8 Nail Art Trends You Can Expect to See in 2018

Happy New Year, nail pros!

If you're looking to expand your nail art repertoire and impress your clients with some new, trendy looks, look no further than this blog post! Below we're sharing 8 fresh, modern and on-trend nail art looks that you can expect to become wildly popular in 2018.

Chrome

Chrome is on another level this season. OPI has designed the perfect Mirror-Shine Chrome Effects Powder that can be applied with gel and nail lacquer services. With eight shades to choose from and two top coats, the application is designed to encapsulate the chrome to give you a gorgeous reflective finish.

Have fun with chrome using different shades to marbleize or ombre to put a spin on your look and tell a unique story. Holiday events are a great time to pull this trick out of your hat.

 Negative Spacing or the Peek-a-boo Nail

This bare, yet modern look makes a dramatic statement. Negative spacing using gel is a great way to create this look because it gives you the ability to work with it before doing what we in the nail industry call a flash cure as you do nail art. Then you can use OPI artist gels and brushes to perfect your line and always follow up with a great top coat. You can leave a few nails solid and design the ring finger and pinky or add some pizzazz using embellishments (I prefer those particular fingers as they are used the least and show off the art beautifully).

Photo by @lynseyjess

 Hand Ensemble to Tell A Story

If you can’t pick one color, pick a few that are compatible and let your imagination get to work. Use the same shade on the thumb and ring finger or pinky creating balance to the eye. Then, add a touch of sparkle to one of the nails giving it a unique look. Use one of the main colors to add some lines to pull your design together.

Photo by @mettedamgaardpedersen

 The Nombre is Ombré

What a great twist to add to the classic French manicure by making it a French twist. It doesn't stop there! By using a sponge you can bring this look to light using any color combination. This process is easy to do. You lay down two coats of your favorite base shade. Once it is dry to touch you apply the two shades by overlapping them on the sponge  first and then you gently add the ombre effect by dabbing it on the edge of the nail. Lastly, you seal the deal so it doesn't peel by using a great gel top coat or top coat of your choice.

Photo by @unitynails

The Naked Nail

This is so simple, modern and clean. Once your client’s manicure is complete, match the base color to her skin tone. Then, using your high-pigment color of choice like Alpine Snow, Mod About You or Cajun Shrimp, create a thick line going across, diagonal or in an abstract shape. You are a PRO be creative and don't be afraid to add your own twist. Make it yours.

Photo by @unitynail

 Bring on the Bling

A perfectly polished nail, enhanced with an embellishment of your choice makes a bold statement – think jewels for the fingertips! Try this trick: add a small bead of acrylic under the embellishment for that long lasting look. Crystals and flowers are very trendy for the upcoming season. OPI Red and Black Onyx are great shades to make any embellishment pop!

Photo by @missnailsessex

Let's Not Forget Shape!

As you know, it’s always wise to advise clients when it comes to the best nail shape for their hands. Tapering in the nails is a great way to create the look of an elongated finger while also producing a beautiful nail bed. The tapered, square nail and classic almond shape are staples for any season.

Photo by @britfignails

Finish Off With The Finishes

Please remember to ALWAYS ask your client what finish she prefers. Matte?  Shiny? Sparkles? Chrome? If they don't know then they won't ask. So let them know about all of the fashion-focused finishes they can try to gain a unique look during each appointment. Educating your clients allows them to expand their sense of style. Their trust is in your HANDS. Keep tabs on what they like and give them a shout out via social media when you see something you think they might like. They support us so remember to show them love as often as possible.

Photo by @nailush_


Written by Jeany Perez, Founder, Unity Nails Inc. & OPI Educator 
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