8 Nail Trends To Follow in Summer 2021

Apr 30, 2021

This summer, look out for changing nail shapes, detailed nail art, and Y2K trends re-emerging.

Now that it's getting warmer and summer is on the horizon, more and more people are looking for fresh nail art to wear on vacation or at outdoor events. In the next couple months, there will simultaneously be a return to old aesthetics like Y2K fashion while minimalist and detailed styles also hold strong. Here are some of the nail designs and styles you can expect to see as you venture out this season.

1) Pearl Nail Applications

While gem, jewel, and metal applications have continued to be popular in various nail trends, pearl details will see a resurgence this coming summer. Pearl applications are a fantastic way to elevate any nail color or shape. Simply add a few pearls or create accent nails that are entirely studded.

2) Y2K Aesthetic Nails

For some of us, Y2K probably feels like it wasn't that long ago. Regardless, the cycle of trends always brings past fashion into the spotlight again. The "Y2K aesthetic" refers to the fashion and style choices at the turn of the millennium, notably the late '90s and early 2000s. Picture this—butterfly clips, glitter, Lisa Frank notebooks, and pop music boy bands. Now take that imagery and apply it to your nails—that is the Y2K aesthetic nail style. To pull off this aesthetic, you can simply wear nails that were popular at the time—glitter or butterfly nails, soft baby blues and pinks, and opalescent polishes. Those committed to nail art and Y2K fashion often make high-end designs related to '90s brands or pop icons.

3) Minimalist and Graphic Line Art Nail Designs

The mesh of minimalist lines and graphic shapes is certainly not a new concept for nail art. This is a trend you will continue to see evolve throughout 2021. Oftentimes, you can see these shapes reflect the works of famous modern artists. At the same time, other nail technicians will come up with their own sleek designs. Ultimately, the magic of this trend is how it can match any style or outfit while elevating the sophistication factor. Accenting only one or two nails and using clear shapes brings this look even more into the modern era.

4) Coffin-Shaped Nails

As any nail technician or crafty nail artist knows, the shape of your nail can completely change the look of a design, polish, or style. Almond, stiletto, and round nail shapes have been the dominate nail forms as of late. As the year continues, you will start to see coffin-shaped nails come back in a big way. Coffin-shaped nails are squared but taper towards the point, creating a mix of the square and stiletto shape. Visually, it looks like a stiletto nail with a squared edge. This nail shape looks refined and chic in both short and long styles.

5) Long Nails With Bold Designs

As minimalist designs and patterns will maintain their popularity, you will also be sure to see nails that represent the other side of the spectrum. Long, look-at-me nails with bold colors, patterns, and applications will continue to thrive this year. These nails are all about celebrating everything nail art has to offer. Thick line art and gem and pearl applications are common in these nail styles, along with extending the nail with long acrylics. The aesthetic visually centers on creating luxury and opulence.

6) Nail Art Good Enough to Eat

Nail art continues to grow creatively every year. One of the cute and innovative designs that people are creating this spring and summer are patterns inspired by their favorite foods. Bright colors of "fruit nail art" are probably the most common, but people are even decorating their nails with cheeseburgers and fries! These types of designs have no limit to how far they can go—get as creative as you can with this style.

7) Earth Tones and Gold Accent Nails

Bold colors and quirky designs will always have their moments, but more sophisticated and classic styles remain trending and popular. Earth tones and nudes are some of the best designs to have when you want low-maintenance nails that can match anything you wear—for any event. You can amp up this style with either a marbling effect or gold leaf accents.

8) Earth Inspired Nail Designs

As flowers are blooming and bees are humming again, every type of artist finds themselves inspired by nature. Likewise, nail technicians are having the same visions of green. Nail patterns and designs featuring climbing vines, leaf outlines, and flower petals will all be popularized in the next few months. With all the regional flowers and trees blossoming, there are endless sources for creative inspiration. For more detailed nail art, you can create a full landscape or picture directly on the nails, or you can keep it simple with a leaf or vine accent on one nail.

Nail art trends and styles are constantly changing and evolving. If you love to design nails and create high-end styles, a nail technician training program can help you make a career out of your passion. Schools like PJ's College of Cosmetology are currently accepting new students for a nail technician program. Connect online to speak to an enrollment advisor or call directly at 800-62-SALON (72566).

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Making a Job Switch

27 Sep, 2021

Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams. If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.

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