My nails are bare right now, and I am ready for something new than just my usual home manicure. If you are looking for new colors or trends for this spring, here are five awesome nail trends suggested by top nail salons.
1. Edgy
Many nail salons now carry OPI’s recently released top coat that adds edginess to your nails. In Katy Perry’s collection for OPI, four new colors accompany this top coat called “Black Shatter.” Letoile Day Spa and Nails in Norfolk, Virginia said that the product “is a top coat that creates a cracked look.” You may choose any color as a base coat. After your base coat has completely dried, apply the Black Shatter. Depending on how thick they apply your topcoat, the base color peeks from behind thin or think cracks of black. The instructional video on OPI’s website suggests adding a clear top coat afterwards to create extra sheen. The product can be paired with any color and the application is a simple process. Be the first to show this new trend to your girlfriends.
2. Adhesive (The High/Low Price Options)
Pre-cut adhesive patterns for your nails have also been gaining popularity. These heat-activated patterns allow custom and unique designs for your nails without using a single drop of nail polish. CEO/Founder of Sol Oasis Nail Salon in Atlanta, KaSundra Anderson, said she loves this celeb-trend for because she can create innovative designs and even help her clients customize the adhesives to their tastes. A very popular brand the celebrities have been using is called Minx Nails. The adhesives are applied to the nail and stick when heated by a heat lamp or hair dryer. The end results are beautiful, creative nails that will not chip like nail polish. This is a great opportunity to try new and bold nails. And the best part? The possibilities are endless!
A cheaper way to get these exact results is based on Sally Hansen's new Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips that will last up to ten days without shattering. They are available at any CVS stores and offer multiple exciting designs you can try. These come with a cuticle pusher, a file, and color strips. The process is very simple. Make sure your nails are free from oil, dirt, and nail polish for a longer lasting color, then apply the strip that better fits your nail, press it for 5-10 seconds, pull the remaining part of the strip and file as needed. There is no dry time, only fun times!
3. Waterless
Atlanta salon owner KaSundra Anderson also placed emphasis on her salon’s waterless pedicures service. “It’s about going green and being safe,” she said. A waterless pedicure is just how it sounds. Foot baths have been replaced by sanitized steamed towels. By wrapping your feet in these towels, your chances of catching a fungus or bacteria from the foot bath vanish. As an added bonus, you are helping the environment by preserving water without lifting a finger. More and more nail salons are implementing this practice because it is “green”, more economically friendly, and a cleaner service. Sol Oasis Nail Salon is one of many to offer this service.
4. Shellac
One of my greatest pet peeves is waiting for my manicure to set before I get to do anything. I’m that one person who the manicurist has to do at least one nail over because I keep moving, reaching for my cell and trying to do many things at once. At an average of $30.00 a manicure I get really mad when I see my bad habits ruin my manicure. The shellac manicure is the answer for my prayers. Karen Clement from The Hampton’s Salon Xavier says that this process is a little bit longer than regular manicure but there is no waiting time nor chipping for as long as two weeks. The shellac’s special formula is applied under UV ray lights and works as a primer, a sealant, blocking the smell of the varnish, as a color and a top gloss coat.
This process is fairly new and the colors available are limited, however, Salon Xavier carries 12 colors that will make you want to come back and try one shade per month. Karen says that her clients love wearing Cream puff, a creamy color that is inspired by the color of the always creamy and yummy filling of decadent and sophisticated French pastries. A second popular shade is the Tutti-frutti shellac, a hot pink that Karen calls “a big color for spring.” Lastly, the Strawberry smoothie is a natural soft rosy-pink that is perfect for a romantic candlelight-dinner.
5. French Twist
Another popular trend at salons gives a twist to the classic French manicure. The wide variety of exciting and beautiful colors available for our nails has made the French tips a bit archaic. However, Kelly Vigesaa from Seattle’s In Spa salon says that her clients ask for a thin line of color underneath the regular French tip. She also shares that the most popular colors at her salon are OPI’s Passion, a sheer almost nude pink that lifts your French manicure up a notch. Kelly also recommends OPI’s Conquistable, a flirty and fun bolder pink that sends the vibe out that you are available and adorable. As if it wasn’t enough grandiosity, Kelly urges us to try OPI’s Malaga wine. This trendy and sophisticated burnt red is sultry and inviting, much like the wine in Spain. However, we are not responsible for its effect on people! Use it at your own risk.
