Opt for gilded nails for a glam Dhanteras

It is that time of the year when we bring out our best outfits, jewellery, footwear and makeup. So why should our nails be left behind? When done right, they can add just the right touch of glamour to complete the festive look. And what better occasion than Dhanteras to experiment with bold gold or shimmering gold-toned nail caps?

WHAT ARE NAIL CAPS

They are a detachable nail accessory that sits on top of the nails. These caps are available in a range of finishes, including gold, silver, chrome, and embellished designs. Heetanshi Jain, nail art technician, says, “Gold nail caps are easily wearable. You don’t have to spend much time in the salon or deal with the hassle of working with nail extensions on. You also don’t have to stress about the paint chipping off or the nail falling off. They offer a quick, damage-free way to add instant drama and shine to your manicure.”

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST

Budget range (₹400–₹800 per set) Made from light, plated alloys. Ideal for one-off festive looks. However, they are not very durable and may lose their finish over time.

Mid-range (₹1,000 ₹2,500 per set) Offer a better fit and sturdier material. Often made of stainless options with finer finishes and delicate embellishments like small kundan or pearls.

Premium range (₹3,000 ₹10,000 and above per set) Typically gold-plated, designer-made, or hand-etched. May include vermeil, heavy kundan work, or intricate detailing. Boutique custom pieces in Mumbai fall into this bracket. For those with a bigger budget, nail caps can even be crafted in real gold, diamonds, or other precious stones.

STYLING TIPS

• Highlight your middle and ring fingers with gold caps and keep the rest in festive nail shades like red, pink, or maroon for subtle drama
• Place a single full gold cap on the ring finger and do delicate nail art on the other fingers for a balanced, elegant look
• Go full glam with all fingers covered in gold caps, paired with chunky jewellery and a statement ring, especially on short nails
• Complement the caps with subtle nail art such as tiny kundan or pearl studs along the cuticle line or centre of the cap
• Use matte maroon or emerald bases on uncapped nails with glossy gold caps for a chic and sophisticated look
• Create a gold-glitter gradient on uncapped nails to tie the hand together visually
• Mix hammered-metal finish caps with polished ones for a stylish, mixed-texture manicure.

(As suggested by Heetanshi Jain, nail art technician)

Style your nails by pairing gold-toned nail caps with chunky gold rings, intricate bangles, or elegant hand chains to create a striking festive statement. These caps blend beautifully with ethnic outfits, adding a regal touch. Keep your attire simple so your glowing nails remain the highlight of your look

Khushi Agarwal, nail artist