When it comes to getting TIFF ready, everything from the dresses women wear to the nails they rock matter when it comes to making best-dressed lists, be they Hollywood stars or all-star journalists working the red carpet. That’s because, these days, Toronto is the new Cannes, with celebs making their early bids for Oscars at the little Canadian film festival that (clearly) could. That’s why all of us, especially us locals who want to represent, need to look good when Hollywood comes to town.
As far as manicures go, did you know that mood manis (that change colour like mood rings of the 60s) are one of the next big things? Don’t fret if you’re more up to speed on what films will be playing at TIFF than you are the manicure trends you should be sporting. Nail technician, artist, and owner of Wow Wow Nails Nina Huynh is here to help with that. We caught up with the in-the-know manicurist to find out what big nail trends will take over fingertips this fall…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
My passion for nail art began when I was only 9 years-old. I saw my aunt paint her nails with a strand of hair and when I looked closer I realized she was creating lines of different colours. I started using her nail polish and fell deeply in love with nail art.
As the owner of Wow Wow Nails and a full-time nail technician/artist, I have to make time for my family, so what I do for fun now is trying to keep up with my baby girl! When I’m not doing nails, you will find me shopping and hunting for sneakers with my husband. I developed a new addiction for sneakers during my pregnancy, and I have been hooked. Speaking of being hooked, I’ve also picked up crocheting so I can make cute knits for my baby and all my friends’ babies, too!
As a nail artist, what have been some of the most innovative things you’ve painted on customers’ nails?
I have painted everything from simple polka dots done with a bobby pin to our most popular half moon and reverse French tips. When it comes to intricate designs, such as butterflies, animal prints, detailed fishnets, and laces, we are lucky to have our stamping system to do them quickly for us. I think my proudest painting would be the Canadian flag!
Do you have favourite brands of nail polish, and if so why?
My favourite polish brand is Nubar because I find the brush to be just right! For our professional use, we are loving the CND shellac gel polish. It allows us to do beautiful nail designs and lasts up to 14 days.
What are your favourite nail trends of the moment?
My favourite nail trend right now is our colour changing gel polish! It is so much fun, and with body temperature change the colour switches from a lighter shade to an instant bold colour right before your eyes.
What do you think some of the next big nail trends will be?
I really enjoy the look of simple yet bold designs, so I really see more and more clients being more brave and wanting different colours for half moons, reverse French, and two-tone design manis! I think the featured nail is still very popular but with a twist of mixing up the fingers – so it’s not just going to be the ring finger anymore. We will see more studs, rhinestones, and glitter on people’s nails for sure!
What’s always in your beauty bag?
I guess it’s because we focus so much on natural nail care so I always recommend our clients to carry a CND SolarOil… Therefore you will find one in my purse, too! SolarOil has almonds and jojoba, and it’s a great combo for the oils to penetrate into your nails to promote healthy nails and cuticles. When I have too much I also sweep it on the ends of my hair for some softness and shine!
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
I love going back to the same restaurants and eating the same food! Not much of an adventurer, but I really enjoy my Korean food at Ka Chiand; my favourite Korean dish is Jae Yuk Bogum, and it comes with lots of kimchi and is very saucy.
Let’s get social. How do we stay up to date with you?
You can discover our salon and nail art through: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and wowwownails.com. For any questions, please email me directly at wowwownails[at]gmail.com.
