Talon Tales

International nail artist, Lisa Boone talks about international trends, techniques and the scope, future and varieties that will work well in India.

When and how, did you develop a knack for nail art?

I only started doing nail art a little over three years ago, when I was introduced to the properties of gel polish. And how much quicker and easier it is to use than regular polish.

L’Officiel India DigitalRead L’Officiel India in the digital libraryEvery issue and every cover story, on TCG Media.Read now

Have you taken any specific training to hone your skills and learn techniques prevalent in this form of art?

Yes, I have had great teachers, Sandy Borges, Alisha Rimando, Dafne Fernandez and many more.

How quickly, can you complete a nail art? At the same time, what is the longest time taken, to complete a specific type of design?

I prefer to teach and use the art that can be done quickly, between 5-10 minutes. Clients usually only want to take more time for special occasions. Some more complicated designs can take up to 15 minutes,

Tell us what type of designs; would you ideally do in both the cases?

Quick designs usually involve three or four colours combined on the ring fingers, or a technique where we carve out the top layer of gel polish to reveal a design in the under colour of gel polish. More involved would be floral or geometric line designs.

On the same lines, tell us about some of the quickest and some of the more detailed designs that are in demand?

“Negative space” is a fairly quick design and very popular right now. Rhinestones and glitter are always popular!

Is this art that specialised or demarcated, where artists only do a specific kind of technique and someone else completes the entire look. Or is it a one person’s job, start to end?

Most nail technicians provide the entire service from manicuring to the polish and artwork on top.

Are nail extensions an integral part of nail art or are they a separate segment totally?

Applying nail art in the creative process of building the extensions is very time consuming and specialised. The great thing about gel polish is the artwork can be created with less skill, but looks amazing in minutes! Most manicurists can learn this easily. And increase clientele and income.

Is nail art creativity or technique dependent?

You must learn the techniques first and then each manicurist can add their own signature of creativity to the service.

Tell us about different materials and products used and that are popular these days?

Gel polish is the fastest growing service right now. Instead of wearing nail polish for up to a week, clients can get as long as 21 days of wear. Gel extensions and Liquid and Powder extensions are still very popular. 3D nail art created mostly with monomers and powder are very popular.

If someone would ask you to design haute couture nails, how would render that kind of a look?

My preferred media is liquid and powder (Acrylic) extensions. I would extend the nail bed and finish with an almond shape. I feel this shape looks good on almost anyone. I like to follow hand bag trends for colour and hardware. I would probably do some negative space and use gold or silver metal accents, such as chains, studs, or 3D pieces.

What’s the extent of exclusivity and pricing of this art?

Because of you tube, clients are more aware of the possibilities. Unfortunately not many nail technicians are trained in advance sculpting and art. The good news is that if you can create not only a beautiful nail but one that holds up to the elements you can demand more money in the salon.

Elaborate on techniques such as colour gloss, gel polish art, rock hard gel extensions, digital look and marbleizing tools?

We carry a full line of nail care products. Colour gloss is our gel polish; we also have Rock Hard Acrylic system and Rock Hard Gel system.

Our art brushes and marbleizing tools make it easy to create nail art on any nail.

What about clear sculpture application, c-curves, and filing techniques?

You can use or Rock Hard acrylic or Rock hard gel to extend the nails. Putting in a c-curve gives the nails strength and narrows the look of the nails. Our filing techniques will help you create a consistent and beautifully shaped nails.

Any marked difference between styles in hand and feet?

Most clients are more open to be brighter and sparkler on their toes.

Difference between international and Indian trends and tastes? Do you think, in the West, women are more experimental and adventurous?

Because nails have been a popular service in the US, women are willing to try different nail art for a change. But the beautiful Saris and jewellery of India make for a perfect fit for nail art. To me nail art is jewellery.

Why do you think, there is a still a large segment of women who are still not willing to experiment?

They may not want to draw attention to themselves. I still manage to put more subtle tone on tone nail art on them!

According to you, do you witness that nail art is mistaken as a very jarring symbol of a style statement and is not for everybody?

Not at all, there is nail art to suit every woman.

What kind of designs can you offer to first-timers who want a very subtle style?

I usually do a very subtle technique, like carving out the top colour of gel to reveal the under colour of gel polish in the same colour tones.

Do you think longevity is a downside of this art?

I don’t think so, right now it just keeps getting more popular!

What is bi-weekly maintenance?

For a gel polish manicure it takes about 30-40 minutes. A back fill on enhancements usually takes about 1-1/2 hours.

Can maintenance be done at home? Share some tips?

I don’t recommend it! You can remove the gel polish at home, but should have your nail technician teach you the proper method. Proper nail care and maintenance should always been done by a professional.

What is your USP? Mention some of the unique designs that you have done till now and are your personal favourites?

My personal favourites are designs that include multiple techniques, and multiple types of products on one nail. I also love doing floral designs!

Your take on international nail championships?

Competing is the best way to learn and improve your skills. You meet other passionate nail technicians that can help keep you motivated and push you to improve. The down side is that it does take a lot of time and can be very expensive.

Give us five international trends? Who are the top designers who are showcasing them on the ramp?

Linear nail art – Designer Bibhu Mohapatra.

Metallic 3D art over the top – Designer Betsey Johnson.

3D elements, lettering and chains, bold colours – The Blonds.

Negative space, half-moon manicure’s- Delpozo.

New York fashion week also featured glitter French nails in both gold and silver.

Credit line:

International Nail Artist were in town for Artistic Nail Design Show 2015 hosted by Ankit Arora, CEO of Streamline Services India.