10 Galaxy Nail Designs for Top Manicure Game

Published on 10 July 2023 8 min read

Isn't it amazing how a little bit of creativity and paint can turn our nails into a canvas that mirrors the beauty of the universe? Galaxy nail designs are a trendy manicure option that lets you carry a piece of the cosmos at your fingertips, literally. They're a fabulous way to elevate your nail game and express your unique style. Let's dive into our step-by-step guide on creating 10 out-of-this-world galaxy nail designs!

1. Pick Your Palette

The first thing you need to do is to select the color palette for your galaxy nail designs. Remember, our galaxy is a wondrous blend of colors — from cool blues and purples to fiery reds and oranges, sprinkled with white stars. So, your palette should reflect this cosmic diversity. Here's how:

Start with dark shades: Black or dark blue make a perfect base that mimics the deep space.
Add some bright hues: Think purples, pinks, blues, and even greens. These colors will create the galaxy swirls.
Don't forget the stars: White is essential for dotting stars across your galaxy.
Playing with metallics: A touch of silver or gold can add an extra sparkle to your designs, like a shooting star across the night sky.

As you pick your palette, try not to go overboard. Stick to 4-5 colors for a clean, standout look. And remember, there's no right or wrong here. It's your galaxy, you pick the colors!

2. Apply Your Base Coat

Your base coat is like the foundation of your house — it's what keeps everything else in place. It also protects your nails from staining, especially if you're using darker shades for your galaxy nail designs. Here's how to apply your base coat:

Start with clean, dry nails: Any oil or dirt can interfere with the polish's adherence. You can use nail polish remover or wash your hands with soap to clean your nails.
Apply a thin layer of base coat: Start from the base of your nail and brush towards the tip. Ensure the entire nail surface is covered.
Let it dry: This might take a few minutes. Patience is key here! You want to ensure your base coat is completely dry before moving to the next step.

Pro tip: Don't skip the base coat, even if you're in a rush. It's a small step that makes a big difference in the longevity and quality of your galaxy nail designs.

3. Create the Galaxy Effect

Now that your base coat is dry and ready, it's time to dive into the fun part — creating the galaxy effect. Remember, no two galaxies are alike, so feel free to put your own spin on it. Here's a simple way to get started:

Choose your colors: You'll need at least 3-4 colors to create depth in your galaxy. Think about the night sky - dark blues, purples, blacks, and even some lighter colors for contrast.
Apply your colors: Start with a dark color as your base. Then sponge on your other colors, one at a time, blending as you go along. The idea is to create a sort of nebula effect on your nails.
Blend, blend, blend: Use a small piece of sponge to gently dab and blend your colors together. The key is to make it look like a seamless transition from one color to the next.

Creating galaxy nail designs can be a bit messy, but don't worry - you can clean up any polish on your skin with a bit of nail polish remover. And remember - the beauty of galaxy nail designs is in their uniqueness and variation, so don't be afraid to get creative with your color placement!

4. Add the Stars

Here comes the most magical part of galaxy nail designs—adding the stars. They are the details that transform your manicure from pretty color swirls into a nighttime sky. Let's figure out how to give your nails that star-studded touch:

Choose your star medium: You can create stars using white nail polish, nail pens, or even glitter. Each method gives a different effect, so choose what aligns with your vision.
Add the stars: If using nail polish or a pen, you can create tiny dots for distant stars and larger ones for closer stars. Remember, stars in a galaxy are scattered randomly, so don't worry about perfect placement. For glitter, you can lightly dust it over the still wet polish.
Make it twinkle: Want to add a little extra sparkle? Consider adding a few rhinestones to represent twinkling stars. Just be sure to apply them while your polish is still a bit tacky to ensure they stick.

Remember, the stars are what make your galaxy nail designs truly shine. So, even though it might take a steady hand and a little patience, it's worth it for the final, stellar result. Ready to move on? Let's head to the next step: experimenting with colors.

5. Experiment with Colors

Color plays a significant role in galaxy nail designs. It's what gives your miniature galaxies their unique identity. But how do you decide which colors to use? Let's dive in:

Consider your base: The color of your base coat will affect all other colors you layer on top. A black base coat will give your galaxy a darker, more nighttime feel. A white or light-colored base will result in a brighter, more nebula-like effect.
Choose your palette: Traditional galaxy nail designs often use a mix of blues, purples, and pinks. However, don't let tradition limit you. Feel free to mix in greens, oranges, or even metallics. Just remember, you want to create contrast between the colors to bring out the galaxy effect.
Apply your colors: Use a makeup sponge to dab on your colors. Start with the lightest color first and build up to the darkest. This will help create the depth and dimension we see in real galaxies.

