4 Spring Nail Tutorials from Cover Artist Nethan Nguyen

Meet our Spring 2025 cover artist Nethan Nguyen (@nailsbynethan), who took second place in the Nailpro Nail Show Chrome competition in 2024. He is a 28-year-old licensed nail master artist with more than 10 years of experience. Nguyen is the owner of a nail salon in Pittsburgh, PA, where his focus is on making people feel beautiful through his unique and artistic nail designs, turning creativity into a powerful expression of beauty. Nguyen has worked with celebrities like Hilary Swank, Karrueche, JoJo and CCH Pounders, which has been a privilege and testament to his skills in the nail art world. His approach to nail art is all about merging tradition with innovation, ensuring each set of nails is not just beautiful, but also a statement of style. Nguyen said, "This journey in nail art has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited to keep pushing the boundaries, inspiring others and growing with each design I create."

Behind the Camera

• Photographer and makeup: Bianca Black (@biancablack_)
• Retoucher: Nguyen Sy Tan (@tannews01)
• Nails: Nethan (@nailsbynethan)

Nailpro [NP]: How did you get into the nail industry?

Nethan Nguyen [NN]: My passion for art naturally extended into nail art. After graduating high school, I pursued a license in nail technology and have been immersed in the industry for over a decade. My love for bringing beauty to people through nail art has been both my motivation and joy.

NP: What do you consider your specialty, and why?

NN: I specialize in modern nail art, particularly in 3D and chrome techniques. My strength lies in creating impeccable nail shapes and textures, which have become my signature due to consistent client feedback and industry recognition. 

NP: What is your favorite design to do? 

NN: My favorite design to craft is the 3D futuristic style, where I can push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in nail art.

NP: Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

NN: Inspiration strikes from various sources, including movies, the natural world, art exhibitions and the work of other talented artists. I thrive on these diverse influences to create unique nail art. 

NP: Where did you get the inspiration for the cover look?

NN: The look featured in the cover photo was inspired by the essence of spring, capturing elements like blooming flowers, the return of butterflies and the soft, soothing colors of the season. The lavender gradient represents the sky at dawn or dusk in spring, while the floral patterns and butterflies echo the natural beauty and renewal that spring brings. The gold accents might be inspired by the decorative garden elements or the luxurious feeling of spring's arrival after a long winter. Overall, it's a design that embodies the rejuvenation and vibrant life associated with springtime. 

NP: What are you hoping for in the future of the nail industry?

NN: In the future of the nail industry, there is hope for greater recognition of nail artistry as a legitimate form of creative expression, with more inclusion in high-profile events like fashion shows and art exhibitions. The development of innovative and health-conscious products, such as sustainable nail polishes and hypoallergenic gels, is essential. Improved industry standards for education, licensing and certifications could ensure both client satisfaction and technician well-being. Expanding career opportunities for nail artists—through celebrity collaborations, teaching roles and global competitions—can elevate the profession. Additionally, a shift toward sustainable practices and a stronger sense of community among artists could foster collaboration, inspiration and growth, empowering the industry to thrive in new and meaningful ways. 

NP: What is your favorite trend of 2025?

NN: My favorite trend for 2025 is the combination of cat-eye effects with 3D gel, which allows for mesmerizing depth and texture in nail art.

Nethan's 5 Salon Must-Haves

1. Honey's Nail Secret Gel products
2. HG Professional Chromes
3. OPI Gel Polishes
4. Tino Vo Teflon Matte Top Coat
5. Aprés Gel-X

How-To: Enchanted Garden

Enchanted Garden nailsCourtesy of Nails by Nethan

1. Apply nude gel polish, cure for 30 seconds, then add ombré with a purple color, and cure for 30 seconds.
2. Use a gel paint palette to paint all the flowers, apply Teflon Matte (repel chrome) and cure for 60 seconds.
3. Use black 3D gel no-wipe to draw a molten metal effect, apply bronze gold chrome, then use hard gel to go over the chrome pattern we just did.
4. Draw the butterfly wings and apply chrome, then use green cat eye gel to fill in, magnetize and cure for 30 seconds.
5. Apply 3D gel on top of the wings, curing each step section by section to create depth and dimension.
6. Use an e-file to drill in the center. Apply the same black 3D gel no-wipe to create the ring, cure for 30 seconds and apply chrome. Finish with a few  rhinestones and droplets. 

How-To: Spring Thaw Bloom

Spring Thaw Bloom nailsCourtesy of Nails by Nethan

1. Apply cat eye gel on half the nail, ombré down with a feather brush and use magnet balls for a water effect. Cure 30 seconds.
2. Add tinted blue gel, ombré down and cure 30 seconds.
3. Flip the nail, apply 3D jelly gel, press plastic wrap for a crackle effect and cure 30 seconds.
4. Use builder gel to create five petals, and cure 30 seconds. Add yellow tint in the center, and cure 30 seconds.
5. Overlay petals with clear builder gel for a translucent effect, and cure 30 seconds.
6. Attach a fishing line to the flower, and add gel droplets. Cure 30 seconds.
7. Add marquise crystals for a rain effect, then apply a top gel to finish the look. Cure 30 seconds.

How-To: Verdant Elegance

Verdant Elegance nailsCourtesy of Nails by Nethan

1. Apply two layers of a pastel gel color to the nails, and cure for 60 seconds.
2. Create an ombré effect using another pastel gel color, cure for 30 seconds, then apply a matte top coat and cure for 60 seconds.
3. Sculpt flowers using solid builder gel, and cure for 30 seconds.
4. Use a sponge to ombré the petals and a dotting tool to add dots to the flower centers. Overlay the petals with clear solid builder gel, add pixie crystals to the flower centers and cure for 30 seconds.
5. Finish the flowers with a gel top coat, and use 3D gel to create water droplet effects. Cure for 60 seconds.

How-To: Dewdrops Dream

Dewdrops Dream nailsCourtesy of Nails by Nethan

1. Apply two layers of your favorite nude gel color, then apply a top gel and cure for 60 seconds.
2. Use 3D jelly gel: it has the right consistency to hold the big rhinestone or gem.
3. While the gel is not yet cured, cut small feathers and stick them in between the rhinestones.
4. Use fishing line and top gel to create morning dew strings. Apply them in between the rhinestones, then cure for 60 seconds.
5. Go over the edges with gel again to secure the feathers and morning dew. All set!