We caught up with the talent behind one of the city’s hottest nail salons, Nails by Tomo – about 2019 trends, her vast experience and which celebrity’s nails she’d love to glam.

What’s trending in the nail industry for 2019? Coffee colours are really popular at the moment, as is black which has been given a glamorous new lease of life. Pastels are also popular for those wanting something nice.

Tell us a bit about the products you use. All of the products I use are either from Japan, USA or South Africa – some of which are vegan. My gel and acrylic products are gentler on your nails, which helps to maintain good nail condition.

You’ve had over two decades in this industry; tell us about the different countries you’ve worked in. I have been lucky enough to work in a few different countries doing nails. I first started in Japan where I worked for 15 years and was trained in nail technique. I spent 3½ years in Shanghai managing a salon and training staff and now I’m working in Christchurch where I have been for the last 3½ years.

Do you have any pet peeves when doing someone’s nails? No not so much, although I do love helping nail biters. It gives me great pleasure in helping them grow long and natural nails again.

Do you have a favourite nail shape and colour? I like almond shaped nails as they’re a great shape to practise and it looks elegant – especially when using greyish beige and smoky pinks.

If you could do the nails of any celebrity, who would that be? That would have to be Blake Lively and Japanese comedian Naomi Watanabe. What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not working? I have a two-year-old daughter so I love spending time with her and my partner, going out for coffee with friends and baking sweet things too.

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