You may have heard of omakase when it comes to Japanese dining. However, omakase has become a concept that also refers to a distinct nail experience resulting in unique nail art. The Japanese phrase "omakase" translates to "I leave it up to you." It is more commonly used in Japanese culinary experiences where the customer leaves the meal up to the chef. Just as omakase dining offers a personalized and curated culinary experience where the chef selects and prepares a personalized menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and creative dishes for a unique and memorable meal, omakase nail services offer a personalized nail art experience where the artist has creative freedom to design one-of-a-kind nails tailored to each guest.
The concept of omakase originated in Japan, but omakase nails have become a popular trend in South Korea. This trend was pioneered by Japanese nail artists and other nail artists who specialize in Japanese nail art styles. Although the authentic concept of omakase nails leaves the nail design completely up to the nail artist, omakase nails can also encompass nail art designs inspired from images. Rather than photos of nail looks, images of singular objects, subjects, or visuals are used as reference or inspiration for creating nail art. The creation process is left up to the nail artist as various nail art supplies and materials are used along with different nail art techniques to create artistic interpretations of the reference images on the nails, with each nail serving as an individualized canvas.
omakase nail art by @subak_nail
Each nail or a select few nails can reflect the same or different reference images. However, unlike mix and match nails typically seen in Western nail trends where hand painted designs and art have a more defined and neat finish, omakase nail designs tend to be more irregular, abstract, or even borderline messy. This approach is akin to nuance nail designs, embracing a more freeform and creative expression. The ambiguous and abstract nature of omakase nails allow for unique and unpredictable patterns, emphasizing the artist’s creative freedom and the individuality of each design. This results in a one-of-a-kind manicure that reflects a blend of artistic intuition and inspiration.
omakase nail art by @nail__mim
unique nail art by @nail__mim
Omakase nail services can differ according to how it is customized by the nail artist or nail shop. However, the essence of this process requires the guest to fully entrust the nail artist with the outcome of the nail design by relying on the nail artist's skill and creativity. Derivatives of omakase nails, such as “unique nails” or “reference nails,” have also emerged as nail artists and nail shops develop their own adaptations of omakase nail art styles, making the experience unique to the nail artist as well as the nail guest.
If you would like to experience a personalized nail set that embodies images reflecting your aesthetic taste and preference, seek out a nail artist or salon that offers Japanese and/or Korean style nail art and omakase nails.
NILLIFUL Nail Studio specializes in gel services using premium Korean and select Japanese gel products, and offers alternative nail art. To experience an omakase nail service in the Milwaukee area, book a NILLIFUL omakase nail session through the booking tab for your own personalized set of unique nails.
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