The months leading up to the wedding day can be a total whirlwind of different beauty appointments, meetings with vendors and your wedding planner. So, to give you a helping hand, we’ve enlisted the help of Jocelyn Petroni, one of Australia’s top facialists and the official manicurist for Chanel.
Based in Sydney, she’s worked her magic on some of the most famous faces in the world, including Miranda Kerr, so you know you’re in good hands. Meticulous manicures are her craft, alongside bespoke facials. You can find her on Instagram, here.
Read on for Jocelyn Petroni’s best wedding nail advice.
Hey Jocelyn, how should you go about resurrecting bitten or weak nails and getting your nails to optimum health if they are in all sorts of trouble before your wedding? How far out should you start?
Depending on your current nail condition, it can take up to 6 months or regular manicures to repair and strengthen the nail plate (the nail plate takes 6 months to grow from root to tip). Ideally investing in fortnightly manicures will ensure optimal nail health.
If you are looking to prep your nails for your wedding I would recommend five consecutive manicures over ten weeks where your manicurist can assess your nail condition, perfect the shape, trial colours and get to know the exact amount of cuticle to trim, plate to buff and condition and strengthen your overall nail health. Our professional manicures last two weeks as we treat the nail to ensure the polish wears for as long as possible.
What nail shape and length is trending right now?
A ‘curved square’ free edge, keeping the corners quite sharp is best. We recommend this particular shape because it keeps the nail looking sophisticated and elegant.
What colours are popular for brides or bridal parties?
Soft pink has always been the most popular shade for brides however there are now some beautiful blush pink shades and pinks that contain a touch of peach or honey that warm up skin tones.
How can you prolong or care for your manicure after your appointment?
Preparation is the key! Your manicure will only last if the correct foundations are in place – your nail plate has to be prepared and exfoliated, your cuticles groomed and treated, any specific nail concerns have to be addressed with the correct product and a base coat has to be applied. I always advise clients to use a good quality, glossy topcoat that is durable, and chip-resistant to ensure you get up to a week from your manicure.
Apply an additional layer of top coat every day to your painted nails. Wash and dry your hands before applying the top coat, to wash away surface oil and debris that would otherwise prevent optimal adhesion. Continue to do this every day and your polish will remain chip-resistant, glossy and continually refreshed.
Another tip – always wear gloves when doing the dishes!
How long can you expect to get out of a professional manicure?
At Jocelyn Petroni, our professional manicures last two weeks as we treat the nail to ensure the polish wears for as long as possible.
How far in advance from your wedding date should you get them done?
You should start perfecting your manicure 6 months out from your wedding. As above – if you are looking to prep your nails for your wedding I would recommend five consecutive manicures over ten weeks where your manicurist can assess your nail condition, perfect the shape, trial colours and get to know the exact amount of cuticle to trim, plate to buff and condition and strengthen your overall nail health.
Any additional handcare tips or products you recommend?
Nails only look as good as the time invested to care for them – use the downtime of watching Netflix to look after your hands and nails. Cuticle maintenance is key to nails looking clean and neat and does not always need to be done by a professional. Salon manicures can kick start a good cuticle routine if you then maintain the result at home.
What’s your favourite colour for brides right now?
Nude or white nails have a classic, sophisticated style. White and nude enhance the natural look and colour of a healthy looking nail plate, plus they are fresh and feminine. However, the colour of the bride’s dress, shoes, flowers and make-up should all influence the shade choice of her nails. If she has chosen cool tones and colours then this should be reflected in her polish. My sister wore classic red nails which looked strikingly beautiful against her red rose bouquet and stark white dress.
What should you do if it chips or you have a nail emergency? Do you recommend brides buy the colour they use?
Yes, definitely! It’s so important to have your colour ready to go if your nail might chip. I recommend completely removing the polish and reapplying for a smooth seamless finish. Always use a clear top coat to ensure it smooths any uneven application and bumps in the polish. Re-apply that top coat every day to keep the polish chip resistant.
Shellac vs. polish pros and cons?
For your wedding, natural polish is always at risk of smudging or chipping. Shellac is glossier than natural polish for a perfectly finished manicure that should last the duration of your honeymoon. I suggest having a Shellac manicure a day or two before the wedding day.
However, for everyday nail care, I do recommend giving your nails a rest from shellac and going natural. We have just launched our newest treatment the ‘Clean Beauty Manicure and Pedicure’ which focuses on the overall health of the nail and excludes harsh ingredients that can be found in most manicure and pedicure treatments.
The Clean Beauty Manicure and Pedicure is known to last two weeks on fingers and six weeks on the toes and the condition of the nail plate is strengthened and repaired during each stage of the treatment – as opposed to traditional nail treatments that can be damaging.
You can find more on Jocelyn Petroni including a full list of her treatments here.
