This magnet heart nail hack is perfect for Valentine's Day – if you can pull it off
With Valentine's Day approaching, TikTokers have started posting nail inspo to the social media app. One trend attracting a lot of attention is the "Cat Eye Heart Nails," a technique that creates a shimmering heart design on nails.
To create the look, TikTokers use special magnetic polish – different from the typical varnish or gel used. Then, using a magnet and placing the twisted ends of a paper clip over the nail, the polish forms a heart.
@Daily_Charme posted a how-to video on the app that is one of the top-liked videos under the search term "magnet heart nails." But the results of those trying to do it at home are mixed.
Here's everything to know about the trend taking NailTok by storm.
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Magnet hearts are a play on the Cat Eye Manicure
The hack comes as Cat Eye Manicures are growing in popularity.
"It gives a galaxy-like effect," said Lauren Suarez, the receptionist for BloomBar Salon in Miami.
She said the effect can be done on "any nail," including acrylics, nail extensions, like Aprés, and natural nails.
Suarez said two of the brands they use to create the manicure are Beetles and Clara Colors. The companies do sell regular lacquer, but the effect only comes from the special magnetic Cat Eye gel nail polish.
The polish is like any other, except a magnet is used to create a shimmering look on the nail.
A regular Cat Eye manicure does not include the heart, but creates a sparkling ombre effect.
Cat Eye Heart nails may not be easy to achieve
Some manicurists are having difficulty adding the heart to the nails.
TikToker @NailBrat.Artistry posted a "PSA to all the nail girlies." In the video, she struggles to give a client the trendy new mani.
"I gave up and just did a regular cat eye," she says at the end of the video.
The manicurist shows herself using multiple magnets to create the heart, but was unsuccessful.
Another TikToker, @Fanatic_Nails, struggled to even unwind the paper clip she needed to use.
@Daily_Charme says those who are struggling to create the heart might be making the mistake of not activating their polish beforehand.
She recommends passing a magnet over the painted nails before trying to make the heart.
"Activating the magnetic pigments first will create a more defined shape," she says.
She posted a separate tutorial on how to create an "XOXO" manicure using magnets and the same type of nail polish. She says it's an "easier" set for those struggling with the hearts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Magnet heart nails: Nearly impossible, but perfect for Valentine's day
