These days, nail art has no limits. In Alice Kincade’s experience, anyway. The Oakland-based nail artist began her work in her dorm room at UCLA in 2019 while recovering from a car accident. Since then, she’s seen the possibilities of the art form expand exponentially.
“People had an idea of what nail stuff could be,” she says. “They didn’t know you could put literally anything on your nails.”
Today, Kincade is known for being willing and able to put that literal anything on anybody. Flowers. Terrariums. Political statements. With the resurgence of ’90s and Y2K fashion came airbrushed designs. And recently, for a music video for the singer Raveena, “something her 16-year-old self would have wanted.” When following her own vision, Kincade likes to experiment with patterns and mixed media. Inspiration often comes from the present moment in culture.
“I often try to see what’s popping right now,” she says. “Like, what can I get into for the vibe of ‘What’s going on right now?’”
As to why people treat themselves to Instagram-worthy nails, Kincade says it’s an opportunity for many to show off their style. Though for others, it’s an act of self-care.
“There’s just a serotonin aspect to it that people really prioritize,” she says. “I think that’s a really positive thing when it comes to taking care of yourself and investing in things that make you feel beautiful.”
Kincade is deeply connected to this feeling. She remembers going to the nail salon with her mother and grandmother, the fun they shared in taking care of themselves in that “womanly” way together. Now it’s Kincade who does her mom’s nails—who treats her and her clients to that act they find essential.
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