Nail Systems International believes that the same principals of wearing the right colors of clothes and make-up to compliment a women’s overall look apply to customizing colors for the nails as part of a woman’s overall appearance.
Seasonal color theory was inspired by artist and colorist Johannes Itten of the famous Bauhaus school in Germany. He discovered the power of physical coloring by studying that his students’ personal colors were consistently those complimentary to their skin tones, hair and eyes in both tone and intensity. Itten concluded that our personal palette, the one to which we are drawn to naturally, consists of the very colors that look best on us.
Carole Jackson, a professional color consultant took this theory in the late 1970’s and early 80’s, and turned it into a multi-million dollar business. She is an author of several best selling books in the “Color Me Beautiful” series. Her theory is that the right colors can make you look fabulous, regardless of what kind of clothes you wear.
NSI believes that the same principals of wearing the right colors of clothes and make-up to compliment a women’s overall look apply to customizing colors for the nails as part of a woman’s overall appearance. Nails are no longer a luxury service, but a matter of excellent grooming and the ultimate fashion accessory.
Custom blending allows you to offer the ultimate manicure and pedicure service. You can customize pink and white enhancements to compliment your client’s skin tones, create a formula to match a client’s personal style, or create the illusion of longer, sleeker nail beds. Matching and complimenting skin tones are a great way to boost your service ticket. Clients are willing to and expect to pay a little extra for this premium service.
Customizing and mixing acrylic powders have been done for many years. Now, with the resurgence of the “natural” French, this can be easily achieved.
For zone 1, the extension edge, choose either a bright white such as Attraction Radiant White Nail Powder, or a gentle white such as Attraction Soft White Nail Powder.
For zones 2&3, choose a pink powder as a "base" that will result in the look you are trying to achieve.
For example, if the client’s nails have imperfections or you want to create the illusion of longer nail beds, start with an opaque powder such as Attraction Pink Masque Powder, which is a medium-cool pink. If your objective is a more translucent look, use Attraction Radiant Pink or Sheer Pink Nail Powders.
French enhancements can be altered and customized for any skin tone by adding very small amounts of powder from our Technailcolor Colored Acrylic line, such as Raspberry Red, Chocolate Brown, Juicy Orange, Canary Yellow, or Glistening Cobalt.
It is best to start by adding just tiny hints of the colors to obtain the desired shade. Remember to mix enough powder to have on hand when your client returns for her rebalancing appointments.
Warm vs. Cool
Cool colors are traditionally blue, green, and purple. It is the addition of these colors that make other colors cool. A blue-red is a cool red. An icy pale yellow can also be cool.
Warm colors are traditionally red, yellow, and orange. It is the addition of these colors that make other colors warm. An orange-red is a warm red. A lime or chartreuse green is a warm green.
Skin Tones
The genes that determine your skin tone, hair, and eye color also determine what colors look best on you. When you study your coloring, you will find that your skin, hair, and eyes have either blue (cool) or golden (warm) tones. Your inherited skin tone does not change; it simply deepens with a tan and fades with age. The same colors will always look the best on you.
Your skin tone is the most important factor in determining what colors look best on you. The tone of your skin comes from three pigments, melanin (brown), carotene (yellow), and hemoglobin (red). It is the particular combination of these three pigments that gives you your unique skin tone. Because your skin acts as a thin filter, it is the tone just under its surface that determines whether your skin is warm or cool. Cool skin tones have blue undertones, while warm skin tones have a golden undertone.
Determining Your Skin Tone
Some people’s skin tone is quite obvious, but for others it is subtle. Compare wrists and palms by placing a piece of white paper under your hand and wrist. Does it look pinkish/blue or golden/orange?
Don’t be fooled with hair color. Think back to your original hair color. On the same token, don’t be fooled by your make up. To determine your skin tone it is best to do it without makeup and to have your hair at its natural color or wrapped in an off white towel.
