This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Asa Conroy. Find them on Instagram at @asakayconroy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Furry, velvety, fluffy, or fuzzy. Great winter adjectives. You may think I’m describing a sweater, a dress, or even earmuffs, but I’m not. This is about nails. Yes, you read that correctly. If you didn’t think that cute and cozy could be a word for manicures, but apparently, they can be. TikTok’s newest infamous trend combines texture and design. The only people who seem to be defending it are the artists, while everyone else is ready to ban it from any function they may be hosting. So, what are fur nails and what is everyone’s problem with them?
What are Fur Nails?
It is a trend by many names, all texture related. But regardless of the adjective, the result is a nail design that resembles fur or fuzz like a teddy bear or a sweater. That’s seems to be the main sales point at this moment as the temperatures drop and clothing especially designed for Christmas and Hanukah could use a matching nail design. Instead of mittens or gloves, try adding some fuzz. Which sounds like a slogan that I probably shouldn’t make for this trend.
Many claim the end texture is either soft and gentle or sweet and velvety. This all depends on length of fur. Most opt for a short length, possibly to avoid tangling or debris getting caught. The same reason I have short hair on my head. Others put aside that fear of filthy fur and have gone for a longer, brush-able length. All in the name of furry fashion.
How Do you Get Fur Nails?
Whether you (or a nail artist) are using fake nails or your natural ones, the processes are pretty simple. For the first, and most popular, paint your nails with whatever polish you think holds best. Something that will stay on your nails and keep things on your nails. The top coat is where the fur will go. Alternative options include any gel that you would also use for adding bling. Ideally you would choose a fur that best resembles the base coat. Apply the fur and cure it with the polish. Brush off any excess and you’re good to go.
The second option is to apply furry fabric with glue onto press-on nails. I have not seen anyone do this with their natural nails. I strongly suggest that you shouldn’t try and be the first, that seems like an embarrassing hospital visit waiting to happen. But yes, when the fabric is applied to the fake nails, cut around it so that it matches the shape you’re going for and you’re done. This design actually looks somewhat similar to the original version of this trend from 2016, but more recently it has been done using a teddy bear. Mildly horrifying if I do say so myself.
Who Started All of This?
Well, if you remember the Libertine fall/winter show back in 2016, the longer faux-fur fingers may be familiar. If you don’t, I’ve got you covered. Way back in 2016 CND director and co-founder, Jan Arnold, caused a minor stir in the fashion industry when she sent models down the runway with fur nails. Many were shocked by this, and a few others tried to recreate it. The CND team used Vinylux Weekly Polish and adhered the brown or white fur with Super Shiney High-Gloss Top Coat.
Looking back, I don’t think this trend lasted long and was eventually swept under the rug. That was until some nail artists on TikTok peaked under the rug 8 years later. Most did not copy the exact look created by CND, and instead went with the first process in this article. For the ones who are not using faux fur, they went to a different product. To be more exact a different type of product as most were in a jar with a nondescript label. That is if the jars even have labels.
What is this Mystery Product?
I ask the same question, but I will find the answer. After about a million internet searches stringing together a bunch of words that perfectly showcased the holes in my nail knowledge and a lot of digging on TikTok, I found it. It’s flocking powder. Flocking powder is a fine fiber powder that creates a velvety surface. It is used for many decorations, one of the most popular uses is for artificial snow. However, I’m hoping these nail techs used one that’s totally safe for humans. I can’t find any specific hazards, but flocking powder can be made from a variety of materials that are not all safe for decorating people (instead of ornaments or banners let’s say).
I eventually tracked down one that I saw a lot in videos, Velvet Nail Powder EASY Fluffy. Now you may understand why I had such a difficult time finding it. It comes in a variety of colors, and the label doesn’t offer much. It’s most likely these videos are undisclosed ads, which is why many creators avoid replying to comments asking for the name. However, I have found some alternatives recommended by Morghyn_Nailedit on TikTok. The three sets are from PeaceLove, starlit, and viptao. In unlabeled jars. So, mystery solved.
What’s Everyone’s Problem with these Nails?
This part isn’t a mystery. Fur nails add another layer of health and hygiene risks that already exist with fake nails. Most know that properly applied fake nails help avoid infections or nail damage but add fur and that kind of throws that out the window. The material used in creating fuzzy nails to get the fluffy effect can easily trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria creating a perfect environment for dangerous infections to thrive. It’s more than just a little swelling, redness, or discomfort. You could permanently harm your nail beds my mishandling the fuzz. Especially if you have this style on your natural nails. It is difficult to maintain proper hygiene with fur nails, even if techs claim grime can be washed off.
As I said earlier, flocking material is not always safe to put on skin. There is the general fear of allergies as both the adhesive gels and flocking can trigger reactions. However, there is also the possibility that any adhesive can damage your nail beds even if there are no presenting allergens. The materials can weaken the nail and cause painful breakage or peeling. Which would not help any possibly infected nail. These designs do not last long, like many other nail designs, frequent tough ups could cause further damage. Removal of the flocking and adhesive with harsh chemicals could also be harmful. Many people on TikTok immediately recognized the risk and said no to the fuzzy nails.
Should I Get These Nails?
Although I will say they remind me of a certain green someone, that’s all up to you. The risks and rewards are all laid out above. I will say that if you are interested, go to a professional nail tech that is willing to do fur nails. Many are currently rejecting clients requests because they don’t want to be connected to the risks. However, someone out there is probably willing. Keep you hands clean, avoid putting the fluff on your natural nails, be aware of your allergens, and be careful with removing them. They may look cute, but you should always look cute responsibly. With or without fur nails? If you aren’t quite on board with fur nails yet, then there are a variety of other nail trends to try out. Why not shop online at New Look and explore their range of top quality nails including glitter, matte and patterned? No matter what you decide, nail art is a form of self expression and we challenge you to find what fits your style best.
What do you think of fur nails? Are you for or against that fuzzy nail feeling? Let us know in the comment section below!
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