Nailed it: 9 Local nail artists who are changing the game

Gone are the days where a quick coat of your favourite nail polish was enough to make a statement. Today, nails act as tiny canvases for creativity, serious artistry, and a fashion statement - and South African nail techs are raising the bar. From trendsetting designs to perfected detailing, these local nail artists know how to keep their clients coming back for more. Whether you’re into minimalist designs like a simple French manicure or full-blown glamorous nails, these are the talented pros serving up inspo one detail at a time.

From the creative corners of Joburg to the stylish salons of Cape Town and Durban, local artists are changing the game by turning simple manicures into jaw-dropping works of art. Not only do they stand out for their technical skill, but it’s their unique flair and ability to bring global trends into local culture. With their creativity, hustle, and flair, many of these nail artists turned their passion into small businesses - some specialising in custom press-on nails, offering clients an eye-catching, reusable alternative — catching the attention of global brands like Puma, Diesel, and celebrities like Rich Mnisi, Tyla, Uncle Waffles, and more.

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Whether you're simply looking to zhuzh up your everyday look or prep for a special occasion, you can count on these local nail artists to get the job done. Their work lives on mood boards, goes viral — which helps expand their client base — and continues to inspire aspiring nail artists. One thing's for sure — if you show them a nail set from your Pinterest board, they will effortlessly recreate it.