Insta Highlight: Asian Nail Artists

Published 08 September 2022

2 min read

Currently worth $120bn globally (Statista, 2021), the nail polish market is booming, with a new wave of unique and experimental artists surfacing across Instagram. Asian designers are especially standing out, showcasing unconventional patterns, intriguing textures and exquisite colours. Here, we spotlight six artists to keep on your radar.

Eriko Takei

Based in Takasaki, Japan, nail artist Eriko Takei experiments with playful and unconventional colour and texture contrasting. Through nuanced and expressive designs championing tactility and juxtaposition, her creations are fiercely individual and unique.

Takei creates depth and dimension through dynamic colour layering, Murano-glass-like finishes and bold geometric patterns. Ranging from soft pastels to energetic hues, she embraces transparent surfaces with versatile gloopy gel formulas and blocks of colour.

Follow @_erikotakei_.

Yuno Su

Yuno Su is an Osaka-based nail artist specialising in multitextured designs with a mystical edge. Her softly surreal art embraces asymmetry, organic movement, seamless colour blends and galactic shimmers.

Rich coppers and pearlescent gleams tap into a cosmic-lustre-inspired look, with light-reflecting surfaces, metallic globular adornment, fluid textures and warped, liquified finishes. While abstract and experimental, Yuno Su’s designs remain luxurious and elegant.

Follow @yuno.su___.

Christine, Maineiru

Taiwan-based nail salon Maineiru and its leading manicurist Christine champion multifaceted creativity through nail artistry.

Punchy colours complement kitschy accents, hand paintings and small blobs, leaning into childlike craft with a nostalgic feel. Clear glosses are elevated with shimmering pigments, while colour-blocks are offset with faded watercolour designs. Each nail is unique with individual characteristics, though perfectly synchronised with one another.

Follow @yu_ting_2017.

Fumi

An ambassador for Tokyo-based nail art salon An Loom, Fumi’s portfolio showcases more refined and minimal designs with soft shades and delicate textural play.

Speckled surfaces contrast and layer with smooth, clay-like spherical shapes. Hazy colour-blocks are offset with marble art and natural impressions, adding depth and dynamism to the sets. And earthy pigments harmonise with soothing organic swirls, speaking to wellness- and healing-inspired aesthetics forecast in Beauty Directions S/S 23: Amble.

Follow @fm___nail.

Nana

Nana is a Tokyo-based designer at salon Senn, which celebrates using nail art to convey feelings and personality.

Her ethereal and enchanting nail creations speak to a nature-esque sculptural trend, with algae-like textures and marine hues key. Botanical colour blends and protruding alien shapes are balanced with sets of refined gel swirls and 2D watercolour designs for a more everyday look.

Follow @senn._nana.

Mai Ro

Based in Osaka, Mai Ro designs serene and poetic nail sets for her business _.Ro.

Still quirky and expressive, the art remains sophisticated and luxurious through a balance of gentle colour palettes and refined textural play. Matte polishes contrast with clear glossy gels set in simple geometric shapes. And whimsical colour blends of romantic pastels and sunset shades nod to comfort and composure, but with a youthful edge.

Follow @mai_.ro.

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