By Rebecca Rachel Wong, Stephanie Yeap, Margaux Levy,
In the era of Instagrammable everything, nail artists have become the rockstars of fingertip art. Take, for instance, Saccia Livingston, the maestro behind the claws that Doja Cat proudly parades. And then there's Unistella from South Korea, turning nails into tiny sculptures that the Blackpink girls swear by. But let's not forget the unsung heroes closer to home – a gang of self-taught nail artists are shaking up the mani game. Ahead, we list some popular names in the scene.
KURONO BY NAILSWITHKURO
What’s the business about: Kurono by NailsWithKuro offers press-on nail art that is heavily inspired by nature, as well as Chinese and Japanese traditional paintings. With each press-on nail intricately hand-painted, expect harmonious palettes of muted and bold colours, complemented by 3-D gel sculps.
Who’s behind it: Known by her pen-name, Chloe Kurono (she prefers to keep her real name under wraps), this 19 year-old is actually a computer engineering student in her penultimate year. She first got into nails in December 2023 and quickly became obsessed with it. After her mental health took a toll in 2024, she started to entertain the idea of starting a nail business. “I realized that I had nothing to lose,” she shares. And so, in March 2024, Kurono opened its press-on nail art services, offering both ready-made and customisable sets to customers in Singapore and worldwide.
Where to find it: on Instagram
KASSY KLAWS
What’s the business about: For those who love the 'art' in ‘nail art’, this home-based nail studio in Pasir Ris is the one for you. Kassy Klaws is a nail studio that loves to experiment with different materials and techniques. Nail artist, Kassidy, loves to match her clients’ nails to their individual vibe. She often does 3-D designs that compliment each of her clients’ styles, specialising in intricate 3-D sculpted art.
Who’s behind it: A full-time nail artist who goes by the moniker Kassidy (she prefers to keep her real name under wraps). In her second year of fashion design school, Kassidy launched her nail studio in 2022 as an outlet for her creativity. Moreover, she could never imagine herself working a corporate job. “At this stage in my life, I feel it’s important to explore new opportunities, try different things, and not limit myself to a conventional path,” she says. Now, Kassy Klaws offers custom gel manicures and gel x extensions, and handmade press-ons - something to look forward to is that she is also working on 3-D printed nails, which will debut in upcoming months.
Where to find it: On Instagram
MY FRIENDS' NAILS
What’s the business about: If you love Gen Z fashion trends, this Siglap-based studio is for you. Specialising in Y3K-esque designs with a hint of cybercore, the founder, who goes by Charmaine (she prefers to keep her real name under wraps), loves playing around with stickers, rhinestones and charms.
Who’s behind it: Full-time nail artist who goes by Charmaine. Previously an accounting student at NTU, Charmaine never felt a strong connection with her major. During Covid-19, however, she discovered the joy of nail art. It started off as a hobby with her only ‘customers’ being her family and friends (hence, her studio’s name). When they saw how much she enjoyed the craft, they encouraged her to turn her hobby into a business. Now, Charmaine does nail art full-time, offering gel-based manicures and extensions and custom press-ons.
Where to find it: on Instagram
UNBLUNT
What’s the business about: If your nail art changes according to your mood, this Pasir Ris-based studio is for you. From intricate watercolour-style nails, to kitschy nature-inspired art with sculpted flowers and insects, founder Jingwen (she prefers to keep her real name under wraps) defines her style as versatile with an emphasis on creative self-expression. “My clients bring me challenges and I do my best to replicate.”
Who’s behind it: Full-time student who goes by Jingwen. Nail art started as a creative outlet. A final year Lasalle student studying Fashion Media and Industries, Unblunt started as a passion project. In fact, it took a lot of convincing for Jingwen to start charging for her nail art. Now, she offers both custom nail art and replications of art brought in by clients. Currently, she’s working on offering press-on sets as well.
Where to find it: on Instagram
CHEWINGURNAILS
What’s the business about: ChewingUrNails specialises in kitschy, Y2K press-on nails. If you have a specific vision for your next set, this style chameleon enjoys experimenting and adapting her art to your tastes. All you need to do is send a mood board, and she’ll create something that will capture your vision to a tee.
