When did you become interested in making art? I’ve always loved the arts. Growing up, I enjoyed playing classical music on the flute and piano, took multiple art history classes in school, and visited museums often. How did you become interested in nail design? Cristine from Simply Nailogical was my first inspiration. I enjoyed watching her YouTube videos, which taught me all the basics of painting my nails. Soon after I began my nail journey, quarantine began in 2020, so I had endless hours at home to practice and experiment with nail art. What inspires your work? I get inspiration from everywhere, including art, fashion, and fellow nail artists. There are so many different techniques, finishes, and design possibilities in nail art, which makes it so fun. What advice would you give to an aspiring nail artist? Practice is key! I started in late 2019 and could barely paint my nails one color without getting polish all over my skin. After only a few years of painting my nails 3-5x a week, I can now create so many different designs. I’m still learning how to get better every day – it’s such an enjoyable process for me, and I can’t wait to see how my nail art will continue to evolve over time. How do you hope to see your career grow in the next 3-5 years? I hope to continue creating nail art designs that my audience love, and working closely with wonderful companies like ManiMe. What is your favorite thing about being an artist? I love having an outlet to be creative, and the great thing about nails is that you get to wear your designs everywhere. It’s been a wonderful way for me to bond with other creators around the world, and my friends and coworkers who also enjoy having their nails done.

The gel manicure has become highly popular in recent years, promising extra-glossy, quick-drying, and long-lasting nail polish. But its popularity could soon chip off.  A new study by scientists at the University of California, San Diego, has found that radiation emitted by the UV nail dryers which are used to harden the gel can damage cellular and genetic material, specifically by causing permanent mutations in human cells associated with a risk of cancer. Countless scientific studies have shown evidence that how UV rays can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. But while the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies broadband UVA (315-400 nm) as a Group 1 carcinogen, UVA can still be found in many commercial products that replicate the effects of the sun, such as tanning beds and UV nail dryers. Tanning beds have been extensively studied and proven to have a causal relationship with skin cancer and indirect DNA damage. Yet there had not been any evaluation to show the effect of radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers on human cells. How do UV nail polish dryers work? UV nail lamps contain multiple bulbs that emit UV wavelengths between 340 and 395 nm.  These wavelengths are responsible for curing and drying nail polish formulas, known as gels, thanks to a chemical process in which oligomers (the gel before it’s exposed to the UV light) harden into polymers (long-lasting gel nail polish). Commonly, both nails and hands are irradiated with a UV nail dryer for up to 10 minutes per session, and regular users typically change their gel manicures every two weeks. What did the study find? Researchers from the University of San Diego performed in vitro irradiation of cells derived from humans and mice to UV light from nail dryers, to evaluate DNA damage and mutations of cells. In the experiments, cells were irradiated one, two, or three times, with the duration of each exposure lasting between 0 and 20 minutes. In all the experiments, a single 20-minute irradiation resulted in 20–30 per cent cell death, while three consecutive 20-minute exposures caused between 65 and 70 per cent cell death. Scientists say the results of their study, published in the scientific journal Nature, provide a comprehensive profile of the DNA damage and cell mutation that occurs after irradiation with nail polish dryers. They say further study in actual humans is needed before they can make definitive conclusions about cancer risks from exposure to UV nail polish dryers.

Ever since I started working at ManiMe, my son has been obsessed with what mani Mommy is wearing this week. His favorite ManiMe design featured strawberries so one day I cut out the strawberries from the gel sheet and put them on his fingers; it made his day! If only we had a version that he could wear without my having to do any trimming…. Announcing MiniMe! Now your kids (and mine) can enjoy ManiMe solids and designs in kids’ sizes. And the timing couldn’t be better as Back to School is just around the corner. Our first MiniMe collection features 14 solids and designs. We use the same salon-quality gel for MiniMe that we use for the adult size version. There are 46 gels in assorted sizes – just pick the one that fits each of your child’s nails best. As a bonus, we’ve included additional gel “stickers” in hearts, stars circles and polygons. Use these to customize your child’s mani look or as decorations for notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. The best part? You can be mani-twins with your kids! We offer the same designs for you [in standard or custom sizes]. Check them out here. Share your pics @manime.co

July means high summer! The weather is starting to heat up in SoCal and everyone here at ManiMe is ready to trade in their sneakers for sandals and flip flops. Here are some staff favorite pedis for Summer 2022.  Palm Springs Nothing screams “summer” louder than this vibrant pink. Get ready for lots of compliments.  Mochi Ombre In search of something a little more subtle but just as gorgeous? Look no further than Mochi Ombre. High Tide Who says dark colors should be relegated to winter? We love this moody blue paired with a simple heeled sandal for nights out.  Arctic Ice A sleek shade of white is always in style. And it’ll make your tan (real or fake) pop.  Just Peachy  Prefer to keep things understated? This is just the right neutral for you.  Disco in the Desert  Put away that “Zoom” shirt and put on your dancing shoes. You’ll be the life of the party with this HBO “Euphoria”-inspired pedi design from Natalie Minerva.