Nail artists don’t get enough appreciation. The creativity they show through their art form on social media platforms like Instagram is simply out of this world. There are plenty of nail pros on social media that are more than deserving of our attention, and that especially goes for the Black women who often set these nail-art trends. If you’re looking for stunning designs to add to your feed, read on to check out seven of our favorite Black nail technicians who should definitely be on your radar.
@nailsbycanishiea
Canishiea Sams specializes in hand-painted luxury press-on nails and hand-crafted nail care, and is well known for my abstract nail art, unique color palettes, and a passion for nail health. Most of the nails are almond-shaped and on the shorter end of the spectrum, and she has collaborated with brands like Sally Hansen, Mani Me, CND, and Facebook.
@ginaedwards_
Celebrity nail artist Gina Edwards, a native New Yorker, first discovered her passion for nails during her studies as a psychology major to help pay for college expenses. She’s a brand ambassador for KISS and has led numerous fashion shows from Calvin Klein, Rebecca Minkoff, Alice and Olivia, & Burberry. Her feed is filled with tons of eye-popping looks featuring everything from colorful, dotted patterns to animal prints.
@ajackdannie
Brooklyn-based Aja Walton churns out pop-style designs with logos, references to musical artists, and graphic prints. By day she is a data analyst, shamelessly crunching numbers in the media industry but her passion for creativity led Walton to become a self-taught nail artist specializing in custom nail art design, which she refers to as “ten mini masterpieces.” This year, Walton used her artistic talents in the latest ‘Making Black History Now’ campaign with MTV to create custom nail sets inspired by some of today’s biggest acts in music. “It’s such an honor to be sharing nail art in the coolest of spaces. To all the talented nail artists & painters that have stretched & influenced me, thank you so much. let’s keep pushing boundaries for what them nails do,” Walton said in an interview withGlobal Grind.
@juniebeenails
Teyana Taylor’s Harlem-based salon specializes in extra-long acrylic designs. Named after her daughter, Junie Bee Nail Salon had to close due to the pandemic, but this year the K.T.S.E singer is set to buy a block for her nail salon. “I always wanted to open up a nail salon in Harlem, mainly to spread more opportunity in my community, because there are so many young girls out there who are so talented but their work is not being seen, or they’re being distracted by other things,” said Taylor in a 2018 interview.
@lisa_logan
Lisa Logan is a 25-year veteran of the nail industry, the owner of a New York City-based salon called The Nail Suite and Beyoncé’s manicurist. Logan’s manicures have made appearances on stage, in music videos like the hit Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), and on countless red-carpet events. The New York City-based stylist even painted the singer’s nails a sapphire hue for one of her first public appearances after daughter Blue Ivy was born.
@trillanails
Gabbi, the founder of Trilla Nails, is based in North Carolina, studied at NC Nail Academy, and has been licensed since October 2018. Her Instagram feed is filled with lavish, imaginative nail designs. She also offers made-to-order and monochrome color press-on sets, which are available online.
@nailsbylanni
Based in Cleveland, Lanni Jade is a nail artist and creator of Press’d, an online shop where customers can purchase custom-made press-ons in a variety of stunning designs. She’s also the co-owner of Wolfie White, which is the world’s longest-lasting White gel polish.
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Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
