Scarlet and Gray Nails for The Game: Ohio State vs Michigan Nail Ideas

The Game is back in Columbus this year. Ohio State hosts Michigan at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 28, with a noon kickoff on FOX. It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which means family in town, a full calendar and nails that need to look good in every tailgate photo.

Here's how to plan your game day nails without the stress.

When to book

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest weeks of the year for nail salons around Columbus. If you want game day nails, plan for these windows:

• Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. Our best pick. Gel and dip will look fresh on Saturday, and you skip the Wednesday rush.
• Friday after Thanksgiving. Works well, but book ahead. Lots of people are off work that day.
• Game day morning. Possible if you're watching from home, but don't cut it close if you're heading to campus. Traffic around the stadium starts early.

Both Aventus salons are open Monday to Saturday 10 to 7 and Sunday 11 to 6. Our Polaris salon is on Polaris Parkway near the Chase McCoy Center, and Lewis Center is next to Bath and Body Works in the Walmart and Kohl's center.

Scarlet and gray ideas that still look grown up

You don't need a giant Block O on every finger. These are the looks our guests ask for most.

Scarlet with one gray accent

A deep scarlet gel on four nails and a silver chrome or soft gray on the ring finger. Clean, easy, and it still works for Thanksgiving dinner.

Gray French tips with a scarlet line

A soft nude base, gray tips, and a thin scarlet line under the tip. Subtle enough for the office on Monday.

Buckeye brown and scarlet

A glossy brown accent nail with a tiny tan dot looks like a buckeye. Pair it with scarlet on the other nails. Fans love this one because it's a little clever.

Chrome or cat eye in red

If you want shine for night photos, add chrome or cat eye on top of red gel. It catches the stadium lights and the tailgate string lights.

Nail art at Aventus starts at $10 for French and simple designs and runs up to $25 for more detailed work. Chrome or cat eye starts at $15. Your technician quotes the design before starting, so there are no surprises.

What lasts through a long game day

Game day is rough on nails. Cold air, hand warmers, cans, keys, flags and a lot of clapping.

• Gel manicure ($45). Our go to pick. Dry when you leave, shiny all day, and lasts about two weeks.
• Dip powder (from $55). Tougher if you're hard on your hands. Great if you'll be carrying coolers and chairs.
• Builder gel (from $65 for an overlay). Best if your natural nails bend or peel. Adds strength without extensions.
• Gel X ($65). If you want length and a sharp almond or coffin shape for photos.

Regular polish looks great in the chair, but it can chip by halftime on a cold, busy day. If you're going to the stadium, go gel or dip.

Quick tips from our team

1. Bring a photo. Screenshot the design you love. It's the fastest way to get exactly what you want.
2. Pick your shade of red in person. Scarlet looks different under salon lights, daylight and phone flash. Ask to see a swatch on one nail first.
3. Think about Thanksgiving too. A scarlet and gray set lands the day after Thanksgiving dinner, so pick a look you'll like at the table too.
4. Add hand cream to your bag. Cold November air dries cuticles fast. A little cream keeps your manicure looking fresh in photos.

Quick answers

How far ahead should I book for Thanksgiving week?

About a week ahead for Friday and Saturday. Earlier in the week is easier.

Can I get a different design on each hand?

Yes. Mix and match is common for game day. Just ask your technician.

Do you do toes too?

Yes. A scarlet pedicure is an easy match. Our pedicures start at $40.

Go Bucks. We'll get your nails ready.