Nail Trends: By Rise’ Carter
Nails are the ultimate fashion accessory. Like, jewelry, shoes, handbags, hats and scarves, nails make a taste and style statement. Because I work in the nail industry, I’m always asked what current nail styles and colors are on trend.
The truth is that trends can really run the gamut from very short, square and natural-looking French manicures to super long stiletto nails, complete with colors, jewels and gems.
Often what is considered “in style” is based on what celebrities are wearing. So what ARE they wearing? Here is what has been seen on the red carpets as of late:
• Janet Jackson with black, very short and square nails.
• Scarlet Johansen, also sported very short and square nails, but in white.
• Paris Hilton recently donned a short, square “reverse French” manicure in dark burgundy with white moons.
• J Lo and Mariah prefer a traditional soft French look; medium length and squoval.
As you can see, answering the question “What nail styles are in right now,” can’t be answered easily, because in the nail industry…anything goes. How fun, right?
That being said, you may get some young (or older) hipsters looking to recreate some designs they’ve seen on their favorite celebs. We pulled some quick and easy looks and we’re showing you how to create them with NSI products. Anything that is created using polish or water based paint can be recreated using color gels and colored acrylics for a chip proof, longer-lasting design.
Logos are everywhere and more recently, seen on nails! Heidi Pratt likes her Chanel nails which can be achieved with two coats of Balance Color Gel Noir #88. Use X-Treme White with a small art brush to paint on the interlocking “C”s and top with Finish Clear for a patent leather shine.
Rihanna’s nails are done in the same manner as Heidi’s. Overlay with two coats of Balance Color Gel Caution #87 and use Noir #88 with a small art brush to paint on the smiley faces. Note that one finger is frowning.
Now for more of a challenge: to recreate Lindsay Lohan’s nails, the Subtle Shades Collection in the Technailcolor Powders will be the perfect choice. We’ll start with a color fade in zone 3 with a small bead of It’s a Girl. Press from side to side and brush into zone 2 thinning so that zone 2 has a grainy appearance. Then take the same size bead using Negligee and place it over the grainy area of the first bead. Press from side to side, brushing toward the extension edge. Gently bounce your brush over the area where the two colors overlap. Be sure to keep enough liquid in your brush as this will blend the colors. Continue in the same manner with Lemon Meringue and Sea Foam Green at the tip of the extension edge. Using small amounts of Basic Black Powder, make the little animal spots. Use Attraction Totally Clear Powder over the entire nail prior to filing so that you do not file off any of your design. Finish with Glaze ‘n Go.
For inspiration and ideas for nail art designs, glance at greeting cards, fabric, magazines, clip art, cartoons and the internet (there are many blogs that focus on nail art, including Health & Beauty). Utilize your downtime to practice and to make your display tips. Don’t forget, when you wear nail art, your clients will want it.
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