3D is more commonly associated with things flying at you from cinema screens and wearing dodgy looking specs, but 3D should adopt new and more glamorous connotations. From now on when somebody says 3D you should automatically think of fabulous nail art. 3D nail art has really taken off with both amateur and professional beauticians and offer a unique and awesome way to restyle your fingertips.
3D nail art comes in many different forms but all add awesome effects to your manicures. Forms of 3D nail art include using little studs, stickers, jewels such as crystals, acrylic nails and caviar beads. As well as being available in every colour imaginable, 3D nail art can also be given unique designs such as little flower petals or hearts – practically everything you can think of. Manicurists love the 3D effect because it makes nails stand out, offers unique customisation and has the potential for beautiful creations.
A History Of Fabulous Fingertips
3D nail art is not as recent a phenomenon as you might think though. Enhancing nails with studs has a very long history, and evidence of women styling their nails with attachable accessories goes all the way back to ancient China. Chinese nobles would not only paint their nails but also add to them precious stones as a symbol of their power and wealth. However, this look was very exclusive back then, being only for royalty and common folk caught wearing decorated nails were sentenced to death.
Although nail art suffered during the dark ages, use of 3D nail effects did not pop up again until the 20th century. In 1937, Earl Tupper, who formed the famous Tupperware brand, created the first stick-on nail art and experimented with basic images such as shamrocks. Several decades later the acrylic nail would also come into being, totally by accident though. A dentist called Fred Slack and his brother were trying to fix a broken nail with acrylic and in the process invented the acrylic nail extension.
The most recent addition to the 3D nail art family is the caviar effect which was created by Ciate Nails. Its unique textured appearance, built up from various coloured microbeads, takes its name from the luxury delicacy it resembles. The glamorous caviar effect soon caught on with manicurists and has been trending ever since. Nail art enthusiasts have really taken to the style and it offers great flexibility.
3D Nails In Pop Culture
Models and celebrities have embraced 3D nail art, helping to fuel their popularity over the decades. Female rappers like Lil’ Kim have encrusted her nails with dollar bills to go with her hip-hop style, Vanessa Hudgens has been seen rocking some extravagant nail designs and Beyonce has applied foil to her nails at awards show appearances. It’s not just musicians though that have benefitted from glorious nails. Luis Vuitton models have shown off Swarovski crystal encrusted nails at fashion shows.
3D nail effects are not only glamorous and unique in appearance though, but also quite simple for non-beauty professionals to use, adding to their popularity. The ease of use and great variety of styles and unique designs has meant women have been able to assert their individuality through their nail art. Many different cultures and styles have embraced 3D nail art and they also happen to be extremely popular with girls in Japan and their kawaii style.
3D nails are fab and if you’re stuck with boring painted nails then they’re the perfect way to reinvent your fingertips. Their great variety of looks and flexibility offers unlimited customization and will leave you satisfied for years. So what are you waiting for? Add another dimension to your nails and board the 3D nail train!
