Nail Tutorial: Simple Triangles!

by Kaylah Stroup

I have a simple, but really cute nail tutorial for you today! I just figured it out the other day and have been completely obsessed ever since. I’ve got so many color combos swirling around in my head!

You will need // Two colors of nail polish, plus a top coat, scissors and scotch tape.
Step 1 // Paint your nails one solid color and let dry completely. It is extremely important that they aren’t even remotely tacky.
Step 2 // Rip off ten pieces of scotch tape (one for each nail) and then cut those in half so you have twenty total strips.
Step 3 // Apply one strip of tape crossways, make sure to press down firm.
Step 4 // Apply a second strip of tape across the opposite way.
Step 5 // Paint the tip of your nail, which shouldn’t be taped, in the other color.
Step 6 // Peel off tape & wait for it all to dry!

Some tips:
• Don’t try to use packing tape, it won’t work and you’ll just end up getting mad (experience taught me this one!)
• It is a necessity to wait for each coat to dry before adding another, or applying tape!
• Peel tape off ASAP,  the quicker the better because even if your base coat is completely dry it still might peel if you leave the tape on too long.
• Adding a top coat will blend the two layers so there isn’t a step up to the triangle.
• If you’d like to do the triangle in lighter color than the base coat then try adding a coat of white to the triangle area first.

Have fun! Leave a link in the comments in you decide to blog about your pretty nails after trying the tutorial, I’d love to see!!
xoxo!

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95 comments

Jacqueline July 28, 2011 - 2:44 pm

These are so cute Kaylah! I love your nail tutorials because you write them so well, they're never confusing.
Love and Turtledoves,
Jacqueline

I BLEED PINK July 28, 2011 - 2:48 pm

How fun!!

Angel Szafranko July 28, 2011 - 2:48 pm

Awesome. In fact, I was just searching triangle nail art tutorials, like an hour ago! I was thinking of trying them out next week, so thank you! I never thought of using tape. Now I have a whole bunch of designs I want to try out.

Jessica July 28, 2011 - 2:49 pm

Great idea, thanks for the tutorial!

The Headless Mannequin July 28, 2011 - 2:50 pm

Such a fun look..looking forward to giving it a whirl.thanks for sharing 🙂

http://www.theheadlessmannequin.blogspot.com

Amy and Anthony July 28, 2011 - 2:51 pm

I am going to try this on Saturday! It looks very easy! I'd like to see how you do the polka dots too- I tried before and it was a disaster. Thank you for the inspiration & direction!

CrystaL* July 28, 2011 - 2:58 pm

I need that green!!! I have been looking for this colour everywhere but for the drug store. Silly me.
I think that will be my afternoon treat, a little bikeride to pick up some nail polish!
Thanks for sharing your triangle secret!
Much Love,
Crystal

Kelly July 28, 2011 - 3:04 pm

I don't like a lot of nail art, but I do think I'll try this one!

Thanks for the tip, I'll post a link when I give it a whirl.

Kelly
http://fashionorfiction.blogspot.com/

Beetlebailey July 28, 2011 - 3:14 pm

Perfect timing! I too have been nail obsessed lately.

angelaspangela July 28, 2011 - 3:17 pm

They make a polish that you can paint onto your skin around your nail bed, or on top of other polish without damaging it, so that you can make precise lines for things like this and french manicures and stuff. I forget what it's called, but it might be easier than using tape!

Very cute though. I'll definitely have to try this!

The Dainty Squid July 28, 2011 - 3:26 pm

Angelaspangela, tape IS easy, and I guarantee much cheaper. 😉

marci July 28, 2011 - 3:27 pm

Awesome idea!

Cas July 28, 2011 - 3:28 pm

Love this tutorial!!! I might have to try this one… it is so cute!!! Sea Marie

anita July 28, 2011 - 3:30 pm

OOoooLAlaa. Love! Must try 🙂

FeeMail July 28, 2011 - 3:59 pm

I love it and had to try it immediately :): http://feeistmeinname.blogspot.com/2011/07/die-achtziger-sind-zuruck.html
Great idea! Love from Germany, Fee

Hannah July 28, 2011 - 3:59 pm

I LOVE this!!! Will be doing this when I get home tonight! I wish I had more awesome nail polish colors. The combo you chose is lovely.

pushups with polish July 28, 2011 - 4:01 pm

this is awesome! can't wait to try it 🙂 OBSESSED WITH NAIL POLISH lol

The Dainty Squid July 28, 2011 - 4:02 pm

Fee, those are gorgeous! What a great color combo!!
😀

FeeMail July 28, 2011 - 4:09 pm

Thank you :)!

