Two Color Manicure - Summer 2011Trend

Step aside plain-jane French manicure, take a hike black nails, the new hot manicure trend for summer 2011 is two color nails. Now, the trend is French style, but using completely different colors or the Half-Moon manicure. Both styles using colors that are bright and bold. The effect? Fun and hip.

I noticed nail trends usually take off where groups of women meet - typically at school drop-offs, or after-school sports programs. Moms always check out each other's nails, and when they see something cute, they will most definitely copy you next time into the salon.

The first, most popular two color nail trend is to paint the entire nail bed a light pink or natural shade, and then do just the tips (where white would normally go in a French manicure) and put a pink or red.

Another trend catching on, is the Half-Moon nail. Paint the nail a solid fun color, and then paint a white or light colored half-moon, that would be in place where there is a natural 'half-moon' on your nail bed! Make sure to study your nails before you get started. Most people have pale ones, and can only really make out the half-moon on the thumbnail. This nail look was really popular in the 20’s and 30’s and it’s also referred to as a Reverse French Manicure. So, there you have it.

Some combos that are fun for summer - Watermelon Nails. Paint the undercoat red, and the tips green. Your nail stylist can add tiny black flecks for watermelon seeds on the main nail bed.

To get the best color, I recommend using the OPI or Zoya nail lines. These professional grade nail laquers have long lasting power, and vibrant colors.