20 Black Nail Artists Whose Designs Deserve a Spot on Your Inspo Board

1. Gina Edwards

Some of our earliest nail memories involved Kiss products. As their brand ambassador, celebrity nail stylist and expert Gina Edwards is a pro at creating nails with delightful and detailed accents. From bright base colors adorned in gemstones to adorable heart accents and chic animal prints, Edwards’ designs are fresh, fun, and unforgettable.

2. Lisa Logan

Harlem-based nail pro, Lisa Logan has A-listers like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Queen Latifah on her list of clientele. When she’s not polishing famous fingertips, she’s passionate about inspiring other Black nail artists in her community. Look to Logan for endless nail art inspo and if you’re in town, try booking a sesh at her brick-and-mortar salon, The Nail Suite.  

3. Mimi Wilson

Years ago, Mimi Wilson single-handedly started National Nail Art Day with one Instagram post. If that’s not nail love, we don’t know what is. Today, the nail industry expert not only creates killer nail designs featuring gems, pops of color, geometric shapes, and more, she teaches the business of nails, sells customizable press-ons, and owns an online apparel store for nail techs. If you love everything nail art, Wilson has got you covered.

4. Tracyanna Lee    

Tracyanna Lee knows that amazing nail art starts with amazing nail color. Her insanely pigmented details are what make her nail art designs pop. Check out her Insta for inspo and prepare to lose yourself in bright neons, bold mattes, and impressive three-dimensional shapes. Trust us, once you start scrolling, you can’t stop.  

5. Gracie J

Nail extraordinaire Gracie J calls herself a “Nail ARTchitect” and for good reason. You’ve seen her work from editorial shoots to TNT’s hit show Claws, and it’s safe to say everything she touches is dripping with creativity. When she’s not creating stunning works of mani art, she’s designing ready-to-wear press-on nails that are some of the most stylish we’ve seen.

6. Shani Evans

@nailsbyshani / Instagram

New York City-based nail pro, Shani Evans will skill your long nails, short nails, any size and shape. Think playful prints, chic geometric shapes, foil effect accents, neon pops, and perfect hints of sparkle. Evans is a nail artist at NYC nail hotspot @paintboxnails and teaches her craft at the American Beauty Institute.

7. @QueenofNails

This Detroit-based nail artist takes nail art to new heights with looks that are downright magical. Sparkling snowflakes in the winter, sweater weather stiletto nails, and your favorite TV characters (Rick & Morty, anyone?) come to life on acrylic nails that are totally head-turning. Plus, Queen of Nails shares her skills through online classes in case you’re looking to channel your inner nail pro.

8. Tahsiyn Harley

One look at Bronx-based Tahsiyn Harley’s Insta and you’ve got inspo for every upcoming nail sesh on your calendar. Harley expertly balances neutrals and bright pops of color with splashes of neon on metallics, weaves hypnotizing shapes with fine lines, paints intricate flowers, and so much more. There’s truly something for every mood.

9. Canisheia Sams

Whether you’re into natural nails with some flair or you love going all out with dramatic prints, Canisheia Sams has got you. Sams is a nail pro specializing in unique, hand-painted luxury press-ons and nail care. Her designs range from funky, fluid shapes to abstract nail designs, and beyond. If you’re looking for a pro-level mani without the salon time, shop her collections here.

10. Leanne Woodley

Leanne Woodley’s nail studio is often booked well in advance—and we get it. The New York City-based editorial manicurist does it all—super intricate nail art, enhancements, nail care, and more. Woodley’s nails are mini works of art and she often draws inspo from famous names like Keith Haring, but you’ll also find fun, playful designs inspired by cartoon characters mixed in with tons of chic, runway-worthy looks.

11. Darnell Atkins

There are few men in nail design—particularly Black men—and they are rarely in the spotlight. Darnell Atkins went viral for his nail art and his desire to carve a space for himself in the nail industry. Atkins strives to break stereotypes as a Black male tech and encourage society to challenge definitions around masculinity.  

12. Iman Gabrielle

For nails that are sure to put a smile on your face (and everyone you meet), look to Atlanta-based nail artist Iman Gabrielle. With smiley faces, embellishments, three-dimensional designs, and fun French tip manicures, there’s something to lift every mood.  

13. @Tahranailsatl

Head to Atlanta for a mani by nail tech and artist Tahra and you’ll wanna move there for good. Tahra’s mixed patterns and prints are fresh and showstopping, and the textures and embellishments are next-level. If you dream it, we’re betting Tahra can do it.  

14. Tara Haye

Known as @TipsxTara, Haye is recognized for working on colorful photoshoots, fashion shows—you name it—with brands like Olipop, Nomasei, Christian Cowan, Rodarte, and more. She’s also worked regularly with Julie Kandalec of the Julie Nail Academy, and partnered with CND, Morgan Taylor, and Gelish nail brands. Haye shines when it comes to versatility, excelling in everything from 3-D designs to solid, one-shade looks.

15. Imani Myers

From Victoria Monet to Lauren Hill, Myers, better known as @imanicurist, has worked with some of the biggest musicians in Hollywood. Known for her dramatic 3-D designs, the New York City-based nail artist has a rare talent that sets her apart from competitors. 

16. Armani Je’ton

Known for her tastefully cute and feminine designs, this rising nail artist is one to watch. Assisting on major shoots with Lemme, Vogue, and Il Makiage (to name a few), Je’ton, known as @shortcakenails.aj, boasts an Instagram feed full of colorful nail art that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their style.   

17. @nailssbynaiya

‘Tis the season—seriously whatever season you fancy. Virginia-based @nailssbynaiya is the queen of festive, holiday designs. From Christmas, to Halloween, to Valentine’s Day, and everything in-between, this artist doesn’t play when it comes to detailed airbrushed looks and 3-D designs. She’s never met a long nail she didn’t like!

18. @msbrittenynails

This nail artist wants to make one thing clear: “You know my work when you see it.” That’s what the polygel-only pro states on her Instagram, which proudly displays nails longer than an inch with detailed embellishments and tons of color. 

19. Canishiea J. Sams

Who says decadent designs don’t work on short nails? Certainly not Canishiea Sams, a Sacramento-based nail artist who’s perfected 3-D designs on all lengths. Known for her abstract art and gemstone-like looks, this pro proves there’s no length too short (or too long!) for perfection.

20. Melissa Samuel

Better known as @finesseyourclaws, if there’s one feeling this famous nail artist evokes, it’s joy. Her beautiful, bright colors and flashy designs give us that dopamine rush we crave. With names like SZA on her roster, we’re clearly not the first to take notice. Oh, and did we mention she also makes mean press-on sets?