Nail Art - Photo Galleries

Blushing Bridal Nails

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 3:30:12 PST

Pinks, Frenches, and flowers ruled in the bridal nail art designs that four NAILS readers came up with. “It is such a privilege to do wedding nails. Photographers love to take pictures of the couple holding hands, so there will almost always be a shot with your nails in their wedding album,” says Tricia Baldwin of Studio Salons in West Jordan, Utah. “I take into consideration what type of person the bride is when choosing what nails to do. Some brides are conservative, so I do a French manicure look with simple flowers. Other brides are funky so I will give them a French with a stripe of their wedding colors, then top it off with some jewels or flowers.” Use these designs as inspiration when your own wedding bound-clients come calling.

Photography by Kelly Bracken

View more bridal nails at:

“I Do” Nails: What nail look were you sporting at your wedding?

Here Comes the Bridal Nail Art

2010 Mini-Masterpiece Contest Winners

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:16:26 PST

Riding a Wave of Success

Meet the Winner

It may be polka dots and cheetah prints that delight Maki Otani’s nail art clients at Lulu’s by Travis Parker in San Diego, but it was the “Great Wave off Kanagawa” that captured the attention of NAILS’ panel of judges. “I chose this painting because Hokusai’s art is very familiar to me since I grew up in Japan,” says Otani. “It has always been my favorite historical masterpiece.”

It took Otani about 10 hours to complete the nail. “I found finishing the nail very challenging because I had to squeeze the painting into such a small space while keeping the size balanced,” she says. She used four shimmer nail polish colors on the background and blended them in gradually. “Using a tiny brush, I painted the waves and Mt. Fuji with acrylic paint, and then I used white acrylic powder and monomer on the white part of the wave so it would look like it was popping out.”

2008 Mini-Masterpiece Contest Winners

2009 Mini-Maserpiece Contest Winners

A Day at the Beach

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 6:07:39 PST

Sand, surf, and shells are three huge indicators of the arrival of summer. Get inspired by these beach-themed nail art designs, as you and your clients enjoy the season.

Nail Art: Flights of Fancy

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 3:52:35 PST

With spring right on our doorstep, we wondered what nail artists would send us when given the task of creating a “flock” of bird-themed nail art. From actual feathers and birdseed, to meticulously hand-painted bird portraits, these nail designs are certain to take flight with your clients.

Life is a Carnival: 2010 Mural Contest Winners

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 2:31:13 PST

It was the undeniable artistry and sheer beauty of Jennifer Wirth’s carousel-themed mural that earned it the top spot in this year’s NAILS’ Nail Mural Contest. Based in Urbana, Ill., Wirth says she has long been intrigued by carousels and their ornate decorations. A year in the planning phase, the mural took her four hours to complete. “I used metallic acrylics, gems, and discs for the mirrors,” she says. “The acrylic horses were made freehand with a brush.”

NAILS’ Nail Art Mural Contest (from 2003 to present)

Valentine’s Nail Art in the Blink of an Eye

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 3:49:22 PST

As February 14 swiftly approaches, your clients are increasing their requests for nail art with hearts, flowers, and all things pink and red. We've got you covered with these designs that will get clients in, out, and on the way to their romantic rendezvous.

Photography by Kelly Bracken

Get 31 more Valentine’s Day designs at www.nailsmag.com/ohcupid.

Happy Birthday, Barbie!

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 3:44:28 PST

This year an American icon turned 50. And to help celebrate Barbie’s big day, we asked nail techs to honor her in their art. Cheers to you, Barbie, you look as good as ever!

American Beauty: NAILS 2009 Mini Masterpiece Winners

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 1:12:13 PST

“It looks better than the original!” was just one of the comments we heard from our judges about Megan Acevedo’s beautiful depiction of Andrew Wyeth’s painting “Flour Mill.” Acevedo’s artistic eye and skill with a paintbrush earned her first place in this year’s Mini Masterpiece Contest. Janna Jahr of Blair, Wis., took second place with her interpretation of Edgar Degas’ “Dancer.” In third was Emily Hansen of Davenport, Iowa, who opted to paint “Yellow-Red-Blue” by Wassily Kandinsky.

This year’s winner, Megan Acevedo of Pat’s Parlor in Baudette, Minn., has had no formal art training. In fact, she says, “I can’t paint anything bigger than at fingernail.” Still, she has been enamored of nail art ever since she got her first glimpse of it in cosmetology school. “I do a lot of nail art — especially flowers. If a client brings me a picture, I can paint it,” she says.

