Holly Zhao, a accounting, Finance and Financial Analysis master student from Newcastle University, has just had a brand new set of nails done. She then posted a photo of her manicure on Instgram with the caption, ‘A good mood starts with a new nail.’ Holly goes to nail salon every month. She believes that nail art is a way to connect with others. “I love sparkly designs, so I enjoy getting cat-eye nails and adding rhinestones. Nail art reflects my personality. I often meet other young women with similar styles, which sparks conversation. Nail art helps you find like-minded friends, and thats really amazing.”
Newcastle is a vibrant city, and nail salons can be found everywhere in the city centre.
Nail art originated in ancient times. As early as 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians started caring for their nails and coloring them with natural materials. In that period, women would dye their nails with henna to showcase their social status. During the same period in China, members of the royal family would apply basic nail lacquer to demonstrate their social standing. This tradition continued for a long time. Many Qing Dynasty pictures depict Empress Dowager Cixi wearing gold nail guards as part of her outfit.
In 1932, the nail art trend began to rise with Revlon’s launch of the first modern nail polish. Nail polish entered the women’s market during this period, but it was still considered a luxury item at the time. Thea Green, the founder of Nails Inc, was a significant driving force behind the introduction of nail salons in the UK. Today, nail salons can be found everywhere in the UK, and Newcastle is no exception.
This nail art craze is not limited to the UK. Globally, the nail industry is experiencing rapid growth. Nail art has gradually become an integral part of people’s daily lives.
Gloria Lai, the head of GG nails in Newcastle, said ‘More and more people are preferring to get nail art, particularly young ladies in their twenties.’
A nail salon called Nail It Newcastle in China town in Newcastle posted that “nail art is a way to create one’s identity through fashion, color, and shape.” Nail art is no longer just about aesthetics，in Newcastle, it has become an essential medium of self-expression, representing identity, creativity, and confidence.
For young women, the options for nail art are increasingly diverse: professional nail salons, at-home nail polish, and press-on nails.
Press-on nails are particularly popular among young women. They are promoted as a DIY alternative to nail salons because they are affordable, easy to apply at home, and simple to replace. In various beauty stores across Newcastle, such as Superdrug and Boots, press-on nails are widely available.
When talking about her preferences, Holly said, “Press-on nails are trendy now, but I still prefer going to a nail salon. The creativity and personalization of professional nail art are something pre-designed options can’t replicate.” She added that the process of creating custom designs feels incredibly meaningful to her.
Cathy Lin, a devoted fan of press-on nails, said, “Since I need to practice piano regularly, getting salon nails is really inconvenient for me. But I still want to have beautiful nails when I go out, so press-on nails are absolutely perfect for me.”
Thi Nguyen, originally from Vietnam and the owner of L’espoir Nails, said, “In fact, the cultural background of young women somewhat influences their preferences for nail art. Some Asians tend to favor short and cute designs, while Westerners often prefer classic styles like solid colors or hand-painted designs.”
Despite these differences in preferences, she emphasized during the interview that she strongly agrees with the statement that “nail art is a form of self-expression.” A similar sentiment is displayed on the wall of her salon: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” She believes that people choose to get their nails done because nail art can bring them confidence.
Nguyen added that some young women choose to bring their favorite images to inspire their nail designs, while others prefer to select a style on the spot. Many customers also opt for themed nails to celebrate specific holidays.
When asked about her posts on Instagram, Nguyen excitedly said, “Yes, I think fresh nails can shape fresh vibes. It can bring young women a valuable experience of happiness and confidence.”
With technological advancements, the future of the nail industry is full of possibilities. Innovations like smart nail printers and eco-friendly nail polishes are gradually entering the market, offering consumers more choices. Nail art has become a cultural phenomenon in Newcastle, blending creativity, tradition, and personal identity. The city’s young women are redefining beauty through their nails, one design at a time. As Holly said, “A good mood really does start with fresh nails.”