Nails

Nail art is an incredibly expressive form of design that makes a statement just as clothing does. Fingers become a blank canvas, where much more than just color can be used. Having the skills and the patience to do such intricate work on a tiny surface is something I definitely admire and see as a growing art in the beauty world.

One of the charming aspects of nail design is that a theme can be carried through a set of nails, with variations in the design of each nail. It draws interest to the individual designs, and it is amazing how much detail can be contained on a single nail.

Photos courtesy of Trend de la Creme

Many designs become so extravagant, that they are far beyond practicality. Artists even extend beyond the space of a nail bed to adding dangling accessories. I find these to be powerful statements similar to the effect of wearing ornate jewelry. Some celebrities pose in a way to draw attention to their highly decorated nails, in a way similar to how some would show off their new engagement rings.

Flaunting Nails

Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki. Photo courtesy of Morning Cafe.

Chinese singer Jolin Tsai. Photo courtesy of Nitrolicious.

Flaunting Rings
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. Photo courtesy of Faded Youth Blog.

Actress Jennifer Lopez. Photo courtesy of Life & Style Weekly.

As a form of self-expression, nail art is somewhere between jewelry and tattoos in terms of permanency. They are more attached to the body than a bracelet may be, but they do have a wear-life that doesn't compete with lifelong tattoos. I do believe nail artists will gain more recognition for their work as art in the future the way tattoo artists and jewelry designers have.

Perhaps in the future, since nail art serves the appeal of wearing an accessory, instead of donning corsages on their wrists, girls will have embellished nails matched to their prom dresses.

Photo courtesy of For Ladies by Ladies.