Bling Your Nails Like Beyonce With Minx
Minx Nails are the latest trend in celebrity nails. A flexible polymer that is heated then applied to nails, like a sticker, they are a mess free, green alternative to nail polish and fake tips. I first discovered Minx last January when Nails Magazine celebrated their Silver Anniversary by featuring silver lightening Minx on the cover. Since that time, Minx have exploded on to the celebrity and fashion scene. They’ve been popping up at red carpet events, in music videos and on the runways. Celebrity manicurists love Minx for their fashion forward designs and ease of use.
Chrome Minx – Forget trying to get that perfect mirror finish with a chrome/metallic nail polish. It’s NEVER going to happen. Well never say never but you know what I mean. Minx Silver and Golden Lightening is the only way to get a true chrome look on nails without going the fake/press on route.
Custom/Patterned Minx – For the nail art lover or fashionista, designer Minx is the way to go. With over 100 different patterns to choose from, there is a Minx for every occasion but for a very specific look, Minx can create custom designs. You can even have your favorite photos turned into a Minx nail coating. For example, during the election, celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan requested custom Obama Minx; one set with his last name and one with his face.
Fashion Shows – At LA Fashion Week, Christian Audigier called upon celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees to design plaid and American flag tips for his American Lord show. With practically no notice it was Minx to the rescue. Working through the night, they were able to create and deliver custom designs for 300 tips. It took 8 hours and help from Minx’s LA trainer Naja Rickette, celebrity “green” manicurist Jenna Hipp and her friend Steph to apply the coating in time but they got it done. Could you imagine if they tried to paint the designs by hand? Impossible!
Having read about Minx for quite some time now, I was itching to get them on my hands. A few months ago I checked the Minx Salon Finder to see that my closest Minx Pro was in Pennsylvania, a two hour drive from the Cleveburg. Boo! Fortunately, I’m persistent and kept checking the site only to find that a few weeks ago a new Minx stylist was added in my area. Yay!
So this past Saturday, despite the falling snow and slippery roads, I trekked on down to Stow, Ohio to meet with Telia Anderson at the Gavin Scott Salon & Spa. Telia has been using Minx on herself and her co-workers for quite some time now but I was pleased to be her first real Minx client. Since it’s the holidays and because Minx is known for their chrome look coatings, I had to get Golden Lightening. As you can see below, the coatings come on a sheet with various sizes, similar to the Avon Instant Manicure or Sephora Nail Patch.
What makes Minx different from the nail stickers you can buy in the store is the material and the adhesive. I don’t know about any of you but I’ve tried the Avon and Incoco versions and could never get them to stick or lay properly. Plus, they just looked cheap. Minx is definitely a higher end product.
Application – A basic manicure is performed before application and the nail plate must be cleaned of all oils and residue. The coatings are heated under a lamp or hair dryer to make them flexible and warm the adhesive. The tech then lines up the rounded edge with the cuticle and, while lightly dragging, presses the coating onto the nail. Telia used a hair dryer, after applying, to help the coatings seal onto my nails, like shrink wrap, before using the Minx glass nail file to remove the excess.
And here is the final result….
How incredibly cool does that look? I mean, talk about bling!! I’ve been getting compliments left and right. I think Telia did an amazing job, especially since I was her first. You know, I’m not normally into this type of look but since my nails are short it’s not gaudy or crazy looking. On long nails, I think it would be extremely tacky and over the top. Best left to the editorial world.
Now while I’m loving look of Minx and think Golden Lightening is super fun, there are definitely some pluses and minuses to wearing them.
Pros
- Easy to apply – There’s no mess, no wait time, no accidental smudging or sheet marks
- Looks you can’t acheive with polish – True chrome, intricate patterns, your dog (if that’s your thing)
- Perfect for pedicures – They last forever on toes. With no drying time they’re ideal for winter pedis. You’d never have to leave the salon in flip flops with frozen toes. FYI – I saw Telia’s toes with Golden Lightening and they looked beyond fab!
- A “green” product that doesn’t use chemicals for application or removal. Just a little heat and some gentle peeling takes Minx right off.
Cons
- No matter how much you file, the edges are never truly smooth
- On tips, they start lifting after a couple days
- The line at the cuticle is rounded so they won’t match every nail shape
- Cost – The $40 I paid is at the low end of the price range which makes them great for special occasions but not practical for everyday wear.
