“The technique is all about control and layering,” says Natalia Mercedes, a nail artist and founder of Sad Girl Nails Studio in New York City. “I start by applying blooming gel, then use a dotting tool to map out the ‘croc’ pattern as it organically spreads,” she adds. “Once that’s set, I go in with a matte gel to isolate specific areas before applying chrome, which gives the design that dimensional, almost reflective finish.” The croc effect really comes down to dot placement, says Mercedes. Specifically, how the blooming gel disperses: “It naturally creates those irregular, scale-like shapes that mimic crocodile skin,” she says. We love this set by Miata Nails.
