7 Best Nail Art Dotting Tools in 2023: A Guide to the Best Picks

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If you're a nail art enthusiast, you know that having the right tools is essential for creating beautiful designs. A dotting tool is one of the most important tools in your nail art arsenal. Dotting tools are used to create small dots and patterns on your nails, and they come in various sizes and designs.

In this blog post, we're going to highlight some of the best dotting tools on the market and what makes them stand out. So whether you're a beginner looking to try your hand at nail art or a professional looking to take your designs to the next level, these dotting tools are a great investment.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Nail Art Gel Design Dotting Tools Set by RoseRoseStudio READ REVIEW Runner- Up: Filao Festive Dotting tools - Limited Edition READ REVIEW Best Budget-Friendly: KitschyNails Two Way Nail Art Dotting Pen READ REVIEW Best for Beginners: 5 Nail Art Dotting Tools by whimsyandpop READ REVIEW Best for Extended Use: Wooden Nail Art Dotting Tools C1-21 READ REVIEW Best for Variety: Dotting Tools Set by SandrinesCreation READ REVIEW Best for Precision: Pure Color Dotting Tools Set of 5 by WhatsUpNails READ REVIEW

1. Best Overall: Nail Art Gel Design Dotting Tools Set by RoseRoseStudio

Why We Think It’s Great

• EXCELLENT VERSATILITY: You can use it for manicures, pedicures, and arts and crafts.
• INCLUDES VARIOUS TOOLS IN A SET: Allow you to easily create intricate designs and patterns to express your creativity and achieve professional-looking results.
• PERFECT FOR SALON AND HOME USE: Making it a great option for both seasoned nail technicians and those who enjoy experimenting with nail art as a hobby.
• WORKS WITH DIFFERENT NAIL TYPES: You can use this set on a variety of nail types, including natural nails, false nails, acrylic nails, and even rhinestones, providing endless possibilities for creative expression.

What We Don’t Like

• The brush handle is a bit flimsy.
• Some of the brushes included have wide bristles making it difficult to achieve precision and control when working on small or intricate designs.

What Our Editors Say

When choosing the best dotting tool set, we always want to look for a set that offers versatility and a variety of tools. It should be able to be used for multiple types of nail art and crafts and have a variety of brush and dotting pen sizes and shapes. And that is what we love about this set.

It comes with a variety of nail art tools, including 5 dotting pens and 15 nail art brushes. With this complete set of tools, we dont need to go to a salon to have a professional-looking nails. 

2. Runner Up: Filao Festive Dotting tools - Limited Edition

Why We Think It’s Great

• DUAL ENDED TIP: Allow you to easily switch between a fine and a larger tip, adding an extra level of convenience and making the set even more versatile.
• COMES WITH STYLISH HANDLE: This makes it a great gift option for any nail art enthusiast.
• ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Allow you to comfortably hold and use it for extended periods without causing any discomfort. 
• CURVED DOTTING TIP: Allows for more control and precision when making dots and circles, making it easy to achieve even and consistent results.

What We Don’t Like 

• It could be better if the set included brushes 
• A bit expensive for what it offers, as you can find similar sets with more tools at a lower price point.

What Buyers Say

"Great quality and feel very nice in hand. Love them! Fast shipping, considering how far they traveled! Thank you. Love the high quality, exactly as described."

3. Best Budget-Friendly: KitschyNails Two Way Nail Art Dotting Pen

Why We Think It’s Great

• AFFORDABLE: A great option for those on a budget who still want to achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank.
• PERFECT FOR HOME USE: Allows you to achieve consistent and even results in the comfort of your home.
• ALUMINUM ALLOY DOTTING BALLS: Ensures that they maintain their quality and perform well even after prolonged use. 
• WORKS FOR CREATING MANY DESIGNS: Allows you to create various nail art designs, including marbling design, blending colors, and creating swirls and textured finishes.

What We Don’t Like

• The handle needs extra care as it could break when dropped or bumped.
• The set includes only one dotting tool.

