Pune: Several women in the city are flaunting their well-manicured, accented nails this wedding season. Nail bars or nail studios, specializing in ‘nail transformations’, are running jam-packed with brides-to-be, bridal party members and wedding guests. Providing gel-based nails, extensions, bridal nail art and more, these hubs hire special nail technicians for the glam up.
“For my wedding, I wanted to opt for some glitter and 3D floral designs on my nails to match my lehenga.I chose to get nail extensions and it looked really good,” said Sonia Bajoria, a resident of Baner.
Gel nail polish, cured by UV light, lasts up to a month, so most customers opt for neutral colours to match with all outfits, said nail studio staff.
The sky is the limit in terms of designs, patterns and textures on nails. “We are seeing a very good response. Many brides ask for unique designs. Stone art, 3D flowers, classic white ombre and glitter nails are doing well,” said Jaya Malkani, owner of The One – Beauty Bar in Wanowrie.
Technicians also said it doesn’t matter if a customer has short nails — acrylic extensions, overlays, polygel and softgel nails can be built atop the original nails for a well-defined festive look.
“I usually look for designs online or on Pinterest. I have four or five weddings to attend till December-end and have a light pink ombre nail look, which is trending this season and will go with all my outfits,” said customer Uttara Rao, a resident of Kondhwa.
Nail bars said many brides are opting for classic French manicure gel nails and ‘falling glitter’. “We also see cat-eye nails, chrome gel nails and holographic designs doing well. We have lots of bookings — regular customers as well as brides, and family members of brides and grooms,” said Prabhakar Shinde, owner of The Nail Room in Aundh.
“The average spend per customer is Rs 1,500. We are getting a lot of pre-bookings as well. Bridal parties are opting for free-hand designs, tiny flowers, swirls and other gel nail art,” said Aishwarya Chavan, owner of Periwinkle Nail Studio in Kothrud.
Owing to the curing and removal process, repeated use of such products could also damage nails, customers cautioned. “I prefer to give my nails time to breathe in between, so every two or three months I take a break from gel nail polish products,” said Simrin Tejwani, a Pashan resident.