Who's behind it: A full-time digital supply chain student, Xann Chew. For as long as she could remember, Chew has always loved nail art. As a child, she would watch hours and hours of nail art tutorials on YouTube. Now a full-time university student, Chew runs a successful press-on nail business online- all from her home. She had no intentions to be a nail artist, but after a particularly bad experience with a nail artist, Chew decided to try her hand at creating her own sets. Eventually, the idea of having her own business took shape and in February 2023, her nail business finally opened and the rest was history.
Where to find it: on Instagram
Kefi Studios
What’s the business about: For those who love classic and elegant nails with just a touch of edge, Kefi Studios is for you. Inspired by Xiao Hong Shu and Douyin nail trends, the studio's founder loves blending these elements of sweet with edge-y rock and punk vibes. Think cateye nails (a style hat creates a shimmery, reflective line reminiscent of a cat’s eye) with metallic 3-D sculpted accents.
Who’s behind it: A business student who goes by Nicole (she prefers to keep her real name under wraps). This nail studio has been running for four years, so it’s safe to say that your nails will be in good hands. Since she was a child, Nicole has always loved nail art. She started off experimenting with different designs and techniques, as she began polishing her skills, she started experimenting on friends and family. Eventually, what was once a creative outlet culminated into a business. While she offers gel manicures, extensions, and custom designs, Nicole’s favourite service is what she calls “artist’s choice”: “Clients give me a colour, and I whip up something fun and unique, just for them!”
Where to find it: On Instagram.
THE NAILS ARCHIVE
What’s the business about: The Nails Archive features nail art characterised by illustrative elements, showcasing a minimal, whimsical, and "cute-sy" style. You'll find adorable animals, splashes of colours, and a playful aesthetic, with the occasional grunge and dark nail designs tailored for specific clients.
Who’s behind it: Eng Zi Qin, who goes by the name Dia, is a design student. She started experimenting with nail art back when she was in polytechnic, after buying a starter kit on Shopee during the Covid-19 lockdown period. She has been doing nails professionally for about a year, having commenced her business a few months before starting university. “I felt that I didn’t want to do a ‘normal’ part-time job and wanted to do something that would help with my portfolio as a creative,” said Eng.
Where to find it: @dia.rchive_ on Instagram
LUKO
What’s the business about: Luko is run by two nail artists, with an artsy, grungy style that is all about playing with layers and textures. Works tend to lean towards an abstract aesthetic, with the use of metallic elements like rings, studs and jewels.
Who’s behind it: Janessa Aw and Rachel Lim. Aw is currently pursuing a degree in communication design, while Lee studies spatial design. The duo decided to create a set of press-on nails together with the materials Lee had, and what began as a casual art session turned into a nail art business. Aesthetic-wise, Aw is currently biased towards neon and chrome, whilst Lee’s designs focus on the abstract, with inspiration from her surroundings.
Where to find it: @luk0.o on Instagram
NERDY NAILS GUY
What’s the business about: This Potong Pasir-based home salon has a strong emphasis on glittery and sparkly designs, but you’ll also find unique twists on classic designs, like glow-in-the-dark hearts incorporated into a classic French manicure. If you want something a little more bold, there are also halloween-themed designs which go all out with eyeballs and gory creatures. “I don't think my nail art has a fixed style, as I like finding new techniques and new things to do,” says founder Kai Yeo. “When it comes to more outlandish designs, I would go look at competitions around different countries to see how far everyone can push the limits.”
Who’s behind it: Kai Yeo, a full-time nail tech. He worked part time at a nail salon during his polytechnic days, learning the skills from his mom's friend who was a nail tech. After working as a freelance nail tech for a few years, he started his nail IG account around 2018, when he needed a break from teaching makeup.
Where to find it: @nerdynailsguy on Instagram
MAUV.NAIL
What’s the business about: While Mauv.Nail’s Denise Lee describes herself as a beginner nail tech, her designs showcase a keen eye for detail and an eye-catching aesthetic. Her nail art is nature-inspired, featuring botanical elements like fruits and flowers, or painting-inspired landscapes.
