Over the past few decades, we have seen women play it safe with nail designs such as minimalist nudes, playful pastels, soft romantics, and French classics. These looks have been soft, subtle, and have often conveyed a hint of innocence, which has played well in social and professional settings. But as women continue to rise above the glass ceilings, both at work and at home, we are seeing them choose nails that exude this boldness. And has always been the case over the centuries, they have turned to fashion to express this newfound freedom. In so doing, many of them have embraced the mistress-inspired manicures, which not only add an air of mystery to them but also a touch of authority. We let you in on why ‘femme fatale’ and ‘power play’ looks are now dominating the nail tech industry and how you, too, can join in on the fun.
What’s With Mistress-Inspired Nails?
The term mistress-inspired may have you thinking of something a bit more sensual. But these nails are not about BDSM per se. In fact, many of the women wearing these nails are not looking for a ‘master,’ so to speak. If anything, they are reclaiming their power through these fashion choices. But how?
The Allure of Weaponised Glamour
Thanks to their bold and sharp looks, many women look to these nails as some form of protection. They may not be wielding swords, shields, or even batons, but these nails make them feel powerful, and this shows in how they carry themselves.
The Villain Angle
Whether you have always wanted to be a Disney princess or the CEO of a multinational organisation, we can all agree that many women have secretly harboured a desire to be the villain. This appeal is increasingly prevalent in this ‘soft life’ and ‘clean girl’ era, where women feel the pressure to be spic and span all the time while embracing their femininity. So, many of them are turning to the complete opposite by wearing mistress-inspired nails that allow them to show up unapologetically as themselves.
There is also the tactile satisfaction that comes from wearing these nails. Given that they tend to be heavy and long, women have no choice but to make their movements more deliberate, making them seem graceful yet authoritative. With all these perks, who would not want mistress-inspired nails?
Completing the Picture
With the world buzzing about mistress-inspired nails, it’s natural to wonder what these nails actually look like. Well, when it comes to these nails, you need to keep two adjectives in mind, and these are dangerous and expensive. While the designs vary based on personal style, you find that they lean heavily on the following characteristics:
The Colours
Nail technicians use deep reds, blacks, purples, and metallics in their designs. And this is intentional, seeing as the reds symbolise danger, passion, and seduction, which are guaranteed attention-grabbers. The blacks assert authority, the purples add a touch of luxury, and the metallics give that sense of armour that we talked about. In most cases, nail techs focus on two to three of these colours, but there are cases where you see all four.
The Shapes
Nothing says unique like mistress-inspired nails. Their shapes range from stiletto nails to coffin nails. With stilettos, nail techs go for long and pointed nails that are as dramatic as they sound, and which add to the armour effect. The coffin nails are much less dramatic, thanks to their flat tips and square edges, but they are just as good at commanding authority.
The Textures
Many mistress-inspired nails feature glossy finishes to highlight their colours. But it is not uncommon for them to have chrome finishes or matte contrasts, depending on the accents in play. For instance, matte black pairs very well with a glossy accent for a soft yet commanding look.
The Accents
From chains to studs to lace patterns, nail techs are very creative when it comes to the final looks. Many of these accents tie to the world of dominance and seduction, and they communicate anything from dominatricism to delicate provocateurism and seduction.
Choosing the Perfect Set of Mistress-Inspired Nails
Given that women use these nails as a way to communicate with the world, the best set for you will depend on your message and how loud you want to be. And it all comes down to shape, as it determines the loudness or lack thereof of your nails. If you are testing the waters, you can go for a tapered almond that veers on ‘femme fatale’ energy but is not quite there yet.
The coffin nails work best for you if you are looking for a balance between refined and dominant, and many professionals go for this look. It just embodies ‘corporate villain’ without looking too out of place for the boardroom. And if you are willing to capitalise on all that these nails have to offer, go for the stilettos. They are sharp, intimidating, and sure to make a bold statement no matter where you go.
Once you select the shapes, you can then choose the colours, accents, and textures that match your vibe.