Nail Design
Elle Spring Picks are "Vibrant"
Elle's 'It List" for the spring include cool pastels, glitzy metallics and ombré neon. The list includes colors from Essie's The Art of Spring collection, in Pop Art Pink and Lilacism, which "give pastels a new cool."
Essence Glam Squad Talks Nails
The Essence glam squad gives advice on affordable beauty solutions under $20. Squad member Pam says, "Trend-charting colors and salonworthy tools make manis an affordable indulgence."
M2M Damore-Jon A Nail Artist's Creation
Nail tech Myrdith Leon-McCormack, whose work has been seen on the runway for famous designers, created her own line of polishes, M2M DamoreJon Natural Nail Care.
A Minty Trend
Redbook Magazine says mint "gives all your fashion and beauty basics a refreshing twist."
Try a Rounded Oval Shape, CND Trend Expert Says
Jan Arnold, CND's trend expert, tells Redbook Magazine the new nail shape to have is a rounded oval on short- to medium-length nails, which results in a more feminine look.
Glitter Gels
As the glitter gel toenails craze continues among clients, Light Elegance has released a gel line that makes life easier for the nail techs who do this popular service.
Tips for Embedded Bliss
Clients who love nail art will adore your unique and durable embedded creations. Traditional clear acrylics are not the only way to go- you can also use tips, gels, or "instant embedding" techniques.
Out with the Old, In with the Bold
Big. Bold. Bright. Color. That’s what we thought when we opened the 2010 spring polish collections. This season’s new nail colors are the brightest, boldest, most vibrant hues we’ve seen in years. So instead of showing you a few colors from each collection (which frankly wouldn’t do them justice), we decided to showcase the collections in full so you can get the same dramatic effect. For once, we have no props, no gimmicks, no stories — we’re simply letting the colors speak for themselves.
by Hannah Lee
Down Mexico Way
In September, Mexican nail techs gathered to compete at the Puerta Vallarta Nail Art Contest. Competitors had two hours to create a full set of decorated nails working solely by hand.
Special Effects with CND's Colour and Effects
Pioneering the latest trend in nail polish, CND’s new Colour and Effects line allows you to create endless combinations of unique polish blends by combining rich nail colors with an assortment of shimmering effects that will change the look and gloss of the finished nail.
Artist Spotlight: G Elizondo
A well-known presence at every Young Nails tradeshow booth, G Elizondo has come a long way in her four-year nail career. The prolific artist posts her work regularly on BeautyTech.com and NailsMag.com forums, and has a knack for staying on top of the latest crazes in nail designs and pop culture. NAILS got a chance to talk to Elizondo about how she stays inspired.
Smiles Come in All Shapes and Sizes
When it comes to that happiest part of the nail we all know and love, there’s no one right way to make it perfect. Smile lines can adapt to the nail to complement the shape and design of the nail. Akzentz educator Gina Silvestro of Gel Essentials in Cranston, R.I., shows her ideal smile lines for several different nail shapes.
Irish Crème Pedicure
Step-by-step by Vito Mazza Salon & Day Spa, Woodbridge, N.J.
Groupon: Quick Sales, New Clients
Recently, Groupon’s New York City website featured a $25 Hot Lavender Cream Manicure at Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa for just $12. When the day was over, Sweet Lily had sold 1,661 Groupons, far surpassing its 200-purchase minimum.
For Members Only
From cafés to pharmacies, customer loyalty programs are earning people points that translate into savings. Some salons have taken advantage of these programs as a creative way to expand their customer base. “Loyalty programs open an opportunity to develop relationships with your clients, and they create repeat business because there is an incentive to return to your salon,” says Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, founder of Retail Minded in Chicago.
Heart to Heart
Nails by Michelle Conde, Nails by Michelle, Miami
On the Spot
Nails by Joanne Truitt, Boca Nail Depot, Boca Raton, Fla.