American girls might be surprised to learn that Japanese girls only recently started going to nail salons to have their nails done. Nail salons were never a popular destination for Japanese girls. Japanese girls made hair appointments, but they styled their nails at home. That all changed in 2006 when a new service came on the market that created an instant demand for nail salons.
The new service is a manicure called “gel nails”. During this procedure, which is also available in the U.S., a thick gel is applied to each nail that is then cured under a special lamp. Once the gel cures, it becomes highly durable. This means your latest paint job is sure to look great for several weeks! Japanese girls instantly recognized the practical value of a service that protected their nails.
The “gel nails” manicure had another feature that made it especially appealing to Japanese girls. The gel coating can also be used to affix gems, glitter powder and designer stickers directly to the nail. So now we learn that gel nails not only supports kawaii nail art, the same gel protects these delicate embellishments from the cold, cruel world.
The combination of ‘practical’ and ‘cute’ proved to be irresistible. Japanese girls began to leave their bedrooms and journey into nail salons for “gel nails.” Meanwhile, gel nails have become a perennial feature on every Japanese fashion magazine cover. Every model you see lately holds up one of her hands to pose next to her own groovy, indestructible nails!
Here’s a video showcasing some gorgeous gel nail art designs!
