Duffy Dufresne/Contributing Writer
Today’s nail industry has come a long way. From the simple polished and shaped styles to unique and elaborate nail designs and colors, nail styles have evolved with society.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that people began to use colored nail polish, and only in the ‘60s did nail salons become popular. Today, students, like junior Sarah Isma, make trips to the nail salon on a regular basis. “I try to get [my nails] done at least every two to three weeks,” said Isma, whose personal favorite nail style are gel nails.
Gel nails — similar to acrylic nails — are a type of artificial nail made of oligomers which make the nail more flexible and durable. Gel can be applied straight onto the natural nail to reinforce them, or applied with a tip.
Another popular style is Shellac nails. Much like gel nails, Shellac nails are a combination of nail polish and gel. They are applied to the natural nail and cured using UV light. It is stronger than regular nail polish and can last up to two weeks without chipping or fading. The nail does not need to be shaved down for Shellac to be applied, which prevents the nail breaking when it is removed.
The shapes of nail tips have also been upgraded. Many are opting out on the regular square tips and are going for rounded tips, almond nails — or more recently, stiletto nails, which feature a pointier tip.
In addition to nail tips, nail designs have become more creative. At Santi Hair and Nail Salon, the water design is most popular. This is done by dropping a few drops of different colored nail polish into a small container of water and creating a design with a small stick or a toothpick and then dipping the finger in the water. The result is a very unique marbled look.
Two-toned nails, where the nail is painted two different colors, are also becoming more popular. Some paint the base of the nail one color, and the rest of the nail another color. Others stick with a French manicure style, painting the tip a different color. Some even like to mix it up by painting the nail one color and then bordering it with another.
Also a popular do-it-yourself style is crackle nail polish, where the nail is painted one color and then painted over with crackle polish giving the nail a cracked look.
“3D nails, where they put objects on it to make it pop [are in style],” said Isme. Tiny rhinestones, fur, hearts and numerous other ornaments can be stuck on the nail using nail glue or even nail polish itself, secured with a top coat.
One of the most up-and-coming nail trends is intricate designs. Students are getting their nails done with a variety of different designs, ranging from simple shapes to more detailed designs of fruits, space, animals and more. Junior biology major Nathalie Lopez enjoys visiting the salon and occasionally getting unique design.
“I love having my nails painted in strange designs. It’s fun and different,” said Lopez.
However, if you’re too busy to get your nails done, nail polish strips or nail decals are a popular way of having a nail style without actually painting the nails. Nail polish strips can be applied to the nail like an adhesive and the excess is filed off. They come in a variety of designs and colors.
“Those are great when you have too much to do and not enough time to get your nails done,” added Lopez.
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