Japanese for “cute” and “adorable,” it’s an art and fashion style that frequently features cartoonish characters, flourishes like bows and hearts, and the color pink.

Nails by (left to right): Megumi “Meg” Sawase, Gemist Nail Salon, Torrance, Calif.; Amanda Lenher, Posare Salon, Las Vegas; Amanda Stephenson-Bush, Itz a Gurl Thang Nail Shop & More, Lander, Wy.

Visit NAILStv to watch Nail Labo educator Max Estrada create a “kawaii” nail featuring Hello Kitty: nailsmag.com/video/hellokitty.

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