It?s an evening out with that special someone and everything of course has to be just perfect. The outfit is the latest in fashion, the shoes comfy and the bag, stylish, but not-too-showy. The hands and feet have been taken care of as well ? so daintily groomed that the special someone may well break out into a love song or poetry. But be prepared to have the words fizzle out if the nails have been forgotten! Yes, there?s more to nails than just filing and polishing them. It?s an art by itself.

From times immemorial human beings ? of both sexes ? have been fascinated with body art. Different parts of the body have been experimentally tattooed and embellished with every thing conceivable, and now, the humble nail has not been spared, either. Every fashion magazine worth its name has been carrying stories on nail art and even parlours in hidden nooks offer all sorts of nail beautification and treatment schemes. So, all those who want to ensure that the poetry should go on, here?s all that one needs to know.

If one has the time and a little moolah to spare, it?s more than worth checking out as to what?s on offer from nail ?specialists?. Though, at the moment, parlours totally specialised in them, may be not too many, specialists can be found in plenty and nail embellishments readily available.

With the advent of nail art, age-old nail polishes and simple manicures are taking a back seat. What?s more in, are vibrant colours and designs. Usually available in the form of stickers, their designs range from the traditional to the exotic. And the weird as well for those into funky living. From mehendi patterns to Ying Yang symbols, everything?s available. The stickers on, the work is not over. Not until one has further embellished them with

sequins and glitters to really jazz up things. And for the really adventurous, there?s the option of nail piercing available. A small hole is made at the end of a false nail and a small ring is fastened in it. This nail is stuck on to the real one. Sounds complicated? But worth the poetry.

Nail-biting finish

Deeptiz: At Deeptiz beauty parlour, nail art is done along with a French manicure. Various nail files and drills are used to give them a desired shape. After that, the nails are decorated with the nail art stickers and crystals. ?We usually prescribe the use of false nails. We use different types of brushes to create shapes and effects on the nails,? said Deepti Sarkar, owner of Deeptiz and leading beautician of the city.

While nail tattooes and floral patterns are the most in demand, some are opting for a simpler version called ?Water Pearls?. These are translucent stickers that are applied onto the nail using water. A dark nail polish like a bright red or maroon is applied on the nail and then the ?Water Pearl?, which is a design, is applied. The contrast between the dark paint and the translucent design looks elegant yet simple. This can cost anything between Rs 300 to Rs 400 for both hands.

For more intricate patterns, however, crystals are used and the cost can go up to Rs 500 for both hands. Address: Deeptiz Beauty Salon, 3rd Floor, Yash Kamal Complex. Bistupur, Jamshedpur. Contact number ? 2425305.

First hand

Home remedies for perfect polish

Here is a little DIY (do it yourself) tip from Deepti Sarkar. Nail art is so simple that it can happen even in the comfort of home, but instead of using one own self as guinea pig it would be better that false nails are used. Glitter paint and sequins are easily available at any cosmetic store, and if one has a set of radical-coloured nail polishes, one is all set to go.

It is better not to try intricate designs at the very first go. Once you get the hang of it you can go wild with a riot of colours, motifs and embellishments.