Acrylic and Japanese Nail Art Designs

Nails have been used to make a fashion statement for a long time. This fact about nail consciousness takes us to the ancient Egyptian civilization where Cleopatra tinted her nails, fingertips and even the palms and hands with henna. She followed this practice to ward off evil spirits and also in the name of fashion. More evidence to support the fact is borne by the elaborate sets of solid gold manicure implements found in the Egyptian tombs.

Data about the longest fingernails brings us into the 17th century where men and women grew five-inch-long fingernails. These nails were designed to proclaim that they lived a life of leisure. These long and curling claws were prevented from breaking using an elaborate gold or bamboo splint.

Acrylic Nail Art Designs

* Click on images to enlarge

From an artist's perspective I feel that the nail is a canvas on which an artist uses nail art supplies to unleash his imagination and give the world a newer and better design. Artificial nails that are created as per your size and pasted on top of the real nails using an adhesive are called acrylic nails. These nails are sought after because they can be used to experiment on while designing.

There are a host of designs that range from simple prints to fancy abstracts. You could opt for a sticker smiley, diamanté, rhinestones, semiprecious stones, bindis or real flowers with leaves painted around it. If you want something different, then you could select a geometric pattern or jungle safari using 3D elements. Airbrush painting is another excellent way to decorate your nails! All acrylic nail art designs can be customized according to the occasion.

Another trend is nail piercing and nail tattooing. In nail piercing, a tiny hole is punched in the nail where a gold ring or any other ring with a design is hung.

Japanese Nail Art Designs

* Click on images to enlarge

Nail art is very popular in Japan with the art reflecting the rich fantasy of the Japanese nail artists. The Japanese manicure needs special mention here because this manicure not only makes the beautiful but healthy too.

Now, Japanese nail art is more elaborate. They pay special emphasis on embellishments, intricate designs and colors. The Japanese use real laces, plastic flowers, stones and pearls, etc., to create traditional as well as occasion specific designs, from weddings to Christmas. The fish design is a popular one in this art. Mesmerized, that is how I felt when I viewed the different designs available in Japanese nail art. The adornments that are spread over a wide range cover precious jewels, boats, feathers and a host of other designs, not to forget the nail calligraphy and painting.

Nail piercing is something that can be added to make those already beautiful talons even better looking. Remember to apply nail art on your toes too, after all I am sure you would not like them feeling left out!