JOIN USIf dressing well is important, it’s equally important to have well-maintained nails. But for college students, just polished nails won’t do!
What adds to one’s style quotient, according to them, is intricate art-work on nails. Right from miniature cartoons, embellishments to stars, the designs on nails are just unlimited. Metrolife catches up with college students who share what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to nails.
Mamta Sharma, a second-year student of Jain University, Center for Management Studies, says that over the last three to four years, nail art has been a rage and it’s still growing.
“I love experimenting with different colours and styles. I get my ideas from social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram. For instance, Instagram gives step-by-step procedures on how it has to be done,” says Mamta. Pointing to her nails, which are a combination of paint and art, Mamta adds, “Crackling nail paint is in style. Besides, nowadays, you get stickers which can be put on and peeled off in a matter of few seconds.”
Explaining that neon colours, metallic finish, glitter and stones are in trend, Madhuri Reddy, an undergraduate student, says, “Nail art requires a lot of patience. Since we are always being watched by others in college, it is important to have well-groomed nails at all times.” Madhuri, who was part of a nail art stall at a recently held college fest, says, “We expected stalls selling cupcakes to attract a larger crowd. But to our surprise, our stall was thronged by visitors. That’s how popular nail art is.”
Students shell out around Rs 500 a month on nail art and stock up on material. Nikhat Ali, a final year student who prefers to design the nails of others, says, “I get the stuff from small fancy stores. My materials and designs are based on the occasion. For instance, for a wedding, I use a lot of stones.” She has been doing nail art since she was in class ten and feels nail piercings are the latest fashion.
“The extended part of the nail is pierced. I’ve seen a few people going for it,” she says, adding, “Also a lot of students are opting for a glossy and jelly finish. So even after the nail paint dries, it still appears wet.”
Bindu K, an undergraduate student, explains that French manicures have gotten a new avatar. “Instead of just applying white nail colour to the tip of the nail, colours like gold and silver are being used. Some students are even experimenting with a different base colour instead of a transparent coat,” she says.
Srishti Gupta, a student of New Horizon College, spends at least an hour to an hour and a half a day doing her nails.
“Exams or no exams, I spend some quality time ensuring that my nails are in place. If I don’t have time, I apply a coat of red nail colour. I have to do that much at least,” she says. “I regularly take a look at e-magazines to see what’s in vogue. We also get many of our ideas from each other,” she adds. However, the students are particular that they do not repeat any design.
“We don’t repeat any design and try to improve with the help of each other,” says Vidyashree KV, a final-year BCom student.