Nail Salons in Ukraine: A Colorful Stand Against War's Devastation and Despair

In the heart of Ukraine, as the specter of war looms large, nail salons have emerged as unexpected bastions of resilience and hope. Viktoria Gulieva, a 30-year-old beautician, embodies this spirit as she settles into a hot-pink armchair, her pregnant belly draped in a denim tube dress and her white Pomeranian resting on her lap. With careful precision, a salon worker applies delicate pale pink polish to her toenails, separated by heart-shaped foam. "We do our nails because this is like emotional support for us," Gulieva shares, reflecting the emotional toll the war has exacted on so many. "We do something to feel better. Because of everything going on, because of the war, we are on an emotional edge." While the war has brought devastation and despair, the act of maintaining beauty has become a crucial ritual for many Ukrainian women. It provides a flicker of normalcy amid chaos—a small rebellion against the harsh realities of daily life in a conflict zone. The tradition of pampering oneself may seem trivial when the country faces bombardments and advancing troops, yet it serves as an unyielding assertion that the war has not and will not break the spirit of the Ukrainian people. Even in a landscape marked by power outages and the ever-present wail of air-raid sirens, women are determined to keep up appearances. A polished bank teller, a waitress with creatively painted nails, and a government worker who has faced unimaginable grief still find ways to adorn themselves, each nail serving as a canvas for expression. Ukrainian women are known for their creativity in nail art, and this has only intensified since the invasion. Patriotic colors—blue and yellow—have become emblematic, with nails often adorned with symbols reflective of national pride, like sunflowers and red poppies. The transformation of nails into symbols of resilience extends beyond mere aesthetics. Tragically, they have also served as identifiers for victims of the war. The daughter of a clinic employee killed by missile debris recognized her mother by her signature pink manicure with white polka dots, a poignant reminder of the lives lost amid the conflict. Beauty salons such as Kukla, where Gulieva frequents, thrive in this atmosphere of quiet defiance. Donna Todorova, the salon’s manager, notes the uplifting effects of beauty rituals, coining the phrase the "red lipstick effect." The determination of women to maintain their beauty routines, even when faced with the specter of war, reflects a deep-seated resilience. "Our women are unstoppable," she asserts. As the war stretches into its third year, the patterns of manicures have subtly shifted. While patriotic symbols were once prevalent, current trends lean towards more understated styles, such as nudes and French manicures. This evolution mirrors the emotional state of a populace that is weary yet resolute, seeking practicality amid ongoing strife. Yet, the creative spirit remains alive. Young nail masters still express their artistry, crafting intricate designs that bring joy and beauty into the lives of their clients. Each woman who walks into a salon carries her own war story, a testament to the blend of hardship and hope that defines life in Ukraine today. Take Iryna Davydovych, who owns a salon in Bucha, a town once overtaken by Russian troops. After the conflict forced her family into the basement and the salon was left in ruins, she reopened as soon as electricity was restored, showcasing her unwavering determination. "Sometimes you sit down and cry," Davydovych admits. "But in the morning, you get up, put on lipstick, go out looking beautiful and water the flowers." In a world fractured by war, nail salons like Kukla and Profi have become sanctuaries for expression, community, and survival. On days when air raid sirens echo through the streets, women still arrive for their appointments. When missiles struck the capital recently, the spirit of camaraderie prevailed, with services continuing after the danger passed. As the war in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, the significance of these small acts of self-care becomes even clearer. For these women, maintaining their beauty is not merely about aesthetics; it's a testament to resilience, an assertion of identity, and a steadfast refusal to surrender to despair. In every painted nail lies a story of survival, hope, and the enduring spirit of a nation at war.