Nail art is trending across the globe and if you’re still sporting a classic but ‘oh so last season’ French manicure it’s about time you started having a bit of fun with the accessories at your finger tips.

 

Finger nails are in full focus with nail art seen on the catwalk as well as the red carpet. At Fashion Week it wasn’t only the hands of models making a statement but nail art was seen on make-up artists and fashion week attendees alike. Celebrities like Katy Perry, Zooey Deschanel, Rihanna, and Giuliana Rancic are great supporters of this trend and their nails have been getting as much attention as they have. E! Entertainment had “Mani Cams” present for their coverage of several award shows this year, which they used to spotlight the glamorous nail art many of the celebrities were showing off.

This fun fashion statement uses fundamental fashion rules; it is all about colour; length; shape and texture too. Nail art can be as simple or elaborate as you desire, anything more complex than solid-painted nails is considered to be nail art. Those new to nail art often ease into it by decorating just one nail on each hand, usually the ring or middle finger, painting the rest a complimentary solid colour but once the bug has bitten hard enough the options for art are endless......

 

Reverse French

Gone are the days of white tips with nude nails, live a little! Take two contrasting colours and use them to create a reverse French manicure.

 

Cartoonist

Find your inner child and bring your favourite cartoon character to life on your nails. If cartoons aren’t your thing then simple doodles can be fun too.

 

Glitterati

There’s nothing like a little bit of bling to make a girl feel special. Glitter polish on one nail gives a classic manicure that something special.

 

Colouring In

Don’t be afraid of colour, paint each nail a different colour or create patterns of colour on each nail. Liven up winter and bring on spring in full colour.

 

Ombre

Now this one is a little tricky but with a little help from a tutorial or two on Youtube or a visit to a professional nail artist, you can prove to the world that the Ombre technique isn’t only for hair.

 

Leather look

Texture is hot, hot, hot. Leather look polish is simple to use and creates a great effect. Also look out for matt colours they are fun to combine with traditional polish to produce textured effects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q&A with Durban based nail artist Anelda Swart

 

1. How did you get into nail art?

I wanted to challenge myself, do something that I haven't seen before. When I first started I

used to google pictures and try to replicate them as best I could. I actually still do that today,

there's no fun in nail art if you stop challenging yourself!

2. What products do you use?
I mostly use Bio Sculpture Gel.

3. How long does it take to do nail art?
It depends on how much intricate detail you put into the design. I mostly do gel overlays with nail art. This can be anything from an hour to 3 hours work in total.

4. How long will the nail art manicure last?
I have had clients that have had it on for 5 weeks, but generally (with the regrowth of the colours) clients redo their nails after 3 to 4 weeks on average

5. What is the craziest or coolest nail art you’ve done?
There are 3 designs that I absolutely loved doing: 1. My first design which was a leopard print. 2. Spongebob theme that had a different face on every nail and 3. A My Little Pony design.

6. What do you think the next craze will be in nail art?
Nail art has been around for a long time but this craze has only recently "hit" the shores of South Africa and come to people’s attention. In my opinion I think people will start tapping into the more "bolder" looks, stepping away from French and embracing colour.

7. Why nail art?
Because it reflects your personality and its fun! Anyone can have nail art done, no matter how old or "conservative" you are. A French manicure is always a classic, but nail art makes it your own unique "look" without rocking the boat too much! 

 

Find Anelda on Facebook at "Luv Ur Nails"