It took Acevedo just 1 1/2 hours to paint the winning image using acrylic paints. It was a natural choice for her to tackle an Andrew Wyeth painting. “He’s my absolute favorite artist and he just passed away this year,” she says.

View a gallery of the 2008 winners here:

Mini-Masterpiece Contest Winners Revealed (2008)

Breast Cancer Awareness Nail Designs 2009: Symbols of Strength and Hope

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 3:21:47 PST

Let these nail art tips serve as inspiration for designs you might offer clients in the salon this October.

The [Four] Elements of Style

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:43:50 PST

The four classical elements — air, fire, earth, and water — have appeared over the ages in many different forms. We asked five nail artists for their own interpretations.

Photography by Kimberly Pham

To view more themed nail art visit these photo galleries:

Agents of Style: Nail Art on a Mission

Iron Techs: Creative Techs Work With What They’re Given

What nails did you wear at the show?

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 5:47:50 PST

NAILS takes you inside Premiere Orlando (2009), IBS Las Vegas (2009 and 2010), ISSE Long Beach (2010), and ABS Chicago (2010), to view the hottest nail styles at these prominent beauty trade shows. This gallery includes nails published in NAILS Magazine, plus bonus nails exclusive to the Nail Art Channel.

To view other nail styles worn by nail technicians, check this nail art gallery too: “I Do” Nails: What nail look were you sporting at your wedding?

“I Do” Nails: What nail look were you sporting at your wedding?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 5:18:35 PST

Whether fashion-forward, classic, or trendy, nail techs share the nail styles they were wearing at their own nuptials.

View other bridal nail art designs in these galleries:

Here Comes the Bridal Nail Art

Rhinestones Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Mother's Day Nail Art

Thu, 14 May 2009 4:44:03 PST

In honor of all the different kinds of moms out there, NAILS has collected some inspired nail art from talented techs to represent some common mother stereotypes. These tips represent the spirit of four specific kinds: the sports mom, the stay-at-home mom, the working mom, and the rock star mom.

Featured Artists:

Becky Bence-Salon 505 the Day Spa-Austin, Texas

Shannon Chomanczuk-A Polished Image-New Windsor, N.Y.

Julie Kandalec-Jennifer & Co.-Mentor, Ohio

Hop to It [Easter Nail Art]

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 3:13:32 PST

Celebrate Spring with these nail art designs, inspired by colorful Easter eggs. This gallery mixes the Easter designs from NAILS Magazine’s April 2009 issue with related art from previous magazine issues (plus bonus Easter egg-inspired nails), so you can get all of your inspiration in one place!

Photography by Kelly Bracken

To view toenail designs befitting of Spring, visit these galleries:

Toes in Pastels

Show Those Toes

Contessa Winners 2006 - present [Canada’s Nail Art Awards]

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 2:30:13 PST

The Contessas are an annual beauty award program that shows off the best Canada’s salon professionals have to offer.

2010 – Nail Art Technician of the Year: Ashley Ann MacKenzie (The Blobar, Toronto, Ontario), Nail Enhancement Artist of the Year: Jessica Marie Ellison (The Blobar, Toronto, Ontario)

2009 - Nail Art Technician of the Year: Angela Fuhrer (Impressions Hair Group, Sherwood Park, Alberta), Nail Enhancement Artist of the Year: Jennifer Mather (Polished Nail Design Group Inc., Burlington, Ontario).

2008 – Nail Art Technician of the Year: Jessica Marie Ellison (Yorkville School of Makeup and Esthetics and Lux Hand and Foot Spa, Toronto, Ontario), Nail Enhancement Technician of the Year: Kali Howden (At Your Fingertips, Kelowna, British Columbia)

2007 - Nail Art Technician of the Year: Janis Tecson (Vault Salon & Spa, Winnipeg, Manitoba), Nail Enhancement Artist of the Year: Jennifer Bennett (Hair Factory, St. John’s, Newfoundland)

2006 - Nail Tech Artist of the Year: Jessica Marie Ellison (Yorkville School of Makeup and Esthetics, Toronto), Nail Enhancement Artist of the Year: Rheanne Thackeray (Kenneth Blair Salon & Spa, Lloydminster, Alberta)

To see other award-winning nails, visit these galleries:

NAILS Cover Tech Contest 2009

NAILS’ Nail Art Mural Contest (from 2003 to present)

Spring 2009 Polish Preview

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 11:25:32 PST

Looking to find out what colors are going to be hot this spring? Well look no further. We've got more than 100 colors for you to choose from.

