Mani-Petty Nail Salon

From a young age, I have always been obsessed with nail art. It was a creative outlet for expression and rebellion. It is always the cherry on top of any outfit and can last for days, weeks, and even months. Painting nails and having a manicure done is more than just a pretty color, it’s a way of life, it’s a form of self-care, it’s a fashion statement to the public, it’s a community built from holding hands with someone for hours on end, or sitting with yourself for hours on end while they are being done. There are so many methods to the madness of nail art, and the opportunities are endless. 

This project is about the power of nail art and the industry’s toxic conditions. Although nails might look nice, the healthcare risks are high, and the long-term effects of inhaling the dust and chemicals over time are often unseen dangers in the industry. I created each of these nails based on my personal experience of toxic remarks I have received. Nails can be a source of toxicity, unwanted attention, or even prejudice. But they can also be a source of community, empowerment, and beautification. The designs on some of the nails highlight the beauty that was found within toxic remarks that were once said to me, circling back to the idea that something so beautiful can still be so toxic.