If you want to try Minx for yourself, look for a salon using the Minx Salon Finder. Cleveland area fanatics can call Telia at the Gavin Scott Salon & Spa (330-650-4450) to book an appointment.
What do you think kids? Would you try Minx? Have you tried Minx? Is the gold fun and hip or not so much? I want to hear what you think.
image credit: Minx Nails, Kimmie Kyees and All Lacquered Up.
***Please do not republish without permission.***
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
I want those minx nails soooo bad! I wish it were a little cheaper. If it were $30 I would go to the salon right now.
im not sure where you are from but the salon i work at in va beach va we offer minx application with a dry manicure for 25.00 if you would like a wet manicure with massage and minx than its 40.00. If you are close by you should come in and check us out. Ciao Bella Hair Design and Spa in va beach va.
I would love to try it but it would have to be on my toes because I don’t want my $40 lifting off after a couple days.
That’s gorgeous!
I think they look pretty damn cool! However I agree with Davina, I don’t think I would pay $40 if it didn’t last a solid 7-10 days at least. I def might try for a pedi though. I have a salon that does them only 20 minutes from home!
Looooove the look- just love it! I’m seaching the Minx site now for a salon/spa in the DC/MD/VA area…I may try to get them done for New Year’s Eve… great post!
I am definitely going for a Minx pedicure!
I think the incoco strips are a way better deal. You get two manicures worth of supplies for roughly $5. I don’t think they look cheap at all. I have gotten so many compliments on my nails when I wear the incoco strips. People ask me where I go to get my nails done constantly.
On another note, incoco lasts anywhere from 8 – 14 days depending on what you do.
I would try minx for the cool designs, but if I wanted something simple and elegant.. I will stick to the incoco strips for sure.
I’m not sure how it’s any “greener” than nail polish, considering all the chemicals that are probably used to create them, and all the plastic packaging. Probably healthier, since they don’t smell, but are they biodegradable?
I might try them if I could buy and use at home, but I wouldn’t pay for them in a salon.
ebayfashionaddict – from what I understand, the salon pricing for Minx isn’t cheap, not like a bottle of nail polish (that they get many uses out of). i would still call your local Minx salon to check out their prices.
davina – it didn’t completely lift off. just a little at the edges, not much different than polish tip wear.
decorative diva – thanks! i’m really enjoying them. i may have to indulge in a Minx pedi
vampy varnish – oh you should definitely get a pedi with them. the gold looked so cool
mischo beauty – yeah, the chrome is perfect for NYE.
katee – sounds fun. what color would you get?
anon – i’m glad you had luck with the incoco strips. i know others have done ok with them but they didn’t work at all for me.
jamie – like i said, the application process is greener than a regular mani or acrylic application because there are no chemicals involved. i didn’t say the strips themselves are “green”
Gorgeous! But I don’t really see myself wearing Minx though. I just can’t justify paying that much for nails…
Those look amazing on you!
I want them SOOOOO bad! True chrome nails are a holy grail for me, and I would absolutely pay $40 (though not often). Unfortunately, I live in stupid little Delaware, where we never get awesome stuff like this. *pouts*
Trina I’m opening my nail salon soon in Delawere and I will definitely bring in minx nails. Grand opening will be somewhere in May. if U’re interested then check out my facebook page for more info. My email is purplelily1@hotmail.com.
I think these look awesome!! Been pondering the Minxs for a while but wasn’t really sure what it was, thank you for this post, simply awesome!
That’s completely awesome! It’s true, no polish would never get that chrome effect. I wonder how many years us Europeans (I live in Sweden) have to wait before we can get that kind of mani… And what it would cost… (As a reference, OPI polishes cost $17 each).
Until then I’ll drool over your pictures. Are planning on trying other colors?
Awesome – so good to see a real-life, non-celeb person wearing them!
I’ve been wondering how they behave when you wash your hands in hot water or take a bath; do you have to be extra-careful in those circumstances to make sure they don’t lift off?
(No matter, I guess, in that it’s very unlikely we’ll see Minx in Europe any time soon!)
I love them! I’ll try them at some point, the gold and chrome are to die for!
