Nailing it: Inspiration for Your Next Manicure

While DIY manicures are a great way to feel polished and put together, here are the latest trends you’ll want to bring with you for your next salon visit. Tuanh Nguyen with Toronto’s NUVO Nails shares the latest trends and looks, from predictable warm fall hues, to unexpected details (think of each digit as a gallery space). Here’s inspiration to nail your next manicure.

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Back to basics with colour

Staple, ever-green shades for shellac are making a comeback. “Neutral colours like OPI’s Funny Bunny, or Bubble Bath, are in, as well as soft gray hues,” says Tuanh. The colours are great because they can work with any outfit and for any occasion.

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Shaping up

Tuanh says Kylie Jenner’s go-to shape — ballerina (otherwise known as coffin) shape — is still among the most popular, but so are the softer rounder, more almond shapes. Don’t want long nails? “For short nails, it’s still square or rounded shapes that look best.”

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: The finish

As for whether it’s about the matte or gloss? “Shiny is the way to go.” The recently-popular matte finish appears to be on a decline this season, but don’t let that deter you from doing a look you love - especially if you’re mixing and matching finishes for a fun playful look.

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Multicoloured digits

Tuanh is seeing a lot of unique designs for each fingernail - and these are no longer highly symmetrical looks, that must match some preconceived order. “It looks random. Each nail gets a unique design, and not just one,” she says. Also the designs are increasingly being done free-hand, giving a customized “work of art” look to each finger.

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Special effects

We asked Tuanh if she is seeing a lot of marbling, chrome or holographic looks (that iridescent colour-shifting look), but she says it’s more about the very soft and subtle ombre nails that blend seamlessly. There is also a trend to add a bit of sparkle to either the tip of the nail or the base (try both).

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Nail art

Other design details are also featuring prominently on nails (including monochromatic letters, or lines), making digits stand out and apart from the others. And sparkles are still a thing, in any variation (full nail, or detail).

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Colour dip powder

Colour dip powder is having a moment, according to Tuanh. Better than its colourless counterpart, this BioGel alternative doesn’t require additional shellac or UV/LED light. Another bonus? No need to add full nail extensions, because the powder builds on your nails, and sets as it dries. “Powder is natural, so it’s better for pregnant women,” says Tuanh.

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The Trend: The classic french gets an upgrade

Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: The classic french gets an upgrade

Forget about the yesteryear staple: the classic French white tip definition. Now, it’s again more about creating a faded (ombre) effect or completely upgrading the old (yawn) straight lines for something more stand-out: curten tips, or try non-white tips, if you still want the definition.

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Tuanh Nguyen

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The Trend: Special occasion & holiday

Classic, neutral looks for special occasions such as celebrations and weddings are still the norm (think: subtle soft pinks like Opi’s Ballerina Slippers), while fall and holiday colours are also making a comeback to celebrate the season (blue, red, green and glitter). And let's not forget Halloween. You can commemorate the holiday with a playful take on each nail.

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Tuanh Nguyen

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Tuanh’s Pro-Tip: Home care

Tuanh’s biggest nail pro-tip: healthy nails are always in style, so take measures to look after your manicure even at home; keep your cuticles moisturized with cuticle oil. Tuanh also recommends applying rich hand cream and then putting on cotton gloves for 10-15 minutes daily for that extra smooth, soft skin.

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