A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Shattered-Glass Nails at Home

Before you start, I like to prep all of my materials. I cut up all of my pieces of paper into shard shapes and spread out my items on a dark surface so I can see them all clearly. When it comes to the shards, create various sizes and shapes — it looks better if the pieces aren't the same size, so no need to be a perfectionist.

To make your shattered glass design stand out but catch the light, I like to paint on a pale pink base. I chose Sinful Colors First in Line Base Coat (£5) to apply first, and then added a thin layer of Nails Inc Lilly Road (£7.50, originally £14) on top. If you are using a gel polish, cure as needed.

Using nail glue — the brush-on kind is best to avoid getting glue outside of the nail bed — apply a small amount to the areas you want the shattered glass paper to stick, and then begin placing the shards on top of your nail.

I like to do pointed edges on opposing sides to give it the shattered look. Keep adding the pieces until you are happy with the design — the key is to have no two nails looking the same. Pro tip: do one nail at a time to ensure the glue doesn't dry before all your pieces are stuck down.

Once you've stuck all the paper on your nails, apply a thin layer of top-coat polish (my favourite is Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat, £9). Sometimes I apply two coats to ensure the paper is stuck down to avoid chips. If using gels, cure as needed.

Finally, admire your DIY handiwork. These are ones I made earlier using false nails to give some extra length.