- Date
- 27 JANUARY 2025
- Author
- ELENA FABRIS
- Image by
- COURTESY OF ARTISTS
- Categories
- Beauty
Beyond Polish: The Global (Re)Evolution of Nail Art as Creative Expression
What started as a simple beauty practice has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, where nails are transformed into intricate works of art. From sculptural 3D designs to abstract digital creations, nail art has become a powerful form of self-expression, reflecting personal style, cultural identity, and even social movements. In this article, we dive into the evolution of nail art, exploring its global reach, its diverse styles, and the cutting-edge technologies pushing the boundaries of creativity.
More than just decoration, nail art has become a powerful form of self-expression. It allows individuals to wear their personalities, moods, and even cultural identities on their fingertips. Designs can symbolize a wide range of emotions, personal milestones, or political statements, offering a unique language that’s both intimate and universally relatable. Nail art is no longer confined to gender norms either; it is an inclusive, fluid practice, inviting anyone regardless of gender or identity to take part in this creative expression.
With the advancement of technology, the world of nail art is entering new territory. Artists are now using 3D printing tools and AI-driven design software to create intricate, customized designs that were previously impossible by hand. These tools allow for precise, repeatable designs and open up new possibilities, such as the creation of detailed, sculptural elements or the ability to produce intricate patterns with minimal effort. With such innovations, nail art is no longer limited to the realm of manual craftsmanship but has expanded into the digital age, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Discover below the stories of five global breaking Nail Artists curated for you by our team!
Lucas Levon, better known as Texto Dallas, is a Paris-based multidisciplinary artist born in 1991. His creative output spans across diverse fields, from crafting eccentric nails and visual arts to staging and artistic direction. Texto Dallas' work delves into surreal narratives surrounding body hybridization, a dreamlike form of transhumanism, and imagined worlds that oscillate between vibrant, playful pulp and dark, unsettling atmospheres.
In 2023, Texto Dallas launched his own brand, focusing on 3D-printed nails, which he offers both as ready-to-wear pieces and as a novel medium for other nail artists. He is particularly recognized for his patent on “Action-nails,” inverted nail designs that challenge traditional gender norms and perceptions of nail wearability. His upcoming second capsule collection is set to launch in late 2024.
Texto Dallas has carved out a niche in both the art and fashion worlds, creating one-of a-kind nail sculptures and collaborating with major brands and institutions like Galeries Lafayette, LVMH, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Apoc Store. His work has also crossed over into the music industry, where he’s partnered with artists like Ashnikko, Cobrah, Is She Hungry, Anetha, and Ascendant Vierge, blending his visionary approach with the cultural avant-garde.
Dinara (@whynoen) is an innovative creator who blends art, architecture, and technology to redefine the boundaries of design. With a background in architecture, she developed a keen understanding of form and space, which naturally led her to explore 3D graphics and printing. What began as a tool for architectural visualization quickly evolved into a medium for creative experimentation, allowing her to transform imaginative concepts into physical pieces.
Her work is deeply inspired by nature, drawing from the symmetry and organic shapes found in the natural world. Dinara reinterprets these forms through advanced 3D modeling and printing, creating wearable sculptures that challenge traditional notions of fashion. Each piece reflects her commitment to merging technology with the beauty of nature, resulting in truly unique, artistic expressions. Sustainability is a core principle of Dinara’s practice. By using 3D printing, she minimizes material waste and reduces the need for physical prototypes. She also works with eco-friendly and recycled materials, ensuring her creations have a minimal environmental impact. Through this fusion of innovation and responsibility, Dinara’s work offers a glimpse into the future of design— one where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand, reshaping both the fashion industry and the way we think about art.
I’m Hiro, the owner of SUCRE, a cutting-edge nail salon in the heart of Tokyo. Our space is a destination for those from around the world seeking bold, one-of-a-kind Japanese nail art. At SUCRE, nails are more than just decoration—they’re a constant presence that enriches the soul. Always in your line of sight, they become a statement, a daily reminder of self-expression and creativity.
Japanese-style nail art has taken the global stage for its intricate details, fearless designs, and artistic edge. Each set at SUCRE is a custom creation, blending traditional techniques with modern flair. From abstract patterns to daring 3D elements, we push the boundaries of what nails can be.
Clients don’t just leave with beautiful nails—they take home an unforgettable piece of Tokyo. Our designs are perfect souvenirs, not just of a city, but of a mindset: bold, unique, and unapologetically artistic. At SUCRE, we’re redefining the art of nails, one unique design at a time.
9inch.nails is a celebrated Seoul-based nail artist whose work seamlessly blends the natural with the artificial, and the vintage with the futuristic, creating designs that are both captivating and unconventional. Known for her bold, sometimes grotesque aesthetic, 9inch.nails challenges the boundaries of traditional nail art by merging unexpected elements—organic textures with sleek, modern details, and retro inspirations with forward-thinking concepts.
Each piece tells a story, weaving contrasts in style, tone, and form to evoke powerful emotions and spark curiosity. Her designs are known for their intricate detail and striking contrasts, combining edgy, avant-garde concepts with a touch of elegance and delicacy. Whether drawing from vintage fashion, cyberpunk influences, or nature’s raw beauty, 9inch.nails creates unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that go beyond mere decoration to become wearable art. The pieces aren’t just about style; they’re a bold expression of creativity and individuality. 9inch.nails continues to push the boundaries of what nail art can be, breaking away from convention and offering a fresh, innovative perspective on this medium. Each new design is a testament to her ability to transform nails into an art form that challenges, surprises, and delights.
Shyn, born in 1995 in Taiwan, is a nail artist whose work is shaped by her multicultural experiences in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, she creates bold, colorful nail sculptures that blend dynamic hues, intricate patterns, and mixed materials. Shyn’s designs merge traditional influences with contemporary techniques, reflecting her unique perspective and diverse background. Her nail art is more than just decoration; it's a fusion of culture and creativity, where each piece tells a story of self-expression and identity. By experimenting with textures and colors, she transforms nails into miniature canvases that celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity. Shyn’s work continues to push boundaries in the world of nail art, offering a fresh take on what it means to wear art on your fingertips.