Kaori Kudo – Nail Artist, 76Style Salon Seibu, TRX
In this interview, Kaori Kudo, nail artist at 76Style Salon Seibu, TRX, shares her view on the nail scene in KL and current trends.
What do you do?
I’m a nail artist originally from Japan with 20 years of experience. I have lived in Kuala Lumpur for the past eight years.
How did you get into the industry?
Since childhood, I’ve found joy in blending colours to form new shades and witnessing my imagination come to life. Nail art provides me with that same delightful sense of happiness.
Share with us a story from behind the scenes.
At 76STYLE Salon, we offer simultaneous nail and hair services, making it the ideal destination for busy women who prioritise beauty and convenience.
What memory from your childhood or travels stands out?
In my hometown, we experience snowy winters, which provide the perfect opportunity for skiing outings with my family. On clear days, the snow sparkles, and the icy trees create a breathtaking sight, and I treasure this memory to this day.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is bringing small moments of joy to my clients through nail art, especially for brides and significant anniversaries. However, the most challenging part is struggling to innovate and create new designs repeatedly.
What styles are trending at the moment?
Magnetic nails are trending, often enhanced with additional artistic elements such as ombré or chrome effects.
What’s one of the funniest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
Every Chinese New Year, there’s a tradition of incorporating zodiac sign art into nail designs. This year, I created dragon-themed nails for my customers to celebrate the occasion.
The perfect day off would …
involve going for a leisurely walk and preparing healthy meals, allowing me to prioritise my well-being and maintain my physique.
A day in the life of Kaori Kudo is …
Each morning, we ensure our salon is clean and inviting to warmly welcome our customers. During nail services, I attentively listen to each customer’s desired nail art and any concerns they may have.
What does Kaori Kudo do for fun?
I enjoy spending time watching movies, allowing myself to unwind and relax.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about gel nails?
I utilise a base gel that enhances fixation stability without causing damage to natural nails. Moreover, it ensures a long-lasting moist feeling even after removal, enabling clients to enjoy gel nails for extended periods without subjecting them to unnecessary stress.
How have you grown in your profession? What have you learned from your start in the industry until now? Are there any misconceptions?
Over the past decade, gel nails have surged in popularity, prompting me to stay updated on the latest gel products and artistic techniques. While I enjoy creating nail art, I’ve also come to recognise the paramount importance of prioritising nail care for maintaining the health of one’s natural nails.
What do you want people to know about being a nail artist as a profession?
Your hands are always within your line of sight, and I strive to bring you a sense of joy by ensuring they look beautiful with well-maintained nails.
What’s your view on the nail scene in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, nail trends are driven by popularity and current fashion. Unlike in Japan, where clients often change their nail designs with the seasons, Malaysians prefer versatile designs that suit various occasions and ceremonies.
What practices do you currently implement or hope to implement to work towards social responsibility and sustainability in the future?
We adhere to strict hygiene standards in our nail services to uphold social responsibility and sustainability by implementing single-use practices. We prioritise the health and safety of our clients while minimising environmental impact.
What can guests look forward to in the upcoming months?
In the coming months, guests can anticipate exciting additions to our nail services. We’ll introduce fresh colour selections sourced from Japan and unveil new artistic designs to enhance your nail experience.
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