Shocking purple tips are a step on the conservative French manicure.

Highlighter shades are painting nails bright and colourful. For spring, neon colours, originally popular in the 1980s, are adding fresh appeal to nails. Pop star Rihanna is one person who sports the trend. They are usually worn as one flat shade without much decoration. Flair has spotted Jamaican women who are also indulging in the colours.

Keneisha Brown, a nail technician at Desi's Nails, did a few variations on how you can highlight your nails.

Have no time to get to the salon? Try picking up these shades at a beauty-supply store and add a little brightness to your life.

Models: Shelly Edwards, Lavern Parchment and Arlene Campbell. Nails done courtesy of Desi's Nails, Shop 15, Princeville Commercial Centre, Kingston 8.

A fistful of colour. Airbrushed shocking pink and blue accentuate a lightning bolt of red.

Want the colour without the shine? Try this hue, turned-over turquoise from China Glaze.

No time for the salon? Pick up your favourite brilliant colours at a beauty-supply store.