50 in 50: Best Black Nail Techs & Salons In The Country
PUBLISHED: Aug 9, 2019 11:03 AM
For women, nails are an essential part of our pampering process. Our nails allow us the ability to get creative. We can rock long acrylic nails, do a gel or powder dip, or go for a more natural look. Nailcare can be a little tricky, especially when it comes to finding an experienced nail technician in your area who works in a welcoming, relaxing and fun space.
We’ve decided to help you find your new nail tech. Here are the best black-owned nail salons and technicians in the U.S.
Alabama
Right now, Nakkia Smith is offering back to school specials for full sets, which usually last about six weeks.
Arizona
Meza, AZ
Kia’s clients love her play on colors, animals and encapsulated designs, like pictured below. Her detailing is amazing, they almost look natural.
Arkansas
Little Rock Nail Salon
Little Rock, Arkansas
Check out Nailtorious Roz’s page for discounts like $20 Tuesdays. Feast your eyes on this olive green/glitter set.
California
Los Angeles, CA
Owner Joy Terrell opened the first and only powder dip nail salon in LA not offering gel. Powder Nails & Facial Bar’s mantra is “healthy beauty can be beautiful,” offering luxury services at an affordable price.
Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO
At Tina’s Hair & Nail Boutique, you can get your hair and nails done at the same time. She specializes in natural hair and does makeup as well.
Connecticut
Hartford, CT
Z Luxury Nails is Connecticut’s premier natural nail salon, voted Best of Hartford four times in a row. Z, always has their customer’s best interest in mind, using disposable plastic liners for pedicures and manicures to limit the spreading of germs and bacteria.
Delaware
Wilmington, DE
Owner Angel has been hustling, graduating from her nail tech school in March and opening a nail shop just two months later. She does everything from acrylic and gel to natural nails.
Florida
Dania Beach, FL
I love the way Keisha the NailBully bodied this mint tip colored set. Simple but vibrant and the added jewels are a nice touch.
Georgia
Atlanta, GA
People ask me all the time who comes up with the most creative color patterns and blinged-out nails, I’ll finally share my secret weapon, Mizz Shay Nails in Atlanta. I’ve been her loyal customer over the last few months, letting her do whatever she creatively pleases. You’ll love it no matter what!
Hawaii
Ewa Beach, HI
While on vacation in Hawaii, singer/songwriter Dani Leigh tapped licensed cosmetologist Timia Lavender. Her sculpting skills are on point and she loves neon colors.
Illinois
Chicago, IL
Beautiful Sisters Spa specialized in custom sculpted nails and deluxe pedicures. The company recently closed down one of their two locations for renovations, so business must be booming.
Indiana
Nail Camino
Indianapolis, IN
Get your nails done anywhere with Nail Camino, Indianapolis’ mobile nail salon. You can find owner Angela Webb and her mobile nail truck at local events and pop-ups. Private parties are also available for booking.
Iowa
Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Licensed cosmetologist Sakina Jones is your one-stop-shop for your hair and needs. Quench your thirst on this Sprite-inspired ombre set.
Kansas
Coffeyville, KS
Self-taught nail tech Tamara Starr is changing the world one rhinestone at a time. She’s totally equipped and prepared for whatever style, length or color.
Kentucky
Louisville, KY
I don’t know about yall but I’m trying to get Nailed Out by Tee Rutledge and her scented cuticle oil pens in Louisville. Tee also hosts coaching classes, by appointment only.
Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
NOLA nail tech Bianca Williams-Banks also known as Beedy the Black Nail Tech, was one of the first featured nail artists on TNT’s hit television series “Claws.” She’s also worked with Solange on her ASOS cover shoot.
Maryland
District Heights, MD
Experience glitter and glam nails at Cre8tions Nail Spa. Just ask for Sarah Nicole, she’ll be the one playing in glitter and drawing detailed designs.
Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Christina B. effortlessly slays any ombre, bright colored or blinged-out full sets. She also supports her other nail industry sisters by sharing their pages on social media.
Michigan
Lady Glam Beauty Bar
Detroit, Michigan
If you’re on the Westside, stop by Lady Glam Beauty Bar and get a full ombre set from De’jah, it’s her specialty.
Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
Located inside the Beauty Lounge Minneapolis, the Nail Bar is only open Tuesday- Saturday. While you’re under the hot dryer, why not get your nails done too?
Mississippi
JSU Nail Studio
Jackson, MS
Erica Gates was featured as one of the VIBE magazine’s nail artists to follow on Instagram, known for her holiday-themed nails and her unique abstract patterns.
Missouri
St. Louis, MO
Owned by Sara Winbush, Beauty Mark Spa will give you the ultimate girly experience. Decked out in bright pink, this salon specializes in acrylic, gel, and unique designs.
Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
No matter the time of day, you can fix your nail immediately after it breaks at this 24/7 nail salon. Most women hate walking around with a cracked nail, let alone a broken one. Get Nailed 24/7 has you covered.
New Jersey
Bella Nail Lounge & Beauty Bar
Newark, New Jersey
“Hey Girl Hey”, screams the staff at Bella’s. Located in Downtown Newark, this black-owned nail salon decorated with golden chairs and pedicure sinks.
New York
Harlem, NY
Actress, singer and creative director, Teyana Taylor, opened this ’90s-inspired nail salon with train seating and graffiti walls, named after her daughter. The artists there can create anything you want, retro styles, acrylic, gel, natural — everything.
North Dakota
Minot, ND
Get long-lasting quality nail services at Polished Klauxs Studio in Minot. Veterans are welcome and respected and receive 10% off select services.
North Carolina
Jacksonville, NC
Divine Designz Nail Salon is a Christian based beauty and nail salon, where stiletto nails and natural nail care are their specialties.
Ohio
Polizhed Natural Nail Studio & Product Line
Beachwood, Ohio
Aside from her daily customers, natural care specialist Brittany Foster hosts 1-on-1 and group sessions to teach prospective nail techs how to provide quality natural nail service.
Oregon
Hammer & Nails Grooming For Guys
Portland, Oregon
Fellas need good manicures and pedicures too! Founded by Michael Elliot, Hammer & Nails specializes in hand and foot grooming, haircuts, and straight-razor shaves in relaxed man care nirvana. They have several locations across the country including locations in California, Florida, Atlanta, New York, and Portland.
Pennsylvania
Koko Nail Salon and Wax Studio
Philadelphia, PA
This award-winning boutique is the perfect destination for pampering praised for its customer service. “Nail art has become fancier and a lot more mainstream, so what was once more process-oriented has changed to more customer-oriented,” founder Onisha Claire said.
Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
Haitian nail tech Nathaly expresses her art through the beauty of various nails designs and colors.
South Carolina
Colombia, SC
Traveling celebrity nail tech Alicia B is known for her creative styles and color patterns without polish.
Texas
Arlington, TX
Palms Nail Bar specializes in manicures, pedicures, gel polish, acrylic, pink and white, and colorful nail art like this cloudy design.
Tennessee
Tamesheia Scott has been cornering the nail game for a minute in Tennessee. Her clients will drive all the way from Downtown Nashville, which is about 30 min away just to sit just sit in her chair.
Virginia
Simply Panache Nail Bar & Pedi Spa
Hampton, Virginia
Relax, rejuvenate and build relationships at Simply Panache Nail Bar & Pedi Spa, where luxury and style meets great customer service.
Washington
Traveling up and down the east coast is celebrity stylist DeJuan and The De Glam Shoppe- a mobile RV hair and nail salon, showing the world her 15 years of experience as a hairstylist and nail technician.
Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
The largest black-owned nail salon in the state is Bijou Nails & Company, owned by Tokara Whitman. Here “Bijou,” which means jewels and elegance.
