Summer nail trends

With nail bars now springing up everywhere, a manicure or pedicure is an affordable treat and it’s likely we’ll be queueing up for them over the festive season.

So what are the hot new trends and what should we look for in a good salon? I asked nail industry expert consultant Olivia Stubbs.

What are the hot trends for nails right now?
The latest polish trends are neon colours and crackle polish, which has gone from simple black to a multitude of options, including metal. The biggest craze at the moment is soak-off polish, which gives the natural nail strength, long wear of colour, no chipping for up to 21 days and a finish that’s dry when you leave the salon.

This is great for pedicures, as you no longer need to remember to take Jandals to your appointment. Gelish has the biggest range, with more than 84 colours.

What should you look for when choosing a nail salon?
Technicians that have their certificates clearly displayed, foot spas that are plumbed in and technicians performing hygienic rinses after each client.

Metal instruments that are cleaned after each client and nail files obtained from a clean container which are disposed of into a washbasin after use.

What are the risks if you go to a bad salon?
There’s the possibility of getting a bacterial or fungal infection, which could take months to treat and lead to permanent damage.

Are all the chemicals used for things like nail enhancements safe?
No. MoA (methyl methacrylate) is a liquid chemical substance that reacts and hardens when mixed with powdered acrylic.

In the early 1970s, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a number of personal injury complaints associated with the use of fingernail extenders containing MoA, and it has been banned from use in the US. It’s not meant to be used here either, but unfortunately some nail bars continue to do so anyway.

Always check your salon doesn’t use this chemical before you book an appointment with them. The product that’s safe for acrylic use is EoA (ethyl methacrylate).

If your nails do get damaged, what’s the best thing to do?
Consult your doctor.

Olivia Stubbs is based at Nail Niche in ot Maunganui.