Wow I think this looks amazing!!! I checked the site and there aren’t any salons in CT that offer Minx yet, but I will keep checking!
Jennifer – Yeah, I hear you. In this economy, it’s hard to justify any excess spending.
Alexzandra – Thank you! I feel like I’m wearing pieces of C3PO on my tips.
To everyone that wants Minx but doesn’t have a local salon…
If you have a regular manicurist or salon you visit, suggest they train to apply Minx at their salon. Perhaps the salons in your area aren’t familiar. It never hurts to ask.
Trina – There are so many people that want that chrome look. It’s a shame it isn’t more accessible.
Lina-Elvira – I’m glad I could help. You’ll have to let us know how your Minx experience goes.
Marie – I hope you don’t have to wait years. Yikes! I don’t have any current plans to try another color but you never know.
Liz – Like anything nail related, the more contact they have with water, the quicker they wear. Soaking in water is terrible on tips.
Anon #2 – Thanks! I hope you’ll let us know what you think after trying Minx.
Erin – Definitely keep checking or inquire at local salons. Maybe if enough people ask, they’ll start offering the service
I am absolutely loving your nails!!! I saw Beyonce a couple months ago with those nails and went searching for the color! I had no idea it was this technique!
@Mischo Beauty, did you find a solon in the DMV??? Let me know!
that’s so cool!
It can’t be more metallic than that:)
sorry, this screams FREDDY KREUGAR to me!
@B* Fab and Mischo Beauty, I see there are a couple of salons in the DMV area I soo want to try one and get this as a pedicure…
I honestly don’t understand how they will last on toes… Shower twice a day will ruing them in a week, won’t it?
But I really, really want a Minx pedi.
That gold looks brilliant! But wow, $40 and they lift after a few days? I don’t think I could convince myself to spend the money.
I would totes wear this– maybe I can call minx up and convince them I’m a small business owner? It kills me I have to go to a salon when I could do it myself…
and I can see this as looking wicked on toes, too.
I want some Silver Lightning on my fingers now!
I’m surprised there isn’t a Chicago salon that can do this, and I really do not want to go down to Blomington.
I’m dying here!
As a licensed nail tech in NJ I am so excited about Minx. Currently, I am the ONLY tech in Jersey doing Minx. Feel free to visit me at http://www.nailsbyebony.com
Salon Shag- We have been doing MInx since July and have had alot of people loving them on naols and toes. We did a buch for the holidays girls love the patterns and the Gold and Silver lightening. We are the only salon in PA doing them.
Wow they look cool – love the gold, although I have to say, it’s pretty expensive. I am really into Incoco, I get compliment on my nails all the time and it really does retain its shine
I wish I could get the Incoco to work for me. They just don’t stick. And they don’t come in gold/silver chrome. That really is what makes Minx unique. The other patterns and colors don’t really wow me.
I love Minx !!!.. I have silver lightening on my toes, been on for 2 weeks. My nail tech is the BEST ! Long Island, N.Y.
I am a Minx Specialist and I love them!! MY clients call them temporay tattoos! They last so long on toes and when done properly last about 2 weeks on fingernails!! To view some of my "MINX WORK" or see what other designs there are visit me at http://www.myspace.com/minxxnails. I love to mix match them and even adding some nail polish tips on them!
Girls that want Minx near Hickory, NC, we do them at Pure Reflection Spa for $25 for Minx only. We offer full manis/pedis with minx that are more expensive, but if you're just looking to try them out, give us a try!
http://www.purereflection.com
I'm not really buying the "green" sales pitch.
The product looks cool and would be neat for a fancy event though- so i would still try this out.
How can these be chemical free when the glue is most likely not all natural?
Is the glue not a chemical just already applied to the product?
Most likely.
So sure it is nicer because there are no strong fumes from application.
But as another post here said the materials used are probably not biodegradeable also.
If you are also having problems w nail stickers staying on for the diy- try using some rubbing alcohol or wipes to get the oil off your hands first (oil canbe from soaps, cuticle treatments ect…),
makes any nail polish last almost 2 weeks
Also for people who don't want to spend $40 you can probably try and make your own out of a silver material and use a base coat to get them to stick.
they do not have Minx where I live and I will try the diy this year for now
I do Minx nails at the day spa where I work in Duncannon, Pa and charge $30. They last my ladies 2 weeks and they are just now becoming popular in my area. LOVE EM
The Perfection Salon in Durham NC does the Minx nails.
