It’s the smallest art you’ll find — and here’s where to find the best nail art in Tampa Bay. Here is a set from Back Alley Nails.Photo courtesy of Eric Schnetzer
The ritual of artfully adorning one’s nails goes back to ancient times. According to a 2023 Harper’s Bazaar article, the history of nail art dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, when fingernails were dyed with henna.
The practice was popular with many cultures, including the ancient Chinese, who in 600 A.D. wore blingy nail covers as symbols of wealth and power, according to a 2012 Refinery 29 article.
Hip-hop culture was also influential on nail art, according to Bazaar, thanks to a set designed for rapper Lil’ Kim in the 1990s by Bernadette Thompson, who cut up actual dollar bills and made a French manicure with them. This set in motion the “Money Nails” trend; Thompson became the first nail artist to exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Today, there’s seemingly no limit on the possibilities for nail art, whether dripping with 3D crystals and other charms, depicting pop culture cartoon characters, or incredibly gory horror nails.
This set is from Back Alley Nails, which opened in 2020 by artist Eric Schnetzer. Photo courtesy of Eric Schnetzer
Tampa Bay Nail Art and Where To Find It
Thanks to social media, Tampa Bay nail artists are able to promote their skills to a wide audience. One local success story is that of Devin Strebler, known on social media as @Nailz_by_Dev.
In an interview on WFLA Channel 8’s Daytime, Strebler said that when the pandemic made it hard to take clients in her salon, she took to TikTok to share her intricate, hand-painted, ’90s-themed nail designs (think everything from 2Pac to Scream). She went viral and now has more than a million followers and has collaborated with the brands including Disney and Nickelodeon.
Nail artist Devin Strebler opened a supply shop in Largo that sells her own products. The mural was painted by the Vitale Bros. Photo by Maggie Duffy
Today, Strebler only uses her nail art to promote content, so she doesn’t take clients anymore. She created her own line of nail products, sold at her Largo supply shop, Nailz by Dev.
But there are plenty of other talented nail techs in the area, and we rounded up a few places to find them. While some accept walk-ins, if you’re looking for something that could take up to five hours, it’s best to make an appointment.
It’s the smallest art you’ll find — and here’s where to find it.Photo by Cathy Salustri
The Best Nail Art in Tampa Bay
PAINT Nail Bar
Staffers Cathy and Cameron get their nails done at this downtown St. Pete salon. 320 Central Ave. paintnailbar.com, 727-308-0381.
Back Alley Nails
Opened in 2020 by artist Eric Schnetzer, who built a team of techs known as the Back Alley Bangers, each with their own style. 3130 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg. backalleynails.com, 727-201-2467 (text).
Nails by Lina
Get ultra-feminine enhancements such as jewels and flowers from the team here. 1110 34th St. N., St. Petersburg. nailsbylina.com, 727-323-8692.
Lavue Nail Lounge
A scroll through its Instagram revealed designer logos, Peanuts characters, and other intricate designs. 2100 34th St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-353-8888.
Nail Art & Spa
Whether it’s dainty designs or bold 3D you’re after, the team here has you covered. 3020 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. nailartspastpete.com, 727-999-1581.
Halo Nail Lounge
If Hello Kitty is your thing, Halo Nail Lounge is your spot. 4337 66th St. N., Kenneth City. halo-naillounge.square.site, 727-506-4942.
Nailz by Dev
The supply shop carries gel color, brushes, tools, nail tips, and press-on nails. 12678 Starkey Road, Largo. nailzbydev.com.
Arts All Around!
The Gabber Newspaper covers live theater and art across South Pinellas. And, when we find something worth the drive, we cover art in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.
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