Nailing Trends With BhamBNails
At Browns, we’re here to help you get your hands on the latest in luxury fashion. So, for our newest Residency, we decided to take things a step further, enlisting celebrity nail artist BhamBNails to apply the fashion directly onto your hands. Below the founder Pria tells us about the hottest trends in nail art and how she ended up as the go-to gal for the likes of Jorja Smith and JYOTY. (What's more, as each appointment is held in our Boutiques, you can pick up a matching look whilst you're there...)
Hi Pria! Can you tell us a bit about how you got to where you are now?
Hi! I’ve always loved doing nails. One time I went to get my nails done at a salon and asked if they had any positions open, and to my luck they did! So I started working on the weekends in the nail salon and continued my nine-to-five during the week. After a few years of working two jobs I finally took the plunge and left my other job to work full time at the salon. During this time I learnt so much about the industry alongside mastering my nail art skills.
After a few years I left the salon and went back to a nine-to-five, but on the side I began to build up my client list and do private appointments after work. It took me a year or so to build up my client list - again I had to take the leap and quit my other job to concentrate on full time nail art! Since then my client list continues to grow and I meet so many amazing people every day.
When creating your designs, where do you look for inspiration?
I have an art background so it’s usually from visiting galleries or even just walking around London. I also love to interpret artists' work on a small canvas. My folder of saved ideas comes from a lot of things I’ve seen on Instagram - it can be the most obscure image but I can always see a pattern or design that stands out.
What are the essential qualities you need to be good at what you do?
A good eye for colour and composition.
You’ve got an impressive roster of celebrity clients. How did you acquire such an impressive following?
Most of my celebrity clients I’ve got through word of mouth, which is amazing when you think about it! It has been great to work with a lot of them along with my regular VIPs like Jorja Smith and Jesy Nelson.
Getting one’s nails done is about so much more than just a manicure. Can you talk about some of the other parts of the job that people might not be familiar with?
The main part of the appointment is the prep of the nail to ensure the manicure lasts, but also the consultation period - finding out which design the client has in mind, what shape and length they’re trying to achieve and what the long term goal is with their nails.
What kind of nail trends are you seeing now and how have these changed over the years?
There are a few nail trends which come around seasonally. At the moment a popular one is tortoiseshell nails. This is a firm favourite every year which I love and never get bored of. This year we’re also seeing a resurgence in chrome 3D nails, where the nail shape is morphed or droplets of “water” are applied on the nail. Also 90s tribal tattoo print is back and looks even cooler than the first time round.
Talk us through the services you’ll be offering for your Browns Residency. What are you most excited about?
During my Residency I’ll be offering bespoke nail art in three tiers so I can cater to everyone's nail art needs. I will also be offering Gel X extensions for lovers of long nails, along finishing with a luxury hand exfoliation and massage.
What’s your favourite thing about doing what you do?
My first passion is drawing so being able to paint and create everyday is amazing.
... And your least favourite?
The admin! (laughs) I have to psych myself up to sit down at a laptop and get through it all.
For those not able to come visit you at Browns during your Residency, what are some tips to try at home?
A great little tool to have at home is a dotting tool - you can create some fun and easy designs with this including a dot (of course). This is very chic at the cuticle of the nail. Or you can do a flower, where you draw five dots in a circle and then, using a contrasting colour, add one more dot in the middle. I would also recommend some cuticle oil - this is an essential that will help maintain your manicure and your nails’ overall health.
BhamBNails will be in Residence Thursday to Saturday at Browns East 28th October - 6th November 2021 and Browns Brook Street 11th November - 20th November 2021.
Interview by Georgia Graham
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