NAILTALES

INTERNATIONAL NAIL SPY

ALEX FOX explores nail trends, innovations & events across the globe

AUSTRALIA MOVES AWAY FROM ‘CLEAN GIRL’ STYLES

Australian nail artists have noted a shift towards manicures that are personal, experimental and visibly crafted. Scratch spoke to Valentina Dall’Acqua of Gothica nail studio in Melbourne to explore this growing concept…

Are you seeing a transition from ultra-polished manicures towards more individual and expressive nails?

Yes. Melbourne has always had a strong creative culture that naturally translates into beauty trends. Younger generations in particular are highly expressive, playful and less interested in conforming to traditional beauty standards. People are treating their nails as an extension of their individual styles, and seeking designs that reflect their interests, fashion choices and identities. As a result, we’re seeing clients gravitate towards nail looks that are artistic, unconventional and personal.

What is it about Melbourne that inspires creative nail styles?

We’re surrounded by art, music, fashion and alternative subcultures – and that has a huge influence on the beauty industry. Melbourne embraces individuality, texture and imperfection. There’s a strong appreciation for grunge, gothic, punk and avant-garde aesthetics, which spills over into nail art.

Do you think clients are becoming less interested in copying viral nail looks, and more interested in commissioning unique work from nail artists?

Having worked in salons – and now a private studio, I can confidently say that both preferences still exist. I have clients who want to try trends such as polka dot, cat eye and glazed donut nails. Around 20% of my client base requests trend-driven designs – often because they want to experience an of-the-moment style at least once.

However, after trying these looks, many clients seek something more personal. Most of my regulars are invested in my artistic style, and are happy for me to freestyle based on a mood board or inspirational images. My most requested nail art tends to be gothic, textured or highly dimensional with sculptural 3D elements.

There appears to be a growing appreciation for nails that look visibly handcrafted, with 3D work, sculptural elements, texture and intricate details. Do you think craftsmanship is becoming the new form of luxury in nails?

Definitely. I believe people are starting to view luxury as something rare, collectible and deeply personal, rather than something mass-produced. Handcrafted nail art takes time, skill and creativity, and clients recognise that value. Some of my clients become so attached to their designs that when it’s time for removal, they ask me to cut off 3D elements as keepsakes. That emotional connection is something you don’t often see with trend-based beauty, and I think it’s a sign that craftsmanship is becoming a new form of luxury.

What nail art do you predict we’ll see more of in Australia going forward?

I think we’ll continue to see a rise in textured and sculptural nail art, particularly encapsulated designs and dimensional applications that blur the line between beauty and wearable art.

Australian artists have always been incredibly resourceful and experimental, often because they’re removed from the major beauty capitals. Rather than following trends, many develop their own interpretations and techniques. I predict that Australian nail pros will keep pushing texture, mixed media and artistic storytelling in ways that the rest of the world will increasingly embrace over the next few years.

Follow Valentina: @gothica.haus

OMAKASE TREND EXCITES NAIL WORLD

The omakase nail trend has emerged, named after the Japanese dining style. ‘Omakase’ means ‘I’ll leave it up to you’, and sees the diner trust the chef to choose and serve a sequence of dishes, often based on seasonal specialities. When translating this into nail styling, the nail artist’s role is to design nails based on ideas or a mood board expressed by the client.

Moé Kim of the MOÉNAIL studio in Brooklyn, New York, has fully embraced the trend, and turned it into a signature style that is proving popular with clients. “I trained in Japan and have been doing nails for 12 years,” Moé reveals. “While in Japan, I honed the omakase technique, which can take up to two and a half hours to complete. Around 80% of my clients choose a form of custom design, and many use the omakase concept by bringing ideas, then trusting me to create a finished look.”

Follow MOÉNAIL: @moenail_ny

US PRO LAUNCHES ‘NAILFLUENCED: A VISUAL GUIDE TO NAIL EXPRESSION’

California-based nail artist, educator, competition judge & influencer, Courtney Cantwell, has produced Nailfluenced, an inspiring guide to nail art techniques and products. “I created Nailfluenced because, first and foremost, I love educating,” she shares. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach many nail art styles and techniques – and I’ve learned that everyone absorbs these differently.

“Some people hear a technique explained once and understand it, while others are more visual learners. They need to see the process broken down, step by step. That was the motivation behind Nailfluenced. I wanted to create more than a book of beautiful nail designs; I wanted to produce a visual learning resource that pros can practice from, revisit and use to develop their creativity and artistic voices,” Courtney continues.

“My hope is that when someone opens Nailfluenced, they don’t just see what I’ve created; they see what’s possible for them. I’ve taken the knowledge and techniques I’ve gathered throughout my career and put them into a format that can inspire artists at every stage of their journeys.”

Nailfluenced is available in hardcover, paperback and digitally via Amazon.

Follow Courtney: @courtneycantwell_nails

NAILYMPIA LANDS IN PUERTO RICO

The first Nailympia Puerto Rico was held 27-28 September within The Nails Expo event at San Juan, hosted by renowned nail artist & educator, Michelle Soto, and educator & exhibition owner, Lyssa Avilés. The competition welcomed 24 nail professionals from five countries competing across 11 categories, and saw a great buzz on the arena floor. The winner of the 3rd Americas Cup was announced as Maksymilian Borowy from Ireland, who was also awarded the Winner of Winners Division 3 trophy.

Scan to view the list of winners.