Make-up just got extended to the nails too! Nail art is the latest in thing in the fashion world, and is taking it by storm. 'Nail art' refers to the art of decorating the nails of a person using the various kinds of materials available in the market for the same. Today, technology has made it possible for one to flaunt the designs of one's choice on his or her nails. Nails are now not only layers of
keratin, but have evolved into the ultimate means to express one's creativity. This article studies all about nail art from the process of its evolution to the various kinds that are in vogue today.
Previously, a
manicure or pedicure, coats of nail polish and/or henna were all one could do with one's nails. However, that is not the case now. In today's times, the art that one can flaunt on one's nails is limited only by one's imagination. In other words, nails have become a vast canvas, on which one can express one's creativity in whatever way appeals, out of the wide range of options available. People are now trying to match their nails to the colours of the season or the colours of their dress. Nail art today is all the rage everywhere, and is the must-do for all kinds of places - schools and colleges, offices, weddings, parties, or just for at an outing with friends.
Modern nail art is believed to have its origin in Japan. Nail artists known all over the world, like Eriko Kurosaki, Junco Ogava and Michiko Matshushita, are Japanese. In ancient India, nail art in the form of designs with henna were very popular. Some Indian tribes were also very famous for their unique nail decorations.
Nail art has become very popular the world over in the last decade or so. Be it on the toes of one's hands or one's feet, nail art has emerged as a fashion statement. Simple nail art can be made at one's home. There are several nail art studios that have come up all over the world, which one can visit for more elaborate and professional designs.
Commonly, nail art is understood to be painting the nails. However, in fact, nail art encompasses a wide range of alternatives, as under:
1) Painting on the nails:
Traditionally, painting the nails referred to a simple coat of
nail polish. However, today, there is a large variety of designs that can be painted on the nails of a person. These designs can range from flowery and geometrical ones to highly creative, funky ones.
The process of painting the nails is an elaborate one, and gives the best results when performed by a skilled nail artist. First of all, the nails are cleaned and the dead skin and cuticles around the nails are removed. Thereafter, a base coat of paint is applied on them, usually of white colour, so as to ensure that the design shows up prettily. In some cases, if a natural look is desired, no base coat is applied. A coat of activation polish is applied on top of this, which ensures that the design
dries quickly. Finally, the required design is painted on the nail. Bright colours like silver, gold, red, blue, green, and black are preferred over lighter colours.
Digital nail painting is the latest innovation in the area of nail art. It has made it possible for any kind of picture that the client wishes to be reproduced exactly on the nails. Under this process, the design is scanned into a computer. After the activation coat is applied on the nails, the client is required to put his or her hands into the machine, the design gets printed on the client's nails in the exact reproduction of the original.
The application of a clear coat of varnish over the design ensures that it lasts for a considerable period of time.
2) Applying embellishments: Some people have been known to decorate their nails using different kinds of embellishments. These decorations can be anything from glitter, beads, feathers, stones or flowers, and are glued on the surface of the nail. Precious or semi-precious embellishments can be made use of.
Tiny stickers are also available, which can be creatively utilized to make an attractive design on one's nails.
Nail art can also be a combination of paint and various kinds of decorations. Paint and stickers, paint and glitter, and paint and stones are some of the most popular combinations.
Nail piercing is another form of nail art that is very popular in today's times. It refers to the act of piercing the nail, in a fashion similar to the piercing of any other body part, and wearing a piece of jewellery in it.
Usually, small rings and other miniscule pieces of jewellery are preferred for use in a nail piercing. Wearing ghungroos is a popular fad in India in today's times.
4) Acrylic nails:
Using acrylic nails is a perfect way of making one's nails appear longer and more beautiful.
Artificial nails made of acrylic material are stuck on the natural nails of a person, giving it a longer appearance. These nails can be smoothened and given a brush of polish, which makes it look extremely natural.
Acrylic nails hide the flaws of the natural nails of the wearer. Even if a person has chipped nails, the fact can be hidden by using acrylic nails. Modern acrylic nails are quite safe and convenient for use in day-to-day life.
There is no doubt about the fact that the preference and incidence of nail art is growing by leaps and bounds, in all across the globe. In spite of the rising popularity of nail art as a form of artistic expression, it still remains the women's prerogative. It has not become as popular with men. Nail art has not remained restricted only to hip teenagers and college goers, but is being increasingly preferred by middle-aged women as well. Working women prefer nail art in sober colours and designs.
Before getting nail art done, it is necessary to choose a reputed nail art studio and nail artist to ensure that the process is completely hygienic and safe. It is also necessary to check whether all the paints, embellishments and
jewellery used are in compliance with the health and safety standards laid down in the area in which the studio is located. If these few simple precautions are religiously followed, there is no reason why you cannot have your nails looking all glamorous and fashionable, and play safe and healthy too!
