The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023, Katy Pottle, explores how the magic of colour theory can elevate your nail art designs…
No matter what stage you are at on your nail journey, understanding how to play with colours can take your nail styles to the next level. Do you remember learning about the colour wheel in art class? Well, it’s time to put that knowledge to good use! The colour wheel is an essential tool for stunning nail art creation.
The colour wheel consists of three primary colours: red, blue and yellow. By mixing these primary colours, you can create secondary colours: orange, green and purple. By further mixing primary and secondary colours, you create tertiary colours – and unlock a new colour palette of possibilities.
A geometric nail design created using primary colours.
How do you choose suitable colours for your nail art? You need to consider colour harmony. Understanding this is essential for creating nail designs that are pleasing to the eye. There are several techniques to achieve this in your creations, such as:
Complementary colours
These are colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. Pairing complementary colours creates contrast and adds visual interest to your nail designs. Try using complementary colours to create bold and striking nail art that commands attention.
A floral nail style in secondary colours.
Analogous colours
Located next to each other on the colour wheel, examples of these colours are red, orange and yellow. These hues create a harmonious and cohesive look when used together, flowing seamlessly from one colour to the next – perfect for an ombré nail design.
Triadic colours
These are three colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel, forming a triangle. For example: red, yellow and blue or yellow-green, red-orange and blue-violet. Triadic colours create vibrant and dynamic nail art that pops. Use these colour combinations to make a statement with your nail designs.
A retro-style design created using tertiary colours.
So, there you have it: the basic understanding of colour theory, showing that the possibilities for your nail art are endless. Go and unleash your creativity, and let your imagination run wild.
Katy P x
Read Katy Pottle’s Scratch column series in our digital magazine editions, or purchase a print subscription or copies.