As most of us know, the French Tip is a very iconic nail design and has been around for quite a long time. It's a very clean and sharp design that goes with any outfit. In one of my moments of inspiration (the inspiration being french tips), I thought hey, what happens if you use a chain instead of white polish for a french tip? So I went online and searched if anyone has done something similar, and sure enough Sammy from The Nailasaurus has done manicures with chains before. I don't recall seeing chain french tips, so I'm posting a tutorial on that (although the technique isn't much different).

PS: Be sure to check out Sammy's blog. I've been following her for a long time and she comes up with the most creative designs!

PSS: I did this manicure for my friend and she loved it! (those are her nails)

Step 1: What You Will Need

This Chain Manicure is very simple and very easy to do. You don't have to go out and buy chains, if you have an old necklace or bracelet that you no longer wear, you can simply recycle it in the form of nail art! Chains can be added to an old manicure to change things up! For a mellow manicure, pair the chain with a pastel polish. If you want an edgier rocker-chic look, then add chains to a dark, vampy polish.

My chain is gold, so I chose a black glass-flecked polish since black + gold is a classic pair.

Nail Polish:

Nail polish in the color of your choice {Essence Galactic Black}
Base Coat {OPI Natural Nail Base Coat} (optional)
Top Coat {OPI RapiDry}

Nail Tools:
Chains in the color of your choice
Tweezers (to pick the chain up)

Step 2: Measuring the Chain

Before you paint anything onto your nails, you have to measure the chain so that it fits perfectly on your nail. I've done this manicure countless times, and I know that my thumbnail's width is 6 chain loops (TIP: be sure to use a thin chain, otherwise it will not lay flat on your nail).

Once you've measured out the chain (remember the number of loops!), cut the chain with scissors, nail clippers, wire cutter etc. Just make sure that it's something you don't mind destroying. (depending on your chain, it may damage your cutting tool)

Something I've learnt: Close your eyes when you're cutting the chain, you DO NOT want to get hit in the face by the flying chain. Another option is to use a towel or cloth to cover your hands AND the chain when you're cutting it to prevent the cut chain from flying everywhere.

When you finished that, set the chain aside and move on to painting your nails.

Step 3: Painting the Nails

I prepped my nail with base coat and let it dry. Then I painted 2 coats of my black polish, let this dry, too.

After your color has dried, you can move onto the next step.

Step 4: Adding the Chain

To add your chain, paint your nail tips liberally with the top coat. Pick the chain up and, from one end of the nail, gently lay it down. Firmly but gently, press the chain into the top coat for a secure fit. Make sure no ends are poking out, or they'll snag on clothing (or you might start to pick at it.)

I personally don't find it necessary to add top coat after putting the chain on (since it makes the nail REALLY thick-looking), but if you don't mind the extra polish (and waiting time), you can do that for prolonged wear time.

That's it folks! This is also a really simple method of doing nail art as nearly no skill is required, and the results are outstanding and eye-catching! You can do a full manicure, or do a couple of accent nails like I did for my friend. The possibilities are endless, and that's what I love about this manicure.

Thanks for reading! :)