London-based nail artist Jess Young believes designing your nails can be an added way to help people feel “comfortable and confident” in themselves.
But she thinks it also allows self-expression to shine through.
“Within a team everyone has to wear the same kit, but I think what’s so special about getting your nails done is that you can be a lot more individual with it,” the 28-year-old says.
“Because you can do whatever you want on your nails, it doesn’t have to be so ruled in terms of having a certain uniform.
“I think that allows athletes to have a little bit more self-liberation.”
She also feels it allows people to take a moment for themselves, which she says can be “very therapeutic”.
“Athletes have such a busy lifestyle, to be able to take that time to pamper and take care of themselves, I think that also adds to feeling good in your body and feeling confident,” she says.
Showcasing personality in sport through nail design is by no means limited to athletics, with competitors ranging from gymnasts to footballers getting into the salon.
Young, who collaborated with Nike and English footballer Ella Toone on a nail project, thinks we’re “in a time where we’re bridging the gap between sports and fashion”.
“I think nails are just an extension of fashion, your sportswear or how you want to present yourself to the world when you are performing, because essentially being an athlete you are also a performer and you’re on stage,” she adds.