Nail art is Thiruvananthapuram’s latest fashion fix

Nail art has become Thiruvananthapuram’s latest fashion fix, and the trend shows no signs of fading. The city is home to several dedicated nail art studios. Many beauty salons have also introduced specialised nail makeover sections, catering to the growing demand.

The customer base spans all ages, from teenagers to people in their seventies. 
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It was a slow start for Thara Devi when she opened her studio, D Artistry, at Vazhuthacaud in July 2020. “The market for nail art was sparse at best, with only the occasional bride as a client,” she recalls.

But within a year, things changed. Social media fuelled a surge in demand, bringing more people in search of quality nail services. “In the last few months, the demand for good nail studios has only grown. Our studio has seen over a 50% increase in the average number of customers per day,” Thara says.

Nail art done at Fingertips: The Nail Studio
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Finger Tips: The Nail Studio, a premium nail salon, opened its franchise at Pattoor a few months ago. Mamta Pillai, owner of the franchise, recalls how, while living abroad, she would get her nails done before visiting the city for weddings. However, by the time the events arrived, her nails would begin to fade or chip.

Despite this, her manicured nails always sparked curiosity, and she noticed a growing enthusiasm for nail art. At the time, Kochi was the nearest hub for such services. “When I moved to Thiruvananthapuram, I wanted to bridge this gap by opening a nail studio — partly for the city, and partly for myself,” Mamta says.

Nail art done at D Artistry
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She adds, “The city has surprised me. I was told there wasn’t a market for a dedicated nail studio, as people were too conservative to spend on it. But I’ve met clients who know exactly what they want.”

Caught red handed

“The market here loves reds,” Mamta notes. Reds, maroons and pinks are staples for customers whereas shades of blues and greens are less popular. Actress Parvathy Krishna, a nail art enthusiast, has stayed loyal to a single shade of red since 2019. “I have explored various designs, but haven’t changed the shade all these years,” she says.

Nail art works at D Artistry. Nail shapes range from ovals and squares to almonds and stilettos.
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Nirmal Harindran

However, the variety of shapes, designs and accessories keeps things exciting. Nail shapes range from ovals and squares to almonds and stilettos, each customisable with embellishments like bows, pearls and gems. Thara adds that she is particular about the quality of gems being used.

Nail art at D Artistry. Reds, maroons and pinks are staples for customers whereas shades of blues and greens are less popular. 
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The current demand is for cat eye and chrome nails, the nail artists say. The shiny, metallic chrome polish comes in a range of colours and can also be used as a top coat over other shades. Some clients opt for a neon base coat with chrome layered on top for an extra gleaming effect.

Nail art done at Fingertips: The Nail Studio.  The shiny, metallic chrome polish comes in a range of colours.
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Cat eye polish is a glittery formula that adds depth to nails, with the colour appearing to shift depending on the angle. Chameleon cat eye, a variation of this style, enhances the effect with dual-toned polish for a dramatic colour change. “The illusion of the cat eye is extraordinary in the chameleon version,” says Mamta.

The signature shine of cat eye nails comes from tiny iron particles in the polish, which can be manipulated into patterns using a magnet.

However, glitter remains a bridal favourite. While some brides opt for nudes or soft pinks to complement their range of wedding outfits, others bring their sarees to match the polish perfectly. French tips and ombré designs continue to be timeless classics.

Nailing the experience

Nail art is a time-consuming process, with each appointment lasting more than an hour. Mamta shares that at Fingertips, the goal is to make the experience as relaxing as possible. The serene atmosphere allows clients to read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch Netflix while getting their nails done.

Thara Devi
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Nirmal Harindran

People also take it as an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones. Mothers and daughters book sessions together as do brides and grooms, getting matching designs or doing manicures and pedicures.

While most clients at nail studios are women, men have also begun to take an interest. The customer base spans all ages, from teenagers to people in their seventies.

According to Vinod Hari of Nailed It at Mall of Travancore, 80% of their customers are first-timers. “With nail art now done using machines, the process is much faster. It takes under a minute, and with over 350 designs available, people can also customise their choices.”

Older clients and working women tend to prefer simple designs, while kids and teenagers draw inspiration from anime and K-pop idols, he says. “Many want to replicate Korean nail art. Since children under 13 typically don’t get their nails done, we offer press-on nails, charms, and jewels for them.”

Nail art done at Fingertips: The Nail Studio. Older clients and working women tend to prefer simple designs, while kids and teenagers draw inspiration from anime and K-pop idols
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Nail art studios rely on imported products to meet global standards. “Thiruvananthapuram is exposed to international trends, so we have to stay ahead,” says Mamta. With social media as inspiration, clients are increasingly exploring nail art on a global scale. When they request a specific design, technicians are expected to have the skills and tools to execute it flawlessly.

The cost of nail extensions ranges from ₹1,700 to ₹4,000 for the whole set, while nail art pricing varies by design, starting at ₹100 per nail. “Most of our designs are hand-painted and fully customised,” says Thara, adding, “We cater to brides, professionals, and those preparing for special events. If our work is subpar, we risk ruining their big day — there’s no room for compromise on quality.”

Mastering nail art is an ongoing process. “There is no substitute for practice,” says Thara, who also runs D Academy, a nail art training centre, since 2021. It offers a three-day crash course to month-long professional course. There has been an increase in number of people who turn up to learn the art, she says.