Let’s have a big hand for nails

When Chanel's Jade polish launched to a waiting list of 150 this month it was the final confirmation that "It nails" would be replacing "It shoes" this season. But it's no good just giving nails a slick of red. Whether it's with animal prints or chromes, nails have now got to make a statement. "Girls like Lily Allen and Lady Gaga are rocking really cool nail designs and leading the way," says Jessica Hoffman, chief manicurist for Sally Hansen. While Beyoncé has been getting her digits "Minxed" with elaborate foil designs, Gossip Girl star Blake Lively has had lace glued to her fingernails, and Lady Gaga sports pink bows on her tips. With nail art boutiques such as Wah Nails cropping up on the trendy Kingsland Road, and Minx nails hitting Groom at Selfridges and Hari's salon, we decided to experiment with the latest trends.

Nail art by Jessica Hoffman

Jessica can do just about any design you like, from half-moons and coloured tips to leopard print and diamanté accessories.

As seen on: Lady Gaga is the greatest supporter of nail art. Lindsay Lohan, Katy Perry and Rihanna have also sported leopard spots, smiley faces and nail jewels. Jessica has personally buffed the nails of Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett and Lily Allen.

Painting process: To avoid the dangerous ground of tacky talons, Jessica recommends keeping embellished nails short and going for "accent nails" on a couple of fingers. I went for red and pink leopard print on my little and ring fingers. This was the swiftest nail painting I've ever experienced, despite the detail. Jessica sweeps on the pink polish in arcs, then uses a tiny paintbrush and toothpick to create the spots.

Nailed? Happily my fingers don't look at all like they could belong to Fergie of Black Eyed Peas and instead are quite cute. I could even be persuaded to go a bit bolder next time.

Get the look: Mani: £28. Jessica is at John Frieda, Mayfair Wednesday to Saturday, 4 Aldford Street, W1, 020 7491 0840, www.johnfrieda.co.uk
Jasmine Gardner

Minx Nails

Minx is the new celeb favourite - made of film, not polish. A solid nail coating, it comes in hundreds of designs and sparkly metallics. A heat-activated adhesive backing seals the film onto the nail. It's waterproof and you remove it by placing your nails under a heat source such as a hair dryer and slowly peeling off.

As seen on: Christina Aguilera, Renée Zellweger, Rihanna and Beyoncé.

Painting process: I've opted for gold metallic, a favourite with Beyoncé. At Hari's salon, long glittering strips are applied to my nails under heat. After smoothing precisely, the giant talons are trimmed. It takes less than an hour to do both fingers and toes - and my nails are ready to go immediately. I can read, pick up my bag and wear shoes without any fears of smudging.

Nailed? Minx nails have an astonishing effect on people. At first I worry I look a bit Birds of a Feather but women pounce on you at parties and demand to know the technique. Even the sports desk in my office are fascinated - probably because it resembles car laminate. My toes are still going strong after a week but nails need to be done just before a special occasion as they do chip on the index fingers.

Get the look: £35 for fingernails, £45 for toes. Hari's, 305 Brompton Road, SW3, 020 7581 5211, www.minxmynails.co.uk
Liz Hoggard

Neville Matte Manicure

This manicure uses matte polish, deliberately giving you the opposite of traditional sheen.

As seen on: Gwyneth Paltrow and edgy but groomed types who want their nails to match their on-trend leather and velvet and distressed accessories.

Painting process: A normal manicure getting your nails and hands looking pretty, the only difference is the kind of polish used. It's not shiny or reflective but textured. It's something akin to when you used to paint your nails with Tipp-Ex at school - only better looking.

Nailed? Kind of cool. An interesting non-Wag look. And a great hand massage too.

Get the look: £40, Neville Hair and Beauty, 5 Pont Street, SW1X, 020 7235 3654 www.nevillehairandbeauty.net or invest in some matte polish of your own. O.P.I. Nail Lacquer has a whole range.
Olivia Cole