Nail artists don't get enough appreciation in my opinion. Every season, we practically lose it over the creative and intricate designs that show up on award show red carpets [1] and our social media feeds, but sometimes we forget about all the talented manicurists behind them [2]. 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 [3].
There's never a wrong time to share some nail inspiration, and in case you're looking for even more stunning designs to add to your feed, read ahead to check out some of our favourite Black manicurists who should all be on your radar.
Gina Edwards
Gina Edwards is a celebrity nail artist and brand ambassador for KISS, and her feed is filled with tons of eye-popping looks featuring everything from colourful, dotted patterns to animal prints.
Instagram: @ginaedwards_ [4]
Lisa Logan
The better question here is why would you not want to follow Beyoncé's manicurist [5]? Outside of working with Queen B, Lisa Logan is also the owner of a New York City-based salon called The Nail Suite.
Instagram: @lisa_logan [6]
Sadie Jordan
Sadie Jordan is a London-based freelance nail artist who you'll often find backstage at Fashion Week in London, Paris, Milan, and New York. Recently, Jordan has turned her attention to beautiful hand-painted press ons and online masterclasses.
Instagram: @sadiejnails [7]
Mimi Wilson
You can find Mimi Wilson's work in editorials and brand campaigns, and she's worked with stars like Ciara, Skai Jackson, and Tess Holliday. Her Instagram feed is proof that she can nail a unique geometric pattern just as easily as she can wow with a simple, one-shade manicure.
Instagram: nailsbymimi [8]
Gracie J
The fact that Gracie J's work has been featured on Claws should tell you everything you need to know about what you can expect from her Instagram, but just in case it doesn't, many of her looks feature artsy, geometric designs that are out-of-this-world impressive — and you can even purchase some through her online shop [9].
Instagram: @theeditorialnail [10]
LaShaun Graham
LaShaun Graham is a mobile nail technician with a talent for stylish nail art. You'll find her painting intricate and colourful designs on some of South London's famous faces, in addition to creating designs for various ad campaigns and photoshoots.
Instagram: @lg_nailslondon [11]
Lanni Jade
Based out of Cleveland, OH, Lanni Jade is a nail artist and creator of Press'd [12], an online shop where customers outside of where she operates can purchase custom-made press-ons in a variety of stunning designs.
Instagram: @nailsbylanni [13]
Lavette Cephus
Lavette Cephus is a nail artist operating out of Beautè Asylum Salon [14] in Toledo, OH. Many of her looks feature graphic designs, though she also has a running series titled "Nail Attire" on her page, in which she models her manicures after the outfits she wears.
Instagram: @beaute_asylum [15]
Teyana Taylor
The K.T.S.E singer isn't a nail artist herself, but she is the owner of a New York City-based nail salon called Junie Bee Nails [16], which she named after her daughter, Iman Tayla Shumpert Jr., who she nicknamed Junie.
Instagram: @juniebeenails [17]
Joy Terrell
Joy Terrell is the owner of Powder Beauty, a nail salon based in Los Angeles, and you can find plenty of drool-worthy design ideas on her feed.
Instagram: @powderbeauty [18]
Timia Knox
Timia Knox specialises in long, acrylic sets in colourful designs, so be sure to check her out any time you need inspiration for intricate nail art and modern takes on the French manicure.
Instagram: @nailsbytimia [19]
Nettie Davis
Nettie Davis has worked on celebs like Busy Philipps, Storm Reid, and Olivia Wilde [20], but when she's not serving as a manicurist to the stars, she's sharing some of the most mesmerising nail art tutorials on her Instagram feed and teaching her followers how to custom make their own colours.
Instagram: @nettienailsit [21]
Shani Evans
Plenty of Shani Evans's work has been featured in editorials, though she's also created looks for talent like Salem Mitchell and the Haim sisters.
Instagram: @nailsbyshani [22]