10 Polka Dot Nail Ideas, From Tiny to Bold
Polka dot nail ideas: micro dots, black and white dots, red dots, gold dots, dotted French tips and pastel dots, plus how to make perfect dots at home.
The palette
Polka dots are the easiest nail art to do at home. All you need is a dotting tool, a bobby pin or the end of a brush.
These ten designs go from barely-there micro dots to bold, retro spots.
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1. Micro Dots
Tiny white dots on a sheer nude.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with white dots
- Salon level
- Easy
Would you wear this?
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2. Black and White
Black dots on milky white. Very retro.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- White with black dots
- Salon level
- Easy
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3. Red Dots
Red dots on a creamy base.
- Shape
- Squoval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Cream with red dots
- Salon level
- Easy
-
Read next10 Abstract Nail Art Ideas That Look Like Little Paintings
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4. Gold Dots
Small gold dots on a nude base.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with gold dots
- Salon level
- Easy
-
5. Dotted French
A row of dots instead of a tip line.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with white dots
- Salon level
- Moderate
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6. Pastel Dots
Pastel dots on milky white.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Milky with pastels
- Salon level
- Easy
-
7. Navy and White
White dots on navy. A sailor classic.
- Shape
- Square
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Navy with white dots
- Salon level
- Easy
-
8. One Dot Each
One single dot near the cuticle.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Nude with one dot
- Salon level
- Easy
-
9. Pink and Red Dots
Pink base with red dots. Sweet and bold.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Pink with red dots
- Salon level
- Easy
-
10. Dot Accent
Plain red nails with one dotted accent.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Red with dotted accent
- Salon level
- Easy
Dots are the best place to start if you are new to nail art. Try micro dots on two nails first, then build up.
For more easy designs, see minimalist nail designs and heart nail designs.
Your questions, answered
What can I use instead of a dotting tool?
A bobby pin, a toothpick, the end of a makeup brush or a ballpoint pen with no ink all work.
How do I make dots the same size?
Dip the tool in fresh polish for each dot. As the polish dries, the dots get smaller.
Should I use top coat on dot nails?
Yes, but let the dots dry first. Use a light touch so the top coat does not smudge them.
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