Tom Bachik about the evolution of nail art and trends in manicure

Tom shared his memories with Glossy: “The original plan was to open my own studio and create custom versions of painted racing helmets, hockey masks and jet skis.” He turned to the growing nail industry in the early 90s, when he was expecting his first child and therefore wanted more financial stability. “It was hard, but I love a challenge,” Bacik said.

Tom began his career in nail art by learning how to do acrylic nails, which were all the rage in the 90s. Since then, he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of nail art.

“Nails definitely follow fashion and the trends that prevail in it.”

The minimalistic French manicure of the 90s is radically different from the complex nail art of the 80s, characterized by airbrushing and chic. Now the nail design industry is experiencing a revival thanks to Covid, says the artist. “People had time at home to play with their nails. And they wanted something fun to cheer themselves up,” he says.

When it comes to current trends in nail aesthetics, Tom believes that there is no one universal look. “It’s either fancy and crazy or simple. "It's bright colors, metallic accents, a unique French tip, or a little gem or rhinestone here and there just to give your nails a little pop."

Tom Bacsik shared with Glossy which nail trends his celebrity clients love.

Bright colors and abstract patterns

“Many current manicure trends are summer-related. It's the color and vibrancy that makes you happy,” he says.

“Liquid abstract” nail art is another huge trend. These are just random patterns like swirls and flowing lines. Trends also include simple nude tones with white flowing patterns and flowing black and white patterns, as well as swirls in two or three shades running through the nail.

Other trendy designs include "buds on each nail and small flowers covering the entire nail," Tom says. “This is a design that just feels good.”

Modern French manicure

“The modern French manicure is another popular form of nail art that can be as fun or as sophisticated as the client desires. It often contains both bright colors and pastel shades.”

According to Tom, the most important thing is to take into account the "emotional connection" based on the clients' personalities.

“Charlize Theron said, ‘Make me something more fun. It’s summer, the holidays are coming, and I want something cute and funny.” Therefore, the master slightly changed the classic French manicure, replacing the white tips with neon ones on each nail. And Heidi Klum Tom painted all her nails different colors.

Fake nails

On Olivia Rodrigo's debut album Sour, Tom Bacsik again focused on "letting the nails tell the story." The manicure we see on the cover features a black and white checkerboard pattern as a nod to the pop-punk and grunge sound of her music.

“Nails in an image are like an exclamation point at the end of a sentence,” says Tom Bacsik.

Tom is a longtime fan of press-on nails to give his clients a short-term, personalized look in music videos and on the red carpet. On set, it usually takes him 3-4 hours to create a manicure that perfectly complements the look.