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The nail trends to try this Spring

For spring, it’s all in the details when it comes to nail trends. It’s time to play with stripes, brights, full-on nail art and more…

Trend #1: Stripes

stripey nails

Whether using a white background and adding multiple painted on stripes, or using strips of foil to create lines, this trend was huge at the international fashion weeks for spring 2014. It’s a great trend for clients who want to play a little with their manicure, but don’t want to go for some full-on nail art. Try simple combos of black and white, candy apple red and white or play with a crosshatch effect.

Seen at: Emerson, Manish Arora, Kate Spade


What the experts say:

“Stripes will be a big fashion trend for 2014, whether it’s horizontal, vertical or a mix and match. The look can be achieved on nails by using nail guide stickers. The base colour should be painted first, before covering the nail with the tape running the way you want, then paint another colour over it. If you prefer to create the look freehand you can use a striping brush. The key is to use the whole of the brush, sweeping it across the nail. The best thing about doing it free hand is that you can do more than one colour,” says Mad Beauty’s Julia Cash.

Trend #2: Moon Mani

moon mani nails

Sometimes known as a reverse French mani, this trend is all about contrast – you paint the moon or crescent of the nail in a contrasting shade to the rest of the nail bed. A simple way to interpret the trend is to paint the moon crystal white and the rest of the nail a clean nude. A retro colour combo would be nude moons with scarlet red, or even black nails with red crescents. The perfect look for your style-conscious clients.

Seen at: Sister By Sibling, Louis Vuitton, Peter Som, Milly, Mila Schon


What the experts say:

“Moon manicures are the latest retro styling in nail design, as it’s actually a style that was first popular in the 1930‘s. Any combination of colours can be used, and the look can be achieved by the use of stencils or free hand. Free hand can be done in two ways; you either apply the moon colour first or second. Then use a clean brush to tidy the shape,” says Gellux brand expert and educator for Training Solutions, Rachel Gribble.

Trend #3: Brights

bright orange nails

Brights are always in, aren’t they? For spring 2014 orange, aqua, chartreuse and neon shades will be huge but there’s also a multitude of classic bright reds, which look especially great on clients who have shorter nails. If you want to play with contrasting brights, go for shades of pink and orange or blue and green for an ombre look or even try the stripe effect (see Trend #1).

Seen at: Burberry, Just Cavalli, Prabal Garung, Donna Karan, Gareth Pugh, Antonio Berardi

Trend #4: Nail Artistry

nail art

Nail art has come on in leaps and bounds, and has helped so many women break out of a style rut. It’s a great exercise in self expression, both for you as an artist and your clients! For spring 2014, nail art is all about having fun. Our favourite nails of the year were seen at The Blondes show – due to the sheer work and multitude of looks – never before have designers paid so much attention to nails.

Seen at: House of Holland, Libertine, Michael Van Der Ham, Sophia Webster, PPQ, Kenzo


What the experts say:

“Nails are all about self-expression; apply our Sheer Tints over your favourite OPI Nail Lacquer to achieve your dream shade, or play with accent glitters and dark tones or transform crèmes and shimmers,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “Make a statement by creating an ombre design that is on-trend, then add several coats of glitter to create dimension.”

First published in the Capital Hair & Beauty magazine.