As a form of bold self-expression, nail art makes a powerful style statement

The Star

10-05-2025

Nail art is no longer just about adding a little colour to one's life. As tastes and cultural perceptions of expressing one's self shift, nails have become a bold canvas for individuality.
In recent years, celebrity nail art has also been on the rise.
Rapper Cardi B's signature stiletto jewelled nails show off her glitz and glamour and help build her bold image.
Challenging outmoded gender norms, singer Lee Hong-ki of boy band FT Island is also famous for showcasing his unique sense of style through intricate patterns.
On social media, people around the globe share the latest in nail designs, trends and tips.
A new class of nail artists and influencers has emerged, grabbing the spotlight for their creative patterns and designs – while also enjoying a large fan base.
Read more: Ask The Expert: Making your manicure last, and other nailcare doubts cleared
The growing interest was on full display at Nailcon Korea and the Konail Expo, focused entirely on nail art.
Jointly held from April 25-27 at Coex in southeastern Seoul, the two fingernail-focused fiestas showcased everything to do with nail art, from the simple and minimal to tiny, shiny accents at the tip of the nail.
The Konail Expo dates to 2008, while Nailcon Korea was just inaugurated last year.
Held jointly this time around, the two served as a vibrant preview of nail trends for the spring and upcoming summer season.
With spring the season of new beginnings that shines best in light, refreshing colours, many of the colours on display were pastel-tone shades.
A long line of visitors formed in front of Amingo, a Korean nail beauty brand, to receive nail art and personal consulting on the shade guests should use this spring to highlight their style and add a certain charm at finger length.
The staff typically recommended pastels – such as baby pink, lavender and baby blue – for those who prefer a light, creamy look.
They suggested colours like cobalt blue and peach for those seeking deeper, yet still soft shades.
"Light mint is a colour that suits the airy and spring styling, while butter yellow is a bright, bleached colour that could give freshness, and pastel pink goes perfectly for romantic occasions," the nail expert at the booth explained.
Waiting in line, Andrea, a 20-something exchange student from the US who only gave her first name, said she was mesmerised by how nail art brands offered high-quality textures, colours, shape, designs and equipment.
"The demonstrator looked at my skin tone to recommend which colours would suit me best and which ones to avoid, as well as which nail designs would complement my nails," she said.
"And on a personal note, I think Korean nails show off a more edgy look."
Kim Sun-young, who heads nail art brand Diami, offered a session on achieving a juicy glow gradient on the nails – due to be the next big thing this summer.
Her step-by-step guide began with applying a base coat to protect the nails. Next, choose glossy colours that give a "juicy" look.
Read more: Is nail polish bad for your nails? Here's what you need to know about nailcare
Apply a sheer base colour, then dip a makeup sponge into a slightly darker shade of a chosen colour and gently press it onto the lower half of the nails.
Gradually blend it upwards to create an ombre effect. Once the gradient is dry, finish with a glossy top coat.
Apart from pastel shades, syrup nails are also set to make big waves this year, according to Jung Myung-hwa, marketing director at nail art brand Sweet Candy.
Jung said syrup nails are all about the sheer, glossy finish with a syruplike ombre effect reminiscent of shiny lip gloss.
"Syrup nails are perfect for those looking for a toned-down styling on their nails without relying on neutral colours. It's also something you can easily do at home by yourself," Jung said.
"Just apply a specific nail polish and finish it off with a glossy top coat, starting from the base of the nail and working your way to the tip." – The Korea Herald/ANN