Cashmere has always been the go-to fabric when it comes to draping yourself in a soft and warm fabric that feels akin to a hug from a dear friend. But do cashmere nails live up to these expectations? Absolutely. If you live for the luxurious softness found in cashmere fabric, then you will jump for joy at the look and feel of these nails. Not only do they have a delightful velvety yet muted shimmer that reminds you of cashmere fibres, but they also have smooth and comforting textures that transport you into a world of relaxation. Our guide walks you through why these soft, chic, and cosy nails are taking over nail parlours around the world.
The Ins and Outs of Cashmere Nails
Just like the little black dress is a timeless and versatile must-have for every fashion-forward woman, so are cashmere nails for nail enthusiasts. But what makes them so unique? Let’s break them down.
The Colours
One of the most striking, yet subtle, details in cashmere nails lies in their colour palettes. Unlike most other nail designs, which tend to have loud colours, cashmere nails lean on the same muted neutrals that you would find in cashmere clothes. These include favourites like soft grey, cream, taupe, beige, blush pink, pale lavender, and other natural tones.
The Textures
Cashmere does not just appeal to people because of its beautiful appearance. In fact, many people come to love this fabric for its feel. Interestingly, cashmere nails are just as satisfying when it comes to their tactility, regardless of whether the finish is on natural nails, gels, or acrylics.
But how do nail artists and technicians achieve this? They often use shimmer polish, which they build on using matte top coats or special powders. This way, each time you run your fingers over the nails, you get an incredibly satisfying tactile experience that is reminiscent of touching cashmere fabric.
The Shapes
Most cashmere nail sets feature almond and oval nail shapes, as these tie in well with the soft elegance that these nails exude. However, some nail technicians opt for square and coffin shapes and are still able to achieve the cashmere vibe by keeping the elements subtle.
What’s to Love about Cashmere Nails?
Everything! Cashmere nails are some of the most trending nails for a wide variety of reasons. To start with, these nails are so versatile that they pair well with everything from evening gowns to your everyday jeans and sweaters. Add the fact that they look sophisticated without being loud and that they feel cosy, and you have the perfect nail set for every season. Besides, neutral shades never go out of style, so women wearing these nails never have to worry about being last season.
Which Trends Are Most Popular?
Given the popularity of cashmere nails, especially over the past two years, they come in all sorts of designs. But for the most part, people tend to lean on the following favourites:
The Neutral Luxurious Look
Many women opt for an everyday look by going for beige or taupe shades with a velvety shimmer. This way, they can transition from the boardroom to brunch with the same set of nails while looking the part every time. Again, this ties to their versatility.
The Minimalist Accents
Minimalism continues to take hold of nail designs, even as we see a rise in subcultures, such as the mistress-inspired nails. As such, cashmere nails have their own twist to this, where women have one accent nail with a slightly different shimmer or design. This subtle break keeps the cosy vibe going while ensuring that the nail set looks fresh.
The Seasonal Variations
Given that women are always changing their nails to match the season, it comes as no surprise that the versatile cashmere nails have had their fair share of adaptations over the years. In winter, for example, these sets tend to have champagne gold accents or frosted silver. And when spring comes along, people move on to the blush pinks and lilacs. So, what’s trending in one season soon goes out the door once the weather changes.
Perfecting Your Debut into Cashmere Nails
It is safe to say that cashmere nails are some of the most forgiving and timeless nail sets you will ever come across. Even so, trying something new can feel daunting, which is why we have put some tips together to help you along this journey. Here goes:
Embrace Simplicity
For your first attempt, you may want to go for the bolder cashmere nail looks that combine various shades and accents. But our advice to you would be to keep it simple with one neutral shade, such as a beige or blush, and add a velvety top coat. This way, you can gauge how you feel about the look before working your way up to bolder sets.
Avoid Tinted Products
The finishes on cashmere nails tend to be highly absorbent, such that they can pick up hues from tinted lotions, spray tans, or even dark-colored clothes. It’s important to be careful when handling such products and objects.