BETWEEN everyday life, homecoming, and sports events, we have seen many Lancers adding finishing touches to their look. One finishing touch that always gets missed, but that never falls short when it comes to self-expression, is nails!

Stilettos, coffin, square, and even duck-shaped nails can be observed every day on dozens of Lancers through the halls. Who are the artists behind these star-striking nails?

For some, it is Juliana Lopez (11) who got interested in doing nails five months ago when she was desperate for something new to excite her. When her dad bought her first nail art kit, she was inspired. “It immediately became a form of artistic expression for me. I already loved art, and this was another way I got to put my art into something,” Lopez said. She loves doing 3D nail art on herself; however, her ceramics classes have made it hard for her to do her own nails.

Another behind these nails is Kensley Rizzi (10), who had a much longer journey with nails, creating nail art for nearly four years! She began by making press-ons for herself and watching nail art tutorials on TikTok. Gradually, she learned to do acrylic not only on herself, but on friends and family, too.

For Rizzi, nail art is a lot more than just the nails themselves. She had some insight into her creation process and the environment she tries to create for her clients. “I love creating a vibe that’s not too professional, so they know I don’t just think of them as a paycheck. I ask about their interests, or I’ll put on a show they like, I really just want to create a safe and inviting space,” she said. Furthermore, stating that to her, “it’s more than just making hands look pretty, it’s a simple way to express themselves and that I get to help them do that,” she said.

A few students have also taken the opportunity to do their own nails, like Joana Medena (11), who’s been doing her own nails consistently for the past two years. “I love bling, French tips, and square shapes. It’s a lot easier to just do them myself because I know my style,” Medena said.

Just like Juliana Lopez, Medena said it’s a place of creation for her and that seeing others create nail art made her want to as well. Even though Medena doesn’t do nails on others, she’s taken notice of what others are exhibiting on their own nails. “I’ve seen a lot, like a lot, of polka dots recently, and almond shapes. I have also seen a lot of junk nails — the nails with a lot of crystals and charms on ‘em,” she said.

So why spendall that money on the crazy prices at a salon? We have a wide selection of talented Lancers to do your nails right here at Granger! With better prices and a more welcoming environment, one of these Lancers might just be someone’s new go-to nail technician.