| Snakeskin Nails |
| Written by Qiana Williams | |||
| Tuesday, 02 August 2011 01:13 | |||
 You may have observed that spring and summer fashion this year included a lot of textures and patterns. One very popular pattern in particular (say that fast three times) was snakeskin. Snakeskin prints were all the rage on the runway and even as you look in store windows these days, you'll see the bold print as it spills over into fall fashion trends. Many times it will be paired with in your face statements such as fishnets and chunky jewelry. Well, some New York fashionistas are taking that idea to a whole new level and using genuine snakeskin for their manicures and pedicures. Calm down animal lovers, there's no need to be alarmed as no snakes are harmed in order to acquire the skin used in this edgy new practice. In case you weren't aware, snakes shed their skins often in order to grow new ones. This is done even more so during the warm summer months, making it an ideal time to get and use the skins. The skins are thus naturally attained, sanitized and then used. This first started as a pedicure idea from the renowned Bio Sculpture Gel educator Terri Silacci of California. The gel is used to bind the snakeskin to the nail bed. As this is a very delicate process, you can expect this to take anywhere from two-three hours to be fully completed. Now, while some people may frown in disgust at using the actual reptilian skin, many true to life fashion followers are jumping on the boat in order to be on trend. But this is no regular mani/pedi, so if you want to walk the walk you'll find yourself paying a pretty penny. These specialized hand and foot looks can range anywhere between $1-300, depending on where you go for this delicate artwork. One midtown spa offers such snakeskin indulgence and you'll find that more and more upscale nail salons and spas are offering this intricate artwork for their customers as well. On occasion some will offer the faux version at a cheaper cost. If you love the look, but aren't willing to put in the time or the money in order to achieve it, try your local drug store. You'll find that brands such as Kiss and Sally Hansen offer faux print stick on decals that you can apply and then seal with a top coat to strengthen the adhesive. You can also use a gel/spray mix to lengthen the life of the look for a bit. This option can usually run you under twenty bucks. So fashionistas, if you're ready to go for the bold statement of sporting the actual skins, or playing it safe (and cheap) by using the drug store look alike versions, simply make sure you have fun with it. Bear in mind that snakeskin prints pair very well with neutral tones that are in this season such as nudes, beiges and different shades of brown and of course classic black. But don't be afraid to play around with pops of color either. Make it your own personal and unique style. Remember that if you feel confident it will shine on the outside and everyone will be able to feel that exuding from you. And after all, that is what being a true fashionista is truly about. For more articles like Snakeskin Nails, please visit the Fashion/Women's Fashion Section of TimesSquare.com
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