The artist behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic manicures, celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, spills the secrets to red carpet–ready nails.
COLOR WHEEL
Picking the perfect nail color for a big event is never easy, but Bachik and his celebrity clientele have it down to a science. “First, I discuss the look with my client to determine if they have a direction or vibe they want, then I look at the wardrobe. I love to pull unexpected colors from the clothing or accessories, specifically looking for shades that either complement or contrast the ensemble. Then, I take into account the makeup look to determine our finishing touches, like a hint of sparkle or a splash of color from the eyes or lips to tie everything together.”
SLOW AND STEADY
We are living in the golden age of nail trends, but not all manicures are created equal. What sets A-list caliber manis apart? Technique, of course. “You can have great nail polish or amazing art, but if the manicure isn’t meticulous, it looks incomplete or unfinished,” Bachik explains. “The right tools will give you the quality and precision needed to make doing your manicure easier and safer. On my celebrity clients, I use the products inside my Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set.”
TREND FORECAST
From Selena Gomez’s Emmy Awards “wet nail” look to JLo’s Met Gala butterfly mani, Bachik was setting the trends in 2024. This year, he predicts more evolution. “Versatile sheer and semi-sheer colors will continue to give depth and dimension and textured effects like magnetic gels, mirror chromes and glitter finishes,” he notes. Another trend he foresees continuing is DIY manis via easy, effective products like his Tom Bachik Click Colors gel pens, and press-on nails too, of course.
“One of the hottest nail trends right now is press-ons,” Bachik says. ImPRESS are my favorite. They’re the fastest no-glue press-ons I’ve found. The adhesive is already applied inside the tip, so you just size up your tips, pull off the protective backing and press the tips to your nails to get a celebrity-worthy mani in minutes. They’re like fast fashion for the fingers!”
Essie Arctic Jelly Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss ($13); Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set ($59); Tom Bachik Click Color Kit ($75); imPRESS Ombré Press-On Nails ($8)
