Love & Sparkles with Katy P nail artist

The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023 shares tips, techniques & insights into her soaring career

ABOUT KATY

Katy Pottle, or ‘Katy P’, has over two decades of experience in the nail industry. From working on a mobile basis to owning a salon, her journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for the world of nails. She loves glitter and is on a mission to help nail techs worldwide shine, one intricate design at a time, with her online workshops and one-to-one masterclasses. In July 2023, following an intense competition process, Katy beat nail artists across the globe to be crowned the first World’s Star Nail Artist. She seeks to inspire and mentor fellow pros, and sprinkle her signature ‘love and sparkles’ across the industry.

L-R: Magpie Beauty brushes: Detailer, Illustrator, Striper, Premium Detailer 6, Premium Detailer 9, Premium Detailer 11, Gel Brush 2 and Gel Brush 4.

"Brushes are the magic wands that bring nail art to life, and taking good care of them is essential for clean artwork. ”

How to keep nail art brushes in tip-top condition

If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessed with nail art brushes. They are the tools of our trade, and keeping them in pristine condition is key to flawless design creation. Can we ever have too many?

Let’s dive into one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of our nail art: brush care. Brushes are the magic wands that bring nail art to life, and taking good care of them is essential for clean artwork. The better you treat them, the better they’ll perform. Proper care extends the life of your brushes, saves buying replacements frequently and ensures that your designs are crisp.

THE BASICS OF BRUSH CARE

It’s a newbie

When you invest in a new brush, you’ll notice a gum coating on the bristles that keeps them in place during shipping. To prep your brush for use, gently run through the bristles with your fingertip to break the coating. You might need to do this a few times until the brush feels flexible.

Prime time

Next, prime the brush. Place a small amount of clear gel onto a palette and run the bristles through it. Work the gel into the brush until all hairs are coated, reshaping as you go. Wipe off any excess on a paper towel and replace the lid to keep UV light from reaching your brush. This step is important to get your brush ready for its first use.

Brush your bristles

To clean your brush after use, roll it through some clear gel and remove the excess on a paper towel or lint-free wipe. Repeat this until all the colour is gone. Do not use acetone, as it can damage the fine bristles.

Keep a lid on it

Keep lids on your brushes when you are not using them, to maintain their shape. Be gentle when putting a lid on to avoid damaging any hairs, and remember to keep brushes away from your lamp while working. I like to use a brush’s plastic sleeve and lid for double protection.

Store correctly

Store your brushes facing down, to prevent product from running into their metal bases and glue holding the hairs together. Proper storage is a game-changer for brush longevity.

Don’t mix

Avoid mixing mediums on your brushes. If you use a brush for gel, don’t use it for acrylic or one stroke painting. Keeping separate brushes for different tasks helps maintain their integrity and performance.

Why quality brushes matter

Investing in high-quality brushes is totally worth it! I’ve been in the industry for years and have learned that with proper care, good brushes can last for years. When my brushes wear out, I repurpose them for glitter or flake application and keep the new ones for detailed work.

My top brush picks

• Nailed It! By Chelsey UGH! As If! 12mm Nail Art Fluffy Liner Brush £9.99 inc VAT www.naileditbychelsey.com This brush is great for outlining designs – and I love the addition of the pom pom!

• Magpie Beauty Nail Art Striper Brush £10.95 + VAT www.magpiebeauty.co.uk This is my go-to brush for nail art.

• Kassie Payne She’s So Fine 9mm Brush £7 inc VAT www.kassiepayne.co.uk I love to use this brush when creating a French manicure, as it allows for a crisp smile line.

• Kassie Payne Dinky Pinky 5mm Brush £6 inc VAT www.kassiepayne.co.uk This brush is perfect for working on small areas.

• Nailed It! By Chelsey Your Mom’s Chest Hair 6mm Detailer Nail Art Brush £6.99 inc VAT www.naileditbychelsey.com This brush is ideal for intricate details.

Daily routine for perfect brush care:

1. Remove excess product on a piece of kitchen roll.

2. Place some clear gel onto a palette.

3. Wiggle the brush through the gel, then wipe off any excess.

4. Repeat until the bristles are soft and clean.

5. Remove excess gel and replace the lid.

I always do this before and after I use my brushes. It makes a big difference when painting intricate designs.

STEP-BY-STEP: How to correct the shape of a brush