“In The Chair” spotlights the incredible hairstylists, nail and makeup artists in our community who are giving us major inspiration. Each week, they discuss their personal beauty and career journeys, what they’ve learned from their clients, and their top glam tips.
For Kinaya Haug, being a nail artist wasn’t what she expected she’d be. In fact, she attended Northwest Beauty College to study makeup. When that didn’t work out, she went to hair. Then, skin. Once she finally got around to trying nails, “honestly, I didn’t like that either,” Haug tells ESSENCE.
It wasn’t until one of her beauty school friends, Anna, noticed she liked doing art and suggested she draw on nails that it all clicked for Haug. “That was the moment I knew exactly what I was meant to do,” she reflects. From that point on, “I had a baby, graduated, and opened my business.” Her dream was to become a celebrity nail artist. Once she got her techniques and product line-up down, she started gaining recognition as a nail artist through her civil rights organization, Black Unity.
“We led marches in the streets and people began coming to me to put humanitarian quotes and meaningful symbols on their nails,” she says. Then, in 2023, Nike reached out for her to work at their pre-classics track event in her hometown in Oregon. That was the turning point in her career. Creating nails for athletes like Anna Cockrell, Katie Moon, Raven Saunders, and Sha’Carri Richardson. The following year, Richardson requested a number of press-on sets for the 2024 Olympic Trials.
Since then, she’s gone on to work under nail artists like Johanna Castillo for a Savage x Fenty shoot, with celebrities like Kehlani and Jordan Chiles, and even speaking at an ESSENCE Festival panel with L’Oréal. Now, just six years in, her dreams have been completely realized. “I am incredibly grateful to have a career that helps women express themselves while allowing me to express myself creatively as well.”
Ahead, Kinaya Haug recalls her early nail memories, the products she uses most, and the designs she’d do over and over again.
Her Earliest Manicure Memory:
My earliest manicure memories are from middle school and high school. I would experiment with little nail designs using regular polish, but they would always get smudged or ruined shortly after. Later, I discovered the beauty of gel polish and everything changed!
What She Loves Most About Nail Artistry:
I love making people feel beautiful while showcasing my creativity through nails. I enjoy bringing my artistic vision to life on these tiny canvases, and I especially love seeing the boost in confidence clients experience when they leave with the nails they’ve always wanted. I also love being someone my clients trust and can confide in. Over the years, I’ve built meaningful friendships through my work. I love being inspired, and I love inspiring others—especially my daughter, who enjoys creating press-on nails of her own.
At the end of the day, what I love most is being able to express myself by helping others express themselves. It’s truly a win-win.
Her Favorite Nail Products:
I have many go-to nail products, but my primary gel polish brand is DND. It’s affordable, reliable, high quality, and easy to purchase. Another favorite is Function of Vex. I especially love their matte top coat, 3D art gels, chrome products, and pigment powders. Their products are incredibly consistent and easy to work with. One of my favorite builder gels comes from The GelBottle Inc. Their formulas are dependable, self-level beautifully, and aren’t overly runny, which makes application much easier.
Her Favorite Nail Styles:
My all-time favorite nail style is anything maximalist. I love combining different colors, designs, textures, and embellishments into one cohesive look. Animal print, gold accents, bling—I love it all.
I feel like gold, bold patterns, and maximalist beauty are deeply connected to Black culture, so it’s exciting for me to express that side of myself through my art. For years, Black and Brown women were criticized and labeled as “ghetto” or “ratchet” for wearing animal prints, large hoops, bold jewelry, and statement nails. Now those same aesthetics are some of the biggest trends in fashion and beauty. I love celebrating those influences and helping clients embrace styles that make them feel confident and unapologetically themselves.
Her Top Tip For Healthy Nails:
Proper removal and being gentle with your nails. People are often much rougher on their nails than they realize. Artificial nails are an enhancement, which means they require a little extra care. Being too rough can cause lifting, breakage, discomfort, or even damage to the natural nail.
The best way to maintain healthy nails is to choose a nail technician who prioritizes nail health and safety. Look for someone who uses clean implements, takes their time, follows proper sanitation practices, and doesn’t rush through appointments. A great nail technician will always prioritize your well-being over making a quick dollar.
A Nail Myth She’d Like to Debunk:
Hot take: French tips are not as easy as they look.
Clients often come in and say, “I think I’ll do something simple today—just a French tip.” The truth is that a beautiful French manicure requires a tremendous amount of precision. A great French tip starts with a flawless base color and application, followed by perfectly even, crisp smile lines. It takes patience, a steady hand, and attention to detail. I promise your nail tech will appreciate it if you sit as still as possible while they’re painting those delicate lines!
A Lesson She’s Learned From Her Clients:
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people appreciate being shown respect in different ways.
That can mean being on time, thoroughly preparing their nails, offering occasional giveaways or affordable options to improve accessibility, understanding their personal style, and creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. I’ve learned many lessons through trial and error, but each one has helped me create a better experience for the people who trust me to be their nail artist. At the end of the day, I want every client to feel valued, heard, and comfortable in my chair.
Where She Draws Inspiration From:
I draw inspiration from so many places. Nature inspires me. Different art movements throughout history inspire me. Fashion inspires me. Color theory inspires me.
However, my greatest inspiration comes from Black culture. Nail adornment has existed for centuries, including in ancient Egypt, where gold was used as a symbol of beauty, status, and self-expression. Black women have continuously pushed nail artistry forward. The curved nails, bling nails, heavily detailed sets, iconic red nails—you name it, Black women have been wearing and celebrating these styles for generations. One of the beautiful things about being an artist is that inspiration can truly come from anywhere and everywhere.
The Meaning Behind Her Work:
There isn’t just one deeper meaning behind my work—there are many.
Sometimes the meaning behind a set of nails depends entirely on the client and what that design represents to them. I’ve used nail art to send messages, raise awareness, and even support forms of peaceful protest. I’ve created designs that celebrate love, milestones, identity, and personal achievements. I’ve seen clients use nail art to reflect their emotions, whether that’s choosing darker colors during difficult times or brighter colors to uplift their mood and celebrate happiness. I’ve created Pride-inspired nails for people celebrating who they are and for allies showing support. I’ve created memorial nails to honor loved ones who have passed away and celebratory nails for life’s biggest milestones.
Personally, nail art has also been a form of self-acceptance. As a mixed, queer, tattooed woman who has never been afraid to challenge expectations, creativity has helped me embrace every part of who I am. The meanings behind the nails are truly endless, and that’s one of the things I love most about this work.
