Ask The Expert: How To Master Autumn Nail Trends

Pamela Laird shares her expert tips for mastering the autumn nail trends.

WHAT?S NEW IN NAILS FOR AUTUMN?

The black and red ombre? look Kenzo had at the AW show will be a big look for the season. We’ll also see lilac becoming the new pink/nude – it’s a much more muted tone than a pastel and very flattering. Shape is staying neat and natural, by this I mean not too round/oval and not too square, but somewhere in the middle and always mimicking your cuticle line. Chanel always has the inside track on colour trends and do a limited edition collection each season so keep your eyes peeled for what’s coming this season.

IS NAIL ART A FEATURE? IF SO, HOW IS IT EVOLVING?

Nail art can be an expression of your style and mood. It’s evolving all the time and you can see it’s moving away from fun cartoon- style designs into nail-flattering shapes and contours.

WHO HAS GREAT NAILS?

Nicole Scherzinger has gorgeous hands and nails and you often see her with subtle nail art – she has long nail beds, so can really pull it off. J.Lo always goes full-on glamour with her nails. She uses rhinestones and gems. Her nail artist, Tom Bachik, does all these designs ahead of time using press-on nails, so she can take them off easily.

WHICH DESIGNERS FEATURED GREAT NAILS ON THE AW17 RUNWAYS?

I loved the minimal statement nail at Balenciaga – clean nude nails with a glossy finish.

FRENCH MANIS – WHAT?S YOUR BEST ADVICE?

French manicures can look beautiful on a perfect nail. When you put a white tip on the free edge of the nail, you need to make sure you have the correct ratio of pink to white. This ratio should be 1/3 white to 2/3 pink – anything less will shorten your nails and can make them look wider!

YOUR HERO NAIL PRODUCTS?

My kit for photo shoots always has press-on nails. You never know what the models? hands are going to be like, and time is of the essence. I use Kiss Nails, €9.50, in sporty round. I never skip top coat either. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri, €8.99, goes everywhere with me – no matter what brand of nail shade, it’s the perfect finish. Cuticle oil is another essential – it doubles up as a quick drier for nail polish and will help prevent smudging.

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE GOOD FOR NAIL HEALTH, AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Identifying your nail type or problem is really important. For example, for weak, paper-like nails you should opt for a traditional strengthener or nail hardener. While for nails that are peeling or dehydrated you should go for a base coat for repairing, as a nail hardener can dry out nails and make flaking worse. Try Sally Hansen Nail Rehab, €10.99, for dry nails.

I WANT TO MIX UP MY LOOK – WHAT SHOULD I ASK MY MANICURIST TO DO?

Adding a bit of length and changing your nail shape can really change up your look. Ask your technician for narrow edges – this will make your fingers look slimmer and elongate your nails.

Pamela Laird is based in The Beauty Parlour, Terenure, Dublin @pamela_laird