Tiger Print Nails with Hibiscus: Ombre, Tiger Art and Isolated Chrome Tutorial

Bold, bright and packed with technique, this wild set of tiger print nails is done on a client. You'll see sponged ombre with tiger stripes, a full hand-drawn tiger, a tiger face, hibiscus flowers and isolated chrome on the little fingers.

Tiger print nails are a fun statement look, and this set takes them to the next level by mixing classic stripes with hand-painted tigers and tropical hibiscus flowers. The warm yellow and orange ombre gives the set a sunny, jungle feel, while the contrasting little fingers and chrome details add personality.

This set is a brilliant showcase of creative nail art. The sponged ombre creates a soft, glowing background, and the stripes are drawn with a wiggle towards the end, with some connecting and some running across the nail, for an authentic tiger print. The hand-drawn tiger and tiger face make two feature nails that are sure to get noticed.

Alongside the tiger print nails, the hibiscus flowers bring in colour and softness, and the isolated chrome on the little fingers adds shine. Each hand has a different little finger colour because this client loves something fun, so the set feels playful and personal.

This client has full extensions and likes to grow her nails out, so the set starts with an infill using Rose Quartz Builder in a Bottle.

Paint all of the nails except the little fingers. Apply two coats, curing for 60 seconds between each one.

Place your colour on a palette and add a tiny bit of white and a little clear builder to thicken it. Dab it on with a sponge in thin layers, building it up to avoid a washy effect. The yellow is done twice, with a second layer to slightly darken it. Then add orange focused towards the tip and blend it into the yellow with the dry side of the sponge. Finally, use a drier sponge to add colour at the base of the nail to define the tiger effect.

Start each stripe by lining it on, then wiggle the line as you get towards the end. Include some stripes that connect to each other and some that connect all the way across for a more authentic tiger print. Fill any gaps afterwards with even smaller strokes.

Create another, more aura-style ombre to sit behind the drawn tiger. Keep a reference image next to you. Start by getting the colour on in little bits at a time and trust yourself: it may not look like a tiger at first, but the detail changes it. Outline details such as the hipbone of the leg and the ears with a gentle hand and as little pressure as possible so the black doesn't spread. Then add the stripes, putting the lines in and lifting.

On another ombre nail, outline the main features first, focusing on the eye and nose so you get the spacing right, then copy your inspiration image. Layer the colours by looking at the image, and don't overthink it. Use the dark orange again to deepen the nose. If this is your first time, cure after each detail so you don't smudge or ruin a part you're happy with.

Apply your chosen colour to the little fingers in two layers, curing in between. This client loves something fun, so each hand has a different colour: Damson in Distress and Spring Meadow.

Repeat the ombre and tiger print on the thumbs.

Use a dotting tool to place dots for the tops of the petals. You can do four or five petals; five looks bigger and better spaced. Without curing the white, bring Damson and Love Note mixed together towards the centre to create the full petals so they blend, then cure. Use Damson to deepen the centre of the hibiscus for depth and realism, and add a little leaf on the side. On the other hand, green was placed in the middle of the flower.

Add gold beads, and on the index fingers add gems, stars and little beads. A little sun was also added to one index finger.

Apply Matte Top Coat to the little fingers and cure for 30 to 60 seconds, then rub over with acetone to remove any oils. Mix Top Coat with black so the design is visible, draw your design, and cure for 20 to 30 seconds depending on how new or strong your lamp is. Then rub the chrome on for a flawless chrome finish.

Finish by top coating the whole set.

• Build ombre in thin layers. Thin sponged layers stop the colour looking washy.
• Use a light touch for details. Minimal pressure keeps the black from spreading.
• Don't cure the white petal dots. They need to blend with the petal colour before curing.
• Keep isolated chrome cures short. Cure the black top coat mix for 30 seconds max so the chrome still grips.
• Keep a reference image handy. Copying an inspiration image helps you get the spacing right on the tiger and tiger face.

This set is best suited to nail techs and experienced nail artists, as it combines sponged ombre, freehand animal portraits, florals and isolated chrome. That said, the tiger stripes and hibiscus flowers are achievable on their own if you're building up your skills, so you can start with simple tiger print nails and add the portraits later.

For clients who love bold, fun nails, this is a real showstopper. Mixing two little finger colours and different feature nails gives the set lots of personality.

• Wear tiger print nails on every finger and skip the portraits for a quicker set.
• Paint four or five hibiscus petals, depending on the size you want.
• Choose different colours for each little finger, as this client did.
• Vary the embellishments on the index fingers with gems, stars and beads.

Apply cuticle oil regularly, wear gloves when cleaning or washing up and avoid using your nails as tools. Don't pick or peel at the gel or embellishments, as this can damage the natural nail underneath, and keep up with infills or have the product removed properly when you're ready for a change.

Add a tiny bit of white and a little clear builder to thicken the colour, then dab it on in thin layers, building it up gradually.

Line each stripe on and wiggle it towards the end. Include some stripes that connect to each other and some that run all the way across, then fill gaps with smaller strokes.

Cure the black and top coat mix for 20 to 30 seconds, depending on your lamp, and no more than 30 seconds so the chrome still grips.

You can do four or five petals. Five looks bigger and better spaced.

With a glowing sponged ombre, authentic stripes, hand-drawn tigers, hibiscus flowers and isolated chrome, these tiger print nails are a bold, creative set. Watch the full video tutorial above, gather the products listed and give tiger print nails a go.