INSTEP Magzine


Flash FASHION UPDATE Nail art on your finger tips



Fearless fashion victims are looking for beauty at the tips of the fingers; nail art has been in vogue for a few years now and it seems like this phenomena is here to stay. Nail art is just like jewelry and accessories. They are stylish designs that glam up your fingers and are increasingly used by women. A simple nail tattoo is said to take more than five minutes while complicated images require up to fifteen. Salons abroad are now turned into tattoo parlors, women are going crazy having their toenails and fingernails adorned using ink machines that penetrate the surface. Gwen Stefani was seen flaunting her funky tattooed nails very recently.

Single needle tattoo machines are used to implant nail art and the procedure is said to be painless or mildly irritating, unlike tattoos on skin, which are said to be as painful as a heart attack. These tattooed images will endure as long as the nail does. Yes, it will not be coming off until and unless the nail itself is chipped off! Perfect manicures and nail designs are doing the talking this season. Perfect manicures are a compliment to your nail art techniques, once you know how to work your brush on your nails, move on to doing your nails in a sassy way. It requires the same professional skills you use when manicuring your nails and once you are satisfied by your application of polish, nail art is natural progression! However, it is advisable to go to a parlor as not many of us have the tools required to make our nails sassy and funky.

This phenomenon has entered Pakistan, too, and is catching on. It is more than just nail stickers; the most elaborated nail design chips are made available in a few salons and yes, variety is gradually entering the market. 3D nail art is also making waves and these take about four to five minutes, details however, do not take more than twenty minutes. Rhinestones and a lot of decoration take about two hours to make, but it’s worth it! The appeal of nail art is to allow women to be feminine. Polka dotted nails, nails adorned with flowers, stars and even tiny dolphins are an inspiration and will hopefully make their way to the country soon enough. Flowers and delicate designs are already available at Nail Express and Sabrina’s in Zamazama and Living Doll, a parlor in Tariq Road.

Another trend which is making waves is wedding nail art. Do remember your nails are going to be on show for your special day, inches away from your wedding ring and will most likely be viewed by hundreds of relatives. Those nails are going to be captured in photos and videos for eternity, now the big question is, are they that important? Yes, they are! Nail extensions take a while to get used to so please note that you should be getting them a couple of weeks prior to the date, keep your nail art as simple as possible, you do not want to look like Paris Hilton on the big day, or do you? Sham nails available in all colors and designs are what women have been gushing over. Nails with flower designs, butterflies, glitter and bright colors are what you need to be chic. This summer, make a bold statement and high light your nails!