April Ryan Gives the Professional Nail Industry a Hand

From improving education to top-of-the-line products to jump-starting the hottest nail trends, there is not an aspect of the professional nail industry that April Ryan, the inventor behind the Red Iguana brand, has not influenced.

Originally from Russia, Ryan moved to the United States and has since helped revolutionize the professional nail industry by educating on nail techniques through video tutorials, creating in-demand silicone practice hands, showcasing her talent and creativity in professional nail competitions, making hard gel and Russian manicures popular in the United States and working with laboratories to create new professional products.

Hands-On Education

For nail technicians to truly hone their craft, practice makes perfect. Ryan saw an opportunity to help nail professionals’ work thrive and created Red Iguana Practice Hands. An exact replica of Ryan’s, the hands are made from 100% quality silicone and made in the USA.

The hands are revered in the professional nail industry and have won a 2021 NAILPRO Readers’ Choice Award.

Professional Products

But, Ryan was not satisfied with just the practice stage; she wanted to help her fellow nail techs deliver top-of-the-line services to her clients during every salon appointment. She launched a line of professional nail products to do just that. Red Iguana currently offers a variety of products for gel services and nail art as well as must-have tools and accessories.

NAILPRO caught up with Ryan to learn a bit more about her major impact on the professional nail industry.

NAILPRO: What is the inspiration behind Red Iguana?

April Ryan (AR): Red Iguana is a brand that provides our customers the best nail products made from top-of-the-line ingredients. It is not always easy to find high-quality products in the U.S. market, and this is what inspired me to start my own products line. 

NAILPRO: Why did you choose to specialize in silicone practice hands?

AR: When I was a nail art video creator, I needed the perfect model for my videos. I made copies of my real hands and started to use them in the tutorials I was creating. My followers immediately wanted them, too, so I started to sell them.  

NAILPRO: How do you think nail professionals can benefit from using practice hands?

AR: Silicone hands make for the perfect model. Need to film a video, but you have no model? You have a silicone hand. Afraid to start to work with clients? Start on a super-realistic silicone hand to gain confidence. Have the urge to try some new nail art at the spur of the moment? The silicone hand is ready to go. Bottom line: Red Iguana Practice Hands give nail techs freedom. 

NAILPRO: What is next for Red Iguana? Are there any exciting product launches to keep an eye out for? 

AR: We recently launched a variety of products, including acrygels, bases, builders, top coats and French gels. In the near future, we expect art gels, gel polishes, acrylics and tools. This year will be full of new products.