JOIN USMaking a great first impression is an imperative for many of us and grooming and sprucing ourselves is usually the foremost step; something we don’t mind going that extra mile for. But while most of us relegate all our care and concern for the face or hair, we often fail to recognise and appreciate those parts of the anatomy that do the most work (a life lesson right there for many). However, good things come to those who wait and our hands and feet are getting their share of the spotlight these days.
Enter nail art — the newest obsession of the fashion conscious brigade and a treat for sore eyes on social media. From intricate designs to bursts of colour to unique concepts, the creativity showcased is stunning; a reason why this trend has so many takers now.
“Nail art and nail painting has become an integral part of fashion accessorising as it enhances your entire look right from casual-cool and boho to Indo-western and traditional wear,” says Shifa Merchant, Fashion and Beauty Blogger. “I keep on finding ways to re-invent patterns and styles to achieve some unique designs. The process of nail art requires a lot of hard work and patience but the final outcome will blow you away.”
Hard work it certainly is. Be prepared with a thin brush, quite a few colours and loads of patience before you embark on this glittery journey. For example, imagine having to create snow globes on your nails to herald in the Christmas season. This means creating snow globes with gel nail polish and bonding them to the surface of the nail. Usually water or oil is filled inside these for that perfect shape.
Think that is crazy? Try your hand at creating a ‘polish mountain’ then. When a beauty blogger posted a video in which she applied coats of nail polish in ever single colour she owned (116!), she set off a chain reaction with people from all over the world trying out the look. And newer styles keep popping up by the day.
“Go for Aztec prints on your nails to bring out the quirky side of you or throw in a layer of French glitter for a festive look. My personal favourites are the 3D two-shaded nails and also the creative free hand paintings of hearts and flowers that allow you to express your artistic talents,” says Shifa.
Amritha P, a professional, says that while she does love doing up her nails, she can’t be bothered to spend too much time on it. “The maximum effort I can take is to create a few basic designs on my nails with a toothpick, something like a flower or a heart. I thought I was being all fancy until I took a look at Instagram,” she laughs.
It is for people like her that nail polish studios are springing up now. Says Neela Bopaiah, owner of ‘Polished’, a Boutique Nail Studio, “I feel hands are very important as they are usually the first part of the body to come in contact with the other person. So indulging a bit in them is quite acceptable.”
Talking about the trends that are in vogue right now, Neela adds, “Shimmer, sparkle and glitter are the buzzwords for the season. Glittery greens, ivory grey with a bit of a shine and so on are favourites. For people who want something a bit more elaborate, peppermint swirls, gift boxes, stars, bells and other Christmas related motifs are making waves.”
She continues, “There are people who want designs according to the occasion. Once we had a customer who wanted something for her mother’s 60th birthday, her baby’s ‘mundan’ and her anniversary; these functions were on successive days. So we kept her nails kind of simple but highlighted the ring finger for a bit of bling. Then there was a lady who was going to Iceland and wanted the Northern Lights to be replicated on her nails.
It took us well over an hour but she was very happy with the final effect.”
As someone once said, life can’t be perfect but your nails can be.