If you’ve been keeping up with the nail art world, you have noticed a rise in the popularity of the grunge stoner aesthetic. This is not necessarily surprising when we consider that the internet has recently fallen in love with anything ‘vintage,’ ‘grungy,’ and ‘soggy.’ Some might find it strange to combine these two seemingly-disconnected aesthetics, but just like everything else, it all comes down to execution. This guide will help you get started on your grunge stoner aesthetic nails journey.
Contents
What is a Grunge Stoner Aesthetic?
First, we must understand the difference between grunge and a stoner aesthetic. Since these two terms are often used interchangeably, it can be confusing for those new to this type of Design. The only thing these two aesthetics have in common is their color palette. The color scheme for ‘grunge’ is a mixture of pastel nuances of green, blue, and beige, while the ‘stoner’ version is predominantly green with beige and blue as secondary colors.
The ‘grunge’ aesthetic is a sub-category of the ‘stoner’ look, characterized by dark, muddy coloring. ‘Grunge,’ on the other hand, features faded, muted, and sometimes patchy. The defining feature of this Design is the contrast between light and dark elements, which is often achieved with layering and shading.
Materials You’ll Need
- Nail polish remover: To remove the old nail polish from your manicure and create a clean surface for applying new layers.
- Cotton balls or swabs: For cleaning up the nail bed and removing the nail polish from the skin around your nails.
- Nail polish remover and cotton balls are used to clean the nail and nail bed.
- Nail filer: To create the desired length and shape to shape your nails.
- Tweezers: For easy and precise application of rhinestones, studs, and other nail art accessories.
- Paint Brush: For the more straightforward application of nail art brushes.
- Nail Stickers: For a more effortless and faster manicure, especially if you are not very experienced in creating intricate designs.
- Top Coat: For a durable and glossy finish.
- Nail polish remover is used to clean the nails and the skin around the nails. – Nail filer is used for the nails to cut them to the desired length. – Tweezers are used to place rhinestones, studs, and other nail art accessories.
Base Coats and Colors
The first step is to apply 3-4 white or light green base coats, creating a clean surface for the successive layers to adhere to. The light green is a no-brainer choice for a grunge stoner look, but white will also do a great job. If you choose to go with white, however, remember to add a drop of green to it. The next step is to create the ‘soggy’ look by applying a coat of dark green (almost black) nail polish over the base coat.
Be careful not to completely cover up the white base because you want to be able to see the contrast between the two colors. After allowing the dark green to dry completely, add another coat of white nail polish over the dark green. Repeat this process until you achieve the desired look. This process creates a subtle and muted contrast essential for a stoner look. To achieve a bolder difference between the two colors, use a thicker coat of each color.
Tip: Use Tape to Create Shading and Layering
This step is optional, but it is a beneficial technique for creating a dramatic effect and a more excellent contrast between the two colors. Using tape to create shading and layering will make the colors look more vibrant and bold. Plus, it is less messy than using nail polish. The first step is to apply three coats of white nail polish to create a clean surface for the successive layers to adhere to.
Once that layer dries, add a skinny layer of dark green nail polish on the entire nail except for the bottom third of the nail. The third layer is to add a thin coat of light green nail polish over the dark green nail polish where the green ends. Once you remove the tape, you will notice a clean and crisp distinction between the two colors.
The Stoner part of the Design
As we have mentioned before, the stoner part of the Design is characterized by dark, muddy coloring. The easiest way to achieve this look is by layering black and blue nail polish over the stoner colors you have already created. To achieve a bolder look, you can layer black nail polish over the stoner colors without taking off the previous coats. To accomplish a subtler look, you can use a thin coat of black nail polish over the stoner colors.
The Grunge part of the Design
The grunge part of the Design is characterized by a subtle and muted contrast between the light and dark elements. If you have followed the previous steps, you have created an excellent start for the grunge part of the Design. You need to deepen the contrast and add another layer of light green nail polish.
If you are going with the bolder contrast, you can add a thicker coat of light green nail polish to deepen the difference. Or, if you want a subtler look, use a thin coat of light green nail paint over the existing green nails.
Final Words
Overall, creating a grunge stoner nail art design is an enriching and fun experience. You can be as creative and innovative as you want and experiment with all the materials and colors available. There are no strict rules or guidelines about what you should use and how to create your nail art. Just make sure to create something you will be proud of that resonates with your personality and style.
