Magnetic polish is a nail polish that contains magnetic pigment particles suspended in the formula, which move and align under a hand-held magnet while the coat is wet to form cat-eye, velvet or patterned effects.
Also known as: magnetic nail polish, magnet polish, magnetic gel polish, cat eye polish
Magnetic polish is the product category behind cat-eye, velvet and patterned magnetic nails. The lacquer contains magnetic pigment particles suspended in the formula. A magnet held close to the wet coat pulls the particles into the shape of its field, and the film sets with the particles in that position (The GelBottle Academy).
The shape of the magnet decides the pattern. A cylindrical or round magnet gives a wide, soft shimmer. A rectangular bar gives a sharp line. A double-ended magnet makes crosses and ribbons. Pattern magnets with flower or star shapes press a pre-formed design into the pigment (Vettsy). Distance matters too. A magnet held about 0.5 cm away gives a crisp band, while a magnet held further away softens the band into velvet.
Timing is the main skill. Particles start to drift back as soon as the magnet is removed, so the magnet goes on straight after the coat, and a gel is flash-cured at once. Air-dry magnetic polish needs a thicker, faster-setting formula and a stronger magnet to keep the effect without a lamp.
Magnetic polish is removed like any polish of its type. The iron oxide in the pigment is inert and needs no special remover. India Anaïs sells a lamp-free magnetic lacquer with its own magnet. The first edition is sold out and the next edition is planned for spring 2027.