What's in a nail?

Think pink nails are passé and kohl tips, done to death? How does a Da Vinci miniature on your talons sound for a change?

No longer is painting your nails about matching the colour of the lacquer to your outfit. Right now, it’s all about wearing your attitude. From mismatching your toes to your fingers to getting yin yangs and cross bones on your tips, nail trends are more personalized and quirky than ever before. Wanna look ‘with it’ but not game for something as permanent as a tattoo or radical as an eyebrow piercing? Nail art is an easy and fun alternative to exude cool.
According to Rachel, Stylesmith, “With regards to the city I think nail art is still more of a once in a while indulgence”. “We normally offer it as a part of our bridal packages and women sometimes want their nails done according to what they are going to wear for a special occasion like a wedding or a festival”, she says. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the college goers and teenagers who are all for fun nails. “It’s more about anyone who is young at heart”, she laughingly adds. And how quirky are design preferences we enquire? "Well, I have had a college goer get an Om, a cross and a crescent moon done on three of her fingers”, she says. Easwari, the manicurist at Salon Nayana, believes that pink is easily the most favoured colour when it comes to nail art. “Most people seem to prefer floral designs in pink and white and white swarovski stones are a hot with brides, she observes.

Gender issue

From spa treatments to manicures, beauty treatments are no longer the preserve of the fairer sex, so, we wonder aloud if the metrosexual male has also taken to nail art and Farida.M, Operations Director, Bounce Style lounge clarifies,” The basic idea of nail art is to prettifying one’s nails. So, it’s more of women belonging to a more matured age group who go in for the service.”

Nail TLC
Like any other cosmetic service the longetivity of nail services also depends on after care and maintenance.

• Reapply a clear top coat every two or three days to protect your art and to keep your nails looking shiny, and apply cuticle oil daily.
• Treat your nails with care—wear gloves while doing household chores
• Exercise caution while opening soda cans, container lids etc. The excessive pressure can damage your nails.


DIY

• Want an intricate design but don’t want to pay a pro? Buy stickers or preprinted artificial nails.
• Add swarovski stones to to the edge of your French manicure. White flowers on any color is a classic look too.
• Flowers and letters work best for beginners. Build up gradually to complex designs.
• Use tweezers or a special applicator to dip small nail jewels or stickers into nail gel or nail glue.



Try these

Nail graffiti
Lace patterns (created with gels and airbrush paint)
Domino dots
Nail glitter
Piercings (preferably on ring finger or little finger)


Services:

Stylesmith: nail art services are priced at Rs 300 upwards, nail piercings at Rs 200 and nail extensions at Rs 2500++.
Salon Nayana: nail art services are priced at Rs 200 upwards and nail extensions at Rs 2000++.Details: 28343064
Bounce Style Lounge: nail art services are priced at Rs 700 upwards and nail extensions at Rs 1800++.
Details: 28330508