Bright neons and festive designs are the must-haves for this season’s nail styles. With a dash of color here and there, you’ll easily have the perfect accent for any outfit.
Nail designs are an always-changing fad, though. From the recent crackle polish frenzy to new nail color technology to caviar nailpolish, the classic French manicure may seem like a thing of the past.
Some new styles include dry nail polish stickers, stamp-on nail patterns, and magnetic effects. These new options, while adored by many stylists and designers, are getting mixed reviews from high school students.
“I think all these new products are great for someone wanting to do something different from the norm. However, I choose to stick with plain, solid colors,” says Sheetala Balasubramanian, of Orange, a senior at Amity High School, Woodbridge.
Despite the glitz and glamour of fancy manicures, it seems impractical for teen girls. Most agree that it’s a luxury, but not a necessity.
“Glitter looks good on nails but I don’t think it is necessary for girls to reapply often, it definitely isn’t needed everyday,” says Kelly Burns, a junior at Fairfield Warde High School.
Price may be a factor in decision making when it comes to nail polish.
While a typical bottle of nail polish can be purchased for under $10, more intricate options can really dry out teens’ wallets. Lacquer manicures can cost upwards of $30, and magnetic polishes cost more than $15 a bottle depending on the brand. Many teens steer clear of pricier options, because even professional manicures are far from permanent.
“I like how all of the new options for nail polish look but I’m fine with choosing a solid color and saving money,” says Caroline Grew, a senior at Trumbull High School.
Teens who prefer solid nail colors still have a myriad of options when it comes to the new nail trends. Neon colors and pastels were a hit on spring runways and are spreading into high schools and nail salons everywhere.
“I find the bright and vibrant colored nail polishes to be festive and fun,” says Burns.
Nails are a great way to add a splash of color to your look, but there are endless options for those with a more conservative style.
“I personally don’t like bright, glittery, and flashy nail polish. I think the cracked look is unique, but other than that I like simple colors,” says Elizabeth O’Brien, of Easton, a senior at Joel Barlow High School, Redding.
Nails are also seen as an effective outlet for color and expression, though the recent trends may be a bit too wild. Some loyal fans of nail polish find it hard to introduce these new styles into their spring wardrobe. One such student, , feels that new nail trends are just too far out there.
“Crackle polish and bright colors seem cool, but the rest are straying a little towards obnoxious,” says Elizabeth Nagy, a sophomore at Trumbull High School, of Stratford.
Other teens opt to watch these new trends from afar, and aren’t all too interested in keeping up with these fashionable nail styles. To them, painting nails is something to do for fun, not a fashion statement.
“[It’s] one of those things girls do when they’re bored but it’s usually not a necessity,” says Chitra Nidadavolu, a sophomore at Trumbull High School.
Necessity or not, colorful, fun nails are here to stay. Even if you’re not participating in the trend, following it can be equally as entertaining.
Written by Maggie DeCapua, a sophomore at Stratford High School.
