Nails—everyone has them, but what can they do? Students across campus have been exploring their expression with this tiny canvas.
Fake nails are a form of fashion for Maci Star Safir, a second-year graphic design student. She expresses herself with nails and with them, feels confident and put together. Not only does it make her feel good, but it helps her accessorize in addition to her jewelry and clothing.
For Charlotte O’Brien, a second-year political science and international studies student, nails are a feminine expression. She looks forward to the small details it adds to her outfit. It’s nice for her to see that throughout her day.
In a Harper’s Bazaar article, Arabelle Sicardi wrote that nail art has been around since Ancient Egypt. Henna was used to dye nail beds for the upper class. In China, during the Tang dynasty, flowers were crushed to make pigments for nails of imperial concubines.
Now, we have similar practices which are inclusive for everyone — acrylic, gel, dip, press-ons, etc., each process having its own set of rules. For some, it’s an essential part of an outfit, a masterpiece of an accessory.
Agatha “Aggie” Roelofs, a second-year graphic design student, hasn’t been without a fresh set of nails since her beginning at Oregon State University. If you’re wondering how she affords this, especially on a college budget, the key is doing it herself.
Roelofs says that the process of doing nail art isn’t easy. She does Gel X nails in the comfort of her own apartment. This type of fake nails is a soft gel that is placed into shape then set with glue and a UV light. They feel light on the fingertips and can last for weeks if set correctly.
For a typical set, Roelofs will start with the designs and sketching, getting ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, or other creators. It can take from anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour just to sketch a design. From there, prepping the nails can take 45 minutes. Heavier designs can take around 3.5-hours to paint, simple colors are quicker than that.
Right now, Roelofs has been loving the Y2K vibe— or as she puts it, ‘toned-down Y2K frazzled celebrities’ or a ‘soft Y2K.’ Her favorite colors right now are pink, black, white, and grey. Even if it’s unintentional she usually sticks to that color palette when it comes to picking outfits or colors for her nails. Her shape of choice is usually almond, although she always loves to see a square or coffin shape and will play around with those. She’s been using a lot of stars, spirals, polka dots and sparkles in her designs.
Roelofs says that it takes a lot of specific skills: it’s tedious and time consuming. It’s important to be patient and attentive to details. She is really good at working with a small canvas and has a steady hand to be able to paint on designs. Most of all, it takes practice and doesn’t happen overnight. At the end of the day, she really enjoys doing it: it’s her hobby and passion.
“I would say they’re an expression of who I am and an unconventional artistic outlet I use to express my femininity, style, and voice,” Roelofs said in a direct message.
In middle school, Roelofs got a very cheap Kiss press-on nail set from Amazon, which she says is where it all started for her. Now, in college, she never has naked nails. She is creating new nails all the time. Sometimes, she even does nails for friends.
Makenna Nguyen, a third-year marketing student, will get her nails done with Roelofs because she feels like it’s more of a hangout. Nguyen feels that it’s interpersonal and easier to connect with Roelofs this way, and that Roelofs always tries her best and listens to her needs. Every detail will be to her liking as Roelofs is a perfectionist and is keen on doing it right. “Aggie perfects my nails so that they’re not too long that they get in the way of my hobbies,” Nguyen said in a direct message.
Nguyen will sometimes get her nails to coordinate with upcoming events. If she has an event she might attend, she will plan ahead. Nails are like an accessory for her. She likes it because it’s not something she has to take on and off.
Roelofs wants to meet more people interested in nails. Her instagram is @aggieune, if you’re interested in reaching out to her.
