Professional nail salons make a decent amount of money correcting mistakes customers make while getting their nails done. It’s so common, that there’s no reason for anyone to feel bad about their lack of nail art. The good news is that all these souvenir nails fail to create attractive viral photos for the online community to share.
These funny nail fails can also serve as cautionary tales for readers considering their own nail art journey, as well as those researching how to start a nail business with any nail salon franchises you can open.
What Causes Viral Nail Polish Failure?
Just a cursory glance at some of the following nail fails is enough to make anyone wonder, “How did that happen?” What exactly makes viral nail polish fail? Is it enough to be a bad nail polish design, or does it take something worse? A true viral nail polish failure will boast the following features:
- Sloppy polish – What could be worse than going to an important business meeting, wearing ultra-professional clothes while showing off a less-than-stellar manicure?
- Lack of grooming – Why pay for expensive nail art when you show off hairy toes?
- Improper nail preparation – Many newbies try to paint new nail polish over old, faded, or chipped nail polish when a nail technician knows that nails should be clean and free of oil and dead skin.
- Failed to clip – Long nails can be beautiful, but they can reach the point where the attractiveness turns ugly, so trimming the nails is very important to avoid nail failure.
- Strong nails – Nothing screams, “nail fail” like a set of broken, peeling nails. Avoid dry and brittle nails by not biting them and eating foods high in iron.
The Best Ever Failed
Are you looking for some of the best nails that fail? You won’t know if they are funny or scary when you see these brutal manicure and pedicure designs, but at least you will smile.
1. Snowman
It was a great idea, but the execution of this nail art was not up to par. At least the manicurist got the color right, and you can still make out the snowman if you turn your head the right way.
2. Nail Polish Remover Won’t Help
Sometimes nail failure is so scary that the only solution is to use nail polish remover and start over. We sure hope this subtle marble design wasn’t the work of a professional nail artist.
3. The Gradient
This manicure customer heads to the nail salon envisioning a sleek and trendy nail art design. Little did they know that their nail artist didn’t have the same motivation.
4. Caviar
Caviar beads are a popular decoration for modern nail art, but using them in a professional quality design is easier said than done. Of course, this newbie manicurist got that challenge too late…
5. Black Polish (or White Polish)
Layering black polish with white polish creates amazing nail art that gets noticed. However, like many other endeavors, the devil is in the details. Without strong hands, your inspiration may be another failed nail, like this example.
6. Acrylic Nail Fails
Please, tell us that these acrylic nails fail were not done by a professional nail artist! To avoid major nail failure, make sure you do your homework before applying your own acrylic nails.
7. Polka dots
The nail artist who polished these pretty fingers did a great job on the base coat and glitter, but the polka dots were painted on in a storm of bright green and blue. Avoid the same nail art failure by making sure the polish cures properly.
8. Nail Polish on Cuticles
If you have weak hands, you can expect bad nail failure when you try to polish your nails. This novice nail artist had a hard time applying nail polish to her fingers.
Nail Art Fail
Nail art designs can be fun for fashionistas who want to make a statement, but they’re usually not something to try at home. To avoid embarrassing nail art failures, find a trusted professional and don’t hesitate to look at samples of the artist’s work.
9. Gel Nail Polish Fails
Gel polish can help create a beautiful manicure, but it’s important to let it dry completely and not use too much. Many times, people give themselves a home manicure with gel nail polish and the results look like this nail fails.
10. Pieces of the Puzzle
Puzzle nail art design has been all the rage in recent years, but the intricate details of the presentation can pose significant challenges for the nail polishers themselves. This nail art may be best reserved for a professional.
11. Accent Nail
Who doesn’t love a bright nail to accent their soap? This nail failure is wrong for many reasons, not leaving out a sloppy tone that looks like a bottle of polish has been spilled on it.
12. The houndstooth
It takes skill and knowledge to adequately apply the hound head design with nail polish. The concept of this nail art design was fun enough, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
13. Extreme nail art
This bride obviously loves her acrylics, but someone should tell her about having too many beautiful things. This nail art design would look even better if she trimmed some of that excess nail.
14. Hairy toes
If you’re going to take the time to carefully paint your nails, you might consider shaving your toenails. The light blue nail polish on this nail fails to create a good image, but the overall effect is disturbing.
15. Extra Long Nails
Yes! Is it Halloween, or does this woman really need to trim her nails? If you want to avoid looking like Freddy Krueger, make sure you have the right tools and keep your nails neat.
16. Creepy Nail Art
We think it was intentional, though this nail failure looks like someone has met a nail biter named Mahlathi. At first glance, the nail artist expertly prepared the nails to resemble a Swiss Army knife, but it sure takes a second to figure that out in this fun design!
Tips for Successful ‘Encryption’
That was a terrible nail failure! On the bright side, whether you’re polishing your nails at home or getting services at a professional nail salon, a few simple tips will help you ensure fingernail presentation:
- Keep it natural – Remember, like your makeup choices, your nail polish designs should be simple, elegant and natural in a professional setting.
- Use quality brushes – To achieve salon-worthy results when you polish your nails, invest in quality nail polish brushes. Try better brushes, and watch your nail art improve.
- Moisturize your nails – By moisturizing and softening your nails and nail beds, you help prevent your nails from breaking and improve the appearance of your cuticles.
- Avoid rough emery boards – Old emery boards can be harsh on nails, causing damage that can lead to cracked and broken nails. Try to use nail files with a smooth, fine texture, and file slowly and evenly in one area to minimize breakage.
- Don’t bite your nails – You’ve probably heard this before, but picking and biting your nails and cuticles can lead to damage and even infection of your nail bed, leading to a bad example of nail failure.
Photo: Depositphotos
