Modern Day Manicures Are Wearable Art
Nail art expresses the personality of those it adorns.
Photo by Jo Anna Valdez '23
It’s widely known that clothes are an easy way to express oneself, but lately, a new styling necessity is stepping onto the scene: nails.
Manicures are becoming more than just a pampering, self-care habit. They’re taking over the fashion realm as a self-expression staple. From little flowers to intricate glasswork, nail art is becoming more popular than ever.
“I get design manicures because having fun nails makes me happy,” said Jo Anna Valdez ‘23. Whether it be for styling purposes or just a boost of serotonin, nail art is infiltrating salons across the globe.
The takeover that this modern trend currently has on the world is reminiscent of the ancient world. Believe it or not, it wasn’t Instagram or TikTok that started nail artistry.
The Chinese are actually credited with inventing nail polish. In 3000 BC, these women soaked their nails in egg whites, gelatine, beeswax and dyes from flower petals in order to achieve a shiny nail with subtle hues of red and pink. These perfectly curated nails indicated wealth and social status. Back in 5000 BC, Egyptian mummies were laid with gold painted and henna-tinted nails as discovered by archeologists. Jumping over to the Asian continent, Indian women were found also flaunting henna-painted fingertips around the same time. Even ancient Babylonian men colored their nails with kohl before battle.
Now, nail artistry is a bombing industry and has since been completely reimagined. With the addition of sculptural nails and otherworldly designs produced by artists like Mei Kawajiri and Sojin Oh, nail art is limitless. What once depicted wealth, social status and a warrior has now reached the likeness of modern-day teens and adults. Still showcasing who they are, this modern nail art portrays personality instead of status.
“I think of nail art as a type of accessory,” said Anna Kallajian ‘23. “I wear very simple jewelry and tend to like simple nail art so I think in that way, it helps show my personality the same way jewelry does.” Valdez added, “Nail art expresses my personality and who I am, even on the days when I’m wearing sweats.”
Nail art has found its place in the fashion realm as a wearable accessory. “Nail art is wearable art,” said Kallajian.
Nails are no longer overlooked. Rather, they’ve become an important piece in one’s look. Nail art creates so much buzz around people’s fingertips that the press often highlights celebrities' choice of nail color or design. Manicures even take over massive events like the Met Gala and nearly every award show with critics highlighting the best nails.
Nail art expresses the personality of those it adorns.
Photo by Anna Kallajian '23