Nail art is Thiruvananthapuram’s latest fashion fix

The booming nail art scene in Thiruvananthapuram, with dedicated studios catering to diverse tastes and trends

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.

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.

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.

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.”

“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.