Checkerboard Nails: Funky Disco Wavy 3D Nail Art Tutorial

Ready for something a little trippy? These funky disco checkerboard nails layer two glitters for a sparkly base, then add a wibbly-wobbly black grid. Thin lines of contrasting colours along the edges of each square create a 3D effect, as if you're wearing 3D glasses.

It's a fresh, playful twist on the classic checkerboard trend. The glitter peeks through every other square, the wavy grid gives the design movement, and the offset colour lines make the whole nail look as though it's popping off the surface.

Checkerboard nails are a timeless pattern, but this version is anything but ordinary. Swapping straight lines for wavy ones instantly gives the design a retro, 70s disco feel, and the shimmering silver and iridescent glitter base makes it sparkle under the lights.

The 3D effect is what really makes it stand out. By pairing a slightly darker and slightly lighter colour in a similar tone along each square, you trick the eye into seeing depth. It's a clever technique you can reuse on all kinds of designs once you've mastered it.

Apply a generous layer of Silver Surfer and cure for 60 seconds once you're happy with the coverage.

Apply a generous layer of Omega Centauri all over the nail. This finer, iridescent glitter fills in the gaps from the first glitter and adds dimension and thicker coverage. Cure for 60 seconds.

Apply Ultra Matte Coat and cure for 60 seconds. A matte surface makes drawing intricate lines much easier, as things slip and slide around on a shiny surface.

Using Serious Black and a Fine Detail Brush, paint your first wavy line, wiping off and redoing it until you're happy. Follow that shape with the other lines, keeping a steady distance between them, and add extra lines down the sides. Cure for 60 seconds.

Paint the horizontal lines the same way: start with one wavy line, then follow its shape, keeping an even distance. Cure between sections so you can wipe off a mistake without ruining what you've already done.

With Serious Black and a bigger brush, fill in alternate squares with a generous, smooth layer, including the tiny bits of grid down the sides. Cure for 60 seconds, then apply a second layer so it's fully opaque and cure again.

Paint a skinny line of Pisces down the right-hand side of the squares and cure for 60 seconds. Then paint a line of Merlot on the left-hand side of the squares and cure. Wipe off any line that strays onto the black and doesn't look right.

Next to the blue Pisces lines, add skinny lines of Snow White in a similar width and cure for 60 seconds. Then add thin lines of Apricot Pudding next to the Merlot and cure. Take this slowly so you don't miss any sections.

Layer on the Gel Top Coat Nail Sealer to smooth out all the detail work, then apply top coat and cure for 60 seconds to finish your checkerboard nails.

• Pair dark and light tones. Placing a slightly darker and slightly lighter colour in a similar tone next to each other creates the 3D effect.
• Make it simpler with a bigger grid. Fewer, larger squares mean fewer lines to draw.
• Cure between sections. Fully curing each section means you can wipe off a mistake without ruining earlier work.
• Smooth out detail work. The Gel Top Coat Nail Sealer is great for evening out a detailed design before top coat.
• Work on a matte surface. Matting the glitter base first stops your lines slipping and sliding.

These checkerboard nails are best suited to nail art lovers who are comfortable with line work and want a fun challenge. There's quite a lot of detail, but each stage is simple on its own, and curing between sections means mistakes are easy to fix.

If you're newer to freehand art, you can make the design much more manageable by using a bigger grid with fewer squares. For nail techs, it's a show-stopping set for clients who love retro, disco or festival-inspired styles, and it's guaranteed to get people talking.

Once you've tried the technique, there are a few ways to adapt your checkerboard nails using the same products and steps:

• Use a bigger grid with fewer squares for a quicker, bolder look.
• Feature the wavy checkerboard on accent nails and wear plain glitter on the rest.
• Keep only one pair of offset colours, such as Pisces and Snow White, for a simpler 3D effect.
• Make the waves deeper or gentler to change how trippy the grid looks.

A little aftercare helps any gel manicure last. Apply cuticle oil regularly to keep the skin around the nails hydrated, and wear gloves when cleaning or washing up. Avoid using your nails as tools, and don't pick or peel at the gel, as this can damage the natural nail underneath.

Glitter gels can take a little longer to remove, so be patient and have the gel removed properly when it's time for a change rather than peeling it off.

Paint thin lines of contrasting colours along the edges of each square. Placing a slightly darker and slightly lighter colour in a similar tone next to each other creates the 3D effect.

A matte surface makes drawing intricate lines much easier, as things slip and slide around on a shiny surface.

Paint your first wavy line until you're happy with it, then follow its shape with the other lines, keeping a steady distance between them.

Yes. A bigger grid with fewer, larger squares means fewer lines to draw.

With a double glitter base, a wavy black grid and colourful 3D edges, these checkerboard nails are as fun to create as they are to wear. Watch the full video tutorial above, gather the products listed, and bring some disco energy to your next set.