While spring may still feel very far off, a sneak peek at nail trends for the year ahead may provide just the inspiration your clients need to shake off the winter doldrums. Here, some of the industry’s in-the-know nail experts weigh in on what to look forward to in the coming months.
SpaRitual Shel Pink, founder
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
For spring 2014, color is incredibly spontaneous. Look for fun and unpredictable pops of color. Navigate and Firefly from SpaRitual’s Explore collection are the go-to colors for the season. Throughout 2014, all colors are inspired by our personal journeys and the surprising gifts that we find when we explore that call to adventure.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
I’m a “to each her own” kind of person. If someone likes a nail trend, then they need to own it.
What inspired the Explore collection?
Explore highlights the natural spontaneity of spring where the colors are bright, vivid, and pleasantly surprising. The lacquers are inspired by birds, butterflies, and the whimsical nostalgia of national parks and the family campsite.
Gelish Danielle Candido, educator
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
We will see a more feminine-shaped nail—more oval- or almond-shaped. Nail art will continue to be relevant with a more sophisticated edge. Like reverse French with exaggerated moons; one-color manicures with simple embellishments on just a few fingers; matte finishes and texture on the nail surface; and layering of multiple colors, either to create a whole new color or for an ombré effect.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
Fan or duck-bill nails. They are wide and flat at the free edge and very unnatural looking. That trend can’t be gone soon enough.
What inspired the Once Upon A Dream collection?
The Once Upon A Dream collection was inspired by the fairy tales that fascinated us as children intertwined with the feel of the Romantic era. The colors of this collection paint the story of the ethereal damsel on a quest to find her one true love.
Essie Michelle Saunders, celebrity manicurist
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
For 2014, nail art is still around, but it’s more subtle. There will be less studs and rhinestones, but we’ll see more than one color on the nail. Think classic lines, stripes, dots, triangles, swirls—things that are easy to create with just a brush.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
I love anything nails, so I want nothing to disappear. When a trend skyrockets like it did in nails, it turns into a permanent look. For example, many people will adopt nail art into their personal style like some people have done with red lipstick or topknots.
What inspired the Resort collection?
Light, bright, and easy colors are what we’ll see next from Essie. We will all be ready to switch from our dark and dramatic nail looks from the winter and get into breezy uplifting colors for Resort 2014. What’s fun about the next collection is that they complement each other so well, and I can’t
wait to incorporate them all together into subtle nail art.
OPI Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and artistic director
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
2014 is all about neutrals complemented by bright shades, such as bold yellows and corals. Nail art will continue to be popular with monochromatic styles and geometric patterns. Nail design is trending, and it’s being fueled by social media. There really is no stopping it.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
It’s hard to say don’t do something, particularly when it is an expression of who you are. I love the idea that today’s nail trends are yet another way people can express their individual style.
What inspired the Brazil collection?
With sun-soaked shores, tropical fruits, and lush flora and fauna, Brazil is such an inspiring locale. I wanted women around the world to embrace the energy and playfulness for which Brazilian women are known.
China Glaze Rachel Schafer, Brand Manager
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
Get set for a nontraditional season of color in early 2014, where neons, pastels, nudes, and primaries all meet for beautiful, eclectic palettes.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
None, we love to see people expressing themselves through color and design.
What inspired the Sea Goddess collection?
Sea Goddess is a glistening palette of sand meets water. The semi-textured polishes are multidimensional in shine.
CND Jan Arnold, cofounder
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
This spring, we can expect to see a lot of muted pastels in greens, oranges, and yellows. As we move into summer, we’ll see bold tropical colors.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
I’m all about pushing the envelope and using nails as a vehicle for self-expression.
What inspired the Open Road collection?
Our Open Road collection for spring 2014 was inspired by nature and the ideas of individuality and freedom of expression. The collection is vintage, nostalgic, and effortlessly chic—perfect for the modern muse who wants to let her hair loose, put the top down, and drive towards the sunset.
Deborah Lippmann Deborah Lippmann, founder and creative director
What nail trends should we expect to see this year?
I think we’re going to see a lot of softer, creamy pastels.
What, if any, nail trends would you like to see disappear?
A classic French manicure with pink and a thick white tip. The accent across the tip should be delicate and subtle—not a thick line, which actually makes the nail look shorter.
What inspired the Spring Reveries collection?
I was inspired by my love of botanical gardens and flowers when creating my Spring Reveries collection.