Hiss-terically cute: Nail artist Cassie Ong, 24, showing off the various snake-themed options at a nail salon in George Town, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Bring the auspicious serpent with you as you paint the town – or in this case, your nails – red this Chinese New Year.
Admin executive Ginnie Ng, 24, said she would try out different designs on her nails to see which one suits her best.
“I will compare the designs before committing to a set of nails.
“Usually, my nails would be painted with festive motifs before every Chinese New Year.
“This year, I am leaning towards something different, and I might consider the snake ones as they look cute.
“It will not be on all the nails but alternate to look more fancy.
“Maybe a few of them will be red as it is a colour we think of when we celebrate our Chinese New Year,” she said when met at a nail salon in the city.
Ng said doing her nails has been part of her whole ritual before the festivities begin.
“I have my nails done, dye my hair, go for a facial and have eyelash extensions put in as well.
“While there are other times in the year where I do this, it is important for me to follow this routine of self care before Chinese New Year.
“It is a way of pampering myself,” she said.
Ng said as Chinese New Year is still a few weeks away, she would have to be careful once her nails are done.
“I have to put extra care especially when I wash dishes and try not to open cans as it may damage my coloured nails,” she said.
The nail salon’s admin head Rieeykohh Tang said most customers were now making request for themed nail designs.
“We offer cute snake designs and red festive ones.
“People are still trying out the new designs.
“Some prefer the normal ones with ribbon designs, or the cat eye design, which is a magnetic-style gel manicure that has a three-dimensional, shimmering effect.
“Others like the red ones as it is said to bring good luck.
“Customers have the choice to choose various different designs and colours,” she said.
While business is good now, she expects the coming weeks to be even busier.
“Many prefer to do their nails closer to the festive celebration, which is why we will extend our operating hours a week before the celebration.
“We are open from 10am to midnight instead of our usual 11am to 8pm,” she said.
Tang said sometimes they get around 25 to 30 customers per day.
“Some customers could take up to two to three hours if they are doing both a pedicure and manicure including gel nail polish,” she added.
