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Every morning, while riding the London Underground and reluctantly pulling my gaze from my phone (the signal is notoriously poor underground), I find myself observing the hands of fellow commuters. I notice an array of glossy gel nails here and a few bare fingers there, but it’s rare to see anyone sporting traditional nail polish.
You know the kind I’m referring to: that classic polish we all grew up with; the type that chips easily and takes forever to dry between applications. A quick glance is usually enough for me to distinguish between a gel manicure and one done with regular polish, leading me to ponder: Where has all the traditional nail polish gone?
This question lingered in my mind until a recent encounter at Townhouse, where a woman beside me initiated a conversation. She admired my nails, which were prepped with builder gel (BIAB) in anticipation of some color-exception/” title=”I’m Not a Fan of Bold Nail Colors—Until I Discovered This Stunning Shade!”>nail art. When I asked about her choice, she replied, “Oh, I’m just going for normal nail polish.”
“Normal?” I echoed in disbelief. “You consider regular nail polish old-fashioned?”
“That’s what my niece tells me,” she responded.
The Decline of Traditional Nail Polish
At 27 years old, it feels odd to say “back in my day,” but indeed there was a time when traditional nail polish—what I’ll call “classic polish”—was dominant among my friends and family. Occasionally, I’d be allowed to rummage through Superdrug’s bargain bin for new shades (usually pink or sparkly). Since makeup was off-limits at that age, you could say classic polishes were my introduction into beauty culture. The joy they brought was undeniable; after all, who doesn’t feel happy seeing sparkly nails? My mother would paint mine while I’d return the favor on hers—it felt special.
These days are long gone; if we have any color on our nails now it’s likely thanks to professional services using gels instead. Curious whether this trend is confined only to myself and those around me, I reached out to Sophia Green, from Greenhouse Studio, known for intricate nail designs. She admitted she rarely sees clients opting for classic polishes anymore as most request gels or extensions.
A brief search online reveals similar sentiments across various platforms. One technician on Threads noted that “99%” of her clientele prefers gel over classic options and suggested bringing your own classic polishes if you desire them since salons may not stock many colors anymore due to low demand. Other professionals echoed this sentiment—regular polishes simply become thick over time if no one uses them.
A user on Reddit remarked how unusual it is that gel has become standard practice now: “Most salons don’t offer quality regular polishes or create designs with them anymore.” Many responses agreed with this observation; some even expressed feeling judged when choosing classic options over gels during appointments.
Despite these anecdotes suggesting an exodus from traditional polishes, concrete statistics are harder to come by regarding their decline versus gels’ rise in popularity. The global market value for gel nails reached approximately $1.8 billion in 2023. However, reports indicate that gels account for only about 40% of total market share—a significant figure yet still not majority status.
I consulted with Gaëlle Lebrat Personnaz, founder of the brand Manucurist regarding this trend: “While there’s been some decline compared with gels,” she stated,”traditional formulas remain popular due their versatility and affordability.” Her data indicates nearly 48% of consumers still purchase regular polishes within the U.S.
The Relevance of Classic Nail Polish Today
Evidently people continue using conventional nail lacquer despite its perceived decline! Green mentioned noticing an uptick recently among users opting back towards classics during events outside her salon work environment—a shift possibly driven by rising costs associated with professional manicures today!
This isn’t surprising given current prices; In London alone getting yourself set up via Gel Manicure can cost upwards £70.
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The Resurgence of Traditional Nail Polish: A Fresh Perspective
In the realm of nail care, prices can vary significantly. For instance, a signature gel manicure at Townhouse is priced at £46, while my other favorite spot, So. Shell, charges £53. Additional fees may apply for services like BIAB or the removal of existing sets. If you’re considering nail art, be prepared for a hefty price tag.
These costs are understandable; the beauty industry faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nails have become canvases for what many consider true artistry. However, with living expenses soaring, it would be unwise to declare traditional polish obsolete. Would it fade away if money were no object? Possibly not.
