Rusty Williamson DALLAS -- Southwest wome..

TEXAS SHOP TALK

Byline: Rusty Williamson

DALLAS — Southwest women play it clean and classic when it comes to nails — at least most of them, anyway.
Nail experts here reported high demand for conservative nail shapes such as round or square; safe but fashionable nail color, including brown and black cherry, and a love affair with French manicures, which reportedly are de rigueur for brides before heading down the aisle.
Nail art, said manicurists, is favored by younger women and those with ethnic backgrounds, including Latin women who often request spiritual art brushed on their nails. Downtown girls, never ones to miss out on a trend, often opt for nails that flash esoteric symbols or even glitzy beading.

Vinnie Nguyen, manicurist at CD Nail Works, Dallas:
“Most of our customers are professional women, so they don’t want anything too outrageous like nail art. We can do nail art, but it’s usually teens or arts-oriented women who request it. Usually, women here want sculpted nails or a French manicure, which is really popular. And suddenly, everybody wants brown or black cherry nail color. Those are by far the most requested shades. Our business is really steady. Women typically come in twice a month to get their nails done. Lunch hours are popular. And Fridays are always crazy around here because women are getting ready for the weekend.”
Beth Hoefer, customer at CD Nail Works, Dallas:
“I usually don’t get my nails done professionally because of my job. Right now, I’m a waitress, and long nails get in my way and usually get broken. But I’m having nail art done today for something different. The deep brown shade matches my red hair and complements my pale skin. They’re really long, though. I guess I’ll be carrying beer mugs with my thumbs tonight. I like the Asian art that they painted on my nails because it’s cool and serene.”

Janie Peddicord, a manicurist at Shelton’s Salon and Day Spa, Arlington, Tex.:
“Beautiful but functional nails are the most requested. This can include short and rounded or longer and squared, but anything outrageous is definitely out. Women don’t want to look like Dolly Parton or Patti LaBelle — that’s passe unless you actually live in Hollywood or Las Vegas. My customers want to be able to actually use their fingers and pick up something. With claws or talons you can’t do it. Women also want nails that are easy to care for. I use acrylic nails and coat them with a product called Reviva-Nail, which makes them harder and more durable. Most customers come in every two weeks for a manicure or fill-in. Right now, brown is the most popular color by far. Red is always popular in this part of the country, too, though. I’ve done manicures for nearly 13 years and have had some customers nearly that long. But business is growing. Younger women come in for their first manicure and get hooked. And brides come in for a French manicure, which looks simple and fresh with a beautiful bridal dress. We don’t really do nail art here because there are simply not many requests for it.”

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Cecelia Smith, a customer at Shelton’s Salon and Day Spa, Arlington, Tex.:
“I’m a hairdresser, so I can’t have nails that are too long. I get my nails sculpted every two weeks into a fairly short and square shape, and I love red polish. Acrylic nails are wonderful and look natural. They take color well and don’t break that easily.”