Red is a color that has always had a certain power of attraction. It represents love, passion and glamour. One of the areas where this color also works wonders is in manicure. Red nails are a timeless trend that continues to seduce women and even some daring men. In this article, we’ll explore why red nails are so popular and how you can adopt this look with ease.
The history of red nails
Before going into detail about how to achieve beautiful red nails, it’s worth knowing a little more about their history. Indeed, the wearing ofcolored nails goes back thousands of years. As far back as antiquity, Egyptian women used natural henna dyes to color their nails and display their social status. Chinese women, on the other hand, preferred to mix different substances to obtain a red powder, which they then applied to their nails to symbolize nobility and wealth.
Over the centuries, nail polish has been democratized, and the color red has retained its place of choice among other shades. It was at the beginning of the 20th century, with the first movie stars, that red nails really took off and found their place in the fashion trends of the day.
The different shades of red
If red nails are so popular, it’s because they come in a multitude of shades that make it possible to adapt this look to all occasions, from the most casual to the most sophisticated. As you can see from these examples, red is a very versatile color.
- Bright red: this vibrant hue adds instant glamour to any outfit. Perfect for a chic evening or special event.
- Bordeaux: burgundy is a darker shade of red, giving your hands an elegant, luxurious look. It’s ideal for the colder seasons and goes well with chic yet understated outfits.
- Brick red: this orangey shade of red is perfect for those who want a colorful look without overdoing it. It adds a fresh, light touch to a classic manicure.
- Cherry red: this shade is a cross between bright red and pink. It’s perfect for brightening up a more casual style and adding a touch of whimsy to your appearance.
How to achieve a successful red manicure
Once you’ve chosen the shade of red that’s right for you, it’s time to apply the varnish. Here are a few simple steps to follow for a flawless manicure.
Nail preparation
To ensure that your nail polish holds well and that your nails are impeccable, it’s essential to start by preparing your nails. File them into a harmonious shape and remove cuticles with a wooden stick or cuticle remover.
Apply a base
The next step is to apply a base coat, i.e. a transparent varnish that protects the nail from colored pigments and helps the varnish last longer. Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails before moving on to the color varnish.
Apply the red varnish
Shake your bottle of red nail polish to mix well, then place a drop in the center of the nail, about two millimeters from the cuticles. Gently brush the nail polish towards the edges, taking care not to touch the cuticles. You can apply a second coat if necessary, but be sure to wait until the first is completely dry.
Finish with a coat of top coat
To ensure the longevity of your red manicure, apply a coat of top coat, a transparent varnish that protects and reinforces the color. It also gives your nails a shiny appearance.
Variations and trends in red nails
Now that you know how to achieve a classic red manicure, here are a few ideas for adding whimsy to this timeless hue:
- Red gradient or ombré nails: simply apply two different shades of red to each nail, mixing the colors slightly where they meet to create a trendy and original gradient effect.
- Red nails with patterns: to make your nails even more personal, don’t hesitate to add simple or complex patterns using fine brushes, stencils or even stickers specially designed for nails.
- Red nail polish with special effects: for those who want to highlight their nails in an original way, there are different types of red nail polish on the market with special effects (glitter, holographic, crackle…), to add relief and character to your manicure.
In short, red nails offer a multitude of possibilities to enhance your hands for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to take inspiration from the many ideas and trends available on the Pinterest board dedicated to the theme of red nails, and above all, have fun with the different shades and styles to find the one that suits you best.