Claire Stark, a manicurist specializing in Bio Sculpture and known for beautifying the nails of numerous editors I know, has observed a notable rise in regular nail polish usage since the pandemic began. “It’s an accessible and user-friendly method to maintain well-groomed nails,” she shares. “I don’t view it as outdated—regular polish offers an effortless way to change up your look without any fuss; it’s ideal for those who struggle with indecision like myself.”
Stark emphasizes that traditional polish occupies an essential niche within the beauty community and serves as a therapeutic outlet for individuals who find solace in painting their own nails. This is particularly relevant given that attempting to apply gel polishes at home without proper expertise can lead to complications such as allergic reactions due to hypersensitivity towards methacrylate monomers (HEMA), which are absent from standard polishes.
With growing awareness about skin sensitivities linked to gel polishes, Personnaz notes an uptick in consumer interest toward “natural” nail products. More brands are now developing “free-from” formulas that cater specifically to this demand for traditional polishes. She anticipates witnessing a revival of classic formulations: “Some consumers might gravitate back towards conventional polish seeking natural aesthetics or less damaging routines while minimizing UV exposure.”
The Case Against Gel Polishes
The argument favoring regular nail polish extends further than just aesthetics alone. London-based podiatrist Dina Gohil, from DG Podiatrist, advocates strongly for her clients using standard polishes over gels on their toenails due to potential damage caused during removal processes involving acetone soaking followed by scraping off gels—actions that can dehydrate and weaken nails over time.
Conversely, traditional polish allows gentle removal using acetone-free solutions which mitigate dryness risks while providing necessary breaks between applications—beneficial for maintaining strong nails overall. Additionally, OG polishes do not require UV light curing—a process associated with premature skin aging and damage—and they may exacerbate fungal toenail conditions by trapping moisture beneath layers.
Cultural Considerations Surrounding Nail Polish Choices
Cultural beliefs also contribute significantly to the sustained popularity of traditional nail products among certain demographics; some Muslim women prefer OG options because they believe wearing conventional nail varnish could invalidate their prayers due to water’s inability reaching their nails during ablutions before prayer times—making easy application/removal crucial during periods when they cannot pray.
Nail brands such as Nailner and Orly offer breathable or halal formulas claiming permeability allowing water access through layers—a topic still debated regarding its permissibility within Islamic practices.
A Comparative Analysis: Gel vs Regular Polish
Taking all these factors into account makes it challenging definitively state whether gel surpasses OG options—but gels do present certain benefits including convenience longevity against chipping according Gohil’s insights on consumer preferences leaning towards longer-lasting solutions requiring minimal time investment alongside hybrid products like Manucurist’s Green Flash LED (quick-curing yet removable akin regular varieties) gaining traction among users seeking balance between durability & ease-of-use!
Additionally rising trends surrounding intricate designs have transformed simple manicures into elaborate works resembling fine art utilizing diverse textures finishes tools techniques! As styles inspired by Korean & Japanese cultures gain momentum 3D creations flourish more effortlessly achievable via gels eliminating drying wait times enabling multiple color applications post-instant lamp flashes!
A New Era For Traditional Polishing?
Evidently anecdotal observations might suggest decline however expert opinions backed statistics indicate otherwise! Consumers increasingly seek optimal combinations prioritizing healthiness alongside vibrant colors coupled convenient application methods explains Personnaz highlighting emergence innovative hybrids revolutionizing market landscape offering attractive alternatives reminiscent classic formulations rebranding rather than extinction!
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In response to evolving consumer preferences, nail polish brands are innovating to provide enhanced products without sacrificing quality. This trend can be likened to the “skinification” of nail care, where traditional formulas are being replaced with options that prioritize health and strength. Many new formulations now incorporate beneficial ingredients such as plant-based oils and amino acids, steering clear of harsh chemicals. With improvements in durability and faster drying times, these advancements are poised to revitalize the appeal of conventional nail polishes.
Explore More Nail Trends
Interested in discovering more exciting content? Check out these articles:
- 10 OPI Nail Shades That Are Must-Haves for Autumn
- The Rise of “Glass Nails”: The New Trend Taking Over
- Understanding Nail Salon Etiquette: Do Your Technicians Dislike You?
For further insights on the benefits of regular nail polish versus gel manicures, visit our source: Source.
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