Who’s behind it: Denise Lee, who began her journey as a nail tech in December 2023, after leaving the early childhood industry as a preschool teacher. She shares: “I also love doing hands-on activities such as drawing and painting, so doing nails seemed like the perfect activity for me while letting me grow out my nails.”
Where to find it: @mauv.nail on Instagram
BUBD NAILS
What’s the business about:Bubd Nails specialises in blinged-out, elegant, and classy nail styles. Additionally, they offer Y2K and cutesy Korean nail art, often featuring pastel pink as a common base. The brand also sells apparel under @bubdsg, with a website, www.bubd.co.
Who's behind it: Sharmaine Sim Jia (a.k.a Kim) is the driving force behind Bubd Nails. Sim began making press-on nails during the pandemic to earn some extra pocket money when people were unable to visit nail salons. “After Covid, my press-on business started to decline, and I learned how to do nails from Xiao Hong Shu and TikTok,” she said. She began practising with nail models around 2021, after which she gained more confidence and started doing nail art professionally.
Where to find it: @bubd_nails on Instagram
BAKED NAILS
What’s the business about: Baked Nails is all about being unapologetically loud and attention-grabbing, never shying away from bold designs (think mini cigarette packs, alcohol, and condom boxes incorporated into nail art in one of its mystery designs). A trove of charms is also offered for clients to choose from, at no extra charge. Located at Haw Par Villa, the home-based brand also works closely with clients to design something that reflects who each individual is and what they love.
Who’s behind it: Joey Chan, who previously worked as a pastry chef at the Fullerton Hotel. A less-than-stellar experience at a nail salon spurred her to become a nail artist in 2019. She shares, “I splurged on a set that barely lasted a week, and that was it for me. I thought, ‘I can do better than this’. So, I started experimenting on my own nails, and before I knew it, I was hooked.” Now, she encourages people to own their style through nail art and express themselves without holding back.
Where to find it: @bakednails.sg on Instagram
CUTETICLE SG
What's the business about: Based in Bishan, this nail studio focuses on Xiao Hong Shu- and Y2K-inspired designs, showcasing intricate artwork as well as anime-style drawings. Other inspirations include K-pop artists, fellow nail techs, and random picture boards stumbled upon by its founder. The business also offers lash lifts and lash extensions.
Who’s behind it: Kelsey Tan, who began doing nails in 2019. "As a broke student, I often went to more affordable places like Bugis or Far East, and back then they offered very simple designs which were not what I wanted. So I wanted to try some of my own and that’s how this started," said Tan.
Where to find it: @cuteticlesg on Instagram
GELISH SG
What's the business about: If you're a fan of anime art, Gelish Sg is the place to be. Its designs feature popular anime characters such as One Piece’s Zorro and Spy X Family’s Anya. Gelish Sg also draws inspiration from other well-loved nail artists like @vivxue and @anmaisama.
Who’s behind it: Tina Kho, who began her journey in nail art in 2019 after being retrenched from her previous job. She started taking it more seriously and pursued it full-time around 2022, after completing a two-year nail diploma course.
Where to find it: @gelish_sg on Instagram
MAGIC PLAYPEN
What’s the business about: Established in 2021, Magic Playpen is a home-based brand based in Serangoon North. It features designs inspired by Korean and Thai nail artists such as @lodi.nail, @nailtystudio and @porjainail. Works often include nude and soft pastel colours, with the use of bows, ribbons and hearts. Mystery designs are also available.
Who’s behind it: Tiffany Then, who used to be a designer in the events industry until Covid-19 hit. She left her job and has been a full-time nail tech for the past three years.
Where to find it: @magicplaypen on Instagram
ELEVEN PINKS
What’s the business about: Many of the designs here draw inspiration from Xiao Hong Shu, with added charms to provide that extra sparkle. Founder Amanda Lau explains: “I also experiment with Y2K/chrome heart designs occasionally, as well as cute character art.”
Who’s behind it: Amanda Lau, who ventured into nail art in June 2020, initially using Shopee kits on her friends for free. “At first, I did it sporadically because it was challenging to attract clients without any prior experience. However, the support of my friends encouraged me to showcase my work and establish myself as a home-based nail technician.”
