Priya Kripalani at work at Le Clinique Nail and Spa. pics/ Aanchal Kurmi

NAILED

Pedicures and manicures are passé. How about some quirky ladybugs, beads, sequins and flowers on your nails? WHAT'S ON checked out three salons that pamper your nails

Le Clinique Nail and Spa

Le Clinique specialises in stick-on nails, gel and acrylic nails and 3D Nail Art. The stick-on nails last from a day to a week. The gel and acrylic nails are semi-permanent and are fake nails blended with real ones. The only hitch is that you have to come every two weeks for a refill. "I prefer to work with gel than acrylic because acrylic tends to damage your nails in the long run, whereas gel enhances the growth of the nails," says proprietor Priya Kripalani.

You can get 3D nail art done in a matter of minutes. Nail art stickers, porcelain flowers, studs and other embellishing accessories are used to accentuate the nails.

"3D Nail art stickers are popular and easy to use," says Kripalani. Porcelain flowers and other accessories are stuck to the nail with adhesives and liquid powder for added effect.

Throughout the process, special care is taken and the whole process involves sterilisation from fungus. Clients can avail of free repair if the nail art gets damaged within ten days. They do nail piercings as well.

Price: Rs 2,500 for basic gel art

At: A1, ground floor, Shahinsha Building, off North Main Road, Lane 6, Koregaon Park. Call: 9923336392. Open on all days, from 10 am to 8 pm

Sangita's Nail

Sangita's specialises in acrylic nail art, which is fast catching up with modern Indian women. Acrylic nails have become popular because of their vibrant colour palette and wonderful designs. They make custom designs to suit the taste of individual clients. These nails are very convenient for everyday use and can be used to hide
ordinary brittle nails for special occasions. A lot of detailing is also done with diamonds, beads and
flowers.

"I prefer acrylic because we can get more creative with colour and it stays on the nail longer. Gel is just as good as acrylic," feels owner Sangita Shah.
 
Price: Rs 1,700 for normal nail extensions and Rs 1,800 for French nail extensions.

At: At: B9, Indra Nagari, next to Mahavir English Medium School, Salisbury Park. Call: 9850016651. By appointment only.

Sparkle Face and Figure

This cosmetology centre offers acrylic and gel nail extensions. They use coloured acrylic as well as glitter acrylic. "We do a lot of creative stuff with acrylic, and hand-painted flowers are in demand at my salon," says Shama Chawla.

Chawla compares nails to a vast canvas on which one can express one's creativity. "People are now trying to match their nails to the colours of the season or the colours of their dress. Nail art is a rage everywhere," states Chawla.

She states that French manicure nail art designs are very sought after and can also be created with the use of acrylic and UV gels. "There are ways where you can create permanent French manicure nail art designs with the help of dried flowers, glitters, acrylic shapes and bullion beads," she adds. 
price: Rs 100 per nail

At: At: 37 United Apartments, next to LIC Building, East Street. Call: 9371088437. Open from Monday to Saturday and on Sundays by appointment, from 10.30 am to 8 pm