Students use nails as canvas

The tips of our fingers are so different as to allow forensic analysis. Now students are giving attention to the opposite side of the finger. From patterns to paints, nail art expresses an individual’s taste.

Senior Terina Tsai makes color choices based on personality, while junior Stacey Dojiri likes to base them on seasons.

“I always paint my nails dark colors when it’s winter and ocean colors like blue and green during the summer,” said Dojiri.

Nail art is a process. A student must first cut and clean their nails. They then must add a base coat, a clear protective layer of polish, to prevent any staining on their nails. The longest and most difficult part of the process is the actual creation of the design. Depending on the complexity of each design, students can devote thirty minutes to two hours on one project. Like any artist, students are constantly coming up with new ideas.

“Lately, I’ve been doing tribal nails, and I also do newspaper or flower nails,” said Dojiri.

The DIY, or do-it-yourself, trend has become increasingly popular. From blocking to crackle, water marble to magnetic nail polish, students create new art forms to express individuality.