“Year of the Ox” Nail Art

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 5:22:06 PST

Celebrate the Vietnamese new year — which runs from Jan. 26, 2009 through Feb. 14, 2010 — with “Year of the Ox” nail art. This gallery showcases bonus art not published in NAILS Magazine.

To view more multicultural designs, look at these other nail art galleries:

Multi [Nail] Denominational Nail Art

International Sensations: Swedish Nail Art

Toes in Pastels

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 4:46:28 PST

Ah, spring. The snow is finally melting, flowers are beginning to bloom, and toes are emerging from the dark depths of boots and socks, signaling the start of the hotly anticipated sandal season. Get your clients in a pedicure mood by adding a touch of pastel on their toes. Not only do light shades of green, pink, peach, and blue go hand in hand with the season, they also help liven up toes with a soft dose of color. To get you inspired, we asked a few nail artists to come up with charming designs using pastel colors you can recreate on your clients.

Rainbow Connection: Colored Gels

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 1:07:04 PST

Looking to add even more color options for your clients? Why not consider an easy-to-apply color gel application? From soft pastels to solid bolds, color gels can be a longer-lasting alternative to traditional nail polish. Adding them as a service can be an easy way to impress your clients and increase your revenue.

Oh, Cupid! [A Valentine’s Day Nail Art Gallery]

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 4:32:18 PST

With bonus nail art not printed in NAILS Magazine, this gallery showcases stylish, salon-friendly Valentine’s Day designs.

To look at more romance-ready designs, look at these other nail art galleries:

Rhinestones Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Here Comes the Bridal Nail Art

Photography by Kelly Bracken

It's Your Birthday Nail Art

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 4:38:09 PST

How’s this for special birthday nail art customized for each month? Michele Baker of Van Goe’s Salon and Day Spa in Cumming, Ga., is developing a year’s worth of nail art based on each month’s birth flower and birthstone to share with NAILS readers. All products listed are from EZ Flow Nail Systems’ Boogie Nights and Color Powder Collections. This gallery will be updated throughout the year.

Photography by Kelly Bracken

To view other embellished nail art designs, look at these other galleries:

Rhinestones Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Iron Techs: Creative Techs Work With What They’re Given

NAILS Cover Tech Contest - 2009

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 3:59:04 PST

In the year 2000, the editors of NAILS decided it would be fun to have a nail technician reader create the cover for one issue and so we started the Cover Tech Contest. Every year, we get hundreds of beautiful entries, creative concepts, and astonishing photographs. Browse through the best of the contests through the years. If you're interested in learning how to submit material for the next Cover Tech Contest, contact Judy.Lessin@bobit.com for details.

Where Nail Techs Find Inspiration for Their Designs

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 9:07:46 PST

From paintings to pieces of clothing to everyday street scenes, nail artists find myriad ways to get their creative juices flowing. We asked several nail artists to tell us what inspires them to create their miniature works of art -- and show us a few examples.

You already know that nail techs are a creative bunch, but have you ever wondered where some of them get their inspiration from — especially those who love dabbling in nail art? Well, our curiosity got the better of us. We asked several nail artists what inspires them to create their miniature works of art. And, we also challenged them to come up with several designs inspired by nature, or fashion, or art (the possibilities are endless).

Our Favorite Reader Nail Art for the Winter Holidays

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 6:19:04 PST

Whether your clients celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or celebrate nothing at all, you'll enjoy the ideas from our readers for seasonal nail art. Browse through these editor's favorites from nail art submitted by our readers over the years.

To look at more holiday nail art, look at these other nail art galleries:

Multi[Nail] Denominational

Be of Good Cheer - Holiday Nail Art

Multi [Nail] Denominational Nail Art

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 6:23:02 PST

With the holiday season quickly approaching, busy nail techs are gearing up for the busy season. With all the parties, clients are sure to want to look their best. We asked techs to make some holiday-inspired nail designs you can try for yourself this year. From Christmas to Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah to the Winter Solstice, we’ve got a design for everyone!

To look at more holiday nail art, look at these other nail art galleries:

Be of Good Cheer - Holiday Nail Art

Our Favorite Reader Nail Art for the Winter Holidays

Mother-Daughter Nail Art

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 7:32:26 PST

Six talented nail artists present their designs to help moms and their daughters bond. Whether your clients are mother/daughter duos who love to look the same or would rather express their individuality we’ve got something for you to choose from.

