What's on your tips?

They may be one of the smallest body parts, but nails are now big business with women (and some men) doling out big bucks to get their talons in shape.Getting a regular manicure and pedicure may be part of basic grooming, but women are now going all out to pamper their tips with a variety of treatments available. Experts across the city tell us what's in when it comes to nails...

Want added benefits

Disha Meher, National Expert — Skin and Nails, Lakmé Salon explains how manicures and pedicures have evolved from a basic hygiene service involving cutting, filing and cleaning the nails. "Customers are looking for added benefits. With an introduction to the new flavours or ingredients, keeping the basic as it is, the cream for massages and the scrubs and masks are rich in potent ingredients. Aside from the regular services, we offer Aroma manicure/pedicure, Chocolate flavoured one with moisturising benefits, White Tea with detanning benefits as well as premium ones including the Lakme Signature and the Candy Crush Manicure/Pedicure that nourishes and detoxifies the skin." In terms of polish too there is much innovation. "Gone are the days of common nail art designs. It's time to glam up with the new trend of mirror manicure, designed for women with bold styles. Mirror nails, or chrome nails, are a new and shiny nail art trend which can be achieved with a highly pigmented silver powder. Another trend is interchanging classic colours on a French manicure. Instead of making the tips white, make them blue, pink, purple, green, or red; any colour you can think of. Gradient nails are popular too as well as crystals, stones, metallic hues, glitter etc for brides."

Mirror nails are popular

Jo Gaglani, director Sanctum Spa and Wellness Pvt Ltd, says the current trend is changing from feel good pedicures to more results driven pedicures that use high performance tools and products. "With regards to nail art, the trend is towards having showstopper nails and mirror finish nails. There is a demand for express services in salons whereas in spas where people have more time it's the longer ritual that are popular. There is a growing awareness of waterless results driven treatments. Nail art is definitely in demand. The marble effect with Swarovski crystals is very unique. Though the latest craze is the Pokemon nails. Gel nails are definitely popular as they are kinder to the nails than acrylics."

Glitter and shine

Clients today are ready to try different things as long as they see results hence they prefer flavoured manicures and pedicures says Amyn Manji, Director, Nailspa Experience. "Flavoured pedicures and manicures like the fruit-based ones are a lot in demand. Also caramel pedicures have been trending since a while. Nail art is such a trend that it will never go out of demand. Infact, it gets better and funkier with every passing season. Current nail art requests are mostly related to studs, diamonds and glitter. Every woman wants to have the perfect set of nails these days and on an average women get their nails done once a month without fail," he adds.