Nail talk: Skincare YouTuber, James Welsh, shares his love for nail art
By Callie Iley | 17 September 2022 | Celebrity, Feature
Skincare YouTuber and reviewer, James Welsh, has often been seen on social media sporting nail designs, revealing his love for nail art and showcasing his gel polish collection on his YouTube channel. Sitting down with Scratch to share his passion for nails, James explains where his love for nails began and opens up about his fears when sharing his nail journey.
James’ interest in nails was sparked during lockdown, when he noticed music artists showing off their nail art. “Nail art has had me hooked for years now! It’s really the only thing that helps to take my mind off of work.
“Seeing music artists showing their nail art got me interested in trying it out for myself,” he recalls. “I’m someone who has to learn how to do everything myself, and I become super obsessed with whatever it is I’m learning.”
“I follow a lot of Korea-based nail artists on social media. I love watching their daily vlogs and the variation of nail art they create for their clients. I love seeing the types of products they use, it’s helping me learn a lot about the types of products and tools that are available.
“I’m in love with Rebecca Ramsdale’s work,” he enthuses. “Her designs give me that Y2k nostalgia that I love right now.”
“I love the communication and respect that everyone has for one another in the nail community online. There’s room for people of all levels to share their love for the art form.”
James’ love for Korean inspiration within the industry doesn’t stop at the techs and designs. “Korean gel brands have been a game changer for me,” James says. “Everything from the pigment to the way they self level, which is important for an amateur like me, makes for a much easier application.
“Brands like Tiny, Fgel and Revelry are my go-to. I love a brand that can successfully create a concept and can lure me in and inspire me with each product launch. Korean gel brands know exactly how to do that!”
Y2k-inspired aesthetics are some of James’ favourite nail styles to both look at and recreate. “The use of silver paints, with charms and embellishments, teamed with syrup gels that give this almost metal and plastic look are my favourite,” James reveals. “Essentially, my favourite styles are nails that wouldn’t look out of place in a TLC music video!
“I would love the opportunity to work with a nail brand in the future. When it comes to working with a nail brand, I’d need creative freedom,” he notes. “I’d want a brand that appreciates all nail art types and genres, and is happy to be experimental with the products!”
When quizzed on the similarities to the nail and skincare industry, James agrees that the two have many connections. “Both industries have so much to discover.
“Both nails and skincare are a great form of self care,” he smiles. “However, there’s a lot of important basics to learn when it comes to doing nails before going in and potentially damaging them, which is very similar to skin.”
“I feel like nails are a huge part of self care that a lot of us don’t consider in the beauty space.”
In terms of the reactions of others to his nails, James says that the majority of people have reacted positively. “I’d get the odd and expected comment of how nail polish ‘isn’t for men’, but I feel like as a society, we are way past that,” James observes. “Being a man in the beauty space for 7 years, comments like that don’t bother me.
“As I’ve started to experiment more with gels, full coverage tips and acrylics, people have become more and more interested in the products I’m using to achieve the designs and effects that they’re seeing. I would say the responses to my nail journey so far have been 99% positive!”
Despite the positive reactions of others, sharing his nail journey with his viewers was not without worry. “I was really worried I might be bad,” James laughs. “The nail styles I love are done by professionals who have been in the industry for years, and they all have their trademark looks, concepts and styles.
“I was also worried that no one would be interested. I have seven years of skincare content on my channel, and that’s what people expect from me, but I’m ready to branch out and share something else that I’m truly passionate about. Surprisingly, my viewers were interested! The more I share my efforts and show my growing collection of gels, the more requests I’m getting for nail content.”
“I think we all like the idea of learning about and discovering a whole new world of beauty together.”
“I want to share the joy that nails brings me with others,” he concludes. “Sometimes, it can be frustrating that I can’t replicate designs properly, or that I don’t have a steady hand yet, but I thinks it’s all fun and part of the journey.
“The creative freedom nail art brings is something I feel everyone can benefit from and enjoy. And whilst I’m not an expert yet, I’d love to grow my skills with anyone who’s willing to watch and help.”