Here’s How to DIY Blood Drip Nail Art That’s as Chic as It Is Sinister

It’s officially that time of the year! Spooky season is upon us, and if you’re also obsessed with Halloween, then you know that festive nail art is the perfect way to get into the spirit. But I’m not talking about the same old clichéd designs. Nope, this blood drip mani is chic and oh-so-sinister–and easy to DIY!

You can opt for whatever combo you like, but to strike that just-right balance between stylish and eerie, I’ve done this blood nail art with in deep red with a matte top coat. Whether you’re doling out candy to the neighborhood kids or heading to a costume party, these nails will complete your Halloween ensemble. So, grab your gel polish, UV lamp, and see how to create this look ahead.

Blood Nail Art

Shop the Look: Staying Optimistic Berry Pink Pleated Bell Sleeve Top, Shy Girl Black Vegan Leather High-Rise Cropped Flare Pants, Sidewalk Stunner Black Vegan Leather Backpack, Hopeful Moments Gold Moon Layered Necklace

Supplies:

• Deep Red Gel Polish: You’re going to need this to achieve the blood-red base.
• Sheer Neutral Gel Base Shade: This will be the canvas for your masterpiece.
• UV Lamp: To make sure your gel polish cures perfectly.
• Dotting Tool: Don’t have one? A bobby pin or pen top can do the trick!
• Thin Nail Art Brush: For those precise details.
• Matte Gel Top Coat: To add that elegant touch.
• Glossy Gel Top Coat: For a hit of glossy finish that’s to die for.
• Cuticle Oil: Because your nails deserve a little love too.

Instructions:

1. First things first, prep those nails for a killer look! Clean up any dry skin around your nail beds, gently push back the cuticles, and make sure your nail plate is free of any residue and oils.
2. Grab your deep red gel polish and apply 2-3 coats (or as needed) on your thumb, pointer, and pinky fingers. You want them to be as bold and blood-red as possible.
3. For the ring and middle fingers, apply 2 coats of the sheer neutral base shade and then cure your entire hand under the UV lamp.
4. Now comes the fun part! On the ring and middle fingers, take your deep red shade and the thin nail art brush to create two French tips. Once you’ve nailed it, cure them.
5. Time to add some blood drips. Using the dotting tool, create three dots of varying heights just below the French tip on your middle finger using the red shade.
6. With the thin liner brush, connect those dots to the French tip with the same red shade, letting it flare out slightly when you reach the dots. This will give you those perfect blood-drip effects. Cure your creation.
7. To give your entire mani a sophisticated twist, apply a matte gel top coat to every nail and, you guessed it, cure it.
8. We’re not done yet! The thumbnail needs some special attention. Take the glossy gel top coat and use the dotting tool to place three dots of varying heights.
9. Using the thin liner brush and more of the glossy gel top coat, connect those dots to the top of the nail. Cure it for a full 60 seconds.
10. And finally, let’s not forget the finishing touch–apply some cuticle oil to keep your cuticles in check. Your deadly chic Halloween mani is ready to rock!

So there you have it, a Halloween nail art look that’s both spooky and chic. Now, go out there and flaunt those blood-dripped beauties. Trick or treat!

Did you try these Halloween nails? Show us your blood drip nail art on Instagram or TikTok @lulus–and head to our Fall Fashion Shop for killer styles to wear all season! 

Melanie Graves is a self-taught nail art enthusiast who creates colorful, easy DIY designs for fellow home manicurists.

This blog was originally published in 2013 and has been updated with new content.