Now that we are officially out of 2021, it is time to start looking for new nail inspiration. If there was one thing that helped carry us through to spring out of the dreary winter months, it was the fashion week catwalks filled with airy, bright and fresh trends, providing an outlook on what 2022 has in store for us. From bright pastel nails to rhinestone embellishments and extreme minimalism—no doubt this will be a well-manicured year all around. Whatever the style you opt for, healthy nails are key to long-lasting manicures and chip-free wear. Getting your clients’ nails in top shape in 2022 is an attainable goal if you address these key areas:
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Now that we are officially out of 2021, it is time to start looking for new nail inspiration. If there was one thing that helped carry us through to spring out of the dreary winter months, it was the fashion week catwalks filled with airy, bright and fresh trends, providing an outlook on what 2022 has in store for us. From bright pastel nails to rhinestone embellishments and extreme minimalism—no doubt this will be a well-manicured year all around. Whatever the style you opt for, healthy nails are key to long-lasting manicures and chip-free wear. Getting your clients’ nails in top shape in 2022 is an attainable goal if you address these key areas:
Cuticle Care and Moisturizing
Trends aside, any manicure should start with a proper and thorough prep. As a protective barrier against bacteria, cuticles need special TLC. Yes, this area of the skin is prone to dryness, which is usually exacerbated by dry air, harsh hand sanitizers or excessive handwashing, but there is a way to keep cuticles looking cute all year round. Keeping cuticles hydrated—and I cannot stress this enough—is key to getting rid of haggard skin, and it can have an impact on the overall nails’ health. Regularly massaging a few drops of cuticle oil into the skin around the nail and topping it with a nourishing hand cream can help combat any hand dryness. Make hangnails a thing of the past, and keep cuticles in check by incorporating cuticle oil into a daily routine. Fun fact: Keeping cuticles healthy will not only make manicures last longer, but it will also improve the overall health of the nails. Win, win—we think!
DIY Home Kits or the ‘Damage-It-Yourself’ Manis
Nail health is not just about adding products into your daily routine but also about giving certain things up. Sometimes nail techs must have a difficult conversation with their clients about DIY home gel kits. Yes, there is no denying the convenience and sometimes the attractive price point of such products, but can your clients really replicate a professional service at home? Ask your clients if they are familiar with nail anatomy, safe application techniques and product chemistry, and see them disappear into deep thought. We have all seen online images of overfilled nails and allergic reactions caused by at-home “experiments.” Health and safety are the fundamental building blocks of this industry, so always encourage your clients to leave it to professionals. Let us be honest: You would not trust a podiatrist to give you a chemical peel, so why would this be any different?
Base and Top Coat—The Duo You Cannot Do Without
Whether you are rocking a minimalist look or are jumping on the rhinestone embellishments trend, you will need to use a base and a top coat to make those trendy manicures last and to protect the natural nail. Just like building a house, a good mani needs a solid foundation—and a base coat is exactly that. Use it to smooth out any ridging in the nail and create an adhesive layer for your favorite gel color. Do not skip this step! For a finished look and to ensure the longevity of any mani, top off with a top coat to prevent chipping and add a glossy shine (or matte if that is more your style). Remember, your top and base are two differently formulated products with different properties, so no mixing and matching, please. Pro tip: Use “flexible” or “rubber” formula products for longer extensions to allow the product to bend together with the nail. If you are looking to skip the extra hassle and expense, opt for versatile products that contain primer and base! Whatever you base your product decisions on, make sure you offer your clients top service.
What About Acrylics?
As seen during fashion week, the “less is more” concept is still dominating fashion and beauty trends of 2022. Understated pieces, clean lines and muted tones are oozing au naturel vibes, and we are digging it. As we have repeatedly seen in this industry, classics never go out of style. This might explain why the #naturalnails hashtag is gaining momentum on Instagram and why many celeb nail techs are actively posting images of short and minimalist manicures in place of nail enhancements like acrylics. The debate about acrylics is as old as the formula itself. While there have been advances in technology to help protect nail techs from inhaling significant and potentially harmful acrylic fumes, many are still choosing to make the switch to hard gel formulas, which not only offer more flexibility for the nail but also contribute to natural nail growth and health. Will acrylics be around in 2022? Most certainly yes, but as our #nailgoals shift from quick fixes to long-term nail health, we will be seeing more of what the fashion and beauty dictates—there is beauty in simplicity.
Nailing Your #NailGoals
Wherever your nail inspiration comes from this year, remember that beautiful, healthy nails are always in style. As well as taking care of our physical and mental health in 2022, let us not forget about our nails, which despite consisting of dead cells, need occasional TLC. Remember, great looking nails start with good habits and professional nail care.
Let us run down the list again:
- Keep those cuticles looking cute.
- Prep is king.
- File with care.
- Do not skip the base or top.
- Leave it to the professionals.
Whether your clients are rocking those abstract swirls or stepping out with the perfect pink on their nails, remind them that what is underneath is what really counts!
About the Author
Michael Hollman, CEO of The GelBottle Inc. USA, has degrees in accounting and finance, but his passion has always been the arts. He has been leading the U.S. team since its inception in 2017 and took on the leadership of Peacci in the United States in 2019. Michael has always been driven by developing creative individuals and providing an environment where talent can thrive. His 20 years of corporate management experience gives him a unique perspective on the nail industry, its trends and opportunities. He is also a Nailpro 2022 advisory board member.