Duck Nails - The Complete 'How To'

Duck Nails, Duck Bill Nails, Duck Feet Nails, Fan Nails, Flare Nails... This look has many names. Although we are NOT a fan of this trend, we are still getting inquiries about it from our Easter post. Snooki was recently seen sporting 'duck bill nails,' and it appears that the fanned tip nail trend is gaining momentum. For those that have asked, here is everything you need to know about how to go 'duckie.'

Duck Nails refer to the flared look of the nail extending from the nail bed to end of the tips. We say 'flared,' but if these were pants, we'd be talking 70's bell bottoms in some cases.

Here are some Glambo hints:

You must use a nail form to create this look. Every salon we walk into seems to use tips with acrylic overlays, but to achieve a proper 'duck nail', forms are essential. (You can also 'flare' an existing acrylic nail by adding more product to the sides.)


Two Styles of Nail Forms

Apply acrylic or gel as you normally would to create an artificial nail, except where the white meets the pink, you should begin gradually adding the white product outward on the sides. This should make a nice flare shape. Forms have lines on them to guide you. It's a good idea to consult with your client about just how flared they would like the nail. Make a mental note of that graph point on the form so that all the nails will have a uniform look.

Do not make the white tips of the nails too much longer than the pink nail bed. If you do, then the nails are more likely to break, or at least crack in the corner where the two colors meet. Also, every duck nail we have seen has a square tip. The harshness of the square varies, but we have never seen an oval or soft square duck nail.



Snooki's duck bill nails. Not just a New Jersey thing!

If you are new to doing free-form nails (vs. tips,) don't worry. One of the reasons we are resistant to the duck nail trend is because it is reminiscent most manicurist's first attempt at using forms in beauty school. The lack of control over the product seems to help create this effect. So, if you are a newbie, don't worry! You can probably achieve this look. If you are new to using nail forms, remember to get them up and under the nail as much as possible while securing the form under the corners of the nail. Don't let the form come loose under that corner, or it will effect the final look. Yes, we are resisting the urge to make 'loosy goosy' and 'quack jokes' here. :)

If you have some duck nail photos, we'd love to see them! Please email them to: GlamboGirls@gmail.com, so we can share them with other Glambo Girls.

What do you think? Are duck nails Hot or Not? Would you wear this trend?