Celebrating Black Excellence: The Significance of Nail Art in the Black Community
Black women are found at the forefront of much of our trends in fashion, beauty, and culture. It is impossible to discuss any of these facets of our life without acknowledging where they originate from. Over the last decade, the resurgence of stylistic nail art has made waves across social media with viral moments from celebrities, influencers, and artists showcasing their grandeur acrylic art. This art form and self expression would not be what it is today without the influence of Black women.
Throughout the decades, acrylic and painted nails have had many eras of significance and relevance in the Black community. The Harlem Renaissance brought a huge shift in self-expression for Black communities with various mediums ranging from music, literature, and fashion which naturally led to nail art being a new space for Black women to create art and community. By the 1960s, acrylic nails were prevalent in the Black community and could be seen on celebrities such as Donayle Luna, the first Black women on the cover of Vogue. By the 70’s, women of color like Donna Summer, Diana Ross, and Millie Jackson had their staple bright red acrylics. Throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s, nail art evolved and thrived within the Black community and became mainstream.
Nails by Gracie J
Now why is nail art relevant? Historically, Black women have faced extreme criticism and harsh scrutiny for their nail choices. As Black women adopted acrylics and nail art, society began to consider it a sign of being “low-class” and it also became another facet of the hyper-sexualization of Black women. Red nails in particular were seen as promiscuous and unprofessional by society which only deepened harmful stereotypes of Black women. Even today, many professional corporate jobs prohibit or frown upon employees with acrylics or long nails and it is no question where some of these notions stem from. By continuously pushing the envelope for what society deems “acceptable”, Black women have pioneered the way for everyone to be able to express themselves through art such as acrylic nails.
Over the decade, many Black nail artists have been able to find their voice and community through their artwork. Here are 7 Black nail artists to support this Black History Month and save for your next acrylic set.
Artist Tolani Rosa has explored nail art for years and describes it as a “gift” to display her artwork on someone’s hands and cares deeply about the importance of self-expression and says nail art is an “immediate glimpse of joy”.
Dawn Sterling is 10 years into her career as an NYC-based fashion manicurist who has worked with designers and artists such as Alicia Keys, Zendaya, Normandy and more!
Gracie J is a visionary who considers herself a “Nail ARTchitect” for her notable dynamic designs that are constantly breaking the barriers of traditional nail art.
Natural nail specialist, Canisheia Sams, has a flair for abstract, funky, and luxurious nail art that is awe-inspiring and leaves a long lasting impression with hand-painted designs. Sams also offers a range of incredible Press On nails for those on the go.
Celebrity nail artist Bernadette Thompson is the creator of the first Black-owned nail brand and one of her notable looks being Lil Kim’s money nails that can even be seen at the MoMA. Thompson offers high-quality polishes and immense attention to detail with every work.
Ohio-based Lavette Cephus has been honing her craft for over 15 years and is the founder of Beautè Asylum Salon Suites. Cephus’ nail art is nothing short of creative excellence with a wide range of artistic designs.
Darnell Atkins is paving the way for Black men as a nail artist who went viral for his art and now is solidifying himself in the industry. Atkins nail art is powerful and each set is entirely unique.
Sources: Afro-Punk, Today, Byrdie, Boulevard, IPSY, Global Fashion
