Glow in the Dark Nails

Creating Glow in the Dark Nails with Nail Polish, Acrylic Powder, and Dip Powder

Learn everything you need to know about making glow in the dark nails with glow powder.

Glow in the dark nail art is a hot trend and is relatively easy to create at home or a salon. All you need is good quality glow powder and your preferred application method.

In this article, we will discuss three different methods for creating glow-in-the-dark nails:

• Mixing Glow Powder with Nail Polish
• Making Glow Nails with Acrylic Powder
• Making Glow Nails with Dip Powder

Nail Preparation (for Acrylic and Dip Powder Methods)

Although optional, preparing your nails before applying acrylic or dip powder is helpful. You might need nail tools, a nail drill (medium to fine grit sandpaper recommended), nail tips (optional), a nail dehydrator, and a nail primer. Remove any dead tissue from around the cuticles. Use the nail drill or hand file to remove the natural shine on the nail (do not file too deep). Then apply nail tips and trim it to the desired length and shape (optional). Last, use a dehydrator and primer for the natural nail bed.

Mixing Glow Powder with Nail Polish

One of the most straightforward techniques for creating glow-in-the-dark nails involves adding glow powder to clear nail polish. Mix approximately 25% glow powder with your favorite clear nail polish (or a 1:4 ratio), stirring thoroughly with a mixing tool. Apply at least two layers to your nails, then finish with a topcoat for added durability and a more smooth surface.

To ensure your nails glow consistently, stir or shake the mixture of glow powder and nail polish often, as the powder settles quickly. This method is the easiest to make glow in the dark nail polish. 

Making Glow Nails with Acrylic Powder

This advanced technique provides a smoother finish with a brighter, more even glow on your glow-in-the-dark nails.

Materials Needed:

• Glow in the Dark Powder
• Clear Acrylic Powder
• Liquid Monomer
• Topcoat Sealer
• Lint-Free Wipes
• Rubbing Alcohol

Instructions:

1. Prepare your nails if needed, as discussed above.
2. Apply a clear acrylic powder base coat (optional). This step can make future fills and color changes easier. To change the color later, you can file down to the original acrylic layer and apply a new color without starting the whole process from scratch. Remember that acrylic is sensitive to temperature and may set faster in warmer environments. To apply the acrylic powder, dip the brush in monomer and ensure it's not too much or too little. Dip the brush entirely in the monomer and do one gentle stroke on the side of the cup on the way out. If there's too much monomer, the acrylic powder will run, and you won't control the bead. If there's too little, you'll end up with a chalky paste instead of a smooth liquid. Once the brush has the right amount of monomer, drag it along the top of the acrylic powder to create the perfect bead. Pro Tip: Keep the nail angled downward when applying the acrylic powder to help it flow evenly.
3. Mix the glow-in-the-dark powder with clear acrylic nail powder in a separate container. The recommended ratio is 25% glow powder to acrylic powder, but feel free to adjust it to your liking. Remember that a higher concentration of glow powder can enhance the brightness of the glow.
4. Apply the glow powder mixture using a brush dipped in the monomer.
5. For a more even and solid glow, you may repeat step 4 as needed. Applying extra layers will help achieve the desired effect.
6. Apply a small amount of clear acrylic powder to seal the colored layers (optional).
7. Shape your nails with a file or drill sander. Make sure the glow nails are dry.
8. Clean your nails with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free wipe to remove dust or debris.
9. Apply gel polish or gel art (optional).
10. Apply a final top coat.

Making Glow Nails with Dip Powder

This technique is easier than the acrylic build-up and provides an equally stunning glow nail finish.

Materials Needed:

• Glow in the Dark Powder
• Clear Acrylic Powder
• Glue or Press-On Acrylic Nails
• Dip Powder Nail Set (Base, Activator, Sealer)
• Lint-Free Wipes
• Rubbing Alcohol

Instructions:

1. Prepare your nails if needed, as discussed above.
2. Apply Nail Tips and Trim (Optional). If you use nail tips, trim them to your desired length and shape before applying acrylic to avoid chipping after application. Use a nail file to shape the nail tips and ensure they are smooth. Remove the ledge where the natural nail meets the tip with a nail file or drill for a seamless finish.
3. Apply the dehydrator to the natural nail bed.
4. Apply a clear acrylic powder base coat (optional). This step can make future fills and color changes easier. To change the color later, you can file down to the original acrylic layer and apply a new color without starting the whole process from scratch. Remember that acrylic is sensitive to temperature and may set faster in warmer environments.
5. Mix the glow powder and clear acrylic powder in a separate container. Use a 25% glow powder ratio to acrylic powder as a starting point, but adjust according to your preference. Remember, a higher concentration of glow powder will increase the brightness of the glow.
6. Dip the nail into the powder mix, keeping the nail straight up or down. When dipping the nail into the powder mix, it's essential to keep the nail at a 45-degree angle. This way, the powder can "fall" onto the nail instead of being forced onto it. Apply thin and even layers of the base coat to achieve a smooth application. For the first dip, apply the base coat to 3/4 of the nail and gradually move closer to the cuticle with each dip to avoid excess build-up toward the skin. Apply the base layer parallel to the nail to prevent the brushes from poking or indenting the powder. Use a soft, fluffy brush to remove excess powder after each dip and have the powder ready to go since the base dries quickly. Repeat the process at least two times for each nail to achieve stronger nails and a brighter and more even glow.
7. Apply a transparent dip powder layer once the glow-in-the-dark layers are done. Avoid contaminating the clear powder with colors from the glow-in-the-dark powder, and it's essential to use a clean brush and recycle the clear powder for this step. Instead of dipping the brush into the jar, you can use a small scoop or spoon to pour the clear powder over your glowing nails. It's helpful to place a bowl underneath your nail to catch the excess powder. Once applied, use a brush to remove any excess powder.
8. Apply sealer to each nail and wait until they are dry.
9. Start filing, shaping, and buffing your nails. Begin by focusing on the side walls, and then move on to shaping the cuticle and apex.
10. After finishing shaping and buffing your nails, use a lint-free wipe and rubbing alcohol to clean your nails and remove any remaining dust or debris. This step will ensure that your nails are clean and ready for the final stage of the process.
11. Apply an extra layer of sealer to ensure that the pigment is adequately protected and to create a smooth surface on the glow-in-the-dark nails.

Pro Tip: To pamper your nails even more, consider adding a nourishing cuticle oil as a final touch.