In Japan, the glass nail trend is very popular. The glass nails are sub-categorized by the effect it gives off when finished. The four categories are Morrocco Candy, Kiriko- Blue, Chinoiserie Milky Jade, and Ryukyu Pastel. Morrocco Candy nails represent a softer play, Kiriko-Blue sets look best in the light while playing on delicacy, Chinoiserie Milky Jade nails utilize are influenced by nature and Ryukyu Pastel nails are based mostly off of metallic mediums. Japanese nail artists rely mostly on clear acrylic powder that can be mixed with multiple colors to convey the glass look. This trend is so important that it was included in the 2019 Japanese Nailist Association, a 30-year-old association dedicated to nail culture.

Eun Kyung Park, a Korean nail artist, created another glass look known as “shattered glass nails”. In order to give the nails a ” shattered glass” look, Korean artists use various sized shards of cellophane encapsulated in clear acrylic powder. The cellophane shards ultimately give off the effect of broken glass, which is a highly sought after look in 2019. She came upon this idea after playing around with different textiles and art types, which lead her to arranging the cut pieces of cellophane on nails with a gel coat a top. Below, you can check out various types of shattered glass nails inspired by Eun Kyung Park.

Lastly, an American trend that has resurfaced is pierced nails. Yes, it’s exactly how it sounds. American nail technicians create the “pierced” nails by drilling a small hole in the nail and securing any accessory or piece of jewelry to it prior to the painting process. Reflective of the 90s trend, the jewelry can include gems, hoops, charms and many more. First worn by Janet Jackson in her music video for ‘What’s It Gonna Be?!’ featuring Busta Rhymes, many people in America have replicated her look since including Kim Kardashian in 2018 which helped the trend become popular again.

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