Crystal balls, zebra patterns and flowers aren’t the only designs adorning fingernails and toenails. Together with sparkles, rhinestones and bright nail polish, nail art is the newest trend in cosmetology.
Consisting of jewel piercing, painting intricate designs and applying adhesives, nail art is currently taught at the basic and advanced level in the cosmetology department. Many students are passionate about the new fashion trend and plan on making it a future career, Patricia Gebert, cosmetology professor, said.
“In today’s society, nail art is in demand,” she said. “It is a fashion trend and is in style, so we must follow what is in style.”
Nail art, which dates back more than 5,000 years, started in India with traditional henna paintings on hands, feet and nails using plant extracts, according to Nail Magazine. Over time it evolved into modern beauty practice in America.
“I love the beauty nail art gives to the nails,” Jennifer Guzman, 19, cosmetology major and nail art technician, said. “We are going to be able to do even more with it in the future.”
With many different forms of nail art, students can perform 3D art, encapsulated art as well as rotating ball and spiral tip designs on fingernails.
The 3D art is a design painted in multiple layers in which the design is raised above the surface of the nail.
Encapsulated art is when art work is drawn under an acrylic nail and then glued onto the real nail. Therefore, the design is seen through the nail, Guzman said.
“This is my favorite style of nail art,” she said. “It really makes the nails stand out.”
Rotating ball and spiral designs are the most intricate out of all the nail art techniques, Guzman said. It is when an object is placed directly onto the nail and has a complete range of motion.
“We actually put a miniature disco ball in the middle of the nail and it spins when you touch it,” Guzman said.”
Stephanie Galvan, 22, cosmetology major and nail art technician, is one of the students who hopes to one day become a professional nail art technician.
“I’ve finally found something I love and it has become my passion,” she said.
Both students discovered their talent for nail art through the cosmetology curriculum, Gebert said.
“These students really love what they do and it shows in their work,” Gebert said. “They are hard workers and continue to learn new techniques in nail art.”
Practicing nail art on family and friends is one way Galvan said she learned new designs and techniques.
“I have many clients who come to my house and I get paid to do their nails,” Galvan said.
Guzman said she keeps herself busy with about six clients a day and loves to challenge herself with creative nail designs.
Nail art is a decorative way to express personality or compliment a special occasion or holiday, Guzman said.
“I really love designing nails because it’s a form of art and art is so expressive,” she said.
Depending on what type of design the client features on their nails, Guzman said it takes time and patience. Client appointments range from one to three hours.
“It can be stressful at times because I want it to be perfect,” Guzman said. “But the end result is my favorite part.”
The cosmetology department, located on campus, is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. and on Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“These students are so good at what they do and no one should miss out on this fashion,” Gebert said.
