"One snake's trash is another nail's treasure," says California bio sculpture artist Terri Silacci. She came up with the newest (and most costly) nail craze: Snakeskin manicures. Kind of like nail decals, but with real animal skin (don't worry, it's cruelty-free!). "Initially, clients are always skeptical and think it's weird, but then they see it and want it right away."
The snakeskin manicure combines application techniques from Minx and Shellac, and takes roughly around two and a half hours for a full set. Terri first begins by applying and curing a gel base in a UV light box. After she custom-cuts and applies snakeskin to each finger, she maneuvers and trims for a perfect fit. Finally, she seals the application with clear lacquer.
This nail treatment can run anywhere from $150 to $300, so it's definitely a splurge. Would you shell out the dough for this serpentine style? Check out the video below to see the manicure how-to, and voice your thoughts below.
Image courtesy of Terri Silacci & The Today Show
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Jan 27, 2013
Stephanie B.
As a snake owner and professional manicurist , I can't see a problem. I know that Seth our royal pythan is kept very clean. I have tried this technquine and it looks very effective over coloured gel. the shed skin its self was carefully cleaned and left to dry out. So no chance of catching anything!
Jul 12, 2012
Melissa W.
I would be a little concerned about diseases, hence the reason your supposed to wash your hands when you interact with your reptile in any way. Its a cool look tho but not one that I'm interested in having on myself lol
Apr 23, 2012
Xuan N.
while i'm not grossed out by reptiles at all, i think i'd rather use synthetic material to recreate both the texture and print. i loooove this look.
Jul 17, 2011
Lissa L.
Ehh, pretty gross. I'd much rather have a hand painted job rather than having dead skin glued onto my nails. Then again, I grew up in snake country. Maybe more reserved people would find this edgy and necessary.
Jun 27, 2011
Buddy H.
I definitely have a big adorable orange snake named Loki, so I find this kinda disgusting. Not to mention when he shed - his skin is all dirty from his enclosure and not something i'd want on my hands.
May 20, 2011
Jo J.
Certainly not my cup of tea~ I'm not a fan of animal prints and/or reptile skin items to begin with so, I too, will pass on these. While I'm really not a fan of reptiles, I sincerely hope that none of them are harmed for this so called "trend". Totally against animal cruelty in any shape or form.
May 19, 2011
Krystal C.
Very interesting.. a little unattractive for me personally, I'm not an animal/reptile print kinda gal. But I do think it's highly creative.
May 19, 2011
Karen Y.
Snake skin products in the fashion industry (garment, bags, shoes etc) come from farmed snakes that are raised just to have their skin cut and stripped off their bodies, afterwards being left in a pile to die over the next several days. I'm bringing this up because I question what exactly "dead skin" refers to, whether it is snake molting (the shed skin) or the actual once alive- but now dead by being cut up. Sorry for the gross description girls..
May 19, 2011
Victoria S.
May 19, 2011
Leah M.
That looks kind of gross, not the pattern but the texture. Real snakeskin is well, scaly. Who wants scaly nails???
May 19, 2011
Paige B.
Ew. yuck. no. I like the print, but I'd rather not have real snake skin on me. yuck.