What Our Editors Say

What we like about this dotting tool is the affordable price making it suitable for beginners who like to try nail art. With the different dotting ball sizes in the set, we dont even need to buy different dotting tool sizes just to achieve the designs we like.

Furthermore, the dotting tool comes with a comfortable grip and a lightweight design, making it easy to hold and control. Overall, this dotting tool is a great investment for anyone who loves to experiment with nail art and wants to create beautiful designs without breaking the bank.

4. Best for Beginners: 5 Nail Art Dotting Tools by whimsyandpop

Why We Think It’s Great

• DOUBLE ENDED: You can easily switch between different size dots and lines, making it convenient to create various designs.
• MULTI-PURSOSE: You can use it for nail art and other crafts, such as creating patterns on paper or fabric.
• AFFORDABLE: The set is reasonably priced and provides good value for money.
• COLORFUL RIBBON HANDLE DESIGN: This makes them easy to identify and adds a touch of fun to your nail art experience.
• GOOD VARIETY OF SIZES: Allows you to experiment with different designs and styles without purchasing extra tools.

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for those looking for larger ones.

What Buyers Say

"I was happy to track them down online for a reasonable price. I love the colorful ribbons. They are so mesmerizing as they roll across the table!"

5. Best for Extended Use: Wooden Nail Art Dotting Tools C1-21

Why We Think It's Great

• COMFORTABLE HANDLE: Unlike the plastic handle, the wood handle of the dotting tool provides a comfortable grip for extended use.
• ASSORTED SIZES: Allows you to create a range of dot sizes and shapes in nail art design, making it versatile and perfect for different projects.
• STURDY WOOD HANDLE: Provides a solid base for creating detailed and accurate designs.
• EASY TO USE: It can be used by both beginners and professionals. 

What We Don't Like

• REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING: Unlike plastic handles, wood dotting tools require regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria

What Our Editors Say

We like this product because unlike other dotting tools with plastic handles, these don't slip off our hands while in use. The wooden handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it easier to control and maneuver the tool.

We also love the different sizes of the dotting balls, which are perfect for a variety of nail art designs. The assortment of sizes allows us to easily create detailed and intricate designs. The natural look of the wood handle also gives a rustic touch to our nail art creations. 

Brand: whimsyandpop | Materials: resin, metal

6. Best for Variety: Dotting Tools Set by SandrinesCreation

Why We Think It's Great

• WORKS FOR MANY PROJECTS: Aside from nail art, you can use it with rock painting, mandalas, pottery making, and baking.
• GREAT FOR GIFTING: The stylish handle design makes the dotting tools great to gift for any occasion.
• GOOD QUALITY YET INEXPENSIVE: A great investment for those just starting their nail art career.
• DURABLE HANDLE: You can ensure they will last long, even with frequent use. 

What We Don't Like

• It could be better if some other nail art tools were included in the set.

What Our Editors Say

We like these dotting tools because the set features a unique 3D design handle that allows for easy grip and control while in use. The set also includes 5 different dotting tools, each with a different size of dotting ball, ranging from small to large, making it versatile for different projects and applications. The different sizes also help us create fine details and intricate patterns. The quality of these dotting tools is comparable to that of more expensive dotting tools on the market, making them a great value for the cost.

7. Best for Precision: Pure Color Dotting Tools Set of 5 by WhatsUpNails

Why We Think It's Great

• WIDE RANGE OPTIONS: Allow you to use these dotting tools with different designs, from small dots to large dots.
• STYLISH 3D HANDLE DESIGN: The 3D handle design is stylish, comfortable to hold, and easy to grip, providing added control and precision while in use.
• DUAL ENDED TIP: You dont need to purchase separate tools for different size dots, and it saves you money in the long run. It also makes it easy to switch between different dot sizes while working on a project, saving you time and increasing efficiency.
• EASY TO STORE: The compact size of these dotting tools makes them easy to store in your art supplies collection, and the plastic material makes them lightweight and easy to transport.