Where to find it: @elevenpinks on Instagram
NAILS BY NANAKO
What’s the business about: Whether you're hankering after a set of natural nails boasting a flawless, iridescent manicure that could steal the show at Coperni, or you lean towards something a bit more intricate – like extensions adorned with lace-slash-embroidery for that extra dose of feminine flair and subtle dimension – this nail business is your go-to. Just a heads-up: don't expect cutesy anime and cartoon designs. They're in the business of chic sophistication, not cartoon capers.
Who’s behind it: Nanako is the alias of Katrina Lee, the brains (and hands) behind this business. "Nanako was what my mum wanted to name me, but my dad thought it would be better suited as a nickname," she shares. Lee first dipped her fingers into the press-on nails business during the peak of the Covid-19 lockdown. Destiny took a favourable turn when a friend – a seasoned nail artist she connected with on Instagram – recognised the untapped talent in her work and took Lee under her wing. When asked about the most challenging request she's faced, Lee says: "Nothing makes my knees buckle as much as someone expecting an exact replica of a nail design they found online. I recall a set I did when I first started out – it was a set of nails fully embellished with crystals."
Where to find it: @nailsbynanako on Instagram
WACKY STUDIOS
What’s the business about: Dive into Wacky Studios' Instagram feed, and you'll witness a chrome nails and silver line phenomenon. But this home-based nail studio doesn't just serve up chrome designs. Picture this: custom chunky 3D nail designs stealing the show, complete with lifelike bows. Perfect for riding the coquette-core wave currently making waves in the fashion scene.
Who’s behind it: Wacky Studios, founded by Hannah Nguyen two years ago, has a backstory that's a blend of accidental brilliance and sheer convenience. Hannah shares: "I had this awful habit of chewing my nails, and it made me super self-conscious, especially around friends. Then one day, I discovered that adding nail extensions and crafting art on them actually stopped me from munching on them. It dawned on me that I could do it myself – a more pocket-friendly alternative than trotting to a salon for gel extensions.”
Where to find it: @wacky.studios on Instagram
PEACHES ONLY
What’s the business about: If you're in the market for claws that scream artistic and funky, then Peaches Only deserves a prime spot on your radar. Picture this: a bubble nail creation that demanded surgical precision – each droplet painstakingly applied and cured one by one. Or how about some “cray cray nails," a riot of hearts, gems, stars and smiley faces. Talk about nailing that personality.
Who’s behind it: Independent nail technician Annette Cheng has been running her show from a studio in Bugis for over a year now. This creative dynamo had a brief stint at a neighbourhood nail parlour post-graduation, but life took her down a different career path that "didn't allow me to have manicures." However, nail art was always at the back of her head. As Cheng confesses: "My social media feed was full of nail art content, and it always kept me thinking of ways I could tweak those designs in my own style. Fast forward 10 years, and I finally decided to break out of my comfort zone and dive headfirst into the fabulous world of being a nail technician."
Where to find it: Join her Telegram channel or check it out on @peachesonlysg on Instagram
I NAIL FOR FUNG
What’s the business about: Turning art and random objects into nail masterpieces is practically the calling card for I Nail For Fung. The National Gallery Singapore was so impressed that it tapped the studio to recreate a 1996 Wu Guanzhong piece – yes, on nails. And if that's not quirky enough, it has also tackled requests like turning a birthday dress and even a random rock a customer found on the ground into miniature nail wonders.
Who's behind it: Deshawna Ng has been practising for more than three and a half years, diving into the craft midway through university after stumbling upon and purchasing a nail kit online. In her own words, "When it came, I immediately called my friend over to try the products out. Obviously, it turned out really ugly, but that made me want to perfect the craft even more. So, I called more friends over and bought better products. I started to post my progress online, and that's how it all started."
Where to find it: On its website or @inailforfung on Instagram
QQUIRKYNAILS
What's the business about: With a portfolio packed with chrome nails and edgy Y2K-inspired designs, it's no wonder that QquirkyNails is a hit among the Gen Z crowd. But it doesn't stop there – there are also designs that are unapologetically audacious. Among them are kitten claws and rotten teeth, as well as capturing the essence of a quintessentially Singaporean breakfast with kaya toast, kopi, and fried eggs.
