Tom Bachik is the celebrity manicurist and nail expert behind some of our favorite A-listers including J.Lo, Selena Gomez and Heidi Klum. Needless to say, he’s at the frontline of every trend as it breaks.
So who better to reveal the trends we’ll be seeing everywhere this fall than the man creating them himself?
“Long nails usually go hand-in-hand with the fall season and chunky knits,” he explains. “So normally, we would say longer, more dramatic nail shapes are the trend—but it’s quite the opposite this year.”
This fall, says Bachik, the trend is all about short nails. “If you look at people who are known for their long nails—think Kylie Jenner and Heidi Klum—they’re all going shorter now and are loving it.”
Bachik, who recently launched an Expert Manicure Set ($55) with Tweezerman, explains that this “shorter-nail syndrome” we’re all feeling might be due to the fact that many of us can’t get to a salon, leaving us trying to groom them ourselves at home, opting for a shorter length.
Another important facet of the trend is a softened shape. “As length comes down, the dramatic shape of the nail is also going to come in,” says Bachik, citing some high-profile clients as examples. “Kylie’s nails are softer and more natural now; Heidi usually wears a dramatic almond shape, but now she's down to an oval. We’re also talking about going to a more natural square this week for America’s Got Talent.”
As for hues that will take over as temps begin to drop, it’s all about burgundies. “Think deep, rich wines and berries. It’s such a dramatic color and looks great on softer, shorter nails without looking too goth—it looks glamorous and chic.” For “trend shades,” we can expect deep teals, burnt oranges and olive greens.
Bachik’s client’s aren’t wasting any time, already requesting original shades like Vamp by Chanel ($28), Wicked by Essie ($9) and Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI ($10.50). “These deep shades go with everything,” says Bachik. “They look good if you’re in a tracksuit or a gown.”
