Creative custom nail art add-ons from classic French tips and ombré to chrome, cat eye, and 3D textured accents.
About these services
Nail art and design add-ons at Mary Nails in Coconut Grove let you personalize any manicure, pedicure, or enhancement with finishes ranging from classic French tips to chrome, cat eye, and sculpted 3D details. Our nail art menu covers seven add-on and design services, each layered on top of a base appointment rather than booked as a complete service on its own.
The most important thing to understand about this page is that French tips, ombré, simple art, chrome, and cat eye are design additions, not complete manicure, pedicure, or enhancement appointments. You book your base service, such as a basic gel manicure or a hard gel full set, and then add the design. 3D Design is a more involved standalone design service.
This page explains each of the seven nail art services, what each includes, who it suits, how to communicate your inspiration, and how to book. We help you communicate your preferred finish and complexity, and we are honest about what can and cannot be replicated from an inspiration image.
Design add-ons versus complete appointments
French tips, ombré, simple nail art, chrome, and cat eye are add-ons. They are not complete appointments and cannot be booked alone. You must have a base manicure, pedicure, or enhancement service for the design to be applied to. The Pedicure French Tip add-on, for example, is added to a pedicure, not booked by itself.
3D Design is a more involved design service that builds dimensional gel art raised above the nail plane. It is the most elaborate option on this page and is best discussed in advance so we can plan the time and detail.
Communicating your inspiration
Bringing reference images is the best way to communicate what you want. We will look at the shape, color, placement, and complexity and tell you honestly what we can replicate and where we would adapt. We do not promise exact replication of every inspiration image, since some designs depend on nail length, shape, or product system that may differ from the photo.
It helps to tell us the finish you want, such as glossy or matte, the colors you like, and how bold or subtle you want the result. For chrome and cat eye, the base color and the powder or magnetic effect determine the final look, so a quick conversation gets you closer to your vision.
Compatibility with base services
We do not assume every add-on is compatible with every base service. Hard-gel ombré, for example, is built into hard gel enhancements, while a manicure French tip is added to a manicure. Some effects work best over gel polish, others over hard gel. Mention your base service and your design idea together when booking, and we will confirm feasibility and plan the time.
If you are unsure which base service pairs best with a design you have in mind, call us at (786) 578-2520 and we will recommend a combination that works.
How to prepare for your nail art appointment
Book your base service first, then add the design. If you have existing product, it must be removed or refreshed as part of the base service; mention it when booking. Arrive with clean, lotion-free hands if possible.
For elaborate designs such as 3D work or multi-effect combinations, allow more appointment time. Bringing references in advance, even by message, helps us prepare the right products and tools.
Aftercare for nail art
Treat nail art gently in the first hours after the appointment while top coats fully set. Avoid picking at raised 3D details, as this can break the design and damage the underlying product. Wear gloves when using harsh cleaners, and apply cuticle oil daily.
Chrome and cat eye finishes can dull with heavy abrasion, so avoid scrubbing with rough surfaces. If a detail chips, book a repair rather than attempting to fix it at home, as mismatched product can look worse than the chip.
Planning a multi-effect design
Many of the most striking nails combine more than one effect, such as a chrome base with cat eye accent nails, or French tips with simple art on a few fingers. These combinations are absolutely possible, but they take more time and product, so it helps to plan them in advance rather than deciding mid-appointment. Sharing references before your visit lets us prepare the right powders, magnets, and brushes and reserve enough time for the detail.
When you plan a combination, think about balance rather than loading every nail with every effect. A common and flattering approach is to feature a bold effect, such as chrome or 3D, on one or two accent nails and keep the rest clean with a complementary solid color or French tip. This keeps the design cohesive and readable, and it tends to age better as the nails grow out. We are happy to suggest a balanced layout from your references.
Some combinations are not compatible, and we will tell you honestly when they are not. For example, a hard-gel ombré is built into a hard gel structure and is not added to a gel manicure, while a chrome effect is buffed over a gel surface and is not applied over regular polish. Mentioning your base service and your design idea together when booking lets us confirm what is possible and avoid disappointment on the day of your appointment.
Visiting Mary Nails in Coconut Grove
Our salon is at 3139 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133, in Coconut Grove. We welcome clients from Coral Gables, Brickell, and South Miami. Review our service-area guide for directions and our contact page for hours and click-to-call.
Book through Square to choose your base service and add your design. If you are unsure which design pairs with which base, call us at (786) 578-2520 and we will help you plan the combination.
Hand-painted French tip smile lines on all ten fingers, added to a manicure. Choose timeless white, black, deep hues, or vibrant seasonal colors over a nude or pink base. This is a design add-on, not a complete manicure appointment.
French tips are the most classic nail design and remain endlessly versatile, from a traditional white smile line to modern colorful variations.
Add-on only. Includes hand-drawn ten-finger smile lines, precision liner brushwork, and a choice of white or custom colors. Must be added to a manicure.
