Nail Art Attack

A crisp dress, clean shoes and tidy hair  can help create a good impression. But what if you have dirty nails? It can spoil the entire look in a minute. While clean, well-maintained nails say a lot about you and your habits, nail art reflects your aesthetic sense. Dipika Parihar, one of the top celebrity nail artists in the country and founder of The Nail Art School, is here to tell you about the trends of 2020. 

Trends to nail 
We come across two sets of people —  those who love to take the safe path and others who are not afraid to go bold and brazen. Parihar says the same applies to nail art trends too. Minimalism is popular nowadays because of which people are opting for marble effect nails, ombré, metallic effect, chrome, classic nude shades and even floral patterns that elevate the look of your nails. 

When it comes to bold nails, women are opting for nail extensions that are studded with crystals, diamonds, jewelleries and other accessories. Acrylic nails are a big hit too. 

Along with art, choosing the right type of nail shape is also important. Parihar points out that there is a total of 12-15 known nail shapes, of which the most Indian preferred nail shapes are oval and square. People with short fingers should opt for oval nail shape as it creates an illusion of long fingers and those with long fingers can opt for squarish shapes. 

However, more and more young women are now opting for unconventional nail shapes like the balerina, coffin, pointed and even stiletto nails which help add a bit of quirk.
   
While focusing on your finger nails, people should also get the same pattern or colour done on their toe nails to maintain uniformity. 

French manicure revolution 
French manicure is probably the first fancy manicure that you must have heard of. But over the years this classic white-tip manicure has changed a lot in terms of trends.

Parihar says that it is probably the most preferred types of manicures even today. “However, there have been a quite a few additions to the classic white tips, for example, women now are opting for other colours like bright shades or even adding a bit of pop with neon colours that instantly catch your attention,” she says. 

Women these days are also adding a bit of glitz to their French tips with subtle additions of glitter, stones and Swarovski. She adds that inverted French tips and moon tips are something that many women are opting for. 

Men are not shying away
Parihar points out that there is a rise in demand for pedicures and manicures among men. “Even though they do not follow trends the way women do, more and more men are opting to visit a professional for nail care purposes,” she says. 

Usually, they opt for clear polishes or even nude shades so that their nails look neat and clean. However, many celebrities and a few others too are opting for a pop of vibrant colours, she adds. 

Leave it to the pros  
Parihar says that even though getting a good nail art can be a tempting affair, it is advisable to get one from a professional and trusted technician. Talking about the myths pertaining to acrylic nails, she says many believe that getting these nails can be painful. “It all depends on the type of buff being used to prep the nail. The buffing process here plays an important role, so the technician needs to be careful so as to remove the shine and not the layer of the nail which might be painful,” she says adding that if this step is not carefully executed, one may be left with brittle nail plates. 

Work of maintenance
Maintaining a fresh mani is quite a daunting task. Parihar shares some quick tips, “When it comes to a fresh mani, avoid having food with your hands to avoid staining on the nails. Also, it is important to use good quality products to get good end results. Cuticles tend to become a bit dry post a manicure because of which it is important  to use a cuticle oil to moisturise them and promote healthy cuticle health. Manicures are a work of maintenance.”