READERS GALLERY

Step into the creative realm of SABRE VAN DIJK, a Brighton-based nailist with a passion for playful, striking styles

Name – Sabre van Dijk (aka Sabz)

Age – 29

Business name: @badgalsabz

Location – Brighton, UK Years in nails – Four

Trained with – I hold a fine art degree in painting from the University of Brighton, and qualified in nail services with BC Beauty Training in West Sussex.

Favourite products – I have heavily relied on Navy Professional tools since I qualified, as I recognise the importance of good nail preparation. Madam Glam products are best suited to my creative needs, and I am obsessed with the brand’s 3D Art Gels in Clear and Pearl, as they are easy to manipulate and aid my love for 3D designs. Another essential in my nail kit is the Madam Glam Frosting Gel. It is extremely satisfying to work with and allows for chrome-friendly raised effects. The brand’s Cat Eye Gel Polish collection is also stunning.

Favourite nail techniques – I love experimenting with texture, creating 3D sculptures and hand-painting. I’m most in my element when I’m layering, playing with depth, colours and concepts, and working beyond the outcome being ‘pretty’. Whether it’s outlandish sculpting, embedded materials or surrealist illustrations, I want my nail looks to create illusions, conversations and form their own narratives.

Favourite nail designs – I created a 3D manicure inspired by the 2024 Mean Girls film, and sculpted replicas of the lettered rings worn in the movie’s promotional art, as well as a miniature version of the iconic Burn Book.

I also loved my Saltburn-inspired nail style, as I gravitate towards more gritty, explorative subjects. A Valentine’s locket set featuring pop star baddies was very satisfying to create. It blended girly charm with power, nostalgia and iconic pop culture references, wrapped into an old school love locket theme. The design felt personal yet playful, and fully propelled me into my feminine self.

Career ambition & vision – I aim to build a career that’s limitless, and to provide myself with opportunities to be creative in a library of areas. I love expressing myself through nail styles, as I’m able to explore eccentric concepts that merge art, fashion and cultural storytelling. The nail sector offers opportunities to develop as an artist and innovate each day, and I aim to build my portfolio through editorials, competitions, standalone pieces and partnerships, as well as contribute to the industry’s fine art movement.

I want to hold room in the nail sector for neurodiverse artists and creatives, by sharing my processes and embracing a unique, unapologetic approach to my work and life in general.

Who do you admire in the industry? I follow a number of nail pros on Instagram who have strong voices, aren’t afraid to experiment or make bold statements, and who inspire me, namely: @texto_dallas; @nailtriip; @scum.nails; @peggy._.nailupy; @deannadeannna; @dwh.nails; @joyeuxponopono and @_nailstingz_.

E: thebadgalsalon@gmail.com

/thebadgalsalon

@badgalsabz