Adding crystals to your nails is a great way to bring extra sparkle to your look—and there's no better option than Swarovski. Known for their unbeatable brilliance and flawless finish, Swarovski nail art crystals are a favourite among nail artists and beauty professionals.
Image Credit: nails4you
If you're wondering how to apply Swarovski crystals to nails, you've come to the right place. Whether you're new to nail art or looking to improve your technique, this guide will take you through everything you need to know, from the tools you'll need to the best way to apply nail art rhinestones.
Why Choose Swarovski Crystals for Nail Art?
Swarovski crystals are precision cut from high quality glass, offering a sparkle that's hard to beat. Unlike cheaper alternatives, they don't dull over time and are scratch resistant—ideal for nails that are constantly in use. They come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes, so whether you're after a subtle accent or full-on glam, Swarovski has you covered.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather the right tools for the job:
- Fix and Flow Gel glue (recommended) or another high-quality nail glue
- Pick-up tool such as the Crystal Katana which is highly rated by professional nail techs.
- UV or LED lamp for curing gel polish and keeping the rhinestones in place once glued on.
- Top coat to add protection to gel, and to seal around the base of crystals. (However do not use top coat over the rhinestones as this will dull their shine.)
- Flatback Swarovski crystals in your preferred size and colour.
- Flipper Tray for storing crystals, and keeping them shiny side up while you work.
Having these tools ready will make your application smoother and give a more professional finish.
Preparing Your Nails
Getting your nails prepped properly is just as important as the application itself. Here's what to do:
- Clean the nail surface – Remove any oils or dust.
- Gently file the nail surface to ensure a smooth base layer, and the edges to achieve the desired nail shape.
- Apply base coat, then polish or gel colour as usual.
- Cure under a lamp if using gel polish.
- Make sure the surface is dry and ready for crystal placement. This step helps the crystals adhere better and last longer.
How to Apply Swarovski Crystals to Nails (Step-by-Step)
Many people ask how to use Swarovski crystals on nails without them falling off. The answer lies in using the right technique and quality glue. Here's our step-by-step method:
- Apply a small dot of Fix and Flow nail glue where you want the crystal to go. Less is more—too much glue can overflow.
- Use the wax end of a pick-up tool to lift the Swarovski crystal and place it directly onto the glue.
- Once in place, use the pointy end of the tool to adjust the crystal if needed.
- Continue picking and placing the crystals until you are happy with your design.
- Cure under a UV/LED lamp for the recommended time.
- Apply top coat around the edge of the crystal to help seal it in place (avoid painting over the top of the crystal).
This is the most effective and long-lasting method when learning how to stick Swarovski crystals on nails.
Best Practices & Common Mistakes
To get the most out of your nail art, here are a few do's and don'ts:
- ✅ Do use a proper pick up tool—don't try using tweezers or your fingers. Tweezers are fiddly and time consuming, and using your fingers will risk transferring grease onto the crystal.
- ✅ Do plan your crystal design before applying glue. You can do this on an acrylic nail tip, or draw your design.
- ✅ Do apply the glue in tiny pinhole sized dots, one for each rhinestone. This is a much neater and more efficient use of glue.
- ❌ Don't flood the nail with glue—it'll make a mess and weaken the hold.
- ❌ Don't use regular top coat alone to stick crystals—it's not strong enough.
- ❌ Don't place crystals too close to the free edge of the nail—they're more likely to catch and come off.
How to Add Swarovski Crystals to Nails: Design Ideas
There are so many ways to incorporate crystals into your nail designs, from using small individual stones for subtle sparkle, to creating large statement 3D designs, and even mixing them with different textures for a truly bespoke look. Here are some popular options, demonstrated by award winning nail artist Scarlett Senter:
- Single or small crystal cluster at the cuticle – great for a minimal and elegant look, popular for brides or special occasion nails.
- Large crystal clusters starting at the cuticle and dropping down like rainfall – perfect for a glittering accent nail.
- Incorporating 3D shapes to create statement designs.
- Outline the rhinestones to make them stand out even more.
- Use Swarovski crystals with other embellishments such as caviar beads, flowers and flatback pearls to create a bespoke design.
Once you know how to add Swarovski crystals to nails, it's easy to get creative and try different styles. Read our guide on Themed Nail Art Ideas for loads more inspiration and tips on how to create themes within your nail art.
Caring for Your Crystal Nails
Once your crystals are on, look after them to keep them sparkling. Read our full guide on Keeping Your Rhinestone Nail Art Pristine: Maintenance Tips, or stick to these simple rules:
- Avoid harsh chemicals and acetone.
- Wear gloves when cleaning.
- Don't pick or pull at the crystals.
- Wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue.
With good care, your Swarovski crystal nail art can last up to two weeks or more.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to apply Swarovski crystals to nails is a simple but rewarding skill. Choosing the correct nail art rhinestones is key to achieving a salon-quality finish at home. And ensuring you have the essential tools for nail art rhinestone application always helps, plus a little patience of course. Whether you're a professional nail artist or just starting out, Swarovski crystals offer a level of sparkle and elegance that really sets your nail designs apart.
Need help choosing the right crystals or tools? Get in touch with the team at Crystal Parade—we're always happy to help.