Nails! Nails! Nails! - Brief Article

Ebony, March, 2000

From Afterthought To Accessory

IT'S the night of your company's gala affair. You've picked out the dress, evening bag, shoes and jewelry. Your makeup is perfect and your hair is gorgeous. But in all your preparations and mirror poses, you realize you need one thing to complete your evening ensemble--fabulous nails.

Whether you're dressing up or dressing for everyday, beautiful nails are no longer an afterthought, but a necessary accessory.

Black women at work or at play can't help noticing if their nails are dry, chipped or split, says Keesha Karriem, an account manager from Hazel Crest, Ill. Why not give yourself something lovely to look at on a daily basis?

"I see my hands every day on the computer," says Karriem, who first had her nails artfully designed for her wedding four years ago and decided to maintain the style. "Having my nails done just cheers me up and makes me feel special."

Fabulous nails, whether simple and well-manicured or those with elaborate designs, start with healthy nails, and basic care is the key. Try to visit a professional manicurist at least once a month to help take care of your nails, or give yourself a manicure every two weeks. Once that's done, there is a large variety of nail colors and designs from which to choose. Take a look at celebrity hands like those of Vivica A. Fox or sitcom queens Mo'Nique and Countess Vaughn from The Parkers, and you'll see that the latest trend is nails-as-fashion. From American and French manicures to a full set of gel or acrylic nails set with rhinestones or other colored stones, Sisters are focusing on making their hands an object of attention. You just have to find the style that's right for you and your lifestyle.

"I think it's a part of the everyday look," says Calandra Lamb, a licensed nail technician in Chicago. "It's becoming an accessory to an outfit or a suit."

CORPORATE CHIC

For the working Sister in a business environment, a simple American or French manicure is a style that says "modern professional." Following a basic manicure, the nails are buffed to a high shine or polished with a light color and then tipped with white, creating a more natural look that never goes out of style. The classic, refreshingly sexy and smart manicures are great on many different nail shapes and lengths and are clean looks that you can carry from the boardroom to the nightclub. You'll never feel out of place at either spot. Some women even sport French-pedicured toes for the sandal-wearing summer season!

CASUAL ELEGANCE

If you're a bit more daring and want to add a little more zest, try nail polish in brighter, bolder colors. Black women are wearing shades of green, purple and pink with a metallic, iridescent or shimmery finish to give their style an edge. Some Sisters have even been spotted with the back side of their nails polished in an accent color like gold or silver, so the whole nail gets the royal treatment.

If you really want to go glamorous the easy way, add a layer of clear glitter or confetti polish to your regular nail color. It's quick, simple and sure to spice up your look for a night on the town.

ART AND DESIGN

For the Sister who really wants her nails to speak for themselves, go to a professional nail technician to find the latest trends in nail art and design. From rhinestones and glitter to airbrushed or polished designs, women are telling stories with their nails and people are taking notice. The-wilder-the-better is the order of the day for the less conservative, ultra-hip, ultra-fab lady. It's about longer lengths and eye-popping color, as styled by some Sisters, including rap artist Missy (Misdemeanor) Elliott and soulful singer Mary J. Blige.

For something extravagant, try spelling out your name with rhinestones or getting a landscape or skyline airbrushed onto your nails. While these styles may not be appropriate for the boardroom, they're sure to draw attention in a less rigid work environment or at a special event.

But be careful if you add length to your nails with tips, experts say. Acrylic or gel nails can cut off the oxygen supply to your natural nail bed and turn them a yellowish color. Ask your nail technician questions about the process to protect the nail. And ask that they not use a drill to shape the nail. Filing may take more time and money, but the drill could be more harmful to the nail.

There are many choices for nail care. Do some research to see what works best for you. Whether your choice is simple, natural nails or an elaborate style, caring for your nails is an essential part of looking and feeling good. Nails aren't an afterthought anymore.

RELATED ARTICLE: BASIC NAIL CARE FOR CORPORATE CHIC OR CASUAL ELEGANCE

1. Always keep your nails neat and clean, especially in the corporate environment. Your nails are an extension of yourself.

2. For a night on the town, transform your nails from o basic, casual color by adding a clear layer of glitter or confetti nail polish. If you really want your nails to stand out, try a brighter; bolder nail color or designs with rhinestones or other colored stones.