For the Bride: Nail trends

Photo / Babiche Martens

Debbie Walsh from The Nail Lounge shares her advice.

What nail looks and trends are popular at the moment for brides? Classic French polish will always work with any style of wedding dress, with nails kept mid- to short-length. To tone down the white, layer the French pink over the white.

Try Dior "Perle" or Chanel "Frisson" over the top of the French polish or they are stunning on their own for a demure sheer colour.

The Trianon spring collection by Dior has a beautiful bouquet of colours: try the dreamy, creamy peach "Bouquet" or the soft powdery pastel blue "Porcelane", or for a flash of contrasting fuschia try "Bloom", or the hot, true orange of "Riviera".

What about the trend for nail design?
Nail design is about your unique style, so if this is your thing why not incorporate it into you special day? Ideas include tiny white pearls to shape your cuticle, a gold or pearl polish with beautiful Swarovski beads.

Tips and toes - to match or not to match?
Not necessarily. You can marry up a French or nude manicure with a Classic Hollywood look. Try Chanel "Taboo" or OPI "Malaga Wine" on toes, or pick a colour from your bridesmaids' bouquet.

What can brides do themselves?
Replenish moisture with cuticle oil daily: best before bed, to let it work its magic through the night. Use nail strengthener such as OPI Nail Envy, Revitanail; IBX Natural Nail Strengthener can be used by itself or as a nail treatment under gel polish. Start using eight weeks before your wedding day.

When should a bride get her nails be painted?
Have your mani/pedi done the day before, then you can relax without stressing for time.

If you have a gel manicure or extensions, you could go two to three days before your day.

What about problematic nails? Nail-biters can go for gel or acrylic extensions for a beautiful natural look; IBX Natural Nail Repair and Strengthener has had wonderful results for weak nails.

Again, start eight weeks before your big day.

Anything to add?
Wax, exfoliate and moisturise your fingers and forearms!

- VIVA