‘Nailed’ to perfection

Art, they say, knows no boundaries. It is not confined to any medium or style. Creativity can be expressed on a sheet of paper or on canvas or for that matter even on nails!

It is a misconception that nail art is a funky-junky form of art. It is an extremely artistic form and if it is done tastefully it can make a fashion statement

The art of nail-painting is no longer staid or plain. It is an artist’s imagination and an exuberance of colours loaded with creative patterns all taking shape of art on the nails. The patterns could be anything from that of the rolling clouds or silvery showers to bright floral designs and motifs or geometric figures and marble art as well. The choice depends on a client’s preference and tastes. The intricacy of the pattern is to be kept in mind and the finesse is extremely important as the frame is a small nail of your hand! This art is being recognised in India now but has been evolving in the west for several years now. In many parts of Hyderabad, we have special parlours and studios for nail-art. Everything from natural and French acrylic extensions, gel extensions, French and natural overlay, natural and French in fills, tip repair and permanent nail paint that could last nearly a month, works. Nail art could include the basic nail art, needle nail art, permanent nail art, Swarovski crystal art, flower design or any other pattern of your choice. A simple nail-art could cost you anything from Rs 500 to Rs 1200 onwards. Shalini, the Manager at Sage Parlour, Paradise, has this to say about the increasing popularity of nail art in Hyderabad, “Over the past two years nail art has become immensely popular in India, especially in big cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. In the West, nail art has been around for several years now. It is a misconception that nail art is a funky-junky form of art. It is an extremely artistic form and if it is done tastefully it can make a fashion statement, giving a dramatic and final touch to one’s appearance as hands are used in most expressions and can easily cast an impression of a person. I have a team of trained staff and there is an easy flow of clients who want to try out this creativity on their nails especially for a party, function or a wedding. Many of them want to go for a pattern that matches their attire. It actually is a two way process, the clients suggest their ideas and we give our suggestions. The final pattern that takes its shape on nails is a happy combination of both. Apart from creativity, an artistic view and an understanding of this art, nail art requires precision, patience and neatness. Some things are very technical while other factors can be spontaneous and highly individualistic.”

To view some artist performing this intricate style of art on a small frame of a nail is a spectacle in itself! It is not just about painting but the complete regime for nail-care. The tips are trimmed, cleaned-up, massaged with cuticle oil and finally painted upon with a finesse that can be done only by an experienced nail artist. Says Shruthi Rao, a student of graduation in Osmania, “I love nail art and have tried nearly all kinds of patterns on my nails. It surely looks cool and most of my friends also go for it, especially if there is a family celebration or a function in College. I have tried flowers, crystals, geometrical pattern and also the marble design on my nails. I feel people really take notice as I have won many compliments.”

Well, who says that nails are just a hard and humble cover on our fingers. An artist can create patterns on them making a style statement. It is a refined form of art that has many takers now. Go on, paint them, make them your style statement and make heads turn.