Polished nails are one way students and staff at Southern Nazarene University show their personality through color and design. They are often an expression of personal style and creativity.
SNU professor, Elicia Brannon-Little, D.M., is known for her professional yet fun nail polish around the SNU School of Business. She balances professionalism and pizazz, keeping it both sparkly yet neutral in color while embracing her naturally long nails. Getting her nails done helps Brannon-Little feel put together, and her nails are the main area where she adds a unique element to her style.
“Keep it as professional as possible, but do something that makes you unique too,” she advised. Brannon-Little shared that nail polish is a great way to express yourself and add a little flair to your look. She enjoys dressing up her nails for special occasions, like weddings, often using glitter. She has been getting her nails done since her early 20s. Back then, she chose bright red nails to match the red lipstick she often wore. Later, preferred French tips, but recently she has begun incorporating neutral colors and glitter to her look.
Freshman marketing major, Kaidence Teel, gets her nails done at May Nails and Spa near campus. She often bases her designs on holidays or personal favorites. Recently, she had a set showcasing her favorite fruit, cherries. Her current set includes her favorite pattern, cheetah print. She often uses T.A.P. gel and extension tips.
“They make me feel better. They bring your outfit together and elevate it,” Teel exclaimed. She began getting her nails done at a young age with her mom and sisters, often matching flower patterns. For Teel, nails are also a source of community–a conversation starter with other students and a fun way to spend time with friends.
Freshman elementary education major, Ania Buckner, started doing her own nails two years ago and has turned it into both a hobby and a source of community. Inspired by social media, she watched instructional videos and saved up to buy her own supplies. She began with solid colors, then branched out to designs and added beads. Her artistic skills come from private art lessons in high school, where she learned to paint.
“I fell in love with doing my nails, and it’s my favorite thing to do,” Buckner said. She chooses designs based on events or seasons, for example, matching nails to a black dress with gold jewelry or to the red and orange leaves of autumn. Later, she began doing her sisters’ nails, which led to painting nails for friends and fellow students. She said it is fun to see the ideas others bring her that showcase their individuality.
Nails allow SNU students and faculty express their favorite interests and personalities. They are a key part of campus style and visual culture, helping create bonds among members of the campus community.
Photo Credits: Trynitie Krout, Kaidence Teel, and Magda Buckner