Van July 28, 2011 - 4:24 pm

so cute this colors! i did something like that a few days ago… but with purple and turquoise. 😉

Little Fever July 28, 2011 - 5:03 pm

Ahhhhh, adorable! Love the colors too!

Look Pretty July 28, 2011 - 5:12 pm

Yup. Coolest thing I've seen all day.

Thanks!

LittleDanielle. July 28, 2011 - 5:18 pm

WHoa! So cute! You should totally try doing that multiple times with differant colours!

dena miller July 28, 2011 - 5:21 pm

Very cool!!!! Great job too!
I love posting nail related stuff on my blog also. check it out…my most recent has been an obsession with the color pink and glitter.
Visit here http://www.theenchantingworldofmiladyleela.blogspot.com

The Dainty Squid July 28, 2011 - 5:21 pm

LittleDanielle, already on my to-do list! 😉

cb July 28, 2011 - 5:24 pm

i love this idea! i will have to try this as my current nail polish is chipped! i am gonna try my favorite combo right now, mint & yellow 😮

xo,
cb

marysza July 28, 2011 - 5:27 pm

cute and easy. love it as always 🙂

Krista Eitsert July 28, 2011 - 5:31 pm

love it!

Tiffany July 28, 2011 - 5:39 pm

That's totally my favorite brand of nail polish (for the cheap stuff) and my two favorite colors! I'm going to have to try the triangles now. Thanks!

Mandi July 28, 2011 - 5:48 pm

Adorable! My bestest sent me a message to look at your blog as soon as she saw it. We are officially having a nail polish party tomorrow.

miss teacups. July 28, 2011 - 5:48 pm

this looks so cute! i love the colours you've chosen. i'm imagining a really cute yellow and coral, wouldn't that be great?

i'm not sure if you read my blog, but i posted an awesome tutorial (well, a link to one) about water marbled nails. they look SO awesome and i think you'd really like to try it out, since you love nail art too!! if you do try them, be sure to post photos!!

Ammie @ So Very Picturesque July 28, 2011 - 5:49 pm

Awww that's so cute! And I LOVE these colours – definitely trying this next time I paint my nails 🙂

Ammie
x
(sorry for the double post – got over excited and forgot how to spell!)

Tsuki aka LittleGrayFox July 28, 2011 - 6:17 pm

this is such a great idea! I love your colors, too!

sécia July 28, 2011 - 7:32 pm

Awesome tutorial. And so easy!

♥ sécia
http://www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

Ruzu July 28, 2011 - 7:42 pm

nice idea 😀 i like the color choise

Katie July 28, 2011 - 8:35 pm

so cute, love the color combination 🙂

Sarah July 28, 2011 - 9:05 pm

Insta Dry is my FAVORITE nail polish. <3 I love the brushes!!

:)Sarah
theweavingcat.blogspot.com

lazy explorers July 28, 2011 - 9:15 pm

This is sooo cute! I am definitely going to try this!

Xo Chloe.
http://lazyexplorers.blogspot.com/

Trees July 28, 2011 - 9:32 pm

I noticed that you had triangles on your nails and wondered how you had done it! Thanks – I think I'm going to try this now 😀

Kacie @ A Collection of Passions July 28, 2011 - 9:54 pm

That looks fun! I'm going to give a try!

Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com/

*MaRLeNe* July 28, 2011 - 10:49 pm

super cute, can't wait to try it 🙂

▲my• July 28, 2011 - 11:05 pm

This looks like SO MUCH FUN.
I'll admit, I am NOT a nail polish person. I don't know why, it may be after going to a dance school that wouldn't allow my wearing it for so many years. Anyway, I'm finally getting back into the habit of wearing nail polish, and I'm am definitely going to be trying this 🙂

Katie July 28, 2011 - 11:17 pm

I've been getting so bored with my regular old nail polish. this should spice things up a bit!

Deer Donna July 29, 2011 - 12:05 am

yaaay, i have never done nail art at all, but i am sitting here right now with the first colour on my nails and will post results soon 😀 XOX

Danielleorama July 29, 2011 - 12:40 am

Love those colors!, I've only used scotch tape for french manicures and hearts. I love hearts! it's just hard to get them all the right size so I usually only do 1 or 2 nails 🙂

I will definitely try triangles soon!

Sara Bee July 29, 2011 - 2:02 am

I love, love the idea of this. Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely try it again when I have more time to focus (I attempted it in a hurry and ended up smearing off two triangles). I may even end up using it in my blog as well since it is so darn cute and easy. I'll let you know! 🙂

Lisa July 29, 2011 - 2:09 am

Ok, you have GOT to stop having the cutest nails ever! I love this. I definitely want to try it in the near future when I am not so lazy with my nails, haha. Love it!

