3 Pastel Nail Designs

Spring is finally here, which means it's time for bright colors to emerge from their slumber! Pastels are sure to be a trend this spring as clients experiment with fun designs and patterns. Another recent defining nail trend is 3D nails, a way to take nail designs to the next level and make them pop with 3D modelling gel. 

Here, Nailpro 30 Under 30 for 2023 and co-owner of alternative beauty salon in Fredericton, CA-NB Maggie Curlew (@alt.maggiecurlew) shares step-by-step tutorials for three trippy nail designs that will be sure to put a spring in your client's step this season. 

Pink Jawbreaker 

Pink JawbreakerCourtesy of Maggie Curlew

1. Start with two coats of pastel pink polish, and cure. Apply a no-wipe top coat, and cure. 
2. Using a clear 3D modelling gel, shape the gel into irregular balls. Press gently with alcohol on a brush. Cure for recommended time.
3. Using alternating gel colors and a small detail brush, polish the 3D blobs individually.
4. Cure between each layer of polish. 
5. Finish with no-wipe top coat. 

Mint Chrome on Chrome Waves 

Mint chrome on chrome wavesCourtesy of Maggie Curlew

1. Start with two coats of mint green gel polish, and cure. Apply a no-wipe top coat, and cure. 
2. Apply opal chrome of your choice. 
3. Without applying a top coat, use a no-wipe 3D gel to create waves and drips. Cure. 
4. Using a different shade of chrome, use a cosmetic sponge to rube chrome into the texture of the 3D gel. Use a fluffy brush to dust away excess chrome. Finish with a no-wipe top coat. Avoid using a thick top gel to minimize losing the texture you created. 

Groovy Puffy Flowers 

Groovy Puffy FlowersCourtesy of Maggie Curlew

1. Start with two coats of purple polish, and cure. Apply a no-wipe top coat, and cure. 
2. Using a dotting tool, place where you will want your flowers to be. 
3. While the dots are still wet, dust clear acrylic powder onto wet gel. Cure for 60 seconds. Dust remaining powder off the nail before the next step. 
4. Create petals however you like. Here, Curlew used a dotting tool. 
5. Repeat step 3 with the acrylic powder. 
6. Enjoy your finished nail design! This look doesn't require a top coat, as the acrylic powder seals the design.