Nailed It

Tiny beads, shiny stones, glitter, floral enamels or even geometric patterns…your options are limitless! And no, we are not discussing jewelry but the different options available in nail art! The use of nail colouring dates back to almost 5000 BC, with men and women using different techniques to colour their nails. While it was a symbol of class, social ranking or status back then, today, it is a fad that is increasingly becoming an inevitable part of your fashion statement. Nail art is taking the city by storm and it is interesting to note that girls and women across all ages seem to be smitten by this cool new trend! RITZ checks out the buzzing trends in nail art from the most popular studios in Kochi.

- Riya Sonny Datson

To put it simply, nail art is exactly what it sounds like – Art done on nails. There are several professional techniques of doing it and umpteen styles to check out. You could do nail art directly on your finger nails and toe nails or use artificial nail extensions. Most nail artists use either acrylics or nail gel for nail art. “Acrylics are made using a chemical mixture of liquid and powder that can be directly applied on nails. The nail gel is also a similar mixture but it requires UV light to cure the gel which hardens the nail,” explains Sumi who is an ardent fan of nail art. Her love for the art led her to launch the renowned brand, Nail Spa Experience in Kathrikadavu, Kochi.

There are plenty of styles one can adopt while choosing nail art but what’s trending this season? “Chrome nails are very popular. The metallic or shiny finish gives your nails a very chic look. Cat eye is also a style that people are trying out. A narrow shimmer line across the polish gives it a cat eye look! But I would say, the French polish or the nude style with the signature white tip is what is most popular,” says Sumi.