Kelly Parker and Mindy Gonzales express their artistic talent on the smallest of canvases: toenails and fingernails.
The cosmetologists at Eclipse Spa on Broad Street create original nail designs that can be tailored to any client. The motifs range from whimsical flowers and butterflies to abstract graphics.
“It’s fun,” said Ms. Gonzales, 21. “It’s also a way to express yourself. I’m very artsy, so when I get bored, I create new nail designs.”
Some credit a growing interest in such designs to Beyonce’s wild nails in her “Single Ladies” video. Other celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum and Victoria Beckham, also are donning creative nails.
“I’ve been applying nail art for six years, and it’s getting more popular every year,” said Ms. Parker, 24, noting that even her older, more conservative clients are adding designs to their mani-pedis.
“We have women of all ages getting their nails painted with designs,” she said. “When clients see it on our own nails, especially our toenails, they think it’s really cute and want it on their nails as well.”
The first requirement of getting nail art is having a professional manicure or pedicure, Ms. Gonzales said.
“We don’t do acrylics here,” she said. “We only do the art on natural nails.”
The materials are standard nail polish, small brushes and rhinestones. Unlike some nail artists, Ms. Parker and Ms. Gonzales do not use stickers or stamps. The cost of the application ranges from $5 to $10 over the price of the manicure or pedicure.
“We don’t have patterns. Every design is original,” Ms. Gonzales said.
“Having your nails polished is a luxury, but adding nail art is an expression of your individuality. It really makes it fun to show your fingers and toes. Once you have it done, you’ll keep coming back,” Ms. Parker said.
Some of the nail designs correlate with the seasons, such as the snowman Ms. Gonzales created during the winter. More commonly, women want their toenails to sparkle during sandal season.
Stickers are popular for do-it-yourself nail art. “It is fairly easy to do … because you can do it freehand without a guide,” said nailartgallery.com.