At this point, let’s admit it, Instagram has single handedly changed the paradigm of how we view fashion, beauty, life environs etc.
The world of manicures is another trend that has had its turn of fame, all thanks to Instagram.
This is not about simple red or natural nail color anymore – now we’re discussing designs, crazy colors, or getting our nails done like our favorite celebrity.
From Selena Gomez having killer red nails to Taylor Swift ‘cat eye’ manicure to the entire Kardashian family redefining nails with new nail art every now and then – Instagram is the best place for all things nail art.
Well then, how does Instagram influence what we look at, like, and then, in turn, embody on our nails?
Let’s dive in.
The Rise of Nail Trends on Instagram
If you are like me then you must have spent so many hours on Instagram looking at different nail designs and saving those that you fancy.
And it’s not just about emulating other professional nail artists any longer.
We’re taking ideas from basic people, celebrities, and all sorts of social media agitators who are rocking (in a humorous lighting) the mobile manicure scene.
Let’s admit it, Instagram is to thank for many nail trends of the recent years.
In the past, before the influence of social networks, nail trends would appear gradually.
You’d notice something in a magazine; your hair salon would follow it and then a couple of months later, everyone is using it.
But now?
Trends go viral in seconds. It starts with one post, one photo, one reel and before you know it, everyone wants to get a taste of what’s next.
It is not just basic designs we are referring to here, but every aspect right from the shape of the nails, to artistic creations almost worthy of being hung in an Art gallery.
The Celeb Effect
Allow us to briefly discuss how celebrity nails occupy a position of strength for a moment.
You know how every time a celebrity shares a photo of manicured nails, the photo gets so much attention?
For instance, Selena Gomez. She has that natural trendsetter aura, and it doesn’t matter if she has a new set of nails; we rush to bring the same.
Do you recall how she painted her nails that deep sultry red which she was seen wearing last year?
It became the holiday nail trend and for the following months, everyone ran to get manicures and said “Do it like Selena Red”.
Then there’s Taylor Swift. We are accustomed to seeing her in bright red lips, winged eyeliner and intense lipstick but her nails?
Oh, they’re just as iconic. In lover era, she has been experimenting with almond-shaped nails that go with subtle and timeless shades of pink and nude.
People have been copying those styles for decades, combining pretty with a little bit of rock n roll.
Of course, how can anyone discuss nails and not mention the Kardashians at all?
They have artfully made their nails into a new form.
From Kylie Jenner with her lengthy, glamorous claws or Kim K with her five, nude nails – they are constantly paving trends we never knew existed.
Again, this is all being unleashed on Instagram where millions of followers including myself are eagerly waiting with anticipation for their next update.
Instagram’s Nail Filters: A Virtual Playground for Experimenting
And one of the most interesting features to have been uploaded on the site recently is the nail art filters.
Yes, Instagram hails you as you can use it to ‘apply’ nail designs as they are.
This is genius, right?
Now, you don’t even have to schedule a visit to the nail salon to check if that neon green gradient or checkerboard design will fit your aura.
With the help of Instagram’s augmented reality filters, people try nail art in a completely new way.
I mean, I don’t know about you, but sometimes I would like to go crazy and those filters are perfect to do the experiment and see what would happen if I painted my face like that.
It must feel like shopping for your nails online, while wearing your pajamas and sitting on the couch.
Moreover, whenever influencers or nail artists launch their own custom AR filters, it seems like you are witnessing something special.
You can wear the same trends that they are selling without having to schedule a hair appointment ever.
The DIY Nail Culture: Turning Followers into Creators
If there is one thing that has really come out of age in social media it is the possibility of DIY.
I mean, why go to the salon and spend lots of money when you can teach yourself how to do it at home isn’t it?
Everyone has become a nail artist because of the Instagram tutorials.
There are as many guides on how to do everything flawlessly, from applying nails polish to creating gorgeous nail art designs that are virtually professional.
The best part is that it can be done by anyone, I myself was a complete novice (I assure you that this was a long time ago and I have greatly improved since then), so even I could make something like this after a few attempts.
Instagram also lets us follow nail influencers who post “how-to” content; come on, they make it look effortless.
But, that is what makes it amazing.
This is the reason when we see someone putting a design into a staging process, it is easy to accomplish.
The Power of the Hashtag: Nail Trends Spread Like Wildfire
Hashtags are another feature which can’t be discussed in relation to Instagram.
With the help of tags like #NailArt, #ManicureMonday, #NailsOfInstagram I introduce myself to many trends, techniques and nail artist from all over the world all the time.
One moment I’m looking at some sick neon nails from Tokyo or wherever and the next moment I’m in some LA with some crazy flat nude look from some fashionable salon.
I think hashtags are incredibly effective because trends are shared around the world within minutes.
And it is not only professionals who are sharing information anymore – we the public (people like you and me) also contribute.
What makes it different is that it is such a huge community of nails in which we can express, admire and get motivated.
The Kardashians are early adopters of any trends you can think of and Instagram is where their brand comes to life.
Refresh your mani-pedis not only for your fashion-enriched hands and feet but to start a movement.
Just one proper close-up of her long, black, coffin-shaped nails with some peculiar design, and voila – it goes viral.
The next thing you know, everyone is doing it and it becomes the by word of the day; the new trend. That’s the beauty of it, or more so, social media.
Seasonal Trends: Following the Calendar with Instagram Nails
Two more things that have blown up on Instagram are seasonal nails trends.
I mean, who did not start painting their nails pastel colors for spring?
But let’s not forget about the fall nail trends – burnt oranges, deep burgundies, and matte whenever the first leaf drops.
This season change is rapid, and Instagram is like having a study guide for the changes.
When a celebrity like Taylor Swift uploads her new autumn inspired nails soon after her new album has been released you can bet that those colors will trend.
It really sits in the backdrop of our awareness and we are all guilty of it, the moment we start seeing those Christmas nails in October.
The Future of Nails and Instagram: What’s Next?
Therefore, as Instagram expands its features more nail trends remain possible.
As always, there has been progress in influencers vs nail artists, augmented reality involves an attempt on nail designs, and the do-it-yourself is popular.
But the next big thing?
I think we’re going to see even more personalization.
Picture that you are browsing your feed one day, find an attractive photo of a girl, and you can just tap the picture and order a specific nail polish set. It feels inevitable, right?
Beauty has already been made so much simpler by Instagram and that goes for nails too.
Given this, it is only a matter of time before regularity of AI produced nail art will be the fad in the coming few years.
I shall witness nail designs that are in harmony with your personality, or even your mood or whatever is popular in your neighborhood.
But, of course, the role of peers does not remain limited to this – they are expected to set trends long into the future.
Wrapping It Up: Instagram Nails, A Trend That’s Here to Stay
So there you have it!
The power of Instagram is such that it has revolutionized the way we look at nail trends.
Whether it’s providing us with access to celebrities’ nails or allowing us to play with filters or even becoming our own nail DIY artists, then it is safe to say that the app has indeed taken a toll on what we flaunt on our nails.
Therefore, every time you find yourself scrolling through your feed and saving the design of the nails, know that you are a part of a big trend.
A movement that is driven by creativity and inspiration and most of all, adoration for amazing nails!
Well, I think I just have to go and book the nail appointment … As you know I saved about 50 different designs due to Instagram.
