In the ongoing London Olympics, the perfectly toned bodies of women players aside, a trend has become a gaze magnet of sorts — imaginative and competitive nail art being sported by several female participants.
When seeking inspiration for cuticle adornment, most young athletes
don’t seem to look beyond their national flags. So, from a medley of paints in flag colours to Union Jacks and maple leaves, everyone from swimmers to weightlifters to cyclists are ringing in their nationalistic spirit through feisty colours and patterns.
So, if you’re inspired by this trend, get one for yourself. Across the city, many salons are offering nail-art services to adorn your nails with the tricolour or other symbols of national pride, such as the peacock. Beauty expert Nandita Suri, director, Levo Salon and Spa, says, “Patriotic nail art is not just sexy but purposeful as well. It’s a striking way to make a statement about where you come from and unite people in a fun sort of way.” 
Beauty expert Blossom Kochchar says, “During events of global interest, such as sporting tournaments, viewers often show their love and involvement by getting their hair streaked in national colours or by sporting body paint. However, getting nail-art is a subtle yet strong way to show your patriotism,”
At Kochchar’s salon, choose from temporary nail art to ceramic patriotic nails. She says, “Most young people are opting for temporary ones as they can change the pattern more frequently.”
Stylist Preeti Kapoor says, “The trend is about wearing your nationality on your sleeve, which is slightly better than say ‘wearing your religion on your sleeve’. The hip factor makes it riveting to cop it as a trend.”
Suri agrees, “I was impressed with the atmosphere in London where people were looking at every opportunity to show support for their country. With Independence Day round the corner, we are happy