As crucial as it is to find that perfect outfit for a holiday party or your big date for New Years, getting your nails done is the finishing touch for looking your absolute best during the holiday season. Coat them in a holiday hue or add a festive design, and you’ll have everyone talking about the small detail that makes a big statement.

We recently sat down with Carla Hatler, Owner & Founder of LACQUER nail salon in Austin to discuss what is trending in nail design right now and why LACQUER is the salon to go to for quality service.  

“Two different things that are happening this season are actually opposite trends,” says Hatler. “Classic dark nails; either a dark red or deep plum and the other is light neutral colors like CND’s (Creative Nail Design) Field Fox and Cityscape, which are offered here.”

LACQUER uses many polishes that are fashion forward like Dior, Chanel, Tom Ford and celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann’s line which is recognized as a five-free line. Five-free polishes are non-toxic; made without the three common chemicals found in nail polishes (Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Formaldehyde), as well as two other chemicals known as Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor. Being green and environmentally conscious is a current trend that is here to stay. We’ve seen a rise in concern for the safety of face, hair and body products, and nail products are no different.

“Along with our high quality polishes, we offer organic lotions and scrubs from Farmaesthetics,” says Hatler, which utilize certified organic herbs, flowers, oils & grains from American family farms. “We also have our own house-made scrubs made with organic sugar and almond oil.”

When asked what design trends we should expect to see this season, Hatler replied “Negative space, where you create a design over the natural nail and see some of that exposed, and a shattered glass effect which gives your nails an iridescent look with cutout pieces of cellophane.”

If you’re not feeling confident enough in your nail design skills to try these yourself, head to LACQUER where Hatler’s team will have your nails looking exceptionally fabulous. “To stay up to date on the latest trends, we have in-house trainings where we bring professionals in or have experts on our team train everyone else,” says Hatler. “We even have a new employee who came to us from New York fashion week.”

LACQUER’s modern design and atmosphere provide customers with a lap of luxury experience; a perfect gift idea for that special someone who enjoys a bit of pampering now and again. “I wanted to create a place where everyone felt comfortable going to,” says Hatler. “Not too girly, but I still wanted it to feel luxurious.” Digital and print gift certificates are available for purchase online and will perfectly top off any stocking. To protect your skin and nails from the harsh winter weather, Hatler recommends any of the Eco-Fin Paraffin services, especially the Deluxe Paraffin Hot Stone Pedicure.