Festive theme nails point to growing trend

Now nails are making a statement, with motifs including snowflakes, Santa and reindeer available for women who want to look the part for partying.

Talk of building an Olympic legacy has been rife since the summer's successful games, and the latest trend also owes its origins to London 2012. Women showed their support by sporting union flag themed fingers decorated in red, white and blue, and the craze has continued. Beauty salons are offering extra Christmas bling for the big day, including gift-wrap varnishes as well as other daring designs.

Kelly Murray, who owns the Beauty Boutique in Swallow Croft, Lichfield, said nail art had been a real hit this year. "It has just got bigger as the year has gone on," she said. "Everyone is loving a bit of nail art and my customers have gone mad for Rudolph, snowflakes and Christmas jumper nails."

At Nails 4 U in Princes Square, Wolverhampton, nail technician Andrew Tran said staff enjoyed painting the themed nails for customers.

"It is great fun to do. The main thing we are doing at the moment seems to be holly and Christmas trees. We also have the airbrush designs which are popular.

"Snowflakes are also a favourite."