Aurora nails get their name from aurora borealis (otherwise known as the northern lights) due to their holographic, light-refracting appearance.
The effect is achieved using holographic nail foils and thick, 3D gel, which is layered onto the nail plate to create a new nail shape.
The trend originated in Korea, though it’s also very popular in Japan, and now it’s made it’s way to western countries like America, France and Australia.
Korean American nail artist Mary Koh has been a big proponent for the trend and teaches the K-beauty technique in online classes, as well as offering the service to her customers.
“In Korea it’s called uru uru nails. I wanted to bring it back as a simple yet fun design,” Koh recently told Glamour.
“I created my look by layering foils in a multistep process,” Koh explained to the publication. “Most importantly, I make sure the cuticle line is clean so that the design can take front and centre.”
