Nail Salons in Ukraine: Beauty and Resilience Amidst the Ashes of War

In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the ravages of war and the relentless din of conflict, nail salons have emerged as unexpected sanctuaries of resilience and hope. For many Ukrainian women, the simple act of getting a manicure transcends cosmetic indulgence; it has become a vital ritual that nurtures emotional well-being in precarious times. Viktoria Gulieva, a 30-year-old beautician, embodies this sentiment as she sits in a vibrant salon chair, her pregnant belly adorned in a chic denim tube dress while her white Pomeranian rests on her lap. As a skilled nail technician carefully paints her toenails a soft pale pink, Gulieva reflects on the vital role these beauty rituals play. "We do our nails because this is like emotional support for us," she explains, indicating how such practices provide a momentary escape from the emotional strain of living under threat. "If we get our nails done, we can at least look at our hands and say, 'Those look good.'" While the daily struggle for survival takes precedence in a nation facing relentless bombardment, the act of maintaining one's appearance has evolved into a subtle form of defiance—a statement that Ukraine remains unbroken. Even as power outages and air raid sirens disrupt daily life, the commitment to beauty among Ukrainian women endures. Women across the country are finding ways to adapt their aesthetics, donning practical footwear with their long dresses and crafting intricate hairstyles without the luxury of hot water. The phenomenon has garnered attention from industry leaders like L'Oréal, whose general manager in Ukraine noted the morale-boosting property of beauty rituals, coining it the "red lipstick effect." Even women working in mines—where many men have left to serve in the army—find ways to express their femininity through bright, glamorous nails. Ukrainian women have long been revered for their stunning nail art, and the current crisis has only amplified their creativity. Many of these women are turning their nails into canvases of patriotism, adorning them with the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, sunflowers, or red poppies—a tribute to the war's toll. Among the notable salons, Mimi Miss in Kyiv has taken a bold stance by promoting its services alongside messages that resonate with national pride. The emotional weight of beauty extends beyond personal expression; it has served practical purposes in dire situations. In some cases, manicures have become identifiers in tragedies. A clinic worker killed during a missile strike was recognized by her distinct pink nails adorned with white polka dots, while another victim was identified by her striking red and white manicure. Beyond individual stories, the salons symbolize a collective spirit of resilience. Iryna Davydovych, the owner of a salon in Bucha that was once occupied by Russian troops, recounts the devastation left behind. Yet, after reopening, she and her team have embraced their roles as sources of comfort and beauty for their clients. "Sometimes you sit down and cry," she admits, "but in the morning you get up, put on lipstick, go out looking beautiful and water the flowers." At the Kukla salon, where clients weave their own war stories into their beauty experiences, nail masters are in high demand. One of the most sought-after artisans, Tetiana Kravchenko, has a waiting list that stretches for weeks. Her artistic prowess in nail design has garnered a loyal following, with clients expressing their commitment by following her wherever she works. Despite the ongoing conflict and the shifting trends in nail art—where patriotic themes are giving way to more subdued, practical styles—women continue to find solace in beauty. As the war persists, salons have remained steadfast, with clients refusing to cancel appointments even amid missile strikes. The resilience of these women, reflected in their painted nails and unwavering spirit, stands as a testament to the human capacity to seek beauty and joy, even in the darkest of times. As Ukraine faces an uncertain future, nail salons serve not just as places for pampering but as vital bastions of hope, reminding all of the strength and tenacity of the human spirit.