed nail technicians can do an airbrush manicure. Whether or not they can depends on their training and level of artistic and technical ability. While most airbrush manicures are found in salons, there are special do-it-yourself kits that anyone can buy and use at home. Plain enamel or water-based paint is the type of medium used with these kits. In addition to the touch-up part, nail technicians can add embellishments like tiny crystals and use pens to create nail art.
Nail art supplies can be purchased online or at beauty supply stores. These retailers often sell decals, stencils, crystals, nail art pens, and airbrush manicure kits. You should only use an airbrush kit made specifically for use on nails, as these kits are smaller and can accommodate a bottle of nail polish.
After the client chooses the type of nail art they want, the nail technician will usually place a small template over the nail to be touched up. The technician then loads the airbrush with your chosen nail polish color. Templates can be purchased pre-made, or the technician can make their own using items like tape or thick paper.
When the stencil is secure, the technician carefully sprays nail polish over the stencil and onto the nail. Since he can only wear one color of nail polish at a time, he does the same design on each nail before changing colors. The manicurist then waits for the nail polish to dry before applying a layer of nail polish that protects the manicure from the airbrush and makes the nail shiny and strong.
An airbrush manicure can work for natural, acrylic, or gel nails. Designs can last up to three weeks if the wearer takes care of her nails and applies a clear top coat every few days. The edges of the nails are usually the first to wear down. Water can cause nail polish to peel off over time, and scratching your nails against objects can damage your airbrushed design.