Top 7 Crackle Nail Designs: Trendy and Stunning Styles to Try
Once upon a time in the 2010s, the cool kids had crackle nails. It looked like their nail polish had shattered into pieces that let the color underneath peek through. Yes, even Julie Kandalec did a shatter nails manicure.
Now a decade later someone has brought back the trend. Crackle nail designs are spicing up social media once more. Meanwhile, polish manufacturers are releasing crackle polish once again so anyone can give this irresistible look a whirl.
Call them what you like—crackle or shatter nails, or even lava nails. The basic premise is the same with two contrasting shades. In the beginning, black was usually the top color with a vibrant hue underneath. Now you’re just as likely to see metallic and glitter crackle nails. Come with us and discover jaw-dropping crackle nail styles to try.
Top 7 Crackle Nail Designs
Rainbow Crackle Nails
Here’s a recent shatter nails design that begins with a colorful base underneath the black crackle coat. Once you’ve created the rainbow gradient, brush on the special polish. It will immediately begin to break apart or shatter. Once it dries (or you cure it, depending on the product), finish with a top coat.
Glitter Crackle Nails
Make the manicure more stunning with a glittery base color under the crackle polish. Most of the crackle “top coat” polishes we’ve seen (like Essence or OPI) are lacquers, not gels. Therefore, make sure the glitter base has completely dried before applying them since you can’t cure them in a nail lamp.
DND Gel Nail Polish - 926 Blue Aura - DND Super Glitter Collection
Shatter Polish
Here’s a look at the now discontinued OPI Shatter polish in white. It was also available in blue, red, gold, silver, and black.
Ombre Crackle
Here’s a closeup where you can see that the crackle coat almost looks like scribbles. It separates enough that the ombre blue gradient is clearly visible underneath. Most likely, a patient artist could replicate the look with a thin nail brush and black polish. You might also find nail stamps are helpful, but they might not create the unique patterns seen here.
LDS 074 Black List - LDS Healthy Nail Lacquer
Burning Embers
This nail artist wanted these crackle nails to resemble a fire’s embers. She used a crackle coat from Zoya that dries to a matte finish. You may want to add a regular top coat to protect your design afterward. Please be aware that crackle lacquers tend to dry out in the bottle rather easily, so keep the lid on tight when you’re not using it.
OPI Nail Polish Base & Top Coat
How to Use Crackle Polish
Crackle polish is straightforward to use. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Manicure tools and polish remover for nail prep
- Crackle polish and at least one contrasting color of polish
- Top coat if you want the crackle design to last as long as possible
Trim the nails and push back the cuticles because your fingertips are going to attract attention with this look!
Apply the base color and ensure it is completely dry.
Roll the crackle polish bottle between your palms to mix the pigment and solvent.
Brush it over the base color and watch the magic happen. It only takes thirty seconds or less to see the polish shatter. A thin layer makes fine crackles, and a thick coat breaks into big pieces.
Wrap up with a top coat, matte or glossy, to help your nail art last longer. Remember that the crackle polish has a lot of ethyl acetate that evaporates quickly, so keep the bottle tightly capped.
Crocodile Cracks
Here’s a crackle polish design that resembles snake and crocodile skin. Can you guess which nails had a thick layer of polish and which had a thin coat?
Metallic Crackles
It used to be a challenge to find a crackle topper that wasn’t black. This small business creates one with a shimmery holographic sparkle.
Partially Crackled Nails
This one isn’t actually done with crackle polish—it’s hand painted. But the effect looks lovely. To achieve similar results with a crackle coat, just mask off part of the base color with nail tape.
Crackle Claws
Here’s a gel-based crackle polish that shatters into very small pieces. It’s finished with a gel top coat.
LDS Gel Diamond Top
DIY Crackle Chemistry
It’s not hard to find crackle nail polish if you shop online. The challenge is getting one from a trustworthy brand with a safe formula. If you can’t wait to try this look, then you can make your own version at home. YMMV, but it’s fun to experiment!
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Clear polish to act as a base coat to prevent staining your natural nails
- A vibrant shade of lacquer OR food coloring (more on that in a moment)
- Rubbing alcohol or ethanol
- Top coat (optional but recommended)
And here’s how to crackle your nails with DIY polish:
Apply a coat or two of clear base and make sure it dries well. This protects your nails in case things don’t work out as intended.
Place a few drops of colored polish in a disposable container. Now, get ready to work fast.
Add the same number of drops of alcohol and mix. It should look runny. Quickly brush it onto the nails. It should begin to craze and crackle within seconds.
Alternatively, you can try adding a drop of food coloring to the clear polish in a throwaway container, then dilute that with alcohol. Rapidly apply it to the nails where you want a crackle design.
Once everything looks great and dries, finish with a top coat.
Pro tip: write down the amount of polish versus thinner (alcohol or acetone) once you find the perfect balance. It may vary between brands and styles, like glitter or opaque shades.
Conclusion
We’re excited for you to be the flame bearers of the new crackle nails wave hitting the nail world. If you love trendy nail art, check out our New Arrivals to see the hottest shades and styles.