Who's behind it: Christer Ng has been on the nail art scene for more than a year now. What started as a casual experiment with nails as a hobbyist quickly morphed into a full-blown business adventure. This self-taught nail whizz says: "I picked up the skill by basically stalking others and watching how they do it. Then, of course, I'd play around on myself and my friends to nail down the perfection."
Where to find it: @qquirkynails on Instagram
What’s the business about: Shnaillss has been silently slaying the game with its artistry for a solid two years now. The standouts? Press-ons that boast gem-like finishes, mimicking the grains, lines, and sheen reminiscent of stones like jasper and agate found in the lap of Mother Nature.
Who's behind it: As far back as she can remember, Shnaillss founder Sharon Lynn Thesali has always been fascinated with nails. "I was either in kindergarten or primary school when I found a little bottle of clear nail polish hiding in the back of my mom’s makeup shelf. I remember sitting on top of the table, and every day, I would secretly put on a layer of clear polish on my nails – looking back, my mom probably knew what I was up to! From the age of three, my interest in nails grew even more.” The self-taught artist honed her skills by delving into accounts like CutePolish and, for the most part, drawing inspiration from Japanese nail artists.
Where to find it: @shnaillss on Instagram
NAILS AND DAGGERS
What's the business about: Nestled in the bohemian enclave of Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Nails and Daggers dishes out statement designs that play with mesmerising textures, vivid colours, and intricate patterns. Nothing is off-limits here, as the portfolio boasts chrome nails crowned by dramatic, ornamental designs. Think chunky metallic accents, abstract swirls of colour, and, the piece de resistance, a plethora of pearls and rhinestones.
Who's behind it: While self-taught nail artist Nur Batrisyia has only been in the nail art industry for a year, her manicures are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Her inspiration: Russian manicurists, paintings, and the auras and energies of her clients.
Find it at: 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, #02-54 and @nailsndaggers on Instagram
DAISYYNAIL
What’s the business about: A specialist in hand-drawn nail art, Daisyynail has turned nails into a canvas for everything from a quirky set of hand-drawn cartoon frogs on every nail (which took over three and a half hours to complete) to elevating classic French tips with a Daisyynail twist. The latter may come with added details like a heart in the centre or a bit of extra glam using gemstones and pearls for that perfect nail accessory.
Who's behind it: Su Zhiwei has been creating nail art professionally since 2019. Her journey into nail art began when she found it expensive to maintain her own nail routine. She purchased affordable materials from Taobao and Shopee, experimenting on herself and her friends. As her skills improved, she opened her home-based practice to the public, initially charging a very affordable rate of $7 for classic manicures and $30 for extensions. Today, prices start from $45 for a classic gel manicure and overlay.
Where to find it: @daisyynail on Instagram
NAILIFIED BY ZEE
What’s the business about: Head to Nailified by Zee for masterfully painted gel nail manicures featuring quirky hand-painted characters—whether it's cats rendered in a graphic style or a meticulously designed set of nails themed around the animated series Totally Spies!. A glimpse at its Instagram feed also reveals impressively precise renditions of anime characters. The salon has also delved into visual art-themed nails, as seen in a painterly manicure inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic The Starry Night.
Who’s behind it: Zess Tan usually draws inspiration from nail technicians in the West who specialise in character art. Additionally, she also keeps up with Chinese nail trends on Xiao Hong Shu – such as blush nails or cat-eye French tips – at her clients’ requests.
Where to find it: @nailifiedby.zee on Instagram
NAILS BY EUNICE
What’s the business about: Whether you're into chrome, matte, metallic, cat eye, or opalescent finishes for your nails, Nails by Eunice has got it all. Its unique selling point? Combining dreamy 3D details – think glossy water-like droplets and intricate line work – with a variety of textured bases.
Who’s behind it: Eunice Neo Xiao Xuan started her practice last year after honing her skills for two years. Her studio is based in Hougang.
Where to find it: @eunailedit on Instagram
Additional reporting by Khong Yawen