THIS season, forget about boring pinks, browns and maroons for painting your nails. Be bold and play with the wackiest nail enamels available in the town - red and black and even green and gold.

'Nowadays customers are experimenting with colours like red, black and white. They do not mind flaunting such nail enamels with confidence', said Smith, a manicurist at Sylvie' Saloon here.

Black nail polish has always been associated with the rock lovers and with those who love to be different.

'I have always loved the black nail paint. Though it is very difficult to carry such a bold colour, it surely helps in drawing attention to your hands,' said Neha Madan a college student and rock music lover.

For the people who fancy red, there is good news: various shades of the colour are available to suit Indian complexions.

This is quite a contrast from the recent past when red had virtually gone out of fashion.

Sonika, a beauty specialist at L'Oreal Saloon said: 'Fortunately Indian markets are flooded with various shades of red and this gives customers the freedom to choose the right colour and carry it with confidence.'

In this photograph: Kylie Minogue in black nail polish at the launch of her perfume

Photograph: Getty Images / Paul McConnell