Duck nails — the controversial nail shape in which the free edge flares out like a duck bill — were a major source of drama on the TV series “What Not to Wear” (episode “Tristen”, which first aired Jan. 17). The client had an emotional breakdown when the show’s style experts insisted she give up her duck nails for a classier look, but New York City-based nail tech Julie Kandalec handled herself with poise. “I was nervous yet excited,” Kandalec says. “‘What Not To Wear’ is one of my favorite shows, and I appreciated the opportunity to show America that nails are just as important as hair and makeup. In fact, this was the first time a manicurist had ever been on the show.

This is a big deal for the nail and beauty industry.” Kandalec told us it took her five hours to do Tristen’s nails, and Kandalec used Entity acrylic and Butter London polish in Primrose Hill Picnic, plus nail jewelry from Tokyo. 

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