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Watch those hands

A chipped nail, a dry hand are big turn off. Nail expert Paula Fernandez tells Namrata Iyengar the importance of well manicured hands.

While you toil and work hard at kneading dough, keying in a text message or opening a tin of biscuits, someone is watching your hands. Ominous as this may sound, the truth is leading more and more people towards nailbars, where manicures and pedicures are dealt out in plenty. One such nailbar is at Bounce, the Style Lounge, which recently invited nail-expert Paula Fernandez to its salon on Lavelle Road.

“There are constant developments in nail art and styling for the hands. Most inspired by the runway and models who sport wacky and trendy nail gear,” says Fernandez, who works as an educator with OPI USA.

At the workshop, Fernandez taught the staff of Bounce the newest techniques of applying acrylic and gel nails, using various media for nail art and even introduced the permanent French manicure.

“More important than the style is maintenance. There is no point in letting manicured nails get chipped, broken or worn out. A buff and a coat of polish are required every once in a while, and it is ideal to get a manicure done every two to three weeks,” she says.

Fernandez also breaks the myth that manicures are for the affluent and well-heeled.

“It is important for every person to get a manicure, irrespective of work or even gender. Men do get manicures and it is, in fact, a rage in the USA. Some salons host manicures exclusively for men. And no matter what your line of work, having nicely manicured nails on clean hands are an advantage. People pay attention to hands a lot, either in a handshake or even in a namaste. And when they notice scruffy, unkempt hands, they’re going to wonder about how you maintain the rest of your body or the rest of your life even,” she adds.

“A simple manicure will do. Nail art, while beautifying the hands, may be a little extravagant for some. A neat hand is a plus point towards making a very good impression,” she finishes.