In the ever-evolving world of fashion and beauty, nail design has also evolved from a simple practice of grooming to an esteemed form of artistic expression, mirroring the trajectory of the very artists who craft these miniature masterpieces. This rising field has transformed the conventional manicure into a bold declaration of personality and style, marking a significant shift in how beauty and self-expression intersect. As nail artists continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of color, texture, and form, they not only redefine the aesthetic possibilities of their canvas but also elevate nail design into true art itself.
Today, more than a part of one’s beauty and wellness routine, like a blowdry or a massage, nail art has become a form of self-expression, an extension of how one reveals and showcases one’s personality. Gone are the days when a trip to the nail salon meant coming out with freshly painted nails in classic red or fancy French tips, or a more creative set of colorful patterns or cutesy designs. Through the decades, nail art has since evolved, and it comes with plenty of options: intricately painted acrylics, chrome swirls, micro gems, and other 3D embellishments that ooze with pomp and personality.
Behind the craze are the nail artists with true talent and skill, churning out unique out-of-the-box that can be customized, and in personalized designs you likely won’t find in regular beauty stores. Putting a beautiful set on makes one feel things: extra posh and polished, like an A-lister or a movie star, or simply a girl who does things… with badass nails.
What is behind the craze and how it all began? The Beauty Edit got in touch with Kai Manlapaz, Christine Ogayon, and Danica Valdezco—three independent nail artists from different parts of the Philippines. They tell us how they got into the craft, their favorite works so far, and what trends they foresee in the coming year.
Meet the nail artists
Kai Manlapaz of The Modern Nailist
Manlapaz, who goes by the alias, SENKAI and owns the Instagram shop @themodernnailist, is a 25-year-old nail and multimedia artist based in Quezon City. Her nail art style is Japanese-inspired, a mix of kawaii with bold and edgy patterns, and a whole lot of personality.
How did you get into doing nail art?
I started doing nails for myself and my sisters back in 2019 before the pandemic hit. I taught myself how to do nails and nail art because no one in the Philippines was doing the designs that I liked (if there were, they were grossly overpriced for the simplest of nail art). This year, I went to Japan to study nails and get my Japanese certification.
What would you say your current style is? How did you arrive at that style?
I would say that my current style bridges two vibes: cute and edgy. I’ve always wanted to be a “cool, mysterious” type of girl so I think starting out, I really tried to personify that aesthetic into my art. But going through life and learning more about myself, I realized that I’m probably more goofy and unhinged than mysterious. Accepting that part of me helped me meld the goofy (cute) designs with the edgy looks that I also liked, hence my current style.
What are your goals for your shop?
I’d like to have my own studio one day. I already have a name for it, actually. I dream of it being a collaborative space not just for nails, but also for hair, art, and fashion. Working in this industry and meeting a lot of like-minded people with creative backgrounds made me think of this idea. I don’t want it to be a typical nail salon, but rather, an art studio.
Christine Ogayon of Omo Nail
A part-time nail artist and a full-time architect, 26-year-old Christine Ogayon, who goes by @omo.nail.ph on Instagram for her nail art business, finds time to balance her profession and passion. She currently resides in Naga City, Camarines Sur. If there’s probably one word to describe her work, it’s kyeopta, the Korean word for cute. From the tiny, 3D patterns and the little characters to the color choices of muted pastels and subtle details, Ogayon creates delicate and intricately designed nail art can surely make one smile.
How did you get into doing nail art?
I began exploring nail art in 2020 during the pandemic lockdowns. Through self-teaching via online videos, I honed my skills in this craft.
What would you say your current style is? How did you arrive at that style?
I was drawn to Korean nail art because of its affinity for cute designs and soft pastel hues, which align perfectly with my aesthetic preferences. Korean nail art tends to favor subtle elegance over bold statements, incorporating minimalist aesthetics. Despite their minimalist approach, Korean nail artists excel in creating intricate details.
Korean nail artists are known for their innovation and trendsetting abilities, continuously pushing the boundaries of nail artistry worldwide. In contrast to the limited diversity I observed in local nail art, Korean nail art’s creativity and versatility truly stand out, making it an endless source of inspiration for me.
What truly captivates me is how Korean nail art incorporates texture and dimension, be it through 3D embellishments, gradient effects, or layering different materials like glitter, foil, or beads. The versatility of Korean nail art is remarkable, ranging from understated designs suitable for everyday wear to elaborate creations perfect for special occasions.
What are your goals for your shop?
My shop’s objectives include enhancing visibility and exposure nationwide. I intend to participate in expos and bazaars to increase accessibility to my shop. Looking ahead, I aspire to mentor aspiring nail technicians and eventually establish a nail salon business when the timing aligns.
