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Forget nail art – the latest beauty trend to hit the UK is scale art. Grooming fans looking to try something new can now have real snakeskin applied to their fingers or toes, in an exotic twist on patterned nail wraps. We’re not sure we’re quite ready to swap Minx for mamba, though...
Taking experimental nail decor to a new level, The Hand and Foot Spa, Chelsea, has become the first UK venue to offer customers snakeskin nails. Already popular in the US, this unlikely sounding treatment sees nail technicians applying real pieces of snakeskin over gel. The snakeskin is then sealed in, so that you don’t find yourself shedding scales – meaning that your manicure can last up to two weeks.
Worried about the wellbeing of the snakes? These slithery creatures shed their skins naturally as they outgrow them – so really, you can think of your manicure as recycling.
Although nature may have provided the materials, with over 170 different colour combinations to choose from, there’s no need to keep your snakeskin looking natural – great news if you’re the ostentatious type.
What do you reckon? At £150+ a pop, we’re not sure snakeskin nails are a very economic way to stay looking fashionable – but they might be just the thing for a ssspecial occasion (sorry).
If you are looking to try something new but aren’t a big fan of snakes, don’t despair – there are plenty of unusual treatments out there for you to experiment with. Why not be bold and book in for:
A snail facial
Once again proving that nature often knows best, these fancy facials make use of the substance that snails use to repair their shells. Particularly good for scars and lesions, the facial could be just the thing for giving you a gorgeous glow – as long as you aren’t easily put off by goo.
Geisha facial
There was a time when admitting to having bird poo applied to your face would have meant instant social alienation. Now, thanks to the geisha facial, which uses nightingale droppings, it’s just another way to keep your complexion clear. Put off by the poo? Thankfully the droppings are sanitised before use – phew!
Baobab massage
If you’re nuts about massage treatments, then baobab therapy ought to be right up your street. Incorporating oil from the baobab tree, and sometimes even using whole nuts as tools, this unusual massage can help to stimulate the metabolism, boost the lymphatic system and remove toxins. Best to see a trained therapist, though – trying it DIY-style with walnuts just won’t have the same effect...
Think that snakeskin only looks good on snakes? Why not opt for a two week manicure treatment for a longer-lasting look that’s completely scale free.
