Caleb Foster
Long nails are having a moment, and it's not just about length; it's also about shape, colour, and design. From almond to coffin, pistachio green to cherry red, and beachy nail art to fruit-inspired manicures, there's a lot to consider this season. So, get your fill of the top trends and prepare to book that salon appointment (or DIY) to ensure your nails are on point for summer.
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What You'll Learn
Long nails are a status symbol
Long nails have become a status symbol, with acrylic nails in particular moving from working-class salons to the fingers of the middle classes. Social media has played a huge role in this shift, with platforms like Instagram and Pinterest popularising long, colourful acrylic nails. This trend has been driven by celebrities such as Cardi and the Kardashian-Jenner clan, who have brought long acrylic nails into the limelight. As a result, long nails have become a desirable accessory, with people willing to pay a premium for the latest nail trends.
The rise in popularity of long nails among the middle classes can also be attributed to the appropriation of black culture. Long, colourful acrylic nails were once associated with marginalised groups and negatively viewed. However, as with other cultural assets such as cornrows, wigs, and bee-stung lips, they have now been co-opted by the mainstream.
Long nails are also a way to achieve the 'perfect' look. As one nail technician explains, "many women just like to have an immaculate manicure, but they don't think about whatever class [nails belong to]. Nail enhancements are an excellent way of achieving this 'perfect' look." Long nails are often seen as a way to enhance one's appearance and make a fashion statement.
Additionally, long nails can be a form of self-expression and creativity. People can choose from various shapes, such as almond, squoval, coffin, and stiletto, and embellish them with pearls, crystals, gold leaf, intricate silver wire designs, or pressed flowers. Long nails provide a larger canvas for intricate designs and allow people to showcase their personal style.
Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, and Cardi have influenced summer nail trends, with butter yellow, Barbie pink, and long almond-shaped nails gaining popularity. Long nails, especially acrylics, have become a way for people to showcase their style, express their individuality, and achieve the desired aesthetic of the season.
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Jelly nails are in
Long nails are in this summer, and one of the biggest trends to blow up Instagram is jelly nails. This mani trend is inspired by the recent re-emergence of jelly shoes and PVC crab sandals from the '90s and Y2K era. Jelly nails are characterised by a super glossy, sheer look that resembles jelly and gives off a retro vibe. The trend is said to have originated in South Korea, and it involves coating the nails with a sheer, ultra-glossy wash of colour that leaves them looking like jelly. The beauty of jelly nails lies in their layered brightness and transparent-meets-opaque effect. They are highly customisable, with endless options to choose from, including pastels, neons, and shimmery ombre. You can even achieve deep layers that mimic seashells, water droplets, gemstones, pomegranate seeds, or the flesh of a summer-ripe tomato.
Jelly nails are easy to achieve and can be created using a variety of techniques. One method is to use a jelly nail polish, which is semi-sheer and leaves behind a gummy candy shine. You can also DIY your own jelly polish by mixing a regular nail shade with a glossy top coat to sheer it out. Another option is to use curable builder gel to add high-shine textured designs or combine chrome, velvet, and metallics for an even more textured look. For a more professional application, most nail technicians recommend using actual Korean gels, which are often higher in quality and thicker in viscosity than traditional gels.
Jelly nails work well on any nail length and shape, and they can be customised to suit your personal style. Whether you prefer long and almond-shaped or short and rounded nails, jelly nails are a fun and trendy option for the summer. The trend is also versatile when it comes to colour choices, with literally every hue under the sun to choose from. You can go for a bright and bold look, such as hot pink or red, or opt for more neutral shades like brown or peach.
So, if you're looking for a fun and unique mani this summer, jelly nails are definitely worth considering. With their mouth-watering, translucent hues and super shiny finish, they're sure to make a statement and add a touch of whimsy to your look.
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Fruit-themed nails are bold and refreshing
As the temperature rises, it's time to embrace the fruity nail trend that's taking over this summer. From juicy colours to 3D creations, fruit-themed nails are a bold and refreshing way to accessorize your look.
