When it comes to appreciating nail art, we have to mention the world-famous esthetician and humanities scholar Richard Schusterman in the 90s of the 20th century put forward the theory of body aesthetics, on this basis, domestic scholars such as Professor Cheng Xiangzhan of the Literature and Art Aesthetics Research Center of Shandong University proposed that the body can be used as an aesthetic object and aesthetic subject. As an aesthetic object, the body becomes an object created and processed by the aesthetic subject (i.e., a person) that carries his thoughts, feelings and aesthetic tastes; As an aesthetic subject, the body can experience a wealth of meanings and emotions through "sensations" such as smell, taste, touch, and muscle movement perception. In other words, through physical training and physical feelings, a deeper and more dynamic understanding of life related to art and aesthetics can be obtained. The same theory applies to nails as a part of the body.
In the process of making nail art, nails have become aesthetic objects, and have been given the expectation of being good-looking and suitable for themselves. Nail art is also because of its gorgeous and colorful appearance, which visually arouses people's feelings of beauty; There is also the perception of hand muscles during the treatment and massage, etc., which brings people a series of different experiences.
In addition, the traditional Chinese concept of "heavy body" and the concept of "micro" also provides sufficient theoretical support for the aesthetics of nail art.
Traditional Chinese thought regards the body as the origin of all things, and it is necessary to pay attention to and care for the body and maintain absolute respect for it. Don't dare to destroy, the beginning of filial piety", this is the most classic expression of the idea of "self-reliance". The classical Chinese aesthetic thought also emphasizes the importance of the "small" and the small, the so-called "see the big in the dust, and the meaning is clear between the words", and the "micro" is still in order to "see the big with the small", and see a higher level of artistic conception from the small and small.
The emphasis on the body and the "tiny" has led to a special affection for the nails at the end of the body since ancient times. About before the Tang Dynasty, there was already a custom of dyeing nails in China. And the ancients would also find ways to protect their nails, which led to the creation of finger guards. Long-grown, good-looking nails represented the rights and status of this person in ancient times, and "ten fingers do not touch the spring water" in order to raise good-looking nails.
Nowadays, the class meaning represented by nail art no longer exists, everyone can do nail art, and nail art has become one of the ways for people to decorate themselves and relax. People are keen to do all kinds of nail art, not only for the meticulous pursuit of the beauty of the human body, but also because they feel cherished and affirmed for their bodies from the heart, and are willing to embrace and love themselves more actively, freely and sincerely, to meet their spiritual needs to a certain extent, no longer only cater to the aesthetics of others, no longer let the body be in a passive position of being gazed at, and no longer give up any tiny part of their body to others.
The emotional value of nail art
Although nail art is expensive, there are still many people who like to get their nails, and in addition to loving beauty, another important reason is that nail art can provide emotional value.
In 2018, Kong Shimanqi from the Department of Fine Arts of Donghua University investigated the reasons why some Chinese women do nail art, and the results showed that Chinese women do nail art mainly because of the needs of special occasions (such as weddings, parties, etc.) and special festivals, to set off the atmosphere to show that they value it, and more women enjoy the relaxation in the process of nail art.
Analysis of the reasons why Chinese women choose nail art (this question is a multiple-choice question) Source: Reference [4].
In view of the phenomenon that some people will feel much better when they do perfect nails, there are also relevant studies to confirm it. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology in September 2023 by researchers from two universities in Japan showed that nail care can produce effects similar to psychology**, which have a positive impact on an individual's mood and psychology.
On the one hand, this is because people believe that smooth, shiny and attractive nails symbolize health and youthfulness, and that people can enjoy beautiful and healthy nails anytime and anywhere, as opposed to wearing makeup, which can only be seen in a mirror, which in turn improves self-image and self-esteem. As the manicure is done step by step, people feel like they are getting better and healthier from the outside in, and their mood improves.
On the other hand, when doing nail art, people's hands are occupied, and they can't and don't have to pay too much attention to and worry about the outside world, and the brain is emptied, plus the massage and care during the nail art process can relieve the fatigue and tension of the hands, providing a rare moment of relaxation and enjoyment in the current life. At the same time, watching your nails become beautiful and different, you will feel an indescribable sense of accomplishment and confidence.
In addition, if a positive rapport is established between the customer and the nail technician during the manicure, the customer can make a superficial self-disclosure to the nail technician, which can make the customer feel more relaxed. Research shows that people try to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences to other people on a daily basis, and in the early stages of a relationship, self-disclosure often begins with disclosure of one's preferences and daily routines, which has a positive effect on the psychological impact of nail care; However, as intimacy with the nail technician increases, the level of customer self-disclosure, including concerns and personal shortcomings, has a negative impact on these negative personality and abilities.
In short, for beauty lovers, whether it is simply for beauty, or for relaxation, or for special occasions and festivals, nail art has a certain role in promoting.