Hottest Nails!

Nails are a feature of grooming that continue to be innovative and trendy – here are seasonal tips from industry experts.

Summer colours and lengths: Keerti Joshi, Proprietor, Keertisnailbox shares the top five trending colours this summer for the ‘hottest nails’ – White, Vibrant Yellow, Minty Green, Candy Pink, Mulberry, Coral Red, and Nudes/Naturals. “Summer nails are an important part of a clients ‘holiday look’, and they enjoy having them decorated with vibrant and bold colours.” Before the client takes off for a beach holiday, Joshi books them in for a nail treatment considering that the sun and sand might be tough on their nails. She recommends short nails, reinforced with short extensions or a gel polish application. When it comes to a colour palette she make suggestions according to their summer wordrobe and the client’s destination. “I always give them few tips on after-care, which is an essential part of nail care.”

Ashes Bhakta Shrestha, Owner & Educator-Nail Edit, shares that summers are quite bright and so most people prefer pastel colours or light shades for their nails, such as Olive Green, Light Purple, Nude Pink, Mustard Yellow and Off-white. “These never go out of trend for the summers. However, the bright and hot summers also see a demand for refreshing colours such as green, yellow and blue. Shades of pink and purple are the go-to colours as well. Pastel shades with a mix of glitter and marble nail art are good choices for Summer. And finally, a French manicure with neon colours is always a cool summer style.” In terms of nail length, he agrees that most people prefer short nails for summer and sober nail art with bright colours.

“Some clients tend to like a change in the summer – bright neon colours on short nails are preferred by clients going to beaches for vacations. Some others prefer French polish, Ombré nails, and short to medium length nails with light pastel shades too.”

Shapes: According to Joshi, the most fashionable nail shapes this summer will be short and natural looking nails. “As we know in the industry, oval nails are a shape closest to the natural nail, so it is the main trend of 2021.” In terms of shapes this summer, Shrestha thinks a soft square is the perfect shape for summer and an everyday look. But of course, his clients ask for different shapes, like the coffin nails, stilettos, ballerina, and pointed – all of which are in demand.

The top nail shape is the oval nails, says Joshi. This shape is popular with young girls at present and is the most universal and suitable nail shape for most. This is followed by Almond Nails are becoming popular once again. Square Nails are classic, especially the short length square will be the most stylish this season. And finally, Squoval Nails, a softsquare shape, and again, quite universal. The Squoval nail shape also suits any nail design. “Each season we are surprised by the different nail shapes, designs and lengths that emerge in popularity – they are changeable, and we create combinations ourselves. We see new products and trends on daily basis.

“When choosing a nail shape for your client, it is important to know what is at the peak of popularity and go with the trend,” Joshi concludes. According to Shrestha, there is no nail shape preferences according to seasons. Nail shapes totally depends on the clients’ choices. The shapes can be changed to match the nail art. Sometimes, it depends on the length of the nails as well. A classic French manicure looks good on medium and soft square nails. Coffin and oval shapes are quite trendy in summer.

“Nail technicians, during consultation, help the clients to choose a shape that enhances the clients’ hands. After all, the clients should be comfortable with the outcome,” says Shrestha.