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than other dotting tools that are available in the market

What Our Editors Say

What we love about this dotting tool set is its versatility and range of options. We love that we don't need to buy different sizes of dotting balls because they feature a dual-ended tip that is ready to use right out of the box. The 3D handle design is stylish and provides added control and precision, making it suitable for a nail artists of all skill levels.

While this set of dotting tools is high-quality and versatile, it may be priced higher than other similar products on the market. This may be a concern for some shoppers who are looking for a more budget-friendly option. However, it is important to remember that the unique 3D handle design, dual-ended tip, and safe plastic material may justify the slightly higher cost.

Final Verdict

Having the right tools and products is essential when creating beautiful nail art. Fortunately, you don't have to go to the nail salon to achieve professional-looking results. You can create intricate and stunning designs at home with a good quality set of dotting tools.

The best overall Nail Art Gel Design Dotting Drawing Tools Set can provide you with all the benefits mentioned above. This product can deliver a salon-grade result without breaking the bank. The set usually includes various dotting tools in different sizes, allowing you to create dots of various sizes and shapes with minimal effort.

Nail Art Dotting Tool Buying Guide

• The Tone of Nail Art

According to Alex Federo, Co-Owner of FTW Concrete Contractors, "it is important to consider the tone of your nail art design when choosing a tool and the type of tip that will best execute your desired look. Some people prefer tools with small triangular tips because they find them easier to control and use in tight spaces.

Dotting tools with round tips are typically preferred by those who prefer a more fluid style of nail art. If you want to create a very subtle look with matte nail art, then a fine-tip or brush-type dotting tool is perfect. If, on the other hand, you want to create a more dramatic look with brighter colors, then a larger brush is necessary.

• The Dotting Tool Materials

As stated by Alex Federo, "it is also important to consider the material of the tool before making a purchase. Tools made from metal or plastic are generally stronger than those made from other materials, but they can also be more difficult to grip. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which type of nail art dotting tool best suits your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.”

According to Kerry Lauders, Mental Health Officer at Startups Anonymous. The best nail art dotting tools are those that are salon-grade, durable, and safe for nails. Many dotting tools are made from wood, metal, or plastic; some of these materials can be harmful to the nails if used regularly.

Choosing a dotting tool made from a safe material, such as plastic, is important. This is because wood can accumulate bacteria when not properly cleaned, and metal can rust and corrode, harming your health.”

• The Size Matters

According to Kerry Lauders, “the size of the dotting tool is also important. Some dotting tools are small, while others are large. The size of the tool will determine the size of the dot created. It is important to choose a dotting tool that is the right size for the task at hand.”

• Price

Finally, the price of the dotting tool is important. Some dotting tools are

more expensive than others. It is important to choose an affordable dotting tool that fits within the budget.

Nail Art Dotting Tools FAQ

How do I choose the right size dotting tool for different nail art designs?

When choosing the right size dotting tool for different nail art designs, consider the size, level of detail, type of design, and size of your nails. Experimenting with different sizes of dotting tools will help you find the best size for your specific nail art designs and preferences.

Are there any specific techniques or tips for using dotting tools to create professional-looking nail art?

Yes, there are specific techniques and tips for using dotting tools to create professional-looking nail art. For example, you can use the dotting tool to create different-sized dots, blend colors, create marbled effects and make flowers and other designs. 

Can dotting tools be used for other crafts or art projects, or are they exclusively for nail art?

Dotting tools are versatile and can be used for various crafts and art projects, such as creating designs on pottery, making jewelry, and creating detailed designs on fabric. They can be used to create dots and designs on a variety of surfaces and materials, not just nails.

Why Trust Glytterati?

Our team of editors is passionate about art and craft projects, so we only recommend products that we genuinely believe in. We provide honest, unbiased reviews of the best art supplies, and we often consult with industry experts to make our content professional and friendly, even for beginners. So if you're looking for new ways to improve your creativity, we can help!

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