If there was ever the perfect time for a fresh manicure, it's right now. Gone are the days of dry hands and cracked cuticles; we've entered the season of strappy sandals and ample opportunities for drippy ice-cream cone Instagrams — and the last thing you want is your ho-hum nail polish to ruin your otherwise-trendy aesthetic. Instead of going the predictable route and resorting to your go-to summer polish (we all have one), try sourcing your nail inspiration abroad.
Ahead, 7 in-the-know nail artists from around the world are talking about the biggest nail trends in their respective cities, and spilling their tips to make each look a cinch to copy on your own. So whether you're excited to try your hand at typography straight out of Amsterdam, or feel inspired by the bold, matte polish that's big in Paris right now, you can give your nails global flair without leaving your couch.
Tokyo, Japan
Trend: Asymmetrical design
Pro: Maco Kawasaki
"Asymmetrical design is a big nail art trend in Japan," says Kawasaki. "I spent years working in New York and women there tend to like design continuity across both hands. In Japan it’s the opposite: Women prefer different designs and different colour schemes on each hand or even each nail. For example, on one hand I’ll paint an abstract design and on the other hand a geometric design or portraits."
Courtesy of Mako Kawasaki
Kawasaki recommends easing into this trend by incorporating a unifying factor on all the nails. "A great way to try this trend is to choose a common theme or design, then use a different background colour for each nail," she suggests.
Courtesy of Mako KawasakiHere, Kawasaki shows you can keep continuity in the base colour, while adding different geometric art designs on each finger.
@macokwsk
Los Angeles, California
Trend: Encapsulated foils
Fountain-Townsend tells us that her clients in L.A. have been asking for encapsulated foil nails, which have a patterned holographic chrome finish. To get the look, she says to "lay the foil on top of the cured gel, then press down all over with your fingers or a rubber cuticle pusher to transfer the pattern onto the nail."
Courtesy of Bel Fountain-Townsend
Step two is to encapsulate the foils with builder gel; Fountain-Townsend's favourites are Vetro Extension Clear II, Gelish Sealer, or Akzentz Luxio. "Make sure you cover the free edge to prevent lifting," she says. "Once this has cured, use a sheer gel (same colour as the foils) to cover the whole nail. This neatens the edges and gives real depth to the look." Finish with a high-shine top coat and you're all set.
Courtesy of Bel Fountain-TownsendTo bring two trends together, add a little foil accent to colourful French-tipped nails for a fresh and fun play on negative space.
@sohotrightnail
Melbourne, Australia
Trend: A new take on nude nails
Pro:Sophie Guiounet
Melbourne-based nail artist Sophie Guiounet tells us that a modern take on nude nails is trendy right now. Not just your average barely-there nude, this trend is about choosing a shade that is close to, but not exactly your skin colour. "When choosing a nude nail polish, the trick is to pick a shade lighter or darker than your skin colour," says Guiounet. "It offers a touch of contrast and makes your nails pop whilst still being subtle."
Courtesy of Sophie GuiounetHere, we see how another Melbourne nail artist has taken on the trend, choosing a nude colour in a lighter shade than the skin tone to create cool dimension.
@totorosnails95
"If you want a more sophisticated look, try adding a simple nail art design," Guiounet says. You can update your go-to nude by pairing it with a coloured take on a French manicure.
Courtesy of Sophie Guiounet
London, England
Trend: Subtle metallics
Pro: Stephanie Staunton
UK manicurist Stephanie Staunton tells us that the big trend across the pond involves subtle hints of metallic. She recommends using an eyeshadow applicator to add glitter, keeping in mind that less is more. "For a base, use a soft nude under any glitter powders to create a soft, healthy glow," Staunton says.
Courtesy of Stephanie Staunton
Another example by Staunton demonstrates how to marry your subtle metallic with a reverse French manicure.
Courtesy of Stephanie StauntonFor a more dramatic take on the trend, you can start with a neon polish base, adding press-on gemstones for a hit of shine.
@stephie_nails
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Trend: Typography
Pro: Frédérique Olthuis
"I feel like the typography nail look is hot right now," says Netherlands-based manicurist Frédérique Olthuis. "You can make it a super-straight printed look, a messy hand-written feel, or the dramatic Old English style. Decorating your body with text is a timeless thing, when you think of tattoos, jewellery, fashion — nails are a part of that as well."
Courtesy of Frédérique Olthuis
Olthuis advises practicing before trying the typography trend on your own, as it requires a steady hand. For an easy take, you can try stick-on nail art decals.
Courtesy of Frédérique OlthuisAdd colour to your tips to jazz up your typography nails.
@frederiqueolthuis
Paris, France
Trend: Bright, matte colour
Pro: Virginie Carvalho
In France, bright, matte colours are all the rage. "The vibrant colours feel cool and retro when they're matte instead of shiny," says Paris-based nail artist Virginie Carvalho. The trend is super wearable for the summer because you can choose any vivid shade your heart desires — just finish it off with a clean, matte finish.
Courtesy of Virginie CarvalhoA little negative-space nail art accent gives the matte polish a fun twist.
@ails.and.the.city_sjmIf you have super-long nails, a bright polish with a dry, matte finish commands attention without being overly flashy.
@nails.and.the.city_sjm
New York City
Trend: Accent nail
Pro: Skyy Hadley
Turns out the accent nail didn't die in 2015: New York-based nail artist Skyy Hadley says that she's seeing a revival of single-nail accents this summer. "It’s really simple to do and you can have a lot of fun mixing and matching," says Hadley. "It’s also a great option when you can’t decide on just one colour. When I do this manicure I take a matte base colour for 3-4 nails, and then I’ll go back in use a complementing colour for the remaining. Then, I make the nails pop by adding a metallic or glittery nail in a different colour."
Courtesy of Skyy HadleyNot just a summer trend: Hadley says accent nails are great for any time of the year because you can make your base whatever shade you're feeling for the season.
@bedofnailsnycYour accent can be in the form of a colour, or a press-on gemstone decal.
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