Gone are the days of natural manicures — now is the time to sport funkier nail trends. Whether you like pointed, straight or round-tipped nails, extensions are the way to go.
Longer nails filled with art are fast becoming a must-have for our modern lifestyles, attracting as much attention as the jewellery we wear.
The fashion conscious today are demanding vibrant colours, glitter and unique patterns through nail art and extensions.
Olga Erokhina, head of education for Kinetics Gel and Acrylic System, has extensive experience in the nail department.
A native of Russia, Erokhina has won a handful of major competitions including the recent Nail Olympics held in London. She has two salons called Fantasy Nails in St Petersburg and is planning to open a third in the heart of the Russian city.
"I opened my first salon seven years ago," she said.
"I taught myself how to design nails and took courses to learn how to do extensions."
Training sessions
The expert is in Dubai conducting international training sessions for staff from various salons at Warba General Trading, distributors of Kinetics products.
"It takes around six weeks to fully train someone which includes practising on a model at least once a day for extensions and doing four to five manicures a day," said Erokhina.
In Russia, six weeks is the norm but because staff in Dubai have little time off, they are given intensive basic training for just three days.
General manager of Warba General Trading, Isabelle Gonzalez, said the products have been approved by the authorities and will not damage the nail unless the technician is careless.
"Nail extensions can last forever if the customer wants, but they have to come back approximately every three weeks for re-balancing," she said "This ensures the nail remains in good condition."
Demonstrating skills
While we were chatting, Erokhina gave me a glimpse of her skills.
First she lined up acrylic colours and put polish on the pre-painted nails. She included glitter for added effect and after the polish dried, she mixed two colours together and started painting with ease. Before applying the top coat, she made sure the paint was dry.
With 48 new Kinetics colours being introduced in Dubai soon, different tones can be mixed to get the perfect shade as requested by the customer. But don't get too enthusiastic – it is recommended that you don't mix more than four colours together.
Future plans
Next month Erokhina will be a judge for The World Cup in Russia – said to be the nail equivalent of the Miss World competition. She will also be sponsoring one day of the competitions which are being held in Moscow.
After that, she is planning to visit Dubai at least two to three times a year to share her expertise through further training sessions.
Artwork
There are various ways to play around with nail art.
First there is multi-media design which permits great creativity and flat nail art which is the free-hand painting. You can choose anything from flowers, simple lines or patterns to adorn your nails.
Then there is 3D nail art which has endless possibilities. Olga Erokhina has created designs in this medium that are very much in.
Isabelle Gonzalez gives her advice on how to keep your natural nails healthy.
- Have regular manicures and pedicures.
- Use good quality cuticle oil.
- Moisturise daily with Vitamin E enriched creams as well as anti-ageing creams.
- Paint nails often because the polish provides protection.
- Clip your nails and they will grow faster.
- Never cut your cuticles. Always push them back to avoid injury and infection.
The options
There are several kinds of nail extensions that you can choose from:
Gel: The most common type of nail extension comes in a gel form and is a clear cream paste. Experts can take their time sculpting each nail then use a UV light to "cure" it. The gel leaves a glossy finish. Clients cannot remove the extension themselves and should have them removed professionally.
Acrylic: This type of nail extension consists of powder mixed with a liquid called Monomer. Acrylic is strong and therefore has fewer chances of breaking and is great for those on the go. Usually, this type of extension has a matt finish. However, due to advanced technology for both types, a super sealer, which is a gel top-coat, can be used to give a glossier look if desired.
It can cost anywhere between Dh350 and Dh500 to get the full works. Keep in mind that a session can take up to three hours.
The trends
French manicure is always a good option because it is simple and makes the nails look very well groomed.
However, there is a new generation of French manicures coming which allows you to choose your own colours. If you want to, you can have a red, green or purple tip instead of the typical white.
Foot fashion
When making sure your nails are making a fashion statement, don't forget about your feet.
A new line of toenail extensions is about to rock the UAE. Just remember not to go too overboard.
Various salons across the region are training staff in toenail extensions to keep up with the trends in Russia and the United States.
"Even celebrities such as Victoria Beckham have toenail extensions and they look great," said Isabelle Gonzalez, general manager of Warba General Trading.
