A licensed nail tech since 2016, RussAnna Dudley (@organicnails_by_russanna) recently opened her first salon in Dahlonega, Ga., where she works with three other techs, all of whom also entered this year’s Cover Tech Contest. She was inspired by 1970s colors and designs when she created the nail art for her winning cover. “I wanted something fun and colorful,” she explains. “I love the different looks you can achieve with tie-dye. One thing you don’t see in this picture is the artwork on the underside of the nails. The underside has different symbols or emojis that remind me of the ’70s, such as happy flowers, yin and yang symbols, and peace signs.”

Dudley used Aprés Nails to create the canvas for her nail art. She credits her photographer, beer photographer Tim Lawrence, with helping her achieve the final cover design. “After seeing his pictures, I knew that he would be amazing, especially with the small details,” she says. “The best thing I did for this shoot was to trust my photographer.”
Dudley says having her work featured on NAILS’ cover is a dream come true. “The other finalists’ work was amazing, and I am truly humbled that mine was chosen,” she says. “I also want to give a big shout out to the girls in my salon, LeighAnne Lawrence, Shawnelle Lee, and Ashley Cinceria! I am so proud that you took a leap of faith and challenged yourself.”