4 mins
BLING IT ON
Give 3D elements & embellishments serious staying power with adhesion & application advice from nail stylists
Nail tip designs by Scarlett Senter (@scarlett_senternailartist).
Adorning nails with embellishments adds dimension to designs, allowing you to transform plain styles into striking looks. Use dainty crystals and pearls to enhance artistic details, or go all-out with pre-made 3D additions and chunky jewels.
Hannah Turbine
“I find the process of choosing embellishments really fun,” shares Hannah Turbine of Brighton salon, Gellraiser. “My clients and I enjoy looking through my large selection of charms, crystals and pearls during appointments,” she tells Scratch. “The adornments add depth to each creation.”
Kiyoko Sumai
Kiyoko Sumai of Nailsbykiyoko, Oregon, agrees. “Adding embellishments elevates the excitement of a nail appointment,” she shares. “The process allows the client and I to collaborate creatively, adding a new layer to the appointment.”
Hannah Turbine adds gold embellishments and small, shiny details to these striking enhancements.
Kiyoko Sumai pays homage to the junk nails trend with this multi-embellished design, featuring pearls, piercings and playful Kawaii elements.
Naio Nails Charms in Baby Pink Teddy Bear (5pc)
and Silver Bow (10pc) £3.99 inc VAT each www.naio-nails.com
@beautyby_ellc finds the balance between subtle and striking with this nude design, featuring an eye-catching silver embellishment and touch of sparkle.
London-based nail stylist, @anouskaanastasia, adds sparkling crystals to almond-shaped nails.
Top tips for working with embellishments
“Practice wearing embellished designs on your own nails, as this will help you to learn a lot about working with them and where to place them.”
Belinda Price,
OPI UK&I education manager
Belinda Price
OPI X Swarovski Premium Crystal Nail Art Kit
£51.40 + VAT www.opi.com
Amanda Trivett
“Plan the placement of crystals and embellishments before you add them to nails. I recommend planning crystal designs on a piece of paper before applying to nails, allowing you to adjust the placement as required.” Amanda Trivett, Lecenté creator
Lecenté Silicone Multi Tool (T1)
£12.49 + VAT www.lecente.com
Scarlett Senter
“Patience is key when working with embellishments. Picking up tiny crystals can quickly become frustrating, but there are tools available to help make your work easier.” Scarlett Senter of Scarlett Senter Nail Artist & Academy, Norfolk
Scarlett adorns navy and nude matte nails with a combination of chunky crystals and beads, creating an elegant finish.
“Adding embellishments requires a steady hand, plenty of time and a lot of patience. Be sure to explain this to the client ahead of their appointment and book out plenty of time.
Emma Laverton
When using caviar beads, consider mixing them into clear builder gel on a palette and applying using a fine liner brush, before adding top coat to finish.”
Emma Laverton, Glitterbels ambassador
Ideal for spring, this nail style by Emma Laverton features 3D flower petals and crystal cuffs.
Commitment issues
Embellished nail styles require extra care beyond traditional nail services, and may not be suitable for clients with active or hands-on lifestyles, or those with a history of picking and biting nails. Clients must commit to following through with daily aftercare and should be well versed in treating nails like jewels, not tools.
Rachel Argent
“Clients need to be realistic when choosing embellishments, and it’s important for techs to assess during consultations whether they are suitable for their day-to-day lives,” explains Rachel Argent of Skullpture Nails, Wigan.
“Assess clients’ jobs, lifestyles and hobbies to be sure that the chosen embellishments are suitable and won’t be a hazard,” adds Amanda Trivett.
Rachel Argent complements marbled green and white enhancements with emerald crystals on the ring fingernail.
“I recommend small, simple charms for clients that are new to embellishments,” shares Kiyoko Sumai. “I offer clients advice on everyday activities while they get used to their embellished nails, which reminds them that they have delicate additions on their fingertips. Caution is key!”
Swarovski Crystal SS9 in Fuchsia (200pc)
£7.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com
Halo Create Crystals Multi-Colour
AB size 3 £2.69 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk
Maintaining wearability
Ensure that you manage the expectations of your clients. “I have had a lot of clients wanting looks that they’ve seen online or on my competition pieces, which are not suitable for everyday wear,” details Scarlett Senter.
“Embellishments are perfect for an event or perhaps a holiday, but for some clients, they aren’t practical for everyday life,” adds Emma Laverton. “Secure larger embellishments with a clear adhesive, such as a bead of L&P acrylic, to make them less likely to catch.”
“For small gems and pearls, I use nail glue, which I find is enough to adhere them to nails,” notes Katie Turner, Glitterbels ambassador. “For larger pieces, I recommend placing the embellishment onto clear acrylic or builder gel, then allowing to set or cure before applying top coat with a fine liner brush to seal.”
Katie Turner
London nail stylist, @lisa__nailedit, embodies the cottagecore trend in this sweet design that features bows and pearls.
Katie Turner adds a crystal to the centre of spring-friendly flowers.
Policy pointers
It’s important to have a clear policy in place when it comes to all nail services, and some pros offer to replace embellishments free of charge if they are lost up to 72 hours after the nail service.
“I offer free fixes on any of my nail services, including embellishments, for the first three days, but anything over this time is charged as a fix,” says Hannah Turbine. “As nail technicians, there is only so much we can do before it becomes an issue with the client’s aftercare.”