Celebrating Black History Month
At HONA, our mission is to educate, inspire and improve the talents of the modern day nail technician as well as empower the nail community through uncompromising integrity, transparency and service. Thats why this Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight the incredible contributions of Black nail techs who have profoundly shaped our industry. Their artistry, innovation, and resilience not only enrich the world of nail art but also serve as a vital foundation for our growth. Join us as we recognise and celebrate the talented Black nail techs within the HONA family who have been instrumental in our journey toward greater diversity and inclusivity.
The History of Black Influence in the Nail Industry
The cultural significance of acrylic artificial nails has deep roots in the Black community, dating back to the 1960s. As these nails gained popularity in the 80s and 90s, they became a symbol of female empowerment and self-expression. A pivotal figure in this narrative is Donyale Luna, who, in 1966, posed with long, light-coloured acrylic nails on the cover of Twen magazine. That same year, she made history as the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue.
Luna's bold style and representation challenged beauty norms of her time, paving the way for future generations of Black women in the beauty industry. Despite her groundbreaking contributions, the broader narrative around acrylic nails often overlooks the pivotal role that Black women played in popularising these trends. Today, it is crucial to recognise and celebrate their influence, which has shaped the rich tapestry of nail artistry we see in the industry.
Read more about Donyale Luna here : Vogue
Sources of Inspiration
At HONA, we recognise and celebrate the profound influence of Black nail techs and artists, whose innovation and creativity continue to shape the landscape of nail artistry. We are committed to amplifying their voices and showcasing their artistry, reflecting not only personal expression but also cultural heritage. As we honour their contributions, we acknowledge that their styles are more than just trends; they represent a powerful expression of culture, identity, and empowerment.
This commitment was recently highlighted when HONA sponsored the nails for Karoline Vitto’s Spring 2025 show, curated by Tyler (@_tylerphoenix_nails). Vitto’s collection captivated audiences not only with its stunning designs but also with its emphasis on inclusivity, showcasing a diverse range of models that celebrate beauty in all its forms. This collaboration underscores HONA's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry, highlighting the importance of representation and creativity in nail artistry.
Read more about our experience here: HONAX LWF
Q&A: Celebrating the Black Nail Techs Who Helped Shape HONA
In this segment, we spotlight a selection of the incredible Black nail techs who have played a pivotal role in shaping HONA, Whilst recognising and appreciating every single black nail tech that has helped shape our journey through their artistry, innovation, and dedication, they have not only influenced our brand but have also enriched the nail industry as a whole.
Join us as we dive into their insights and experiences, celebrating their invaluable contributions to our community.
Q: How has your culture influenced your nail art style?
We asked the talented @kreatedbykae_ how she felt that her culture has influenced her nail art style! Kae has been instrumental in supporting HONA's content creation helping us to achieve our goals of becoming more inclusive and diverse across platforms.
I think within the culture as a whole, nails have always been a celebration of identity and artistic expression.
I used to hear my favourite artists sing/rap lyrics about women getting their nails done and I would see these music videos where girls had these extravagant sets that were full of bold colour and crazy designs. I think it reflected a confidence and fearlessness that really resonated with me, because the nails that a lot of black women were doing back then weren’t always looked at in a positive light.
What I took from it all was that nails and nail art can be an extension and reflection of your personality or individuality, not just necessarily an accessory.
This has trickled down into my nail art because I literally just do whatever I want. If I see a design that I like, I’ll try it. If I get inspired by something I’ve seen, I’ll incorporate it into a set. Sometimes, I like to push myself and do something extravagant and other times I’ll keep it more lowkey but each time it’s a way for me to express my creativity and I love it so much.
With clients, I still get that same creative outlet but it’s a bonus because you get to contribute to someone else’s confidence and help them express their own identity and flair.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience where your work made a significant impact on the nail community?
Earlier this year HONA has the pleasure of speaking at event the @cardiffandvalebeautyevent co-founded by @popsbeauty, It was an incredible opportunity to support local nail techs! We asked Sara, Can you share a memorable experience where your work mad a significant impact on the nail community?
Q: How do you believe black nail techs have shaped the industry?
We asked the inspiring @munro.nails, How do you believe black nail techs have shaped the industry? Carys has been essential in helping to educate HONA and it's community on this vitally important subject! You can read her blog: Creating a more inclusive and diverse client base and studio space.
Q: Who inspires you in the industry and why?
@elizabeth_aficially has been a essential part of the HONA community from as early as 2022, she's continued to support and educate our community and recently trained online with our Co-founder, Charlotte! We asked Elizabeth, who inspires you in the industry and why?
Q: What role do you think community plays in your success as a nail tech?
Chantelle from @clawgasmic has been a fundamental part of HONA's growth as a company, her community of nail techs continues to inspire us everyday and provide us with insight into a more inclusive space! We asked Chan, What role do you think community plays in your success as a nail tech?
A: In a word... community is 'EVERYTHING'
Q: How do you celebrate your identity through your work?
We asked Jordanna from @pooch1creates, how do you celebrate your identity through your work?! Jordanna is a talent content creator and her work with HONA has allowed us to create a more inclusive space for our community.
Q: Why is representation significant in the industry, and what makes you feel supported/included?
We asked the incredibly creative Mika from @contoursbymika, why is representation significant in the industry, and what makes you feel supported/included? Mika has helped us to understand the significance of nail enhancements to the black community and we continued to be inspired by her creativity always!
A: Representation in the nail industry is crucial, more so for Black technicians who are just starting out. As a beginner nail tech, it can be challenging to find the right brand to align with—particularly when serving a large clientele with darker skin tones. It reminds me of the struggles the makeup industry faces in providing adequate shade ranges for Black and brown women.
Personally, representation is important to me because it creates a sense of inclusion and belonging. HONA has done an incredible jobs representing diversity. Their commitment to inclusivity and reflecting diverse cultures resonates deeply with me. It shows that they value diverse experiences and perspectives, which builds my trust and loyalty in that brand. When brands make this effort, it’s very empowering. Nails have always been a key part of our self-expression and creativity. Nail art and bold design have deep roots in black culture, but for too long, we weren’t included in the beauty industry’s narrative.
I feel truly supported when brands reflect this history and honour the communities that have pushed the industry forward. Not only by recognising black creators but Offering a large range of products that cater to all skin tones, celebrating Black nail artists, and making space for our stories helps me feel included. Brands like HONA make me feel included and supported.
Celebrating Black History Month
At HONA, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of Black nail techs who have shaped our industry. Their artistry and dedication inspire us every day and play a vital role in our journey toward inclusivity.
This Black History Month, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the talented Black nail technicians in our HONA family and beyond. Let’s continue to honour their legacy and foster a more inclusive future for nail artistry.
Thank you for being part of our journey!