Fabulous Fingertips: The Secret To Beautiful Nails

They rescue our broken nails, treat our sore feet and are all about the little details that give our manicures that ‘Wow’ factor. They are, of course, the experts nominated in the Best Nail Technician category in our Business of Beauty Awards, and they are here to share a few tricks of the trade with us. From what’s on trend to what we should never try at home, they’ve seen it all and can spot a good nail job a mile away. Giving your nails some TLC should never be underestimated as even a fresh coat of paint on your hands and toenails can help that pep in your step and add instant polish (pun intended) to your look.

Tell us a bit more about the trends we’ll see in spring.

The long, super pointy nail trend has been fading out. “Squoval” nails are the big trend this year.

Kristina Jadelo, 5th Avenue Dublin

Pastel colours are always popular, but I?think the ‘glass look’ effect and chrome nails will be very big this year too.

Sarah Gaynor, Babooshka

What’s the biggest nail faux pas women commit?

Removing Shellac or three-week polish by peeling or scraping! It causes such long-term damage, as you are peeling layers of your own nail with it. Please please always have a technician remove it for you – your nails will thank you for it!

Marta Banasik, Mink Hand & Foot Spa

In my opinion, it’s having your nail polish chipped, or even worse, having traces of nail polish on your nails.?If you can’t get to your manicurist to have it fixed or reapplied, remove it, and apply clear nail polish. This always looks better.

Justyna Soreil, Clara Hand & Foot Spa

I find nail art seasonal, it depends on the style. Personally, I think less is more.

Anna Muldowney, Burgundy Beauty

Nail art – tacky or on trend?

If the nail art/design is complementary to the nail shape it’s definitely a trend! I’m a fan of keeping it simple, a half-moon manicure, structured lines or negative space designs to elongate the nail all look great.

Pamela Laird, The Beauty Parlour

Personally, I prefer plain block colours to keep the look simple and classy. Geometric shapes and some glitter are all on trend, so clients can always opt for these added extras?for a more?fun and glamorous?look.

Kristina Jadelo, 5th Avenue Dublin

Should any?prep work be done before a pedicure?

Removing polish can be helpful, as leaving polish on toes for too long can cause pigments to stain the nail bed. Other than that, you should leave shaping, buffing and callus removal to the professional!

Marta Banasik, Mink Hand & Foot Spa

In my opinion, you should leave all the work to a?professional. That’s?what we are here for!

Shellac, Gel or Acrylic – which is your favourite and why?

My favourite is a two and three-week polish. It’s less damaging on the nails than gel or acrylic, and a much more natural look on the nail.

Anna Muldowney, Burgundy Beauty

I’m not a huge fan of gel. I would always use acrylic for lengthening the nail, and you can make acrylic a lot thinner so the nails look more natural. But I always try and use a gel polish to get the clients natural nails growing, plus it’s easier to maintain.

Pamela Laird, The Beauty Parlour

My favourite would be gel nails, and I have a couple of reasons for that. First of all, they last longer. You can change length and shape every time you come back for a refill. And it never chips.

Kristina Jadelo, 5th Avenue Dublin

Tips for keeping your nails in top shape at home?

Maintain! Following a manicure and pedicure, keep up the good work by applying a good quality nail serum or oil to hands and feet and keep your nails groomed. We adore the new Margaret Dabbs Nail Serum, which is packed with anti-fungal properties and Emu Oil, a total preventive for toes, and it keeps hands soft and healthy.

Marta Banasik, Mink Hand & Foot Spa

Firstly, always wear gloves in cold weather – your hands hate the cold as they will peel and crack. Then, if you are doing heavy cleaning at home, wear rubber gloves. Use cuticle oil if you are wearing nail polish or shellac – so many don’t do this. And finally, never underestimate the power of hand cream, apply it 2-3 times daily.

Justyna Soreil, Clara Hand & Foot Spa

Always wear a base coat. I hear my clients say they wanted to let their nails breathe, but that’s the biggest myth! Nails don’t breathe they are flattened layers of dead skin and need protection. Think of it like wearing a moisturiser on your skin.

Pamela Laird, The Beauty Parlour