When it comes to galaxy nail designs, the color combinations are as vast as the universe itself. So why not have a little fun and experiment? After all, the beauty of a galaxy is in its diversity. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite color combo in the process.

6. Try Different Designs

While galaxy nail designs are stunning on their own, they also serve as a great backdrop for other nail art elements. It's like having a little universe at your fingertips, and you're the master of its design. Here are a few ways to add a twist to your cosmic manicure:

Star Constellations: What's a galaxy without its constellations? Use a thin brush or a dotting tool to create your favorite constellations on your nails. Orion, Cassiopeia, or even your zodiac sign — the night sky is the limit!
Galactic Glitter: For an extra sparkle, consider adding a layer of glitter polish over your galaxy. It's a simple addition that can make your designs look even more magical.
Alien Life: For those with a knack for detail, why not add some cute alien or spaceship designs? It's a playful way to bring a bit of sci-fi charm to your galaxy nails.

Remember, your galaxy nail designs are a reflection of your creativity. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and try different things. After all, the universe is filled with endless possibilities, so why shouldn't your nails be, too?

7. Use Quality Products

Just like a star-studded sky, your galaxy nail designs deserve the best quality. Using top-notch products can make a huge difference in the final result. Here are a few things you should consider:

High Pigment Nail Polish: For the galaxy effect to stand out, you need colors that are vibrant and opaque. Brands like OPI, Essie, and China Glaze are known for their high pigment polishes.
Long-lasting Top Coat: To ensure your galactic artwork stays put for as long as possible, invest in a good top coat. Seche Vite and Sally Hansen offer some of the best in the market.
Quality Tools: From brushes to sponges, the tools you use can affect how your design turns out. Make sure they are in good condition and clean before you start your galaxy nail art.

Remember, quality products not only make your nails look better, but they also protect them. Your nails are a canvas for your galaxy designs — treat them with care!

8. Practice Your Technique

Creating galaxy nail designs can be a bit tricky, but don't worry! With a little practice, you'll soon nail it. Here are some tips to help you master the technique:

Start Small: If you're new to nail art, consider practicing on a single nail before you go all-out intergalactic on all ten fingers. This way, you can get a feel for the process and learn from any mistakes.
Experiment with Different Brushes: Different brushes can create different effects. A fan brush, for example, is great for blending colors, while a dotting tool can be used to add stars to your galaxy.
Be Patient: Good things take time, and this is particularly true for galaxy nail designs. Allow each layer of polish to dry completely before moving on to the next. This will prevent smudging and ensure your design looks its best.

Remember, practice makes perfect. So, keep going even if your first few attempts aren't exactly out of this world. Before long, you'll be creating galaxy nail designs that are truly stellar!

9. Get Creative

One of the best things about galaxy nail designs is that no two galaxies are the same. This means that you're free to let your creativity shine as bright as a supernova! Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Play with Shapes: Who says galaxies have to be round? Try creating a spiral galaxy or an elliptical galaxy. You could even create a galaxy in the shape of your favorite constellation!
Add Some Glitter: Glitter can add a magical, sparkling effect to your galaxy nail designs. Use it sparingly for a subtle shimmer, or go all out for a dazzling, star-studded look.
Try a Negative Space Design: This is where you leave part of your nail bare, allowing your natural nail color to become part of the design. It can add a unique and modern twist to your galaxy design.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to creativity. So, don't be afraid to try something new. After all, the universe is full of endless possibilities, and so are your galaxy nail designs!

10. Seal Your Design

Now that you've created your stellar galaxy nail designs, you want to make sure they last as long as possible, right? That's where the final step comes in: sealing your design.

Sealing your design is as easy as applying a top coat, but it's a step that shouldn't be skipped. Here's why:

Protection: A top coat protects your nails from everyday wear and tear, helping your galaxy nail designs to stay intact longer.
Shine: Want your nails to have that salon-finish shine? A top coat can give you that! It adds a glossy finish that enhances the look of your galaxy design.
Quick Drying: Did you know some top coats can help your nail polish dry faster? That’s right! So, if you're someone who can't sit still, a quick-dry top coat might be your new best friend.

And there you have it! With these ten steps, you're well on your way to creating mesmerizing galaxy nail designs. Remember, it's all about practice and creativity. So, grab your nail polishes and start exploring the universe on your fingertips!

If you're inspired by these galaxy nail designs and want to level up your manicure game even further, don't miss Rachael Mangal's workshop, 'Affordable DIY Abstract Nail Art Tutorial.' This workshop offers easy-to-follow, budget-friendly techniques for creating stunning abstract nail art at home. Get ready to impress everyone with your incredible nail skills!