Fashion + Art = Nail Art

Words and translated by Naomi Lai
Works of art xfrom Beauty Nail

Being a modern 21st-century girl means having pretty hands and pretty nails. Nail art has existed since ancient China, when people used to decorate their fingernails with gold. In many cultures, fingernail care and art were a symbol of social status. Today, however, having well-cared-for hands and a nails are a basic must for fashionable men and women.

If you want to have beautifully-decorated nails, but don't have the time to do it yourself, you can visit a local nail salon and have it done by a professional nail technician or manicurist. There are various kinds of nail art to choose from, including simple paints, 3D sculpture or designs that are layered into the nails. You can also add fake nails to extend the strength and length of your original nails.

Currently popular in Taiwan, fake nails are either acrylic nails and gel nails. Acrylic nails, as the name implies, are made from acrylic and molded to suite the shape of your fingers. When the nail is done, it is polished and trimmed. The whole process of making these nails takes around two to 2.5 hours, and more time is required to apply paints or other designs. A manicure is needed once every two weeks to ensure the stability and health of the original nails. Gel nails are often made from pre-mixed 'light cured' gels containing a mixture of polymers and monomers which is applied on the surface of your nails and then allowed to dry (cured) under ultra-violet light which hardens it. The final product has a naturally-glossy surface which is suitable for all types of paints and nail art. The nail itself can last about a month.

Having fake nails won't create too much inconvenience in your daily life; just remember not to use the tips of your nails, keep your hands dry, refrain from contact with harmful chemicals, and wash your hair with a brush instead of your fingers. Other than nail art, it is also important to keep your hands and feet in good condition. Salons like Beauty Nail Artworks provide hand/foot care for female and male clients, solving problems such as Paronychia, Onychomycosis, nail deformities, soft nails, short nails, ingrown nails, and dried, callused soles. You don't want to just look good, you also want to look healthy.

Beauty Nail Artworks is in its ninth year of business and currently employs 10 professional nail technicians and manicurists. Aside from nail art and hand/foot care, the studio also offers classes on related topics. Recent specials have included Hand-and-Foot care for NT$880 and Gel-Nail Strengthening for NT$1,200. For more information, visit their official website at http://www.beautynail.com.tw/ or call (04) 2320-2081 for reservations.