Agents of Style: Nail Art on a Mission

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 7:35:01 PST

While providing only minimal directions and options, the editors at NAILS commissioned five nails agents to create individual works of art on three separate missions. The first group had to use black and white polishes to create nail tips, the second use any and all shades of red polish to create nail tips, and the third group use white, silver, and gold polishes to create nail tips. The "agents" we enlisted for this special project were Sayaka Sako of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Yoko Dykes of Marysville, Wash.; Elsbeth Schuetz of Orange, Calif.; Mia Kim of New York, N.Y.; and Christie Lovett of Ocean View, Hawaii

All Tatted Up -- a Tattoo Nail Art Gallery

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 3:48:51 PST

Looking to offer an edgier style of nail art to your clients when butterflies and flowers just won't do the trick? Get inspired by these tattoo nail s to push the boundaries and appeal to a different type of client. Click these links to see the image that made NAILS cover in November 2008, and read a full story of the amazing artist behind this concept.

International Sensations: Russian Nail Art

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:06 PST

In recent years there’s been a re-awakening of creativity and renewed appreciation of Russia’s deep cultural traditions. Ancient cathedrals are being restored, colorful markets are brimming with activity, and literature and the arts are regaining the popularity they once enjoyed. What's more, the creativity behind the nail art coming out of Russia is unparalleled. Looking at these nails — all created by Russian nail professionals — it seems anything is possible with liquid, powder, and a little imagination. Peter the Great would be proud.

Nail Artist Sculpts German Tourist Stops

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 4:02:11 PST

In Germany, where gels are king, a nail tech using acrylic is bound to get noticed — especially when she is using the acrylic to model 3-D images of local tourist destinations. A German film crew recently visited nail tech Peggy Jakob-Kissner of Nagelatelier Exquisit in Ostheim, Germany. The crew, which came from the neighboring town of Schweinfurt, interviewed Jakob-Kissner about her acrylic work, most notably the 3-D acrylic version of the Schweinfurt City Hall she designed for a client’s nail. She’s also memorialized the notable sights of Ostheim to share with clients and to show off to NAILS readers.

Be of Good Cheer - Holiday Nail Art

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:02:50 PST

A funny thing happens during the holidays. Stress levels and spirits soar simultaneously. Lines are longer, but smiles are broader. And everyone hopes to feel young again and experience the holidays like they did when they were kids. Help clients capture a little holiday magic with a touch of flair on their fingertips. Holiday nail art can be silly or sophisticated, bold or demure. Your clients are sure to find something right for them in these designs.

To view more holiday themed nail art, visit these other nail art galleries:

Our Favorite Reader Nail Art for the Winter Holidays

Multi[Nail] Denominational

NAILS’ Nail Art Mural Contest (from 2003 to present)

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 6:56:02 PST

Spectacular. Amazing. Impressive. You can take your pick of adjectives, since all of them describe the quality and range of entries to NAILS' annual Nail Mural Contest. Beginning in 2003 with winners Sue Tumblety, Kazuko Tomiyama and Lorena Marquez, through 2009 when Kimberly Connolly Preston, Jessica Valasek, and Rachel Ouellette took the top prizes, these diminutive works of art continue to enchant us all.

Nail Art Designs Created with Colored Gels

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 4:55:51 PST

Colored gels are poised to make a splash in nail art. Different formulations allow techs to create unique nail art or build beautifully colored enhancements. Some colored gels are for sculpting, others have been designed to act as paint. Some colored gels are transparent, some are non-translucent.

Some collections feature a multitude of shades, others leave the mixing to the techs. Now more than ever nail techs really can have it their way when it comes to colored gels. Here are some designs from other nail techs to give you some ideas of gel's versatility.

Strut Your Stuff Nail Art Contest 2002-2008

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 3:39:46 PST

Started in 2002, the Beautytech Strut Your Stuff online nail art and enhancement contest has truly become an international event, with entrants from such far-flung locales as Tokyo, Singapore, Poland, and the Netherlands.

NAILS Cover Tech Contest - Years 2001 to 2003

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 7:44:48 PST

NAILS Cover Tech Contest - Years 2007 & 2008

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 8:36:28 PST

Rhinestones Are a Girl's Best Friend

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 10:09:48 PST

Never mind diamonds. Get your clients’ nails sparkling and looking like a million bucks with a dose of rhinestones. While they may rather be wearing diamonds on their fingers, a little sparkle on their nails is a welcome — and much less expensive — alternative.

We asked several nail artists to come up with fun nail designs incorporating rhinestones to help inspire you to come up with your own creations. Be sure to tell your clients that while diamonds are forever, rhinestones on nails are a fun (and temporary) spin to add some bling to their look. Photography Kelly Bracken

Mother's Day Nail Art Designs

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 7:43:22 PST

Ten nail artists say “thank you” to moms everywhere.

