A Nail Affair

Photo: BBB Pretty

My girlfriend is an absolute nail art aficionado.

My first clue was the sheer number of nail polish bottles she owns. She houses them in a 40x20x50 inch wooden cupboard on her study desk.

My second clue was her extensive collection. When she first slid the drawers open, I was blown away by the different colours, shades, textures, and finishes available. Most of them were presents from relatives and friends, all clearly aware of her love for nail art.

My last, and perhaps the most definitive, clue was her choice of stress relief. “My favourite pastime,” she confessed to me dreamily, “is to switch on the air-con in my room, snuggle into my comfortable chair, and spend all day painting my nails.”

As a guy (and an avid nail biter), I knew I had to put in some effort to appreciate nail art. One afternoon, as she was applying a base coat to her fingernails in preparation for a new paint job, I voiced my interest to help her out. Shortly after, she gave me a crash course on this love of hers, shared by many other women in the world.

Photo: BBB Pretty

“It is an art form”

Nail art is not a mere application of colours to the nails. With a brush in your hand and other tools at your disposal, you are an artist, and the nails your canvases. From the dainty French Manicure, to the more artistic Water Marble effect, women can express themselves through the designs on their nails.

And, unlike classical paintings like The Scream and Mona Lisa, you do not require superior artistic sense to create or appreciate nail art. As my girlfriend showed me Avengers and Despicable Me inspired designs on the Internet, I thought that nail art is perhaps even more expressive than the traditional art forms. 

Photo:Rainnail

“It is an inexpensive accessory”

Nail art is easily accessible and affordable, and these two qualities have facilitated swift participation from countless ladies. Those who prefer the professional touch can pamper themselves at local nail salons. Similar to a haircut session, prices of nail services can range anywhere from the low tens to the high hundreds. Otherwise, those who prefer the personal touch (my girlfriend for one) can easily get started with minimal preparation: just a bottle of base coat, a few bottles of nail polishes, a bit of patience, and some creativity. It is no wonder that nail art could flourish even during economical downturns, and its ubiquity has outpaced that of cliché branded goods like handbags and wallets.

Photo:Google

“It is a rising fashion trend”

Nail art is an age-old concept that has been rediscovered by modernity. Social media has created a space for nail art lovers to form their own virtual community, a feat that would have been impossible a decade ago. From Nail Art News on Twitter, to ***kyeahnailart on Tumblr, to the countless dedicated channels on YouTube, the craft has boomed to become a global phenomenon.  

And what propelled nails to stardom could very well have been the stars themselves. “One of my favourite nail designers,” my girlfriend told me, as I was carefully polka-dotting her index finger, “is Zooey Deschanel.” I knew who she was – that pretty actress from New Girl – but I was unaware that she had inspired many women with her tuxedo manicure at the 2012 Golden Globes. The usual spotlight on female celebrities’ hair, outfits, accessories, and shoes at galas and media functions now includes their nail designs.

This perfect amalgamation of nails and fashion has created a buzz – one that is real, infectious, and likely to stay for a long while.

Who knows, one day I may kick my nail-biting habit and sport a fresh nail look.