3 mins
Enter the DRAGON
Embrace the Lunar New Year in style by brushing up on your knowledge of Chinese legends & channelling the spirit of the dragon through nail art
Happy New Year
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè (新年快乐)
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, begins on 10 February this year, with celebrations continuing until the Lantern Festival on 24 February. Marking the occasion encourages happiness, luck and prosperity for the months ahead, and 2024 is the Year Of The Dragon, symbolising power, strength and confidence.
The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Chinese legend states that the animals were invited to race across the Heavenly River by the first ruler of China and supreme ruler of Heaven, the Jade Emperor, or tiān gōng (天公), which translates to ‘heavenly grandfather’. It was believed that the dragon would win the race due to its strength and determination, but the legend says that the dragon discovered a village struggling with drought and stopped to help, bringing rain to the village to save its people. This act of kindness made the dragon late to the race, losing any chance of winning first place.
Kim Sunhee, aka @nail_sunhee & founder of Nail Sunhada, creates a cute 3D dragon featuring a lucky bag and 2024-shaped scaling tale.
CLICK HERE for a step-by-step guide to creating the look
Photo by Kim Jungsun for Nailholic
Nail artist, @clarahnails, adds dainty peony touches to this striking black and gold design, which also features a dragon and phoenix.
Dagenham nail pro, @alittlelesstatty, welcomes the Lunar New Year with this red and gold design.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DRAGON
In Chinese legend, the dragon is the giver of abundance and has the following traits:
• Intelligent.
• Powerful.
• Ambitious.
• Strong sense of self.
• Charismatic.
• Adventurous.
• Talented.
• Generous.
• Independent.
UPDATE YOUR SALON SPACE
Create a fun, vibrant and welcoming salon space and encourage clients to immerse in celebrations by decorating for the Lunar New Year. Attract good luck and prosperity with hanging lanterns and add touches of red and gold around the salon for bold pops of colour. Prefer something floral? Consider traditional Chinese flowers, such as peonies and orchids.
HomeSense Wooden Chinese Dragon
£24.99 inc VAT www.tkmaxx.com
HomeSense Chinese Silk Lantern Light Shade
£19.99 inc VAT www.tkmaxx.com
YEARS OF THE DRAGON:
• 1952
• 1964
• 1976
• 1988
• 2000
B&M Suntide Cushion with Foil
RRP £8 www.bmstores.co.uk
TKMaxx Large Pink Orchids in a Mirrored Vase
£19.99 inc VAT www.tkmaxx.com
This design by @nailsbyryoko embraces the celebration in a bold contrasting style, with a pink and blue dragon surrounded by bright yellow flames and delicate floral details.
Anna Sosina (@zabota_nails) crafts extreme dragon-themed nails for a shoot with photographer, Elena Abramova, showcased by model & make-up artist, Alina Zharovnia.
Sydney-based nail artist, @hashtag.awesome.nails, embodies the spirit of the dragon through a watchful eye.
CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR
Embracing celebrations such as the Spring Festival creates a sense of cultural inclusivity, encouraging us to learn more about the diverse range of traditions and beliefs held by communities around the world. Embracing nail looks inspired by the celebrations and the Year Of The Dragon can help foster a sense of community on your social media pages, and encourage you to tap into a new source of creativity.
Consider offering a curated selection of themed nail designs, and invite clients to incorporate red and gold hues into nail looks to mark the occasion.
Buckinghamshire’s Anona Grice stays on-trend with this cool chrome design, including metallic effect dragons over a milky base.
San Diego nail stylist, @tendrehands, welcomes the Lunar New Year with this colourful hand-painted dragon design.
WERE YOU BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON?
Those born in the Year Of The Dragon are thought to inherit the dragon’s characteristics from the legend in Chinese culture, including intelligence, ambition, independence and charisma. Nail technicians born in the Year Of The Dragon will particularly benefit from heightened inspiration thanks to the dragon’s adventurous spirit and natural talent.
Nat McMains, aka @nailphases, serves up a playful twist on traditional Chinese art, using a bold red base for a fun Year Of The Dragon-themed design.
This daring design by @grabbersbymiks is the perfect way to embrace the dragon’s confidence. It features 3D details and shimmering red crystals across the wings.