With Chinese New Year right around the corner, why not stay on theme with a festive manicure? Ahead, we found seven different mani ideas — from jelly to cow-print — that are sure to step up your Lunar New Year look. Pick your fave, take a screenshot, then take it to your manicurist.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve also recommended some of our favourite salons to get the CNY nails of your dreams.
Looking to capture the festive colour scheme in a non-cliche way? Blackpink’s Lisa recently dipped her toes (or her tips) in the nostalgic jelly nail trend with a cherry blossom pink mani featuring marbled details.This slightly translucent, vibrant nail look can be achieved by applying a clear tip to the nail or sculpting it with a clear, hard gel before layering a sheer, bright polish over it. You can choose to do your nails in the same shade, or opt for a multi-coloured style.
If neutral nails are your go-to, take a cue from “Find Yourself” star Victoria Song who is seen rocking a patterned nude and red mani. The checkered and chevron prints add some cool factor, while on-theme hues keep the look classic. You either need a really steady hand to achieve this look or a set of natural looking stick-ons such as this set from Dashing Diva.
It’s the year of the ox so it’s only fitting to sport this zodiac sign on your nails. But straight-up black and white isn’t the only way to incorporate the print into your manicure. California-based nail artist @nam_nailart added a subtle jewel-tone twist to her client’s cow-print nails. She brought the print alive with gemstone embellishments and jewel-tone French tips.
Red nails are always appropriate this time of the year, but you can update the classic look with a sophisticated negative-space twist.
Don’t feel like reaching for a bright hue? Tiny gold stars over a sheer white base make enough of a statement.
Red polish is a Lunar New Year staple. Jazz up an all-red look with a smattering of gold at the tips. An ombre nail design would go with any holiday outfit you’ve planned.
If you’re looking for a more muted take on the colour combo, try a burgundy base. Complete your festive look with little gold foil accents.
Where to get your nails done this CNY
Don’t know which nail salon to visit for CNY-ready nails? To help you navigate the endless nail salons in our city, we’ve put together this list of reliable nail shops that will help you get the job done — in style and comfort, no less.
With over 100 shades of polish to choose from, this nail boutique located in Haji Lane is easy to love. Founders and experienced technicians Cheryl Ou and Germaine Monteiro created The Nail Social in 2014 with the goal to empower women from lower-income groups and underprivileged backgrounds by offering them jobs and training. Once you’ve chosen your colour and design, relax with a free homemade lemonade and iPad (loaded with Netflix, games and books!) while their friendly staff work their magic.
The Nail Social
42A Haji Lane, tel: 6717-3221 (Bugis outlet)
333 Kreta Ayer Road #01-14, tel: 6902-6732 (Chinatown outlet)
Easties and North-Easties can grab a bite, partake in a mani/pedi or all of the above in one leisurely afternoon thanks to this stylishly outfitted salon in East Coast and Serangoon Gardens. The nail technicians are well-equipped to execute any look, but if you’re going for quality nail art, you’ll be in especially good hands. Prices start from $15 for a manicure to $35 for a pedicure.
The Nail Artistry
27 East Coast Road, Singapore 428749, tel: 6386-2722 (East Coast outlet)
#01-23 myVillage, 1 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556679, tel: 6966-1919 (Serangoon Gardens outlet)
This picture-perfect salon in Beach Road was practically made for Instagram but it’s the service and results that will keep you coming back. Before booking an appointment, we recommend trawling through the salon’s unique nail art designs on Instagram.
Manicurious
41 Beach Road, Singapore 189680, tel: 6333-9096
Affordable manis in town? Indeed, they exist, thanks to this cozy studio in The Cathay. Well-executed pedicures for $43 and manis for $33 make the shop hard to beat. The best part? All of its nail technicians have at least four years of experience, so you’re definitely in good hands.
Home Nails
#01-17 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229236, tel: 6333-4985
Get pampered in this chic salon located in the eclectic Haji Lane area. This isn’t the place where you would go for your typical single-shade manicure; instead think elaborate hand-painted designs, gemstone-encrusted nails and ombre tips.
The Nail Artelier
666 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188800, tel: 6298-8028
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- cny 2021
- CNY nails
- manicure
- nail salons
