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- We asked two nail technicians about design trends that are in this winter. Both experts said French tips, chrome, texture and olive greens were top of the season's picks.
- The styles they advise against include vibrant summer colours, duck feet nails, stiletto pedicures and French ombre nails.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
With the winter season in full swing, it's easy to assume that you're limited to dull, dark and bland nail colours and designs, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
We spoke to two nail technicians about which styles are popular among their clients this season.
They gave the green light to classic French tips, textured nails, soft neutrals and deep, rich colours.
We also asked them to show us what to avoid, and bright colours, stiletto pedicures, white-and-pink French ombre and duck feet nails were a big no-no.
In this season
Chrome nails have been in demand lately and are here to stay. The look adds a subtle filter over a shade of your choice and ensures that the nails don't have a bright summer aesthetic.
According to Nomfundo Nhleko, a nail technician and owner of Nubian Native: "Chrome has definitely taken over this year. Everybody is using chrome. Everybody wants chrome powder. It is definitely a nail art powder to have in your arsenal as a nail tech this year."
Frenchies
French tips are definitely "an oldie but a goldie" says Nhleko, who emphasises that you're not limited to white tips only, with browns and chocolate colours being great picks too.
Textured nails/sweater nails
Textured nails have been a favourite for the past few winters, with technicians experimenting with various textures including sweater designs.
"Textured nails are all the rave right now, and what's better than some textured chocolate on your fingers?" asks Nhleko.
Olive greens
Olive greens and other soft neutrals have also become popular. Try mint green, lavender, baby blue and even pastel yellow. Just add some leaves to these colours and you'll be good to go.
"Olive green on nails in winter is a colour I never know we needed!" Nhleko exclaimed.
Dark, warm colours
For those who like plain nails, the colours to go for right now are rich and dark, including oxblood, indigo, emerald green, raisin purple and rust orange.
"These are definitely trendy winter nails. Clients prefer dark, rich and warm colours for their winter nails," says Nokuthula Mabena, the owner of Glamour Bar.
"They give off a rich, warm feel, and they compliment winter wear."
Winter no-nos
White and pink French ombre
One style that has been declining over the years is the ombre nail, especially the pink-and-white French kind.
Nhleko says this style is outdated and should be replaced with a bit more creativity.
"The white-and-pink French ombre needs to be left in the 2010s – respectfully."
Brightly coloured nails
Vibrant, bright-coloured nails are definitely a look you want to avoid until spring comes around.
"Most of my clients do not prefer [bright nails] during winter because they are in your face, they are busy, they are not subtle, and the colours and designs are not warm," says Mabena.
"Winter is a cosy season where you are mostly warm, indoors, and not so out and about."
Duck feet
Duck feet-shaped nails are just that – nails shaped like duck feet. Most nail technicians and customers don't typically go for these, especially in South Africa.
Not only are they unpleasant to look at, but they break off easily because they are big and can also break off with a part of your nail.
Stiletto pedicure
One nail trend that came up unexpectedly was the stiletto toenail. This look features long, pointy nails that are filed down to be sharp at the tips. These nails are extremely uncomfortable and near-impossible to walk in while wearing closed shoes.
