<p>Cassie Kohr, Academy of Beauty, Cottleville, Mo. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>

Cassie Kohr, Academy of Beauty, Cottleville, Mo. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

<p>Deborah Brown, Strictly Styles and Profiles Salon, Cleveland, Ohio (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>

Deborah Brown, Strictly Styles and Profiles Salon, Cleveland, Ohio (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

<p>Jessica Rosales, Norma&rsquo;s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>

Jessica Rosales, Norma’s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

<p>Temeka Jackson, New Haven, Conn. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>

Temeka Jackson, New Haven, Conn. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

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<p>Cassie Kohr, Academy of Beauty, Cottleville, Mo. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>
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Cassie Kohr, Academy of Beauty, Cottleville, Mo. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

<p>Deborah Brown, Strictly Styles and Profiles Salon, Cleveland, Ohio (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>
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Deborah Brown, Strictly Styles and Profiles Salon, Cleveland, Ohio (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

<p>Jessica Rosales, Norma&rsquo;s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>
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Jessica Rosales, Norma’s Beauty Salon, Las Vegas (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

<p>Temeka Jackson, New Haven, Conn. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)</p>
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Temeka Jackson, New Haven, Conn. (from left to right: air, fire, earth, water)

The four classical elements — air, fire, earth, and water — have appeared over the ages in many different forms. We asked five nail artists for their own interpretations.

 Photography by Kimberly Pham

To view more themed nail art visit these photo galleries:

Agents of Style: Nail Art on a Mission

Iron Techs: Creative Techs Work With What They’re Given

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