Red Nose Reindeer

This year I went a little more involved with my Christmas manicure. I knew I wanted to do a candy cane nail with green and red. I also knew I wanted to attempt a reindeer. I have never done a reindeer, but knew I could figure it out. I wanted to make it so that anyone would be able to do it. So I have put together a few picture diagrams and a few videos so that you can do this too. So let’s get started . . .

Step 1: Prep Nails

View my post on Nail Polish Prep.

Step 2: Paint Color onto Nails

Paint all of the nails, except the middle and ring fingers, with two coats of red polish. I used the Shellac color called, Wild Fire. Paint the middle and ring fingers with two coats of white polish. I used the Shellac color called, Cream Puff.

Gel Polish: Apply two coats of polish. Cure 2 minutes in the UV light, or 1 minute in an LED light.

Step 3: Stripes

Paint three thick red stripes onto the middle nail. Then, paint two thin green stripes. See the diagram and/or video below.

Note: When hand painting images on your nails use acrylic craft paints, not polish. You will get crisper lines and much more “pop” than you would with polish. Some polishes can sometimes dry almost transparent which makes the image hazy and you won’t get the wow factor you are going for.

Step 4: Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer

Rudolph has many steps, don’t get intimidated, I have broken it all down into simple steps. I have put together a little picture diagram to help you see how I do each area of the reindeer. I have also put together a video, if you prefer to see exactly how I did mine. 

Note: When hand painting images on your nails use acrylic craft paints, not polish. You will get crisper lines and much more “pop” than you would with polish. Some polishes can sometimes dry almost transparent which makes the image hazy and you won’t get the wow factor you are going for.

Step 5: Apply Final Top Coat

Now apply your top coat. Make sure the paint is completely dry before adding top coat to help avoid smearing.

Gel Polish: Apply top coat, only after paint is completely dry. Cure in UV light for 2 minutes, or 1 minute with an LED light.

Step 6: Allow to Dry and Apply Cuticle Oil

Gel Polish: Remove sticky residue on top of nails with a little alcohol or polish remover and apply cuticle oil.

Remove gel polish after 2-3 weeks, check out Gel Polish Removal for the quickest, easiest and best way to remove gels.