Popular Nail Trends & How to Keep Up to Date

By Jessica Fraser, Studio Senses 

 

 

Lots of lovely nail art trends popping up on my socials recently. Then they filter down into client requests.

The question is how do you keep up with the trends and deliver them into your business?

 

 

 

Scrolling

Scrolling on social media can be useful!! Turn your mindless scrolling into something productive, and become a trendspotter. Make sure you follow a range of nail techs, so your feed is full of inspiration. My fave socials for nail art are Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest. As you’re looking through your feed you may notice a particular theme or style repeating itself, thats a trend! Also search hashtags like #nailtrends #nailart #springnails #christmasnails #nails2023 whatever’s relevant at the time. Make sure to save any of the “trends” you spot so you can work out how to replicate them. And always check the date of the post to make sure its current.

 

Google

When in doubt Google it! Typing “nail trends 2023” into Google brings up lots of great articles and blog posts. Sometimes they may be predictions from the beginning of the year, so its always worth cross referencing them with what you’ve seen on social media and in other articles. I think on Google reading articles is more helpful than just image searching.

 

Seasonal trends and fashion

Predicting some trends can be simpler than you think. Often the seasons dictate the colours to a certain degree. So more pastels in Spring brights in Summer and oranges and browns in Autumn. You can guarantee floral nails will be popular in March/April, and glitters, foils will be dominant at Christmas. Having a look at the catwalk shows will also give you an idea of what’s to come. Eg, If the 70s is back for clothing then you often see that filter down to nail styles too.

Great so now I know the current trends…….but how the heck do I do them!

Training

Having a good foundation in nail art will help you massively. Knowing how to use your brushes and tools, to create different shapes, knowing what products do what,  can help you to figure out how to create these designs just by looking at them. Book yourself onto a training course specialising in nail art.

For those designs that you just can’t workout look for step by step photos, or reels/tik toks that break down the design. Youtube is another great site to go to.

The earlier you spot nail art trends, the more time you have to practise them, so you’re confident when your clients ask.

Current Trends

 

Chrome nails

Back last year Zola Ganzorigt created the “glazed donut nail” for Hailey Bieber. The internet went crazy for it! A pearly white chrome nail. Simple, but oh so popular.

Chrome nails are still very much on trend at the moment. Use that pearly white chrome or a golden tone and use over pastel colours to make a springtime version.

 

 

 

Pop Art

We saw this first, end of 2022, but its still going strong. I’ve even seen bakers making pop art cakes now!

This design certainly takes more skill, so get practising your linework.

Choose a colour then a similar one in a shade or two darker, you’ll also need a black and white.

After applying your lightest colour, outline the full nail in black. Then add your cartoon highlight lines, one in the darker shade of colour and one in white.

Top tip – get your cuticles and free edge really crisp at the prep stage, this will make it easier to do a smooth black outline.

 

Lipgloss Nails

Nice simple style to perfect. Think minimalist, neat, and super glossy just like lipgloss! Take extra care on cuticles and shaping as this adds to the finish. All you need is a sheer pink and high shine topcoat to achieve this look. And don’t forget the cuticle oil.

 

 

 

 

Aura Nails

As a spiritual lady myself Aura nails are a trend I’m 100% here for! Inspired by the colourful energy fields that surround each living thing, aura nails are about creating a hazey coloured circle as part of the design. You can use an airbrush, blooming gel or pigment powders. Maybe add some pretty stars to finish it off. Head over to my Instagram for a tutorial.

@studiosensesnailstraining

 

 

Illusion French

Still a strong trend, the vertical ombre with a twist. This can be done on long or short nails and creates a cool optical illusion.

See below for my step by step guide.

 

 

 

Step 1: Choose two colours that easily blend together, paint half and half on the nail.

Step 2: Using an ombre brush blend the two colours together in the centre, then CURE

Step 3: Repeat the first 2 steps for your second coat and CURE

Step 4: For your tip, swap the colours over. So they’re now on opposite sides. (dark on top of light, light on top of dark)

Step 5: Blend the tip colours together and CURE. Finish with a matte or gloss topcoat.

 

Velvet Nails

Last but not least a current trend that’s nice and easy to do. All you need is a magnetic polish. To create a nail that resembles velvet. You need to hold your magnet at the cuticle then at the tip so the shimmer is focused more in the centre area of the nail. Have a play around to get the best effect.

Velvet nails have been dominating my feed this week so definitely one to try.

 

 

Thank you for reading my Blog.

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Your Official Sunshine Educator – Bedford

Jess Fraser

 

Photo credits to: Instagam.com @studiosensesnails, @nailsbyzola, @nailartbreak, @nailsby.syd, @nailsby_avril, @nailsbystephh, @nailshopbyannaa