What are the hottest nail care trends?
When it comes to the classic manicure and pedicure, styles are constantly evolving. Last year, Hailey Beiber’s “Glazed Donut” nails, which included a stylish chrome coat, were all the rage.
This year? TikTok and brands are elevating the game, with many consumers opting to do their own nails at home. Aside from the tried and true tutorials found on YouTube or other social platforms, which show viewers how to do their own extensions at home, companies such as Kiss Products are also opting to do the same following the launch of its Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System.
“Our new Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System is a ground-breaking and efficient way for anyone to achieve long-lasting gel nail extensions from the comfort of home,” said Annette DeVita-Goldstein, SVP of Global Marketing at Kiss Products. “Interest in Gel Nail Extensions have grown by 566% since 2020. This breakthrough technology is specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers, and truly empowers them with a DIY salon-quality nail extensions system.”
It’s all about simplification and making it easy for consumers to create creative nails in the comfort their home, and it’s a trend that only seems to be growing, according to Transparency Market Research’s Nail Care Market Report. The group found that the introduction of technological innovations may also make manicures and pedicures easier to perform at home.
Nail care strength is also trending. Essie is just one of the many brands offering an array of products targeting nail strength, which include a nail strengthener and cuticle oil, as well as items designed to help lengthen the life of a standard at-home regular manicure.
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The brand’s Stay Longer Longwear Topcoat is chip resistant and the lasting shine formula is designed to leave nails looking salon quality for up to seven days with amplified color. The Good-As-New Nail Perfector features a unique formula that evens nail bed color and texture and also helps discoloration with a sheer pink, demi-matte finish upon application, the brand shared.
Overall, taking care of one’s nails has its own psychological effects, according to a study in Frontiers in Psychology. “People who receive nail care feel more extroverted, prefer being in public and interacting with others,” the report said. “These results such as increased positivity, relaxation, and positive mood were similar to the psychological effects of using cosmetics.”
Needless to say, nail care and self care go hand in hand with elevating one’s mood. Whether it’s getting a polished manicure or strengthening the cuticle and nails, putting in a little effort into the hands can go a long way.
Product Picks
Essie
Good As New Nail Perfector
SRP $11
The product features a vegan formula that evens nail bed color and texture, while concealing discoloration with a sheer pink, demi-matte finish upon application, per the brand. It is infused with a ceramide-complex and aims to help improve the look of the natural nail surface.
Sally Hansen
Cuticle Rehab Oil Balm
SRP $9.99
The balm is infused with aloe vera and safflower oil to moisturize hands, nails and cuticles. The brand said the product contains 75 nutrients and provides healthier-looking nails and rejuvenated cuticles.
OPI
Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
SRP $25
The nail serum has a bond-building formula and also contains Ulti-Plex Technology, which penetrates the nail surface to build new bonds from within. With continued use, the brand said, the result is smoother, stronger nails that are resistant to breakage and an improved appearance of ridges and color.
