Houston celebrities sporting the 3D nail trend and the nail artists creating them

For those finally tired of getting a solid-colored manicure, the 3D nail art craze may just be the trend to transform a boring full set to a bombshell work of art. No matter if long or short nails tickle one’s fancy, three-dimensional nail designs can offer a unique way to express individuality.

“When it comes to the appeal of 3D nail art, it’s about taking nail creativity to another level,” nail artist Isa Rodriguez told Glamour Magazine. “3D and textured designs, popularized by Asian nail artists, offer a whole new way to tell visual stories.”

According to Glamour Magazine, the Harajuku fashion movement in South Korea and Japan birthed the textured nail trend now spreading across the United States and seen on some of society’s A-List celebrities. From week to week, rapper Megan Thee Stallion showcases her long claws in the shape of lipsticks featuring prints or bedazzled jewels. Coca Michelle, who calls herself a visual poet and Megan thee Stallion’s manicurist, lives outside of the box with her creative designs. Michelle even designed a nail set for Beyonce during the Renaissance tour featuring the word “unique,” after a track on her album.

“I feel like I’m giving parts of myself every time I do nails,” Michelle said in an interview with Allure. “I always have to make it way deeper. It’s almost like telling a story. And we always ready to tune in.”

In exploring ways to sculpt wearable art, nail artists find inspiration in a variety of ways including but not limited to 3D flowers and bows, sea glass, seashells, water droplets, watercolor swirls, 3D chrome or boba tea. Unlike a gel-polish or acrylic powder set, prices on a 3D nail set can vary by artist. But, customers should expect to spend anywhere from $75 to $300+ depending on the difficulty of the design and length of nails.

“I get inspired by paintings, nature, vintage objects and jewelers,” nail artist Miki Higuchi told Glamour.

Lizzo loves an innovative look on her fingertips. Eri Ishizu’s specialty consists of “reimagining simple manicures with 3D charms, colorful pigments and creative designs,” and according to Allure, that’s what clients like Lizzo flock to Ishizu for. In 2016, she met Lizzo through a referral from a friend working at Atlantic Records at the time. One leopard print manicure later and it’s been history ever since.

Anyone wondering how long the elaborate designs last can rest easy knowing that if done by a professional, the set should last up to four weeks. To extend the life of the full set, nail artists recommend wearing gloves when doing household chores and not using nails as tools for opening cans or packages. Even though rapper Jack Harlow’s nail tech knows how to keep a secret, other celebrity nail technicians aren’t keeping their tricks of the trade hidden.

“My go-to technique is flash-curing 3D textures with a handheld UV LED light right after sculpting to ‘freeze’ the design, and sealing in charms with a layer of soft builder gel before the topcoat,” said Rodriguez. “The double coat is the ultimate key to having charms last a month or more.”