Fruit nails have been around for a while, but they're making a comeback this season, with celebrity manicurists like Fleury Rose, whose clients include Penelope Cruz and Whoopi Goldberg, vouching for them. "Fruit nails have been around for a long time, and all the serious nail girls have gotten fruit nails at least once," says Rose. And she's right; there's something playful and whimsical about fruit-themed nails that makes them perfect for summer.
This trend offers endless possibilities, from colourful nails inspired by your favourite fruits to more intricate designs. For a simple yet effective look, try a milky or nude base with fruity doodles or stickers. If you're feeling adventurous, go for a full-on fruit salad manicure, with a different fruit on each nail, including grapes, watermelons, and even bananas and pears.
For those who want to take it up a notch, 3D fruit nails are all the rage. Nail artists are using moulding gel or builder gel to create textured designs, like cherries with dewdrops or slices of citrus fruit topped with jelly polish. And if you really want to make a statement, pair your fruit nails with bold shapes like almond or stiletto, or even add some bling with gold leaf, pearls, or crystals.
So, whether you're heading to the beach or just enjoying a backyard barbecue, fruit-themed nails are a fun and refreshing way to spice up your summer look. Don't forget to snap a picture of your fruity creations and share them with the world!
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Floral nails are a summer staple
Floral nail art is all about embracing the beauty of nature and infusing it with your unique style. You can keep it simple with delicate hand-painted blooms or go bold with vibrant petals and leaves. This season, we're seeing a rise in micro floral nail art, with intricate details that make a statement.
To achieve the perfect floral manicure, you don't need a lot. A dotting tool and a good painting brush are essential for creating floral designs. If you're a beginner, invest in a set of dotting tools with different sizes to help you create various floral prints. Nail polish with strong pigments will also ensure your colours pop.
When it comes to colour palettes, the options are endless. You can go for classic spring shades like pink, lavender, yellow, and pops of green. Or, take inspiration from nature and create an olive manicure with a green base coat and a dot of red polish. For a beachy vibe, combine your favourite green nail polish with a light pink for a watermelon-inspired look.
Floral nails are a fun and creative way to express yourself, and with a bit of practice and experimentation, you can achieve a stunning manicure that's sure to turn heads this summer.
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Social media has made long nails mainstream
Long nails have become increasingly popular, especially on social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. These platforms have played a significant role in normalising the trend and making it more accessible to a wider audience. Social media has made long nails mainstream in several ways.
Firstly, social media has provided a platform for nail artists to showcase their creativity and unique designs. From intricate almond shapes to bold coffin styles, social media has allowed artists to experiment and push the boundaries of nail art. These designs often go viral, inspiring others to try similar looks and driving the trend forward.
Secondly, social media has contributed to the perception of long nails as a status symbol. With celebrities like Cardi B and members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan sporting long, colourful acrylic nails, they have become sought-after by a new, more middle-class clientele. This shift has elevated long nails from a simple fashion statement to a symbol of luxury and self-expression.
Additionally, social media has facilitated the sharing of nail art tutorials and trends, making it easier for people to recreate the looks they see online. Hashtags like "#nailart" and "#longnails" have created communities of enthusiasts who share tips, product recommendations, and design ideas. This has encouraged more people to experiment with long nails and join the trend.
The influence of social media on the normalisation of long nails is undeniable. It has provided a space for creativity and self-expression, challenged traditional beauty standards, and offered a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated. As long nails continue to trend, social media will undoubtedly remain a driving force in their mainstream appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
Long nails are popular this summer due to their prominence on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. They are also seen as a status symbol, with people opting for various shapes and embellishments.
Some popular designs for long nails this summer include floral nail art, beachy vibes, fruit-inspired manicures, and bright colours like pistachio green, cherry red, and butter yellow.
Yes, jelly nails and textured manicures are having a moment this summer. People are also experimenting with different shapes like almond, squoval, coffin, and stiletto.
