Before 2008 we can only imagine we were all walking around with sorry excuses for nails. Why? Because Sharmadean Reid was yet to have filed the way for the biggest beauty trend of the last decade - the jazzed up manicure. (FYI, check out the latest WAH London Digi Sticker Kit for the perfect Christmas present for any of your girlfriends who never leave the house without a shiny set of tens.)
Since 2008 when her cult nail salon WAH nails opened its polished doors on East London’s Kingsland Road, London girls have never looked back. Then Hollywood followed. From Rihanna, to Katy Perry via Lupita Nyong’o and Beyonce, nails took centre stage. From almond shaped and blood-red, to leopard print and pointy, or rounded and nude, the way you wear you nails says a lot about you in 2015.
If you feel like you’ve seen enough decorated nail beds for one lifetime, we’re here to tell you otherwise. It’s time to get acquainted with the new guard of manicure magicians who are taking the fancy finger with them into 2016…
London based Emma Zener of Boom Nails is known her her intricate designs and love of animal print. Emma has Selfridges campaigns and a line of phone cases under her belt.
Instagram: @boomnailsldn
Britney Tokyo is the LA based, Japanese manicurist serving up the hottest noughties nails about. She's known for her major designs using sequins, studs, and rhinestones.
Instagram: @BritneyTOKYO
Imarni, or Imarni nails, is the South Londoner who fearlessly went it on her own in the wake of WAH with her own pop-up store at Shoreditch's Box Park. And, thank god she did. Imarni is most famous for doing FKA Twig and, Lily Allen's talons. Oh, and A$AP Rocky's pedicures. Go to her for transparent tips- she's the very best.
Instagram: @imarninails
Lauren Michelle Pires is known for her signature monochrome and nude nails and is a regular backstage at LFW. Her 3d Rose nails created using Chanel polish are well worth a spy. She also happens to be an incredible cake-baker, part-time model and photographer to boot. Her Instagram is well worth a follow.
Instagram: @laurenmichellepires
Jessica Thompson of Glossin ' nails is FKA Twigs go to woman. Jess also polishes up Pixie Lott and Paloma Faith on the reg. During fashion week she works with Sophia Webster and Jeremy Scott at Moschino and her work has been featured in i-D, Paper, Wonderland, Harpers Bazaar, Hunger, and Grazia.
Instagram: @glossin
Ghetto Nailz is made up of the coolest girl gang the mani world has ever heard of. Based in Madrid the clique, made up of Jessica Abou Nassar, Laura Tuñon, Andrea Delgado and Luz Belenguer travel the world to blingify celebrities nails and spread the Ghetto Nailz word. Sita Bellan is their muse.
Instagram: @ghettonailz
Sophy Robson is the biggest name in UK nail art. Her previous career as a hip hop DJ and aspiring graffiti artist is evident in her non-conformist, urban style. Her unique style has landed her campaigns from Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood to Tom Ford and Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Kate Moss and Gwen Stefani are clients.
Instagram: @sophynails
Madeline Poole, BFFs to our very own Sharmadien Reid, is the Big Apple's favourite nail girl. She's carved out her own distinct style; pantone, graphic and modernist. She also has a radio show on Know Wave with model Paloma Esseler. We die.
Instagram: @mpnails
Kimmie Kyees is Rihanna's nail artist. Nuff said.
Instagram: @kimmiekyees
Louise Ellwood's nail art designs are relevant for two reasons; one because they're hot, hot, hot and secondly because sometimes she likes to put current affairs on her nail tips- natch. What are we on about? Lou summed up all of 2015's biggest celebrity news via nail art and it went viral this week.
Instagram: @louise_ellwood
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Nail Polish Trends That You'll Be Wearing Well Into 2018