5 mins
Meaningful Manicures
REBECCA HITCHON investigates how nail looks are being used to promote movements & send messages
If you follow A-listers, you may have noticed a grooming habit that’s growing in popularity: the use of nail styles to communicate messages. A quick internet search reveals that the ‘memo nails’ trend, which sees words or phrases incorporated into designs, has been dominating the celebrity world of late, bringing with it a new wave of expression. Last year, actress, Vanessa Hudgens, showed off her hen party nails, which featured ‘bride’ and ‘Mrs. T’ painted in gothic script by Zola Ganzorigt. In sport, NFL player, Caleb Williams, is known for wearing foul messages, directed at opposing teams, on his nails. And actor, Pedro Pascal’s nail design for this year’s Golden Globes, crafted by @nailpaint.christina, read ‘ouch’ as he wore an arm sling.
Helena Biggs
But meaningful nails aren’t a recent innovation. In her 2014 book, Nail Style: Amazing Designs by the World’s Leading Nail Techs, Scratch’s managing editor, Helena Biggs, shares how nail styles are a key form of self-expression, with the possibilities for these messages only limited by imagination and practicality. “Nail adornment began 5,000 years ago, when henna was used on nails by the Egyptians to signify social order, and since then has developed into a signifier of personality, interests and self,” she writes. “Despite the available shades being limited to red and nude in the 1920s, the use of nail polish became representative of a glamorous, affluent figure.
“Later, the mass production of nail lacquer led to the advent of a variety of shades and paved the way to greater expression of taste through nail colour and now design, shape and texture. Trend followers in the ’60s began to express their appreciation for art and ‘flower power’ with floral designs on nails, while in the 1970s, long stiletto nails represented affluence,” she continues.
Mandi Cox
Meaningful nails aren’t restricted to celebrity clients, as Light Elegance UK brand ambassador, Mandi Cox, tells Scratch. “Most of my clients relate to how they are feeling or aspire to feel through their nails, whether via an obvious artistic message or a symbol known only to them,” she says. “Colours are used for different reasons across the world, and it is no different on nails. For example, blue promotes calm, green signifies prosperity, orange represents ambition and confidence, and yellow is associated with happiness.”
So, how are nail clients sharing messages via their chosen styles today, and why are they choosing to do so? Let’s explore...
Laura Smith
“Nail art is an accessible and unique way for people to share their passions and raise awareness for causes that are important to them. It’s also a fantastic conversation starter,” notes Laura Smith, owner of Cheshire business, Laura Smith Nails. “I created the below design, showcasing the logo of charity, ADHD UK, while I came to terms with my ADHD diagnosis. I couldn’t think of a better way to raise awareness of the condition, and have since connected with other neurodivergent nail technicians and clients, who wouldn’t have reached out to me otherwise. I have even been invited to talk about my ADHD journey and nail studio in local schools. An open, non-judgemental discussion has been started, and I have renovated my studio to create a positive sensory experience for those who don’t enjoy traditional salon environments. The process was prompted by this nail style.”
Yasmin Hodge
Wolverhampton pro, Yasmin Hodge of Gels By Yas, details that several of her clients have requested nail designs to support charitable causes. “Nails are a great outlet for clients to express themselves and send messages about their beliefs and identities,” says the tech. “One of my clients is battling ovarian cancer and chose the Nail Order Gel Polish in Caribbean for her nails recently. It’s a teal hue and is the colour associated with awareness for the cancer type. Even a block colour nail look can present an important message.”
Emily Gilmour
“Nail art catches people’s eyes, therefore is a great way to express oneself and promote awareness. I love the conversations that begin by catching a glimpse of works of nail art,” says Emily Gilmour, London-based freelance nail artist. “I created a design with a climate message for one of my clients a few years ago, showcasing the reality of time running out to make a significant environmental change. Not only did I incorporate specific climate images, but the client and I chose to include the coloured stripes from the Reading FC kit at the time, which had been created in collaboration with the University of Reading to show the annual average temperature change.”
Julie Quinn Cornes
Owner of Beautiful You By Ju, Cheshire, Julie Quinn Cornes, shares that she’s noticed her clients’ nail art choices reflecting their moods and personalities more than ever. “Nails are one of the first things people check out on each other nowadays, with nail art such a popular aspect of styling,” she comments. “I often find that clients ask for colours or sparkly nail finishes to brighten their mood. Some of the most meaningful designs I’ve created are for clients going on holiday. They have asked for portraits of their pets to be painted on their nails, so that they are with them in some form.”
Kateryna Pravorska
“Nails are mini canvases, and just like any other form of art, they can be used to make statements. I created the below period-themed nails to show that periods are not a choice for women,” reveals Kateryna Pravorska of NAILCORE studio in Lisbon, Portugal. “We see our own hands more often than any other part of the body, and others notice them more than we think, so why shouldn’t we use nails to speak up in an artistic way?”
Mandi Cox finds that spiritual clients often opt for nail designs with strong messages, and remembers one asking for apple art on her nails. “At first it seemed an odd request, but she explained the meaning behind the fruit and how it represented her feelings at the time,” the nail tech recounts. “Apples are a symbol for the Earth Element to be grounded, and the client believed she needed to feel more grounded in her life. They represent abundance and gratitude, as well as passion and love – like in the Snow White fairytale, where the poison apple relates to temptation and true love’s kiss. The client wanted apples painted on her nails to remind her of these meanings throughout her day-to-day life.”
Actress, Christina Applegate, made a powerful statement about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis via the nail design she chose to wear when receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. ‘FU MS’ was emblazoned across her nails courtesy of nail artist, Vanessa Sanchez McCullough (@nailzbyvee).
Best Supporting Actress nominee at this year’s Oscars, Danielle Brooks, paid homage to black history via the nail look she sported at the awards ceremony. She wore a Swarovski Crystal French manicure, created by Temeka Jackson (@customtnails1), which featured 26 glittering crystals on each nail to represent the black women who have been nominated for the award. Brooks was the 26th, but lost out to Da’Vine Joy Randolph.