Washi Tape Nails: Decorate Nails With Washi Tape for a Festive Look

Tools and materials:

• Washi tape
• Scissors
• Nail glue
• Tweezers
• Nail file
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton wool

What is washi tape?

Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape similar to masking tape and is made from traditional Japanese paper.

1. Cut the tape

Start by cutting a piece of washi tape that is the length you would like it to be for your first fake nail. You want to fold the washi tape in half when you cut it so that there are two layers of tape. Then, cut the tape where it is folded over so that you will be left with two pieces.

2. Trim the tape

Hold both of the cut-out pieces together and proceed to trim the tape in the corners to make them curved. This is so that the tape will better fit your nail.

3. Stick the washi tape onto the nail

Remove the back of the tape and stick it onto your finger, pressing down firmly.

4. Apply glue

Next, take some nail glue and squeeze it on top of the washi nail.

5. Add on a second layer

To make the nails thicker and more durable, take your other cut out from before, remove the backing, stick it on top of your other nail and press it down.

6. Apply more glue

Once done, apply another layer of nail glue. This time, place the glue both on the front side of the washi nail and on the part of the exposed back side. 

7. Shape the nails

As the glue is drying, use some tweezers to help shape and curve the nail to make it look more nail shaped. Hold the tweezers in place for the duration of the dry time.

8. File the nails

The next step is to file the top and sides of the nails.

9. Apply clear nail polish

Lastly, apply clear nail polish to finish off your look.

How to remove washi tape nails

1. Trim the nails

To take the nails off, start by cutting the top part of the nail that is higher than your actual nail.

2. Apply nail polish remover

Then, take some nail polish remover, dab it on some cotton wool and press the cotton wool onto your nails. This will help to break down and remove all of the nail glue that you’ve applied.

3. Take the nails off

The washi tape nail will then easily come off your nails. You can then give your nails another little wipe with the cotton wool to just make sure that all the glue has come off.

4. File your nails

I would also advise filing your nails to help remove any of the glue residue.

Washi tape nails tutorial

I hope you enjoyed this washi tape nails DIY. You can either just apply the washi tape to one nail like I did and apply nail polish to all of your other nails, or you can put the washi tape on all of your nails.

Washi tape nail art is so unique and different and creates a beautiful finished look that is perfect for Christmas!

Let me know what you think of this tutorial in the comments below.