Japanese Nail Art
By embitca
Stereoscopic nail art has been popular in Japan since the mid-90s and the style is increasing in popularity in the US and other parts of the world too now.
This isn't your staid French manicure on a sports-length acrylic nail either. We're talking one to two inches of nail extending past the tip of the finger. Accompanying the trend is an accessories trend designed to either show off the nails or make them easier to work with -- so there are little gadgets sold to help open soda cans and Japanese women can now buy golf gloves that don't have a fingertip so their nail art will be visible while they are out golfing.
In Japanese nail art, nail artists use hand-painting or airbrush techniques on on acrylic nail chips that are then attached to the real nail underneath. The artwork work can also be done directly on the hand (or foot!)
While most of the two-dimensional art is designed to give some depth and the impression of three dimensions, actual 3-dimensional art is practiced as well -- using sculpture powder and the addition of charms and small bits of jewelry.
More about Japanese Nail Art
- The Intricate Science Of Nail Art - Q&A with Artist Megumi Furukawa
“When I think of a design, I’m most inspired by large-scale needlework shops, where I can expand my images just by looking at laceworks and needlecraft supplies. For made-to-order nail chips, I usually ask for a photo of the actual dress." - Designer Nails - Nail Art is the New Accessory
Decorating your nails with colorful designs and adorning them with crystals is nothing new to the girls into hip hop and street culture. Designer Nails are becoming popular. Especially in the UK and in Japan where Streetwear influence is strong.
Examples of Japanese Nail Art
Nail Artists Online
- Poppo Factory Nail Art
Poppo Factory has some great nail art examples and designs that she's done. You can check out her English page here to see some more of her work. I love this Burberry plaid. I tend to be conservative when it comes to my nails, but I would try this!
- Imágenes: Arte en las uñas
This Portugeuse website features some really wild nail artwork. My guess is that much of this really intricate stuff is done for weddings and other social events. You couldn't really walk around wearing it every day without damaging it.
- nadine HAWAII Nail Salon
Nadine is a Hawaiian nail art salon located in Honolulu. You can check out some of their artwork on their website. They have a blog as well, but it is written in Japanese. I really like some of their artwork, particularly the cross on black polish.
Learn the Techniques of Nail Art
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BEFORE YOU COMMENT
For some reason, this hub attracts more spammers than any other hub of mine. The Nail Art business must be very competive! Since I am tired of deleting comments, you now must be a signed-in Hubpages user to comment -- but spam is still not welcome. Do not post links in the comments!
Comments
Yeah, I wouldn't wear them either, but I think they look very cool. At one time I did wear acrylics, but now that I spend most of my time bashing away at a keyboard it isn't very sensible.
Supports my theory that the perfect art mediums are from nature.
Bill
Wow these are wicked! I would never wear them either because I would be too afraid of messing them up. You couldn't do anything with these on. When you have regular acrylics on, it is even hard to text. I can't imagine these on me. I would break them all (not on purpose) in the first hour. And it hurts to break these off. Really bad. Cool hub!I hope nobody starts to eat the nail on that fruit one. JP.
Tayler!
Japenese nail art is superb. You should also check out Korea for some stunnning design
iwould wear them anytme...they are amazing
The 3-D stereoscopic nails are *not* meant for extended, everyday wear. They are usually sold as "chips", meaning the set is preordered and made in advance, then you go in and pick it up from the salon and apply them yourself. The more elaborate designs are a special occasion accessory. You wouldn't wear a ballgown every day, right? If you check out some of the Japanese sites, you'll note that while the OTT nails might capture the front page spotlight, there are a myriad of very cool 'everyday' sets that you don't have to worry about.
The name of these nails are also called Sinaloa nails, well at least that's what they call them in the hood. And you have to find someone that does them underground. It's really hard to find a actually nail shop that does this. Usually it's ladies doing them in their home. I would definately rock these nails, the are so flashy.
Agree, Sinaloa nails are so popular among japanese and korean, now they have spread across asian country, chinese and taiwanese are in the trend as well
i love watching Japanese pop videos where the diva's have their done all exotic with dangles and sparkles, even some with feather! I like those ideas..
I wouldn't wear these either but it looks very cool :-) Hmmm made me think of trying it out for a day just for fun. U-oh...but I've got short nails so this will not work for me. :( So it's back to just looking.
Ripplemaker, you can wear them even with short nails. Since they are done on acrylic chips, you just glue them on top of your own nails :)
I have always been a fan of japanese nail art, it is truly an creative expression, and it never seems to amaze me at what styles will be coming out next, I usually see the best acrylic nail art on women who are the checkers at the grocery store, which always makes for a interesting conversation piece.
Wow, how prety are they! Thanks for the hub =]
I actually where my nails with the 3d stuff some times and they dont never mess up and Im rough!
i love the nail art i think i will have to look into having mine done one day, in fact i will try it as soon as i finish the work i have going on on my boat at the moment.
i also never new it was the japanese who started this fashion.
I love it! Beautiful art work.
I love this nail art. I am a guy that gets manicures and pedicures. I wear clear polish on the fingernails but I wear colored polish on my toenails, usually red. I had a pedicure done on 11/27/09 and had red polish put on toenails and I also had flowers painted on my biggest toenails on both my feet that appears to be Japanese or Chinese style.
These nail pictures are gorgeous. There are so many designs to choose from and so little time! Your article makes me want to run out and get a manicure!
Thanks for share. These nail pictures are really wonderful. You also find out many many beautiful nail designs at www.yonails.com.
Very interesting. Beautiful Artwork.
lovely nails! nice hub embitca =D
i love doing this to my nails.. demo, i don't have any idea that these are Japanese Nail Arts. :) coincidence.
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wow i love this nail art, looks fantastic
OMG these r gorgeous !!!!
Great overview of nail art! Love the photos you chose. :)
Nail art is becomming seriouse business. It is great to se great art work like this.
Nice Hub. I had no idea that this was Japanese. This is truly a talent. Some of these styles are simply unique and very creative. It has always amazed me with what they can do.
I love it, Thanks for sharing.
I would so wear this!! Thanks for sharing!!
Like some others, I could never wear these styles, but I love looking at them. Some of the young women in our local Lolita fashion group have their nails done like this for special events.
Isabella Snow 3 years ago
I had no idea this was Japanese. I wouldn't wear these, but I love to look at them!