Nail Art Tips from an Expert

Meet Christie Gibson

LoveToKnow (LTK): Tell us about your background. How did you get started in nails?

Christie Gibson (CG): I have always loved to do nails. When I was a teen I would paint my nails and apply stick on art, striping tape, rhinestones. I just loved anything to do with nails.I did not start doing nails right out of school though. I got married and had two children before I decided to go to school to get my nail license.

LTK: You've been very successful in nail competitions. How does that feel?

CG: It is very gratifying to be recognized for doing something that you love by your peers.

Nail Trends

Christie's popular plumeria design.

CG: Right now colored acrylic and glitter acrylic is very popular. I get many emails from my website from people who want glitter acrylic nails and want to know where they can go in the area they live. We do a lot of creative stuff with acrylic, and hand painted flowers are requested most often at my salon.

LTK: What design is requested the most?

CG: My plumeria flower is probably the most requested design.

LTK: Do nails with art require special care? CG: Only the normal care that you would give your nails after a manicure or acrylic/gel set of nails.

Natural Nails Vs. Artificial Nails

LTK: Which types of nails are easiest to work with-- natural, acrylic, or gel?

CG: I prefer acrylic because of how creative we can get with colors. I like to do nail art on acrylic instead of natural nails because it stays on the nail longer. In the best scenario with a natural nail manicure it may only last a week. Then your beautiful nail art has to be removed because polish is chipping. Gel is just as good as acrylic. I mostly do acrylic just because it is what I am most used to working with. There are techs who do amazingly creative things with gel.

LTK: You've said you prefer working with square nails. Why is that?

CG: I like the look of square nails. I think natural nails that are filed square are stronger than nails that have been filed oval or round.

Nail Art is for Everyone

LTK: Are nail designs only for the very young?

CG: I have clients of all ages getting nail art. It does not have to be alot. Just a small flower on your ring finger or big toenail. For the more adventuresome... more nail art.

LTK: Is there anything you would like to add? CG: I think nail art is popular because it makes people feel good when others comment on their nails. I have had countless clients tell me how much their bank lady, grocery clerk, dentist, co-workers, etc., liked their nails. It is a small self esteem booster. I feel like it is more than superficial...it makes people feel good about themselves.

For More Information

• See more pictures of Christie's designs at Pictures of Nail Designs.
• Visit Christie's websites.