NAILS' Annual Self-Portrait Nail Art Contest

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:33:57 PST

Because nail artists never tire of a challenge -- and never cease to amaze -- we're always trying to push them to create new masterpieces. In this gallery, view the self-portraits of top nail artists: how they see themselves, on the tip of a nail. If you'd like more information on the NAILS Self-Portrait contest, or more information about upcoming nail art contests, email Judy Lessin at judy.lessin@bobit.com.

Iron Techs: Creative Techs Work with What They're Given

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 9:50:50 PST

We gave 10 innovative nails techs a hodge-podge of items and instructed them to create five nail tips using only the items in their box full of goodies. As you can see, each tech has a specialty, and all came away with different creations using exactly the same materials.

The fun of the Food Network’s “Iron Chef” isn’t necessarily seeing who the winner is; the show’s real success comes because everyone enjoys seeing experts at the top of their game using their creative juices to produce an amazing feast. Taking that same idea, we gave 10 techs a box of supplies to see what their out-there thinking could produce. Their instructions were simple: Use the tips and at least some of the acrylics. Then use seven of the other 10 items to create five nail tips.

The iron techs were supplied with 10 tips from Nailite; CND’s Retention Starter Kit (with a clear acrylic added for this project); polish from OPI, Essie, and Orly; three metallic stripers from It’s So Easy; two sets of nail decals from Cina; and two packs of Imagination Art Supplies from Young Nails. All of these were packaged in a ruby polyprop purse from Action Bag Company. As soon as they received their kits, our techs were eager to get started!

Here Comes the Bridal Nail Art

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 2:14:23 PST

Seven nail artists were asked to create a range of designs for brides-to-be using the most popular wedding themes — beach, country, fantasy, and garden. Taking into account the varying levels of every bride's personal style, they've created designs from “simple” (any bride would feel comfortable wearing), to “middle of the road” (some brides would prefer) to “out there" (adventurous nails that most brides wouldn’t wear — but they’d look amazing if they did!).

Our Nail Artists: AMY TOMLINSON, At Your Fingertips, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada; ANGELA JONES, Beauti Fetish Salon, Modesto, Calif.; JENNIFER BRICKL, Especially Nails by Jennifer, Madison, Wis.; COCO HAYANO, Ville de CoCo, Honolulu, Hawaii; LORRAINE DIANA TISDALE, NailMania, Goose Creek, S.C.; JEN HLADKI, California Nail & Spa Supply, Citrus Heights, Calif.; and YELENA KAKUSCHKE, Absolutely Nailart Inc., Weston, Fla.

Nail Art photography by Kelly Bracken

International Sensations: Swedish Nail Art

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 9:13:51 PST

Our friends at Swedish nail magazine naglar i norden turned us on to two nail sensations in Europe. Ukrainian-born Iryna Giblett lives in Stockholm, Sweden, where she runs the popular nail salon Iryna’s Nails. She’s been a nail tech for eight years and has trained with EZ Flow, Christio, and Kinetics Professional Nail Systems. Check out even more of Giblett’s nail designs at www.irynasnails.com. Margarita Belska is an international educator for Kinetics Professional Nail Systems and recently opened her own nail school in London, where she’s now based. Check out even more of Belska’s nail designs at www.margaritabelska.com.

Mini-Masterpiece Contest Winners Revealed (2008)

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 2:42:45 PST

2008 winners: For the second year in a row, the extraordinary talent of nail tech Dawn Minton won over the judges of NAILS’ annual Mini-Masterpiece Contest. Minton, a tech at A New Beginning Salon & Spa in Rensselaer, Ind., took third place as well. Amy Butler of Paradise Hair & Nails in Casper, Wyo., earned a second-place win. Both Butler and Minton chose a work of Pablo Picasso as their inspiration. A big thank you and a round of applause go to everyone who entered. Click on "View Photos" to enjoy a sampling of their fine artwork.

View a gallery of the 2009 Mini-Masterpiece winners here:

American Beauty: NAILS 2009 Mini Masterpiece Winners

Pardon My French

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 5:59:36 PST

Break free of the usual pink-and-white constraints with this creative gallery of alternative French nail art styles. Get inspired with bold colors, unique filing, and clever smile lines. Photography by Kelly Bracken.

NAILS Cover Tech Contest - Years 2004 to 2006

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 5:38:58 PST

Show Those Toes

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:56:20 PST

With summertime heating up, clients are going to be eager to show off some bare feet and cool their heels, and what better way to sport the look than with some fun and fashionable acrylic toenail art.