Nica Valdezco of Nails by Nica
While still in college majoring in International Tourism Management, 22-year-old Valdezco dedicates her free time to creating designs for her shop @nailsby.nica. Her designs have been worn by top celebrities, and she’s also set up shop at local bazaars to showcase and sell her creations. She can conjure practically anything, from Swiftie-themed nails to sets inspired by K-pop fandoms, as well as a variety of other themes.
How did you get into doing nail art?
As a kid, I’ve always been into arts and crafts. I found myself obsessed with doing my nails when I was 13. Those factors are what I think have brought me to being interested in nail artistry and throughout the years, the obsession with doing nail arts continued. So I taught myself the craft by practicing and watching tutorials until I decided to open my own shop in 2020.
What would you say is your current style? How did you arrive at that style?
I would say doing free-hand and 3D designs has been one of my strengths. Having the means to draw and be crafty probably became one of the factors that led me to that style. And so far, I’d like to believe what I’ve been doing has been paying off, because my clients and customers have been vouching for my work.
What are your goals for your shop?
I want Nails by Nica to be known as more than just a nail business but to become a brand that serves as an inspiration to all creatives and future nail artists. As Nails by Nica is slowly entering the international market, it is my goal to maintain the consistency of demand and grow further enough to open my own physical shop soon.
The Beauty and Business Behind Nail Art
“Much like your own sense of fashion, nails can help [you] express [yourself] distinctly,” says The Modern Nailist’s Manlapaz. As the resident nail artist of Crimson River, she’s seen the boom of gel nail art in the Philippines firsthand. While Korean and Japanese nail art were already offered in nail salons across the country in the 2010s, it’s only recently that Filipinos have really started experimenting with their nails and making it a part of their beauty lifestyles, as much as they do with makeup and skincare.
This also coincides with the availability of materials thanks to the boom of e-commerce platforms and the popularity of DIY during the pandemic. Manlapaz, Ogayon, and Valdezco count millennials and Gen Zs as their top clients—demographics that also spend a lot of their time online.
Since nail art is something that’s put on and worn temporarily, there’s a common misconception that it’s easy and “anyone can do it.” Ogayon stresses the mastering of nail artists’ “skill, precision, and knowledge of various techniques and products” that come with producing the sets. The process behind the scenes is also labor intensive. Product research on its own takes up a lot of time. Nail artists often pore through different sources—from music videos to personal photos—to help them bring their client’s desired concept to life. “A lot of thought goes into the process. It’s not just the service itself—there’s product research, experiments, integrating trends, and weighing in customer’s tastes before creating an original design,” adds Manlapaz.
For Valdezco, she takes pride in her customized and freestyle nail art designs, which involve her planning out each set of nails based on specific themes given to her by clients. This is why a one-on-one consultation is vital to her process as well. “There are times when clients can be very specific with what they want so gathering photos and drawing sketches or drafts for inspiration is important,” she shares. “In doing my own designs, I don’t just copy and paste, as much as possible I think of every detail carefully—whichever fits best and what I think my target market would like.”
Meanwhile, Ogayon’s research takes her to blog posts, music videos, TikTok, and reels related to the concept she’s creating. Since she makes ready-made press-on nails, she also gives clients the option to customize everything from the color to the embellishments they want to add before using her artistic vision to put it all together.
TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Magnetic gel polish
Magnetic gel polish, also called “moonlight mag,” is a type of nail polish that has metallic particles that can be activated by a magnet. “There’s a finer type of magnet gel available now that looks like silk when done correctly,” shares Manlapaz. Magnetic gel polish is rather low maintenance as it is quick-drying, easier to remove, and long-lasting.
Magnetic gel polish
P399, Shopee
Textured art
“Before, nails were always expected to be smooth, and texture was a telltale sign you were a newbie in the industry,” Manlapaz says. “Now, there are gels that mimic the texture of oil paint, and others are formulated to look more gritty.”
Omo Nail May collection
P480-P780, Shopee
Sustainable nail art
Sustainable nail art involves utilizing biodegradable ingredients such as flower petals and repurposed materials like recycled paper specks, for example. Additionally, it embraces the use of reusable nail art tools instead of disposable ones, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. “It aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainability in the beauty industry and presents exciting possibilities for environmentally conscious nail artists and enthusiasts,” says Ogayon.
Cuticle Oil
P120, Shopee
Mixed media designs
“One trend I’ve noticed is the increasing popularity of mixed media nail designs, which involve combining various textures and materials like fabric, paper, or metallic elements to create multidimensional nail art,” says Ogayon.
