Lucky nails: Tang showing the various types of nail designs available for Chinese New Year at her nail salon in Jalan A. S. Mansoor, George Town, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: From head to (toe)nails, nothing is being spared in looking good for when the dragon arrives next weekend.
Nails emblazoned with intricate 3D dragons and vibrant hair highlights are the in-thing this Chinese New Year.
Manicurist Tang Syn Ni, 25, said the trend was to go for bright scarlet nails or pastels, with 3D dragons glued on.
“Red and brown seem to be the popular colour of choice,” she said.
Some of her clients have opted for dragon-inspired nails or lion dance art.
“We have different designs including an entire lion dance sequence. This is popular but it takes around three hours to complete. The cost can go up to more than RM100,” she added.
Tang said that many celebrants wanted to go for both a manicure and pedicure.
“They want to make sure their hands and feet look great for the celebration,” she added.
Some of them, Tang said, would show her photos of the designs they wanted.
She said her nail salon has been packed with customers, with many women calling daily to schedule appointments.
“Some made their appointments much earlier, but we still have calls coming in every day, asking for a slot. We would attend to an average of 18 to 22 clients a day compared with our usual of eight to 10,” she added.
Tang said clients who got their nails done about a week before Chinese New Year were advised to go easy on the housework to protect the nails, especially if they had opted for the 3D art.
“We tell them to wear gloves if they are doing the dishes,” she said.
Tang said her salon would provide free touch-ups for minor mishaps on the nail colour or if any of the 3D dragons come off.
As for hair, celebrants are getting a makeover as well.
A popular hair salon here has been busy with people requesting new styles and bright dyes.
Its director, Kelly Tan said a majority of her customers wanted vibrant highlights and a unique technique called “balayage” in which the hair is highlighted in different colours to provide depth and volume whilst keeping a natural look.
“The highlights taper towards the ends of the hair. It is often done with some curls. It is the current trend and provides Asians with a different look,” she said.
Tan said the trending hair colour for this season is a silvery-grey ash hue.
Business, she said, has been great as Chinese New Year is their peak season.
“Our clients choose to come during this time to welcome the Lunar New Year in style or get a brand new look.
“We are always happy to oblige and see how we can help our customers,” she said.
Tan said business has picked up compared with previous years when the pandemic first struck.
“People are now eager to try something new to usher in the Lunar New Year,” she added.
