If you’re a fan of ‘90s fashion, you’re going to love this watercolor nail design—it’s bold, vibrant, and totally on-trend. While I didn’t originally set out to create a ‘90s-inspired look, the color combination instantly reminded me of classic shows like *Full House*, *Family Matters*, and *Saved by the Bell*.
My goal was to achieve a watercolor effect, inspired by my love for watercolor paintings. To do this, I experimented with a technique I hadn’t seen before, and the results turned out beautifully.
Creating this look is easier than you might think. All you need are three to four nail polish colors, a paintbrush, and some nail polish remover. I used four shades: Zoya Shelby (pink), Zoya Arizona (orange), Sinful Colors Why Not (blue), and NYC Prince Street (purple).
Start by applying a base coat and letting it dry. Then, place a drop of nail polish onto a piece of paper—I used an index card. Dip your paintbrush into the polish. You can find paintbrushes at craft stores, online, or even repurpose an old nail polish brush after cleaning it.
Next, dip the polish-covered brush into nail polish remover—just a quick dip is enough. Lightly press the thinned polish onto your nail in different spots. You may need to re-dip in polish and remover, but usually, one application per nail is enough.
Repeat this process with your second, third, and fourth colors, layering them strategically to create the watercolor effect. Once everything is dry, finish with a topcoat to seal the design. And that’s it—your watercolor nails are ready to show off!