Nail art certainly isn’t new – women in Ancient India decorated their digits with henna to create a brassy patina on their nails and Chinese royalty during the Zhou dynasty painted their tips with gold and silver paints. But the French manicures and acrylic fills of the 80s are hardly enough to impress these days. Pinterest and Tumblr are brimming with exquisitely detailed designs, from Pollock-inspired splatter patterns to perfectly rendered flowers. For Torontonians wanting to get in on the trend, our city boasts plenty of ways to turn your nails into mini masterpieces.
If you’re a DIY-er at heart, pick up some supplies at Wow Wow Nails and get to work. Their signature nail stamps allow you to print pre-designed images on your nails and their staff will even show you how it’s done right in the store. Wow Wow also has everything you need to create your own nail designs. Whether you want to paint on tiny hearts or create a watercolour ombre effect, the web is littered with tutorials that will show you how.
If you don’t have the time or artistic finesse to learn these techniques yourself, Pinky’s Nails is Toronto’s premier nail art salon. They have a wide selection of bold, colourful designs to choose from, or get a custom job based on whatever you dream up.
At Jolie Beauty Bar you can add a touch of flair to your manicure by adding a funky design to one nail (an additional $3) or be bold and have all 10 done.
Nail booths have been popping up everywhere from street festivals to swanky parties and product launches. Now you can hire the team at Nails Gone Wild to treat you and your friends to a colourful makeover for your hands and feet in the comfort of your home.
Whether quirky nails is part and parcel of your signature look or you want to add the finishing touch to a special outfit, it’s never been easier to get picture perfect designs on your fingertips.