<3 Lisa
http://www.sheworeflowers.com/blog

Danielle V. July 29, 2011 - 2:18 am

Ooh! These are lovely 🙂 I'll have to try! So many color combos…

Best,
Danielle
loveandlookpretty.blogspot.com

Trees July 29, 2011 - 3:03 am
Iris July 29, 2011 - 3:32 am

I have a friend that talks about your blog all the time, and today I was skimming through and I adore everything you post. I tried this today with some pretty pastels, and I absolutely adore it. I'm already thinking of ways to mix it up for next time. c: Thanks for the inspiration.

Rebecca July 29, 2011 - 4:38 am

Ahh I tried it and my nails are adorable! Thanks for showing me this!! Check 'em out!!

http://bekamonsterhair.blogspot.com/

Rebecca July 29, 2011 - 4:50 am

I probably should have put the link to the actual post.. =____= My bad…

http://bekamonsterhair.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-triangular-nails-p.html

haha! 😀

Kelsey July 29, 2011 - 5:34 am

One trick with the tape… Before you press the sticky side to your nail, first press the tape on your skin a couple of times. That way it will still stick to your nail but it's not too crazy sticky to where it pulls off your polish.

Deer Donna July 29, 2011 - 7:54 am

http://deerdonna.blogspot.com/2011/07/nail-triangles-via-dainty-squid.html i did it too!!! i tried pink and red!! looks so cute xox

Angie July 29, 2011 - 8:43 am

Eee, I am SO gonna try this!!! I love, love, LOVE nail polish and nail art. THANK YOU, MISS!!!

danielle July 29, 2011 - 12:10 pm

Brilliant! I love this idea!

Mattos July 29, 2011 - 1:31 pm

Just saw this on a friends blog as something she wants to try, now I want to too, very cool.

Daphinitly July 29, 2011 - 2:38 pm

This idea is so neat! I love it! I don't often wear nailpolish, but I have to try this! Thanks for this awesome tutorial!

Janine van Staden July 29, 2011 - 5:24 pm

Oh I love it, I can't wait to try it. If it's okay, I featured you on my blog today. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out: http://ninablacksheep.blogspot.com/2011/07/friday-reads-to-love_29.html

becki July 29, 2011 - 8:08 pm

Here's a link to mine > http://thornbetweentworoses.tumblr.com/post/8226400164/my-snazzy-nails-for-a-tutorial-click-here Went a bit wrong but okay for a first timer!Thanks for the tutorial and love the blog 🙂

Hi I'm Liz! July 29, 2011 - 8:56 pm

omg! why didn't I think of that!?!?

Jill July 29, 2011 - 9:31 pm

Awesome tutorial. I just tried the half moons using stationary reinforcements. I am definitely going to try out this look this weekend. I also re-posted to my blog (with full credits and links of course!).

~Jill <3
http://stuffjillloves.blogspot.com/

Lindsay @ Delighted Momma July 29, 2011 - 11:10 pm

This is so so awesome!! Love it. Cant wait to try! I do kind of suck at painting my own nails but thats what nail polish remover is for 😉

Lindsay @ Delighted Momma July 29, 2011 - 11:10 pm

Oh and I have been lurking around and your blog rocks rocks rocks

Angie July 30, 2011 - 3:12 am
Kristin July 30, 2011 - 4:52 pm

These are so awesome! Can't wait to try. I love fancy nails!!!

Zoë July 30, 2011 - 6:32 pm

I just tried it (and blogged about it)! So awesome. I'm going to do this with so many colours!

http://zoefalk.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/nail-art-triangles-via-dainty-squid/

hellotampon July 30, 2011 - 8:58 pm

Very cool! I have both of those colors already but as i type I'm thinking of all the other possibilities!

ashleyisabelle July 31, 2011 - 3:41 am

I saw these on your post a couple days ago and wondered how you did them. I'm gonna have to try this next time I paint my nails!

No Whey Dude July 31, 2011 - 1:29 pm

I just did a similar design for my nails, and throughout all my mistakes and mishaps i learned that electrical tape works much better at clinging to the nail without removing the bottom layer of polish, and also, without letting any of the other color seep through.
xoxoBreyell

this was my first attempt, and it was at 1am when we were leaving for cedar point at 5 am. excuse the messiness.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1449770140866&set=a.1398967390829.42001.1731628349&type=1&theater

effie redmond July 31, 2011 - 6:26 pm

super cute tutorial! thanks 🙂
blogged about it here :

http://effieisalittlefox.blogspot.com/2011/07/so-yesterday-while-looking-around-on.html

Amoniel August 1, 2011 - 5:12 pm

I tried this out yesterday with black and glitter nail polish 🙂 I feel hipster, I don't know why.
(BTW, I'm not really sure if the glitter was such a great idea, it kinda makes the black triangles flake off and look messy.)

haleyashton August 2, 2011 - 1:42 am

I loved this tutorial, and everyone loves my nails!
I've posted it on my blog for other people to see.

