Personalized fashion flair with nail art

By Alice Chang
Translated by S. Ying

Nail art--around since the days of Queen Cleopatra--is also extremely popular in Taiwan. In the past, this process started with a manicure using traditional nail polish, followed by the nail art done directly on the nails, and an extremely long drying wait. However, such nail colors and patterns didn't last long and some people were also allergic to the harsh smells and chemicals of nail polish.

Thankfully, improvements from Japan and Korea have introduced a new nail art technique that uses phototherapy gel nails, providing the same nail polish finish and transparency without strong chemical smells. Nails also dry quickly, within minutes, under the same UV or LED lights. With proper care, fresh nail designs can last up to 3-4 weeks without fear of chipping, with the added advantage of unlimited available nail patterns.

Manicurists require great artistic skills for nail art, not to mention a sound knowledge of areas such as the ideal patterns for various nail shapes. They should also help customers understand their nails' condition, ensure nail equipment is properly sanitized, and be gentle and sensitive to customer needs during treatment. Good manicurists use their communication skills to establish customer trust in their abilities to create nail art and give beautiful manicures.

Most manicure sessions range from NT$400 to NT$2,000 and aren't limited to ladies; even famous baseball pitcher Chien-Ming Wang is known to use phototherapy gel nails to keep his thumbnail from getting chipped during games!

Mico Nails and Lashes
168, MinZu Rd, Central Dist
(04) 2220-7518, 0938-493-355
Hours: 10 am-10 pm
LINE ID：168nails
Cash only.

Q nail
GongYi branch: 506, GongYi Rd, Sec 2, Nantun Dist; (04) 2258-2208
DaDun branch: 809, DaDun Rd, Nantun Dist; (04) 2320-7558
House: 11 am-9:30 pm
Cash only.

Davas Modern Nail and Lashes Beauty Salon
6, JinPing Rd, North Dist
0982-578-148
Hours: 12 am-9 pm
Credit cards accepted.

Shine Nails Art
28, Lane 75, FengJia Rd, Room 108, Xitun Dist
0939-175-109
Housr: 8 am-10 pm
Cash only.