Keeping in check

Get to know the Gelish pro behind this month’s patterned cover nails & discover how to recreate the look

Vu Nguyen

Vu Nguyen has had a colourful 10-year journey with the Gelish brand. The multi-talented tattoo artist & nail designer is the brand’s go-to pro for creative, standout nail work, owing to his precise application skills and out-of-the-box ideas. Holding the role of Gelish dean of education, Vu met the brand’s founder, industry legend Danny Haile, 18 years ago, and credits him as ‘the GOAT of nails’ (Greatest Of All Time) – and a huge part of his success. So, when the maestros combine their concepts and expertise, the results truly excite.

Danny Haile

To create this month’s Scratch cover image, Danny jetted to Vu’s home in Kansas City, Missouri, where the duo discussed ideas for a striking nail shot. Keen to show the capabilities of the newest product in the Gelish range, Cream Gel, a bold nail look that ‘popped’ was decided upon. The notion was that the model could be camouflaged into the background to accentuate the nails.

“Danny and I played around with various ideas: from me painting a backdrop to the art department creating a background,” shares Vu. “Once the concept was finalised, we sketched nail designs on paper, before creating them and choosing the preferred look.”

Concept: nailed

A checkerboard style with texture was favoured, created using all six shades from the Gelish Cream Gel Palette in Neon & On & On. “There are so many things to love about the Gelish Cream Gel Palettes: from the portability of the case to the brush that makes the shades easy to apply, and their rich pigments,” Vu comments. “The formula is HEMA-free and there’s no need to mix it before application.”

Design ideas for the cover nails.

Vu created Scratch’s cover nail design on Gelish Soft Gel Tips in Long Stiletto. He spent three to four hours on the artwork, before flying to Gelish HQ in Brea, California, for the photo shoot. “I grew up in California, so love visiting for photo shoots, as I get the opportunity to see my family,” Vu smiles. “The Gelish office has an awesome studio for shoots, and the day ran smoothly. I arrived at 7am, two hours before the planned start, as I wanted to make sure I had all products and tools ready – and most importantly, had time to eat breakfast! I feel like I’m on my A-game when I have a full stomach, so bought a dozen tacos to share with the team.”

“I hope that pros are inspired by the design and recreate it on their clients. The nails are meant to be fun and evoke feelings of love and joy.”

When the model arrived, her nails were prepped while the hair and make-up artists set up their kits. Danny then arrived to oversee operations. “I’ve done a lot of photo shoots in my nail career, and most of them have been alongside Danny,” Vu continues. “He teaches me about both nails and life, and has a great eye for detail.He’s also skilled at identifying when the team gets carried away with ideas on set.”

The shoot finished earlier than planned, at around 3pm. “My favourite thing about the nails is that none of them are exactly the same,” shares Vu. “This shows that they are hand-painted, and I hope that pros are inspired by the design and recreate it on their clients. The nails are meant to be fun and evoke feelings of love and joy.”

COVER NAILS: The how-to guide

Step 1

Following Gelish nail prep, apply a thin coat of Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish in Arctic Freeze. Cap the free edge, then cure for 30 seconds in the Gelish 18G LED Light. Repeat for full coverage.

Step 2

Paint fine lines on the nail in a checkerboard pattern, using a thin nail art brush and Gelish Art Form Gel in Essential Black. Cure for 30 seconds.

Step 3

Apply shades from the Gelish Cream Gel Neon & On & On Palette within selected selected shapes on the nail. Cure for 30 seconds.

Gelish Xpress Dip N Brush Powder in Arctic Freeze £19.95 + VAT

Step 4

Apply Gelish Top-It Off Sealer Gel Top Coat. Cure for 30 seconds in the 18G LED Light. Cleanse the inhibition layer.

Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish in Arctic Freeze £16.99 + VAT

Gelish Art Form Gel in Essential Black £9.99 + VAT

Step 5

Apply Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish in Arctic Freeze to the white squares, then sprinkle Gelish Xpress Dip N Brush Powder in Arctic Freeze on top. Cure for 30 seconds, before dusting off the excess powder and applying Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil to finish.

Gelish Cream Gel Palette in Neon & On & On £19.99 + VAT

TOP TIPS

Vu shares points to consider to create a striking nail photo…

“Look at the model’s nails from all angles before commencing the shoot. Production can be delayed if you notice an imperfection or smudge on the nails when shooting. Also, don’t rely on Photoshop or filters too heavily. Make the nail style as clean as possible, because too much editing can make nails look distorted.”