Nail the look

From the return of the French manicure, to negative space nail art and abstract designs, spring/summer 2021 looks set to be full of colourful combos, modern twists and dramatic flair, according to our industry experts

Elissa Newton, CND education ambassador

“I think we’ll see less sparkle and more coloured tones and patterned foils this spring/summer. These give pros a detailed and quick nail art option, which is ideal when business is booming post-lockdown.

“Marble is also becoming huge again, with pros experimenting with marbling techniques in various shades and patterns. As the French manicure didn’t get to make as big a comeback as it should have in 2020, this season is its time to shine. French alternatives with smile lines and coloured tips will also be popular.

“For colours and hues, we’re looking to grey and yellow. For the past few years, a big home decor trend has been grey tints, and this is really taking off this year in the nail sector.

“Homecare and natural nails, or the appearance of a more natural, cleaner nail, will still be a focus. Lockdown has 100% influenced this. Clients have had to resort to quick appointments when salons are open, and have turned to homecare when they’ve had to close.”

Emily Leonard, salon manager, Dublin Nails

“Rainbow nails are are very popular, and this is a trend that’s going to really take off this season with gorgeous spring pastels. Sticking to a colour theme such as peaches, pinks and blues, and doing a different colour on each nail, is a lovely way to step outside of a monotone comfort zone. This works particularly well with French designs.

“Stripes of all kinds are becoming more popular too. Whether they are vertical, horizontal, thick or thin, they are a classy way to showcase abstract nails. Sometimes simplicity is key. Cow print was a major fashion statement last summer, but unfortunately the lockdown meant that no one got much of an opportunity to experiment with it. So I predict that’s going to make a second attempt to trend this summer.

“Green is also in demand, with clients asking for mint, forest, emerald and even Irish flag shades. We are going to see a revival of 1970s colours, such as copper, burnt orange and rustic hues. If you need any inspiration for designs, look at the wallpaper in your old family albums!

“Plain and simple nails are no longer sought after as much. Since the lockdowns started, and salons have had to close, clients often don’t know when is the next time they’ll be able to experience the luxury of getting their nails done. So they’ve been opting for glitter, nail art or multiple colours when salons have reopened between lockdowns.”

Renata Kuraitiene, owner, DMN Salon

“Spring/summer 2021 colours will be neutral and refreshing, with mixes of bright neons, such as yellow. While the French manicure had been a bit forgotten recently, it is now on-trend again, but with a twist and a variety of interpretations. This season, clients will request it with a combination of different colours. For example, it will be popular to replace the white French line with bright or pastel shades.

“We’ve noticed that since the lockdowns began, even our most conservative clients are keen to try something new to stand out. Other clients have become more practical; requesting neutral colours so their manicure lasts longer. Of course, we have many clients who don’t really care what’s on-trend or in fashion at the moment. They have their own style or colour, and they stick to that.

“Nail art this season will be all about minimalism, geometric shapes, and various gold and silver elements on a neutral background. A less-is-more approach will see nude bases with design or colour. Almond, oval and square shapes will continue to be popular.”

Julie-Anne Larivière, Salon System nail expert

“For this spring/summer season, colours such as bubblegum pink, all shades of blues, and emerald greens are set to be super trendy. As always, nudes will be popular, but with richer shades, such as browns and beige. Marble, French manicures and abstract designs should also remain on-trend for 2021.

“Last year showed that nail art trends can come from anything, so it’s very difficult to predict what will be big in 2021. Negative space will definitely remain popular. This is a look that starts with a nude base, then you can add anything to it, such as geometric shapes, waves/ swirls, stripes, chrome shapes/ accents and floral designs. This trend is my favourite because, being on a nude/barely there background, the nail art becomes the star of the show.

“Clients will be more inclined to go for daring nail art in 2021, as they have been exposed to so much of it on social media during lockdowns. Those who were accustomed to having regular manicures before the pandemic will feel like they missed out in 2020, so they will potentially want to go wilder in their manicure choices in 2021.”

Andrea Horan, owner, Tropical Popical

“We tend to shy away from trends in Tropical Popical because colour is such an emotional thing, and dependent on the client’s mood. In saying that, I think that trends this season will be either bold and brash, or muted and low key. There’s no in between at the moment.

“Pink will continue to reign supreme. As designs move down the nail to the tip, the romance of red and pink, swirled and intertwined, is definitely hotting up. I predict a more dramatic moment on nails. When the economy spirals downwards, heels go higher, sales of lipstick sky rocket, and people take more risks with their everyday decisions. You just have to look at the impact the Schiaparelli SS21 collection has already made; it was all about statement, and everyone is just lapping it up.

“Jo Simpson, one of our team of TropPopettes, noticed that when the salon was open between lockdowns, clients were more daring with colours and glitters because they wanted joyful fingers. Many who had previously been restricted in office settings were working from home, so they chose whatever colours they desired. Hopefully this is a cultural reset, and people will now have the freedom to pick a nail colour and not feel judged in the workplace.”

Eoin Cotter, co-founder, The Manicure Company

“This spring/summer season will see a lot of pastel and peachy tones making the rounds. Although pastels aren’t revolutionary for spring, the negative space nail art trend will bring a modern look to these shades.

“Sheer manicures will continue to be popular; the ‘your nails, but better’ look, which features very light tints and sheer washes of colour. It's never gone away, but the French tip is back in a big way with slight alterations. I think we will see lots of those sheer tones paired with colourful French tips.

“When salons reopen, I believe that demand will be higher than ever. The first lockdown took everyone by surprise, so clients didn’t have the opportunity to have their nails done in advance of salons shutting. With subsequent lockdowns, they had some time to get to the salon and many opted for shorter, more manageable nails. Others swapped their normal gel or acrylic enhancements for a simple gel polish, or went for a full removal with no reapplication. Once salons are back in business, and clients have the confidence that they will remain open, they will revert back to their own tastes and preferences.”