Carmen Dantu, Principal at Beauty Therapy Institute, Rivonia, Gauteng
Nail art has become part of everyday living, where people need to have nail art on their nails whether it be something simple or making a statement with advanced techniques. Nail art is a creative way in which one can decorate their nails to suit each and every personality out there.
Nail art can be done on fingernails and toenails in every system and even combining systems together to get that perfect look. Nail art has become a form of nail fashion or as some refer to it as nail real-estate and is taking over the world. Hollywood starts like to flaunt the newest trends. This is a very fast-growing industry where this week reverse French will be in style and next week it will be 4D bows over a floral design. Nail art is often done on sculptured nails and can even be pierced to create a specific design.
Nail art all started in ancient Egypt, where nail colour indicated one’s status, in 300BC the first nail polish was originated in ancient China made from beeswaxes and gums. Nail art all started in the 1932 where the half moon manicure become very popular. The first Revlon nail was released in 1930, making fashionable nail option more accessible. The first set of acrylic nails was created by a dentist in this Era and he tried to fix a broken nail for one of his clients and that’s how nail sculping come about.
In the 1940 and 1950 deep red shades where very popular and everyone wanted almond shaped nails it showed sign of wealth. In 1980 people wanted neon colours and over the top Rhinestones and colour blocking to match their outfits. This era was all about square acrylics, bright colours and metallic nail colours.
In the 2000`s everyone wanted the classic French manicure, people later started adding glitter to the tips and being more creative and playful with colours and Rhinestones. Late 2000`s people started using more textured colours and designs and this sparked the nail art industry.
Today we have so much resources to create the perfect design from dip system to acrylic to gel. We have mirror powders and colour changing gels, what more can we ask for. People compete in competitions all over the world creating nail designs to match all holidays and even movies. Nail art is trending in all forms of social media Pinterest and Instagram being the biggest. Youtube and Facebook have daily tutorials on the latest trends and how to create them. Facebook now has live streaming where you can see the artist in action. The nail is a canvas where the nail technician can create nail designs that is unique to every client.
2017 Nail trends started out as simple designs and later become more advanced and extravagant. It started with your Ombre with colours and glitters on long stiletto shaped nails. Then the coffin nail shape made a comeback and had floral designs using one stroke painting using acrylic paints. Each nail had a unique hand painted flower. Later that year we had the 4D bows with massive amounts of bling using rhinestones and who could forget the unicorn nails. Everyone wanted mirror powder and holographic powder with 3D acrylic designs to have the perfect set of unicorn nails.
Later that year we had the 4D bows with massive amounts of bling using rhinestones and who could forget the unicorn nails. Everyone wanted mirror powder and holographic powder with 3D acrylic designs to have the perfect set of unicorn nails.
Nail art trends have been inspired by runways all over the world, some 2018 techniques have been simple single strip nails to 3D sparkle on glossy black nails and even leopard print glow in the dark nails.
Logo nail are making a comeback on the 2018 summer runway collections. Swarovski crystals are used to create bling nails and which lady can’t resist a bit of bling. Over 6000 crystals are used per show in order to create the perfect design.
2018 is going to be an exciting year for nail art with great inspirations and more extravagant designs. Nails are a fashion statement be Bold and creative this year and show off that perfect nail art set. Top your nail art design off with that extra bit of Rhinestones or Swarovski as you can never have too much bling. Remember Nail art isn’t just art it’s a language!!!!
For further information on Beauty Therapy Institute and its campuses, please contact Merril Elvey on bti@beautytherapyinstitute.co.za.
www. beautytherapyinstitute.co.za