Nail art has been around for ages — even before Pinterest — and has a rich history that transcends trendy runway looks and celebrity culture.
That’s why we love seeing nail artists from different ages and backgrounds who put their hard work into rad and innovative designs. One of the best places to find these artists is on Instagram — there’s at least one account dedicated to showcasing “silently outspoken nails” designed by women of color and budding rookies.
Check out the lacquer-lovers you need to know about and get inspired to DIY your own set of cool nails on this #ManicureMonday.
1. @marshalarose
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Check out my first gel manicure done on Tanya for @paintboxnails! Matte with gold studs #nailsdid #nailart #wemadeit
Larose is a our new favorite in NYC who works for one of the coolest nail salons in town, Paint Box.
2. @i_nailed_it
Kelly Instagram handle doesn’t lie — we’d relinquish our nails to her any day.
3. @nakedashnails
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Did @subtle_sophisticated nails today @verypolishedlounge she called it Ashley Chic, I’ll take it!! #nailart #nails #naildesign #nailartjunkie #nailsdid #brooklynart #art #brooklyn #bk#brooklynnailart #artist #nailtech #nails #abstract #instanails #instaart
Just when you thought Solange was the queen of power clashing, Ash gets geometric with her legendary manis.
4. @thatjanedesigns
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Shaaaaaaaaark weeeeeeeeeeek! #sharkattack #naildecals available at janestinythings.etsy.com right now! @thatjanedesigns for the link! #sharkweek
We’ve already raved about Jane’s super cool rings, but her nail passion is equally as impressive.
5. @shellbeezy
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Yasssssss!! Because sometimes, we just can’t by @appliq “TGIF!!! We really identify with this hilarious set from @shellbeezy today. Grab it at appliq.me/wrap/330. Enjoy your weekend! #nailart #nailswag #nailwraps #tgif #appliq” via @PhotoRepost_app
Shelley’s designs are beautiful and also hilarious.
6. @lilmilkynails
We love the mystifying designs by Marisa Carmichael, who says her favorite color is leopard.
7. @nataliepavloskinails
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She got him wrapped around her fingers ✨ @champagnepapi mani for my b @totallystokedonyou ✨
We get mod vibes from some of Natalie Pavloski’s prints and patterns — but this Drake manicure obviously speaks wonderfully for itself.
8. @poppingnails
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Adorable cat print inspired nails today on my blog #nailart #nails #nailpolish #pattern #print #cat #cute #notd
Fashion student Charlie is reppin’ the youngins with her cutesy manis, plus she knows how to work a water nail decal. Check out her YouTube channel here!
9. @raqstarnails
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#TMNT #nails at @newyorkcomiccon #LeagueofLacquer booth #775 using @colorclubnaillacquer #WildCactus and #Tribeandtrue #nailart #nailartclub #raqstarnails #teenagemutantninjaturtles #nycc #ComicCon #comicconnails
Love cartoons? Love comics? Love nostalgia? If you said yes to any of these, then you should pay Raquel Nevarez’s page a visit.
10. @10thstorynails
Based out of New Jersey, Danielle Lubin creates the accent nails of our wildest dreams.
11. @kimgmacias
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My sis unicorn nails for the my lil pony convention at the Mercure Hotel on granby st, Leicester. This weekend!!! Unicorn lover Central 🙂 #nails #nailart #leicester #unicorns #rainbow #cute #clouds #weheartit #tumblr #unicornnails #wahnails #beauty #bbloggers #glitter #essie
Kim G. Macias’ sets are like mini works of art.
