Many women love a visit to the nail salon, and for those whose natural nails are more on the short side, worry not, artificial nails are here to sort that problem out.

Acrylic nails are the most popular, as they last longer. Also known as ‘powder nails’ (they require a special powder and liquid) to be done, they are now done at very many salons all over Kigali because of the high demand.

Alex Niyozima, a manicurist at Beauty Salon in Kisimenti, says most women, old and young, are opting for artificial nails. It helps that they can be placed on both the finger and toe nails.

"Women nowadays choose artificial nails because with them, one can add patterns and styles and this is because of their length,” says Niyozima.

He adds, "For powder nails, we cut the original top of the nail, add the powder starting at the tip, we wash the whole nail thoroughly, massage it with oil, put base coat to avoid breakage, then lastly apply nail polish according to one’s preferences.”

Rosaline Simbi, a salonist at Angels Salon in Kimisagara Market, says nail polish makes one’s fingers look prettier.

"For those with the habit of nail biting, it makes it hard for them to have their nails done without acrylic nails. If done, they look beautiful and stylish,” she says.

Simbi also says there are two ways to have acrylic nails done; you can place them on the entire nail or just at the tip of the nail, and again, they only come in two colours, white and colourless. But there’s always the option of painting them.

Simbi adds that acrylic nails are always of the same shape, but one can choose to have them pointed, oval, squared, round or box, they are cut according to one’s preference.

It is always great to step out it style, and what better way to do that than by flaunting a really great mani pedi.

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