Here's my nails if you wanted to check them out. (:
http://h-ash.tumblr.com/post/8365014034

caroline alice August 2, 2011 - 5:22 pm

Hello Dainty! wow this tutorials awesome! I'm defo trying this tonight (girly night in!) I'm usually crap with nail related things but this looks kinda easy!xcx http://alfieandme.blogspot.com

Lou August 2, 2011 - 10:38 pm

This is such a great look. I'm not sure if I have a steady enough hand….

http://thekeypieces.blogspot.com

Hanna August 3, 2011 - 11:02 pm

Oh I love it! so going to try, and the colours you used are beautiful!

Ainsley August 4, 2011 - 4:22 am

added and posted on my latest link love! i can't wait to try it out 😀

doverpeak August 5, 2011 - 12:16 am

Awesome tutorial! I did something a little different. It didn't come out exactly how I would have liked but I'm sure it's a trial and error sort of thing. Thanks again!

blogged about it here:
http://doverpeak.blogspot.com/2011/08/keep-on-spending-sunny-days-this-way.html

DJ Kittie August 6, 2011 - 6:59 pm

I just did my nails with OPI Wanted…Red or Alive & Color Impact Pink Sparkle. AMAZING tutorial!

You can find the nails on my Wall Photos through my Facebook:/thiskittieisadj.

Santina August 10, 2011 - 3:35 pm

Thanks so much for the tutorial! I tried out my own version and blogged about it today: http://stylebysantina.blogspot.com/2011/08/nail-inspiration-triangles.html

Stef / Diversions August 13, 2011 - 10:38 pm

Awesome tut – I've tried this a few times before but stupidly using masking tape. Thanks for setting me right 🙂

I did some stripes using your method: Photo on my tumblr I'll post more photos on my blog on Monday.

I've only recently gotten into nail polish but I am swiftly getting rather addicted. How do you store your polishes?

Natixvx September 6, 2011 - 7:14 pm

Aww so cute, thanks Kylah!

Sarah Anne September 12, 2011 - 12:18 am

well….i don't have a blog to post my attempt in, so here's a link to the picture i posted on facebook…
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.162539381491.117781.738971491&l=07efa0f8b5&type=1
i used the sally hansen nail strips and then painted over them with a lilac cover. this is the most involved thing i've ever done with my nails, and i think it turned out fairly well for a first try.

sarah anne

ajgazmen September 25, 2011 - 4:30 am
Stormie Dae October 3, 2011 - 9:06 pm

I have nail envy:) Mine are definitely not as fantastic as yours but I'll give it a go again sometime soon – thanks for all the pretty nail tutorials!
http://www.maydae.com/fashion/epic-nail-fail/

Cosmia October 4, 2011 - 7:56 pm

I tried this and it's definitely not as good as yours! That's due to my own lack of skills though 🙂

My attempt here:

http://inflammatoryknit.blogspot.com/2011/10/incompetent-manicure.html

Crystal October 6, 2011 - 7:54 pm

I gave it a go today! It's a bit sloppy, but I only have one hand, so it was tricky. Gotta practice! ^__^ http://crystalhwll.tumblr.com/post/11108893872/279-365-i-did-my-nails-all-fancy-today

[OKAY BONES] October 9, 2011 - 8:06 am

Lovely! Cosmia over at Inflammatory Knit did a diag style and said you were her inspiration for it.. had to check it out, thanks for the idea, they look great! also, I finally found Revlon's scented polish and got the raspberry on your reccommendation, I haven't used it yet, But I am excited! 😀

nails dryer January 5, 2012 - 12:02 pm

Cute!I love it!

NatureIsFlowers March 31, 2012 - 5:39 am

This was so cute I made my nails like this right away. Cute Idea 🙂

Menachérie June 13, 2012 - 3:08 am

Too cute! I featured a similar tutorial earlier this week…I love the tape technique. (:

http://www.menacherieblog.com/

Yuc November 5, 2012 - 5:16 pm

J'adore!!!! Super tes explications!!!

Jake Hyet June 29, 2015 - 2:53 pm

On reading this post we can came to conclude that nail polish art is a simple ways to express creativity.

Nail Polish Designs

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