Perfectionsalononline.net
i love the look a whole lot except that i could not afford it ’cause im in HS right now and dont have a job. LOL but i would definitely try it if i remember it when im older =)
I just got some and I love them. They stay on for days and to make them last longer just apply a clear coat. The clear coat seems to keep the cuticle areas from rising in the first place.
Austin, TX get Minx’d! Finally a technique that, when done properly, will not damage the natural nail plate. Minx= no fumes, no drying time, fun unique colors. Keep Austin Weird with funky Minx nail prints!!! 512-413-2809
I want to buy minx , how about to send it to kuwait
I’m sorry but I don’t believe you can buy Minx unless you are a salon professional. I’d suggest contacting them through their website. MinxNails.com
I wonder if clear gel can be put on top of them to make them last longer?
I’ve had minx twice on my feet, and the second set is still on
I paid 60 for a pedicure and application and got the silver minx and alternated with pink cheetah minx,
The second time he only charged 25 for my feet with alternation of polish, did grey mesh print minx with purple alts.
so easy and love being able to throw my shoe on right after!! the 1st stayed on for 5 weeks and then i changed bc i was bored of them. they probably could have held longer.
GO MINX :)!!!!
I’ve got my minx nail done to my hands and feet. on my hands it lasted over 10 days, on my feet it has been 6 weeks and it’s still looking pretty good. if you want to get it done in NYC area, my manicurist Ellen is very sweet and professional. She’s pretty much booked, unless you make an appointment with her. You can stop by her location at 235 Duffield St. in Brooklyn.
How much is it in Brooklyn.
i wanna try minx wonder if any one in MN does it and for how much i did read on line how to create your own minx polish gonna try it you mix a shade like sliver in a cup with two or 3 other colors and a little bit of water dip your finger in and remove excess. i will let u know how it works out and any one who knows of a salon in mn that does it and for how much let me know!
The Minx pedicure in Minneapolis is $80 I think that’s way too much, but the salon told me they last 3 months, I’m not sure if it’s true, cuz nails usually grow faster!! I like the gold ones cuz you can’t get that shine with regular nail polish but if anybody’s offering them for less than $80 I’m game
Beyonce is #2 on Forbes Top 100 Celebrity list. That’s pretty awesome if you ask me.
I think Minx was just made for the rich and famous no way a normal hard working person could afford that….it’s only stickers anyway…yeh it looks nice but why so expensive??
they are very good i got some but they do not even last 12 hours that is the only problem with them i really do love them but think they should last atleast 2 days but a very good idea.
Hi!
If you have bought these and applied them youself, they wont last! Heating them with a hairdryer does not get them hot enough and, you have no training on how to apply them correctly
and also you can get the same thing in superdrug for
Hey Lorena! I was looking for that mettalic covering for you nail on superdrug’s website but i couldnt find it. what should i search it under?
Ive been doing minx on my toes for several months and love it, it last for 6-8 weeks and recently purchased about thirty new designs for my clients and they love it!!! Im hooked! Come get Minx Toes “At The Salon” by Tonya in Tehachapi, California
do u have a website i can purchase them from ?
Have had Minx Gold Lightening on my toes for 10 weeks & still getting compliments on how great they look!
I actually got mine from Ebay for $1.25 for a package of 16. Born Pretty also has them for $4 or $5 per package.
I love them! I think it’s very important to heat the adhesive for better holding power. My only problem is my natural nails are longer than the foil strips, so I will have to use them when my nails are a bit shorter.
these nails, including those so called celebrities, are nothing but nubs and so fake looking
whatever happened to women growing real nails so good to look at they need nothing on them
never ceasing to waste money on things that take a step back not forward
and i am a guy saying this, bah ha ha
Minx is amazing for toes.. It lasts forever and looks amazing!
I tried buying them online. they literally have hundreds and hundreds of options on all the main stopping sites and like 2% are the real minx stuff. its SO frustrating. thought I found them in wholesale quantities only to find out that they are “minx design styles, not quality”. thanks China
That’s a shame! Minx is a professional product so that’s probably why it’s hard to find online.