The nail care and color category of professional beauty has grown hand over fist—or foot. Manicures and pedicures are considered maintenance, not luxury, services. That said, clients have spaced out appointments to save money during economic woes so wooing them back to a more frequent schedule means knowing how to entice them with must-have colors, product systems and know-how. We talked to nail industry trailblazers and leaders and asked them to share some nail inspiration for salon pros to pass on to their clients or to put a spring into their own manicures.

Do you think celebrities have had a hand (no pun intended) in driving the growth of the nail industry and, if so, which celebs come to mind as sporting killer manicures or as nail design risk takers?

“Nail polish is the one affordable accessory for women. Whether you are going to the salon or doing it at home, women everywhere love to have their nails nicely groomed. Some women are driven by the nail trends of today. Either they organically are drawn to choosing a color simply because they love it or they are swayed by celebrity involvement.  It seems like more and more celebrities have their own nail polish line these days. If they don't have a nail polish line then they are tweeting about their nail art.

“Some celebrities that stand out that have eccentric nail art are Rhianna, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry.  Recently Katy Perry posted a pic of her toes for Super Bowl painted like footballs and mentioned ‘tippy toes are ready.’ I think that celebrities definitely drive sales of polish, as well as set certain nail trends. Last year, Jennifer Hudson wore a color from Chrome Girl to the Oscars called Hard to Get. Today, Hard to Get is still one of our number-one sellers. It does happen to be a gorgeous shade, but having a celebrity behind it sparks more of an interest, and drives people to that product.  Also when it comes to your nails, there are no rules - you can be as eccentric and bold as you choose!"

-- Chrome Girl creators, Jaime Boreanaz and Melissa Ravo

http://chromegirl.com/