Plain nails are fine, but ones adorned with nail art are better! If you are looking for manicure inspo or you want to get a professional set, here are the nail artists owning the game in SA.

1. @_claws.by.chloe_ 

Chloë is a Luxury Nail Specialist based in Joburg. All her nails are hand-painted and sculpted – some with 3D elements – based on what her clients want. Her designs range from trendy cosmic glitter to soft and feminine to dark and edgy. 

2. @nailsbympasii

This is the account of Mapaseka, who is a PE-based nail tech. She makes press-ons and works on natural nails, creating intricate designs usually with some 3D elements. She specialises in long talons and uses bold colours and metallic shades.

3. @nailed.ntswembu

Known as The Nail Pimp, this artist works from a studio in Joburg. She has done the nails of celebrities such as Sho Madjozi and Uncle Waffles and has worked on numerous campaigns with brands, namely Essie, Puma, Nike and Maybelline.

4. @nailsbystha

If you are looking for someone to create a custom set of press-ons, Sthabile is your girl! This is her speciality and she creates bold painted and sculpted nails in a variety of lengths. She also hosts workshops to teach her impressive skills to others.

5. @nail.cult

This nail artist, Bex, is based in balmy Durban, and she has a long list of clients. She paints on nails of any length and has great attention to detail, with many of her designs – whether patterns or characters – being very detailed. 

6. @glitterellas_nail_bar

This Cape Town-based nail pro is so good she’s been featured in Vogue! She gives lessons and also creates next-level manicures for clients. Not just painting, she also includes 3D pieces in her work, so that everyone leaves with an eye-catching set.