LANGUAGE OF NAILS

From post-breakup blacks to bridal hashtags, and pop culture references to timeless elegance, nails today tell stories words often can't

- DARSHITA JAIN

NOT every story is told with words. Some are whispered in colour, sketched in shimmer, or spelled out with tiny hearts and sparkles across 10 fingertips. Nail art, once a subtle beauty statement, has evolved into one of the most expressive, personal, and playful forms of self-expression.

"To me, nail art is more than just a service; it's a form of connection. It's where creativity, therapy, and confidence meet. I get to create something beautiful on a tiny canvas while becoming part of someone's personal story," says Ayesha, founder of Nails by Ayesha. She adds, "Every design I do carries a vibe sometimes calm, sometimes bold, sometimes playful. It's not just work; it's an emotion.

Honestly, it's my happy place." Over the years, she has seen everything from heartbreak to joy reflected in the designs her clients choose.

Nail art today is less about following trends and more about mirroring moods, especially when words fall short. "I've noticed people often choose colours or designs based on how they're feeling.