At Kiyosa, your nails are canvases for superb artwork

The first salon in the country specializing in Japanese gel nail art has officially opened in the Philippines. Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty is now ready to pamper Filipinas and transform tips into works of art. 

 

To showcase Kiyosa nail artists' prowess, the salon put up a fashion show during its official launch last October 3 at F1 Hotel Manila in Taguig, hosted by socialite and nail art enthusiast Tessa Prieto-Valdes. It featured five themes: Harajuku, Holiday and Glam, Jungle Fever, Sporty and Summer, and Wedding—with three nail designs for each theme. 

 

The Harajuku fashion segment showed colorful scenes from one of Japan's famous districts. Models who were in their vivid color block ensemble even made the segment louder with their kawaii (cute) nail arts. The Harajuku designs are a must-try for all the girls who love to have fun. 

Summer is the perfect time to show off perfectly manicured nails. But at Kiyosa, well-groomed nails are just the beginning. During the Sporty and Summer fashion segment, the nail salon gave a glimpse of getting the tropics painted on to your tips. And for girls who love sports, forget the face paint or the jerseys. Express your support through Kiyosa's nail art. 

 

The nail art based on the theme Jungle Fever was the wildest segment during the fashion show. The models were in their safari-inspired and animal print outfits and ferocious claws. 

 

The Holiday and Glam, meanwhile, pushed the spotlight back to elegance. For this segment, Kiyosa nail artists featured the designs that their customers can wear to their Holiday parties and other merrymaking activities.

 

Are wedding bells in the air for you? The Japanese salon can also glam up the nails of brides-to-be on the most romantic day of their lives. While most brides prefer French manicures and other conservative nail designs on their wedding day to highlight their gown, Kiyosa showed that your nails also deserve some special treatment.  
 

How Kiyosa nails are done 

 

Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty offers a wide range of designs of nail art through its unique technique. The salon uses a synthetic resin—which comes from Japan—that hardens through UV or LED light. The gel has the texture of honey, but it dries up faster than most ordinary nail polish. 

 

This kind of gel allows nail artists to make color gradient designs or add sparkly stones or 3D effects. Customers can choose pre-designed nail art or direct their own design. The procedure takes an hour or two to finish. 

 

Depending on how one takes care of their nails, this nail art can last up to three to four weeks and protect thin nails from cracking or breaking. Its colors and finish won't fade, but it can be easily removed using acetone. 

 

To offer this kind of nail art in the country, Kiyosa flew Japanese nail artists from Japan to train its Filipino staff. The nail artists should pass five levels of certificates, then are re-evaluated every three months. 
 

Kiyosa's genesis 

 

The salon is the brainchild of 26-year-old fashion enthusiast Kiyosa Kato, hence the salon's name. The light-bulb moment happened when she joined her husband for a business trip in the Philippines in 2013. During her visit, she found out that there were only a few salons in the country that offered serious nail art. Those that she did find offered conservative designs done in basic techniques. 

 

Kiyosa also felt a special connection with the Filipino women. "Having been raised in a female-dominated family, I felt and even had stronger connection to women through Filipinas. How they work hard for their family is highly admirable," she said. 

 

As someone who worked while studying in a university, she also understands the value of pampering oneself after a long day. To this, she said, "I started the business because I wish to give women a great venue to relax and be more beautiful and radiant."
 

For Kiyosa, nail care is just another form of art and beauty. The nails are the blank canvasses ready to be transformed into the most expressive tips. She believes that beauty should be part of life.

 

She said, "We only have one life to live so we should beautify, learn, and enjoy life!" 

 

Aside from nail art, the salon also offers eyelash extensions under the direction of a Japanese expert. Two months from now, Kiyosa also plans to offer hair services, the owner told the press through an interpreter. 

 

She is also planning to put up a school in the Philippines that will give professional training in nail art, eyelash extensions, and haircare services to those interested. They will also help them get licenses locally and abroad. 

 

Now that Kiyosa salon has officially opened in Bonifacio High Street, branches in Makati, Ortigas, and Alabang are expected to pop up soon. — VC, GMA News