Nail trend: Brighter shade of pale

Inspired by SS19 catwalk trends, the latest professional nail collections are awash with the neon brights and pretty pastels, we look at the latest looks set to impact the summer months ahead...

Though we are undoubtedly fashion forward, seasonal catwalk trends aren't always relevant in the GCC due to our unique climate. Yet the nail styles evident in all the spring/summer shows of 2019 are easily translatable.

Pops of orange, tangerine and coral jazzed up muted clothes in many a designer collection, while, conversely, barely-there talons complemented patterened garments.

Always a winner for spring and summer, sweetie shades of pastel pink, blue, lilac and green are also hot this season and give a modern twist with unusual textures and nail art. 

Yasmin Hosn from House of Enspa says: "We are seeing a lot of interest in nail art and glitters, as well as two-tone nails. In terms of shades, it seems that some are going towards minimalist manicures and nudes, while others are gravitating towards vibrant colours of reds, pinks and yellows. Metallic and shimmery finishes seem to still be going strong."

Stocking the most up-to-date nail polishes doesn't just provide your clients with greater choice and show that you have your finger on the pulse when it comes to global trends, it also allows you to be creative and drive both treatment and retail sales with seasonal displays. For this, take inspiration fom the stunning department store displays you can find in places such as Dubai Mall.

If your nail collection features orange hues, make a display featuring an alluring bowl of zesty fresh oranges. If you want to highlight pastel colours, why not display the seasonal nail collection with pastel-coloured bonbons which clients can help themselves to?

The more creative you can be, the more you will stand out from your competition!

The New Neutral

Well-groomed, barely-there nails featuring a round shape were ubiquitous at the SS19 fashion shows. There were a lot of classic, clean, natural, well-manicured nails on show, especially for the likes of Hermes, Ralph & Russo and Jasper Conran.

When "neutral" nails did feature colour, muted, earthy tones were used, all with an on-trend matte finish.

These tones look pretty on all skin tones but although this paired back look seems like an easy trend to translate from catwalk to salon, to recreate this look, clients will need healthy nails so ensure that you recommend good at home care such as Ethos, the new natural nail care range by Bio Sculpture. Pledged to providing nail health, the ethical, eight product line up is ideal for both professional and at home use.

Shades of Orange

Lauded as "an animated, life-affirming shade of orange with golden undertones." Living coral, is the Pantone's designated on-trend colour for 2019. 

This summary tone added splashes of colour to both clothing and accessories on the Temperley, Prabal Gurung and Gucci catwalks. Matching this sunny hue, pretty coral nails in various shades were evident throughout SS19 fashion weeks.

While the various corals seen in the professional SS19 varnish launches will make clients' nails a talking point when used alone, coral shades are also a great base for salon nail art giving manicures a playful expression.

Pretty Pastels with a Twist

Ice cream colours that evoke a promise of sunshine were seen at Stella McCartney SS19, while frills and flounces, pastels and veils, rosettes and feathers graced the Marc Jacobs collection. Inspired by the ocean and its surrounding colours, the SS19 Fyoder Golan collection featured an aquatic-theme with pearly sea-inspired textures. To balance this, pastel, matte colours were painted on models' nails. Even at the flamboyant Julian MacDonald show, pastel pink on models' toes and a metallic rose-gold polish on fingers, were apparent.

In the GCC, we will see lots of pastels this summer, especially those with a matte finish, which will look fantastic in the bright sunshine. Nails can also be given a modern slant by mixing up two colours on one nail or by using coloured tips. Try painting a pastel tip instead of white, on all nails or just one signature nail.

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