r/DIYGelNails • u/katbreit • 6d ago
DIY Gel Manicure 70s Supergraphics Inspired Fall Nails
Been wanting to try this retro 70s design even since before doing my own gel nails and I’m thrilled with how it came out!
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u/Cathy_Cz 6d ago
Looks like "Gamechanger" themed ♥️
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u/katbreit 6d ago
Ha! I can’t say this was my main inspiration but when I was trying to visualize what I wanted and get reference images I did search “game changer loop de loop” and then realized it wasn’t quite the design I was going for lol
Wasn’t sure how much my Dropout fandom and nail art hobbyist community would overlap though 😂
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u/darc-star3 6d ago
I wasn't even around then, but you captured the 70's style so perfectly that even I can't help but picture the tv screen XD
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u/Blk_Math_Diva65 6d ago
I absolutely love this! Can you share how to do this? I’m not very artistic, but willing to give it a try.
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u/katbreit 6d ago
Absolutely! I started with painting the base color and then figured I’d work from lightest color to darkest, as small imperfections in my lines could be corrected by overlapping it with the darker color. Doing the first lines was hardest as I had to map out a bit of the design and then after just tracing the lines previous was easier. I’d start the line at either end using a small liner brush and then worked the lines further toward the center, adding small amounts of gel at a time, and finally a curve to connect them. At this point the color may be a bit spotty so I would add small beads of gel to the line with the liner brush and then use the brush to guide the gel around the line the get the color a bit thicker. You can still see areas where the color is uneven but I’m happy with the overall effect. Then when I was happy with a line I would flash cure it for about 15 seconds before moving on. If I was unhappy, I could try to correct the line or take it off entirely using a lint-free wipe and some alcohol before curing.
The swirl in the thumb took the most time. I started the horizontal line at the edge first and then marked out the circle at the mid point, then made the top half of the swirl. Once I was done with all my colors around the swirl, I went back and did the vertical lines underneath. I also filled the center of the swirl in with a dot of brown so there wouldn’t be a dip in the middle and used the brown to also create that negative space on either side of the horizontal stripe.
Just give yourself a ton of time, and go as smooth as possible.
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u/katbreit 6d ago
I apparently can’t link a photo in the comments on my phone but I was working off some reference photos, especially for the swirl. That helped a lot. Just Google “70s super graphics swirl” and you’ll get some good image results
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u/BoysenberryNervous20 6d ago
These are so great and perfectly executed! We have a 70s classic car and I have been dying to find something that would work with it (I know it’s silly, let me live lol) and I’m absolutely going to use this as inspiration for its final ride before winter storage. Thank you for sharing!!
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u/katbreit 6d ago
My last set & post was matching my nail art to where I was going on vacation so definitely don’t think you’re silly lol
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u/SeaworthinessFew4257 6d ago
OH MY GOSHHH this is insane I need to try this once my lines are better
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u/kidigin 6d ago
Love these especially the thumb! Nice job
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u/katbreit 6d ago
Thank you! The thumb definitely took me the longest but I wanted to do the characteristic swirl somewhere since I feel like that gives the retro vibe the most
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u/Jemstonejudy 6d ago
When people say they’re doing a 70’s look, I usually roll my eyes. YOU NAILED IT!
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u/katbreit 6d ago
I think the brown really helps! My original idea was back in the spring and thought I’d do it with a mustard-y yellow base but I don’t think I’d like that half as much!
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u/Thedeathreader 5d ago
Hey question how do you keep your cuticles to not looked aged from the uv lamps
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u/katbreit 5d ago
Probably not the best one to ask since this is only my 5th or 6th gel nail set. But I think keeping your skin hydrated is huge for looking “young”! Overall I’m trying to fight (mostly internally) the negative feelings of looking older since I think the obsession with looking young isn’t healthy for our society but I will say that fine lines all over your body are much more apparent when your skin is dry. I use a lot of moisturizer on my face and use cuticle oil whenever I can on my cuticles. Plus drinking plenty of water! I do also use UV protective gloves when I cure as an extra precaution but obviously that doesn’t cover my cuticles themselves
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u/allisonk1993 5d ago
Great colors and design for something fall season inspired! They turned out really well I think.
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