Are you always on top of the latest styles? If you're like me, you really want to at least know what's popular, but you may not necessarily want to hop on a particular bandwagon. Relatable, because some trends aren't for everyone. Some belong in a dumpster, but that's a post for another day.
Are you doing what you like, or what everyone else is raving about (at the moment)? Trends vanish into obscurity as quickly as they rose to the scene, leaving us with only cringeworthy photos and memories we'd rather forget. A few of them cement their place in our lives, becoming a permanent fixture in fashion, beauty, or social media.
As I am a nail tech/artist, nail trends often confuse the heck out of me. Velociraptor nails? Flare extensions? To each their own, I suppose. What really gets me are "seasonal" colors. I don't know about you, but when it comes to my nails, I wear what I want, when I want it. I'll, of course, bow to necessity when it comes to pleasing a client, no matter what they want on their nails. One client in particular is what got me thinking about why and how people get sucked into following a trend they absolutely hate.
We'll call her Ashley, for privacy's sake. She usually goes for a more subdued palette when I do her nails. Nudes, warm pastels, maybe a bit of glitter on an accent nail, but during her last visit, she seemed nervous. I asked her if she was alright, and she laughed it off. She was fine, she just had an inspo pic she wanted me to recreate. Not unusual, but when I saw the photo, I was surprised. Glossy, fire-engine red French tips over a soft, sparkly pink base, and red accent nails covered in hearts of all different shades of pink. Valentine's Day being right around the corner, you may think that she just wanted to be festive. Ashley has been a client of mine since 2021, and I've never done a "holiday" themed mani for her, but let it be known that Miji does not disappoint her clients!
Getting things together, I started asking if the color palette in the pic was exactly what she wanted, and she hesitates. For a good minute. Turning to smile encouragingly at her, I could tell she was definitely second-guessing herself. She finally gathers herself and agrees that she wants the exact colors in the photo.
(She called me two days later, wanting to pay for a removal and another set. I comped the removal, because I can empathize with her plight)
I don't understand why someone would pay good money, and waste their time, on something they really don't vibe with. Scratch that, I understand why. So many outside influences nudge people along and, sometimes without even realizing it, put them into a position where they're uncomfortable in their own skin.
People change, it's inevitable, but why do we feel we have to match what everyone else is doing? To fit in? To feel accepted? I get it, I just don't vibe with it. If everyone is already doing it, why should I? I like to wear neons and pastels during the winter, when a pop of color brings brightness to the cold, dreary days. I enjoy wearing black nail polish with a holographic or shifty topper during summer, when the sunshine makes it seem like I have magic at my fingertips.
Regardless of what's popular at the present time, do what suits you. Do what makes you happy, whether it's trending or not. Life is too damn short to do anything else!
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