I recently had the pleasure of catching up with the very talented Metta Francis, founder of NAILS BY METS. Metta is an award winning nail artist she has worked at London Fashion Week and her handiwork has been published in the Evening Standard Magazine, Cosmopolitan, PRIDE and Dare Magazine. Metta aims to provide a fully customised nail experience and the NAILS BY METS team have provided pop-up nail bars and manicure/nail art services for a number of brands including MTV, Lovebox Festival, Cosmopolitan Fash Fest, London Southbank Centre, Starbucks, River Island, Accessorize, VANS, Barry M, Rimmel London, OPI, Mediaforce Group, and much more. Today we are chatting about bridal nails.
Do you have any tips for getting your nails in great condition in time for the big day?
Get yourself booked in for regular manicures with an amazing nail technician, at least 6 months before the big day. A great nail technician will take the time to give you a nail consultation and explain the current condition of your nails. They will also try to understand what your end nail goal is – e.g. trying to grow your natural nails to a nice length for your big day, reducing/mending splits and broken nails etc. Make sure you are applying cuticle oil at least twice daily, this helps to keep your nails, cuticles and skin around your nails stay nice and moisturised. This reduces the dry bits of skin (hang nails) that appear around your nails, and reduces the urge for you to pick, bite and rip them off! It also helps to prevent brittle nails and splitting.
Can brides dare to be different with their wedding nails?
Of course! I’ve done colourful manicures to match wedding themes (yellow & purple) and even quirky black cats as one of my brides loved them. Your wedding day should be a reflection of you, so if you are a little different yourself, why opt for the standard French manicure? Just like your dress, hair and make-up, your nails should be the perfect style, for you.
When do you recommend to get your nails done for the big day?
I recommend getting your nails done as close to the big day as possible but not on the day. On your wedding day you will be so busy with other things and getting your nails done prior helps to reduce the number of bodies around you and potential stress! My bridal nail appointments are a wonderfully relaxing and pampering experience, especially as I travel to my brides - it is a nice way to unwind before the big day. My hand and arm massages are a particular highlight!
What are the best types of nails to have done?
This will vary from bride to bride and will depend on what you are looking to achieve. Your nail technician should be able to recommend the best nail service but I generally go with the following:
For a long lasting manicure that will last your honeymoon I recommend CND Shellac or Gelish which can last upto 14 to 21 days.
For brides who prefer nail polish for easy removal, I recommend CND Vinylux Weekly Polish which can last significantly longer than other nail polish due to its patent pending ProLight Technology.
For brides who would like enhancements e.g. nail extensions, I recommend CND Retention Liquid & Powder (more commonly known as “Acrylics”) – contrary to what people believe, if applied and maintained correctly, acrylic nails do not damage the nail
For nail art I recommend CND Vinylux Weekly Polish again but also OPI and Nails inc. for their wonderful range of colours.
Any new ideas for nails breaking away from the French manicure (we are not actually anti french polish I personally rocked a natural nail frenchie for my own big day~ Amy)
If you don’t want to stray too far away from the traditional French manicure but want something a little different and more flattering you can still achieve beautiful bridal looks by taking a more subtle and modern approach. The “nouveau” French look sees the French tip being painted further down the side of the nails (so you get a deeper curve to the top). This helps give your nails an elongated and elegant look.
Glitter and embellishments also provide something different – think glitter ombre, glitter tips, accents of Swarovski crystals. These are great, subtle ways to make your nails extra special. Of course you can go for full on sparkle and glitz (if that’s your thing) – after all, it is your big day!
Nails inc. have a beautiful collection “The New White” made up of four polishes which are white with a hint of colour (peach, pink, grey and mint). They provide such a fresh and clean look to nails and would look great with a single Swarvoski crystal at the base of the nail or with a naked/nude half moon. To buy "The New White" click here.
One thing I absolutely love to do is work with my brides to understand what their personal and wedding style is and, if they’re open to nail art. A lot of my brides want something really special and I’ve worked with brides to hand paint nail designs to match their wedding dress – I’ve done a lot of lace designs!
Any last minute tips?
Don’t be afraid of colour! You could request a different coloured tip for your French manicure design or a half moon which will provide a pop of colour without being too overwhelming.
NAILS BY METS is available in London, nationwide and internationally for:
- Press events & instore activity
- Nail art tutorials
- Editorial & advertising
- Corporate bookings & office visits
- Nail & pamper parties
- Private at home bookings
For more information please contact:
+44 (0)753 939 3225
