Whether it is a distraction, form of relaxation or an expression of their own creative sense of style, girls everywhere are giving in to the old trend of painting their nails or getting manicures. But there is a method to the madness behind the manicure scene. Though stylish, fun and expressive, manicures are not only about the physical appearance of hands. Girls admit that having their nails painted actually gives them a boost of self confidence, a timeout from tedious tasks, not to mention the perfect adornment to complete their look.
Senior Shaylene Frago always has to have her nails painted.
“It’s like an accessory to every outfit. I have to have my nails done or else I feel incomplete,” Frago says.
Susan Heckman, an AP Literature and Honors British Literature teacher at Coronado High School sports French tip acrylic nails and admits to getting manicures twice a month.
Although many females find manicures to be a beauty accessory, some think a manicure is a way to relax.
“Five years ago I went with my best friend to a girl’s day out and we got our nails done. After two hours I felt so relaxed, and I have continued to get my nails done every other week,” Heckman says.
Seventeen Magazine promotes the idea of painting one’s own nails, especially when overwhelmed or under a lot of stress. According to Seventeen, painting nails can give the right amount of distraction time when a break from homework or other activities is needed. Once the nails are dry, students are often able to focus and concentrate with more ease.
Manicures usually range from about $12-$30, with acrylic nails from $30- $40 and fills from $8-$20. But most claim one can’t put a price on the stylish satisfaction that nail polish brings.
Currently, shades of black, blue, purple and red are among the most popular colors to paint one’s fingers because designers like Dolce and Gabanna and Chanel promote these the most.
Heckman, along with many other women, does not really care about the color she wears. She just enjoys the relaxation that the manicure brings her.
“I live in a house full of boys. This is my girly thing to do,” she says.
Glam girl or not, pretty polish might just add a bit of color to more than one aspect of a student’s life.