Who it's for
Clients who want a classic or modern French finish.
Those adding elegance to a gel or regular manicure.
Classic French tip application for toenails, added to a pedicure. Hand-painted precision lines bring a clean, elegant aesthetic to any pedicure. This is a design add-on, not a complete pedicure appointment.
A French tip on the toes is a refined, enduring choice that pairs well with any pedicure finish.
Add-on only. Includes toenail French smile line drawing, high-precision brush detail, and sealing under a gel top coat. Must be added to a pedicure.
Who it's for
Clients who want an elegant toe finish.
Those adding a classic touch to a gel or Dazzle Dry pedicure.
A soft, seamless color blend fading from cover pink or nude at the cuticle into white, soft pastel, or a vivid shade at the free edge, built into hard gel enhancements. This is a design addition, not a complete appointment.
Ombré is a popular way to add dimension to a hard gel set, creating a gradient that flatters the nail shape and grows out gracefully.
Add-on only. Includes gradient gel blending technique, smooth transition layering, and a hard gel sealing overlay. Must be added to a hard gel full set.
Subtle minimalist artistic touches such as fine abstract lines, delicate dots, foil flecks, or isolated accent nails on two to four fingers. This is a design addition, not a complete appointment.
Simple art is the right choice when you want a personal touch without a full design commitment, keeping the overall look clean and understated.
Add-on only. Includes an accent design on select nails, minimalist hand painting or foil, and top coat sealing. Must be added to a manicure or enhancement.
Ultra-reflective chrome powder buffed over gel polish for a metallic mirror or iridescent glazed-donut shine. Choose silver, liquid gold, rose metallic, or white iridescent powder. This is a design addition, not a complete appointment.
Chrome is a high-impact finish that catches the light and adds a modern, luxurious feel to any gel color.
Add-on only. Includes a no-wipe top coat base prep, hand-buffed chrome pigment application, and a double top coat edge lock. Must be added to a gel service.
Who it's for
Clients who want a metallic mirror finish.
Those wanting a modern, high-impact look.
Anyone choosing an iridescent glazed-donut effect.
A special gel polish infused with magnetic iron particles, shifted by hand magnets before curing to create velvety, multidimensional light bands. This is a design addition, not a complete appointment.
Cat eye creates a shifting, dimensional shimmer that changes as the nail moves, offering a sophisticated and eye-catching finish.
Add-on only. Includes a magnetic gel coat application, custom magnet light shaping, and a high-gloss gel seal. Must be added to a gel service.
Who it's for
Clients who want a dimensional, shifting shimmer.
Those wanting a sophisticated, eye-catching finish.
Dimensional gel art sculpted raised above the nail plane, including textured line work, 3D drops, seashell ridges, or secure charm placements. This is the most elaborate design service on our nail art menu and is best discussed in advance.
3D design creates true texture and relief on the nail, perfect for statement looks and special occasions. Because of the detail and time involved, plan the appointment and share references ahead of time.
Includes 3D building gel sculpting, precision texture detail, and reinforced charm bonding. Discuss in advance to plan time and detail.
Who it's for
Clients who want true texture and relief.
Those planning statement looks for special occasions.
No. French tips and ombré are design additions, not complete manicure, pedicure, or enhancement appointments. You book a base service, such as a gel manicure or hard gel full set, and add the design. The add-on cannot be booked alone.
Can you replicate any inspiration image I bring?
We do not promise exact replication of every inspiration image. Some designs depend on nail length, shape, or product system that may differ from the photo. We will look at your reference and tell you honestly what we can replicate and where we would adapt.
Is every add-on compatible with every service?
No. Hard-gel ombré is built into hard gel enhancements, while a manicure French tip is added to a manicure. Some effects work best over gel polish, others over hard gel. Mention your base service and your design idea together when booking, and we will confirm feasibility.
How do I book nail art at Mary Nails?
Book your base service through Square, then add the design. For elaborate designs such as 3D work or multi-effect combinations, allow more appointment time and share references in advance. If you are unsure which design pairs with which base, call us at (786) 578-2520.
How do I care for nail art after the appointment?
Treat nail art gently in the first hours while top coats set. Avoid picking at raised 3D details, wear gloves when using harsh cleaners, and apply cuticle oil daily. Chrome and cat eye can dull with abrasion, so avoid rough scrubbing. If a detail chips, book a repair rather than fixing it at home.
What is the difference between chrome and cat eye?
Chrome is a metallic powder buffed over gel for a mirror or iridescent shine. Cat eye is a magnetic gel polish shifted with a hand magnet before curing to create velvety, dimensional light bands. Both are add-ons layered on a gel service; chrome is reflective, cat eye is dimensional.
Where is Mary Nails located?
We are at 3139 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133, in Coconut Grove. We welcome clients from Coral Gables, Brickell, and South Miami. Review our service-area guide for directions and our contact page for hours and click-to-call.
Book your appointment at Mary Nails
Continue to Square to choose your service and availability in Coconut Grove.
