Nail Art

Nail art is not restricted to manicures. Decorating the toes with colorful designs, piercings, and adhesives can be a way to express yourself without necessarily having to show it, for example, at the office, while serving as an accessory to your bathing suit when you make that trip to the beach over the weekend.

Origins of Nail Art

Though nail art may be the newest trend in American beauty, this form of adornment actually originated 5,000 years ago in India where henna, or mehndi, a natural plant derivative, was used to adorn the hands and nails. In fact, many of the trends used in fashion nail art are derived from styles still used in Indian ceremonies. Henna’s popularity has spread significantly in recent years and is still used to create dramatic temporary tattoos, which can serve as an extension to nail art.

No matter the century, if you’re looking for a fun beauty trend that will stand out without committing to the drastic long-term effect of a new hair cut or color, your nails can be the perfect stage on which to showcase an ultra-feminine statement.

The Process of Nail Art

As with any manicure, nails and hands (or feet) must first be washed or sanitized and then dried with a clean, dry towel. Do not go to any salon that does not take proper care in cleaning, sanitizing, and using clean instruments as this can lead to infection within the nail.

Nail art can be created on natural or artificial nails. Artificial nails range from the more expensive gel type to the common acrylic variety. If you’re on a budget and interested in simply trying the look out, if you want something that will only last a day, or if you want something fun and non-permanent for a girl or tween, retail press-on nails are a safe, affordable option.

Once nails are prepped or artificial nails are set, a base polish color is applied or a French manicure airbrushed, upon which the nail art is painted. It is possible, especially if you’re interested in henna design, to create an artist design on bare nails.

Trends in Nail Art

Nail art is popular for its strong statement. Designs and color schemes can be applied in the salon to match a certain outfit you may want to complement. Intricate seasonal designs or designs based on what is meaningful to you are created with tiny paintbrushes or an airbrush machine.

A popular detail in nail art is to have one or more nails pierced, which is completely pain free. Small studs or hoops are worn in the nail the same way earrings are worn in the ears.

Nail technician’s precise use of tweezers to adhere tiny gemstones to the nails. This can be a fun look if you’d like to wear your birth gemstone.

Use glitter for a more glamorous look or for a look that will be seen from far away. With this technique, coat the nail or nail tip with glitter. Again, this is best done by a professional.

Marbling is a technique in which several nail polish colors are dropped into a dish, allowed to spread, one drop inside another, then swirled with a fine-tipped instrument, creating a marbled effect. Water is then added to the dish. The nail or nail tip is dipped into the mixture, transposing the marbling. Again, this is something that would take patience and practice to do on your own and, in most cases, is best left to the professionals.

For a less expensive and less intricate methodology that provides a similar effect to painting by hand, most nail salons can use an airbrush machine, and with the aid of small stencils, patterns and designs, can quickly create any of thousands of designs or images onto the nail.

Do It Yourself Nail Art

You can use stencils, rhinestones, and stickers for self-application. Best of all, these elements are less expensive than a visit to a salon. After painting your nails as usual, try using one or a combination of these elements, which can be picked up at a beauty supply store, to adorn your nails anyway you like.

Written by Elizabeth Moemeka