Beautiful nails for the wedding

The perfect nails

Many people dream of having long, beautiful and well-manicured nails for their wedding, but few are blessed with natural nails that hold up when they grow a little longer. Thankfully, help is at hand. Here you can read more about the options available to enjoy truly stunning nails on your wedding day. Everyone, whatever their circumstances, should be able to have the perfect nails on their big day.

How do I choose a nail salon?

It can be tempting to go to really cheap places, which charge around 350 kronor for a whole new set of artificial nails, but you should be aware that the staff working in such salons are essentially on slave contracts. So invest a little more in your nails and go to a skilled nail technician or a slightly more expensive salon – that way, you’ll get both more choice when it comes to the design of your nails and a more consistent (and more ethical!) result.

Artificial nails or not?

If you have naturally long nails that you simply want to shape and freshen up, a classic manicure with a coat of polish will suffice for your wedding – ideally gel polish so that the colour really lasts (more on gel polish below). If, on the other hand, you have short nails and want them to be long for your wedding, it’s worth doing a bit of research into the different materials so you can choose the one that suits you best. What’s more, every set of nails is unique, and different materials work better for different people, so it’s a good idea to start trying out different options well in advance of the wedding to ensure the material stays in place as it should. What’s more, long nails can feel a bit strange at first, so make sure you’ve got time to get used to them. Artificial nails generally last for 3–4 weeks before you need to have them refilled with new material.

Gel – flexible and odourless

Gel is a flexible material that moulds to the natural nail, and it’s particularly suitable for those who don’t want the very longest nails. Before it cures under UV-A light, gel has roughly the same consistency as honey, and it’s virtually odourless, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to strong smells. When building a nail with gel, you either apply the gel to your natural nails as a reinforcement or to tips that you glue on before you start building. It’s important that the nail technician doesn’t file the natural nail too much, as this can cause a burning sensation in the nail plate when the gel cures under the UV-A lamp.

Acrylic – good for really long nails

Acrylic is a hard, durable material which, according to many, feels a little more luxurious than gel, but which is not available at as many salons due to the strong odour of the liquid used. If you’re sensitive to smells or have allergies, it might therefore be a good idea to choose gel instead. Acrylic consists of a mixture of a liquid and a finely ground powder, and the mixture cures on contact with oxygen. This means you don’t need to keep your hands under the UV lamp when opting for acrylic nails. As acrylic is so hard, it can be used to build really long nails, so if you’re looking for a real ‘wow’ effect for your wedding, this is most likely the material for you.

Gel polish – long-lasting colour

Are you happy with the length of your nails but want a colour that won’t chip? Then go for gel polish, a type of nail varnish that’s brushed on and cured under a UV-A lamp. Gel polish is very durable and usually stays on until you’re ready to change the colour. Remember never to peel off gel polish yourself, as this damages your natural nails.

Different nail shapes

When having a manicure, choosing the right nail shape is an important decision as it has a significant impact on the final look of your nails. There are many different nail shapes to choose from, and each shape has its own unique aesthetic. When it comes to nails for your big day, it’s very much a matter of personal taste, both in colour and shape. Here, we’ll look at both classic and on-trend nail shapes.

Classic nail shapes

Round: Here, the free edge is filed into a smooth, rounded shape that follows the fingertip.

Almond: Similar to the oval shape, but the sides of the free edge taper outwards towards the tip and the free edge is almond-shaped. This shape requires a bit of length to look its best.

Oval: Here, the free edge should mirror the curve of the cuticle to form a complete oval.

Square: Straight lines, a square nail shape, ideal for a structured and polished style.

Squoval: This is a blend of ‘square’ and ‘oval’. The shape suits natural nails well and works for all lengths.

Trendy nail shapes

Stiletto: This nail shape is named after stiletto heels and requires a bit more length to really come into its own. The free edge is shaped like a sharp point, and if you choose stiletto nails, you’re guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.

Almonetto: Also known as the ‘kitten nail’ with its sharply angled sides and distinct tip. This shape works well for shorter nails.

Coffin: The shape resembles a stiletto, but instead of a sharp tip, the nail is filed straight across the tip to create a blunt edge. Also known as “Ballerina”.

Tips for those who want to do their own nails

Of course, you can also do your own nails for the wedding. It’s a good idea to do this the day before so that the polish has time to dry properly, but without getting damaged. Here’s how to make sure your polish lasts throughout the wedding celebrations!

– Start by using a buffer to polish the nail surface so that it’s completely smooth. Not only will the polish go on more evenly, but it’ll also last longer.

– Wipe your nails with acetone. Apply a coat of base coat and wait for it to dry.

– Apply nail varnish in your chosen colour. Many nail varnish brands offer wedding collections just in time for spring, usually featuring various shades of white, pink and red.

– Finish with a top coat. The colour will last much longer and it also gives a beautiful shine.