Nailing the look

It wasn’t that long ago that a simple French polish or a basic nude covering was all that women sought for their nails.

Now it’s all about colour, statements and even meticulous artworks.

Nails are the new fashion canvas and if you’re looking down on brittle, unmanaged and unloved nails, then now is the time to do something about it.

Catherine Shales, owner of The Nail Depot in Subiaco, says winter nail fashion is all about projecting a “stylish art” look.

Ms Shales says there are so many options that no matter your taste, there’s sure to be a trend for you.

“Anything goes at the moment, it’s all about artistic nails, not boring nails, ” Ms Shales says.

Many women are asking to have one feature nail — perhaps in a pop colour or with intricate artwork “just for something a bit different and edgy”, she says.

The nail polish industry has kept up with the demand for more colour and options and Ms Shales says leading brands like Artistic Colour Gloss offer more than 100 shades, which can be layered or even mixed to make a different version of a colour.

The new Ruby Wings colour collection of nail polishes is particularly dynamic — they can change colour with hot and cold.

“They are really cool, ” she gushes.

While making a colour statement on the nails can pep you up on a cold and bleak wintry day, don’t forget your nails need extra care in winter. Women should have more manicures in winter than they usually have in summer.

“The nail area dries out a lot more in the winter, because of the cold. I’d highly recommend using a product called Dali Oil. It’s a specific cuticle oil that’s got 23 essential oils to restore the area, ” she says.

Vaughn Wilkinson, director of The Nail Team in Leederville says short dark colours, bold reds and “out there” greens were the look of the moment, with natural French or beige polishes remaining classic. Emerging nail trends are bright colours with multi-coloured spots and layered colours like dark burgundy with a silver shimmer on top.

Mr Wilkinson recommends Shellac and Vinylux to finish nails.