The Top 8 Independent Nail Artists in Auckland
BY JENNY JUNG
Support local artists in your area! Here are the best independent nail artists in Tāmaki Makaurau.
16 JUL - 2024
Look good and feel good while getting your nails done.
Auckland is home to some of the best nail artists around. The growing young talent of independent creatives are growing by the year and it's so incredible to witness. We had the privilege of speaking with eight of our favourite nail artists for today's feature, bringing you their unique stories, specialisations and locations. We hope you get to find your new nail bestie today!
In no particular order, here is the Chatty approved list of the top nail artists in Auckland.
@d_nailed
@nailsbybz
@d_nailed
@d_nailed has an extreme attention to detail that is evident from her portfolio. From the cuticle work, symmetrical shaping and meticulous artwork, this Auckland-based nail tech is truly like none other.
We recommend seeing Danica if you have a dark and whimsical style. Looking through her portfolio, you can really see her futuristic and cyber artistic vibes with a modern and editorial feel. Her background in drawing and photography shines through her nail art as she often recreates patterns and textures found in nature. Like many artists, d_nailed flourished during the lockdowns and it is amazing to see a fellow creative doing what she loves.
Location: Remuera.
Booking: Instagram DM.
@d_nailed
@nailsssbytttt
Located in Mt Wellington, @nailsssbytttt is where Tiffany Ear brings her fashion background to life through edgy, bold and maximalist nail designs. Known for her use of colours, eye-catching textures and intricate 3D creations, Tiffany is your person if you love fashion and use your nails as an extension of self-expression.
While pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, she started taking on clients, gradually shifting her focus to nails. By June 2023, she opened her own studio, transforming her passion into a full-time career.
Specialising in intricate designs using gel extensions and builder gel, Tiffany draws inspiration from iconic brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Margiela, Chrome Hearts and Dior. She often incorporates elements from clothes, music and art into her unique, maximalist creations, customised to each client's taste and personality.
For Tiffany, nails are more than just nails, they’re a way to make clients feel happy and confident, showing how something small can have a big impact.
Location: Mt Wellington.
@nailsssbytttt
@nailsbybz
As a law student and nail tech, @nailsbybz shows that you can have it all – serious study and style. After stepping away from her retail job, Bella decided to follow her passion for nails, despite the pull to stick with law. Now, she enjoys the best of both worlds of running a buzzing nail business all while working at a law firm.
Bella’s specialty lies in builder gel and gel X extensions, where her attention to detail shines. Her thorough e-file cuticle prep ensures each manicure is fresh and long-lasting. In terms of her aesthetic, Bella loves experimenting with everything from elegant C-beauty designs to eye-catching 3D embellishments. With Bella, every nail set is a work of art and a testament to her love for what she does.
Her journey hasn't been without challenges, but Bella’s passion and dedication have helped her juggle two demanding careers with grace and enthusiasm. She’s a firm believer in following your dreams and proves that you don’t have to choose just one path.
Location: Mount Eden.
Booking: Through Instagram DM.
@nailsbybz
@amyjanenails
Amy’s passion for nails sparked at the age of 12 when she discovered a nail art book in a small holiday town. This book, filled with 2010s-style nail art, became her treasure. From ages 13 to 18, she ordered every nail kit imaginable from Amazon – acrylic, polygel, dip powder and more. She then spent hours practising, often with less-than-perfect results as she is completely self-taught!
After a year and a half in university, Amy reassessed her priorities as she pursued an online nail tech certification while working full time, dreaming of one day opening a salon. Eventually, she posted on Facebook, offering a mobile nail service and gained 100 Instagram followers overnight – and the rest is history!
Now at 21 years old, Amy specialises in gel systems, gel X, and builder gel, prioritising nail health and long-lasting results. She loves creating mix-and-match nail art on medium to long lengths, finding joy and excitement in each set. Originally from South Africa and now based in West Auckland, Amy’s journey reflects her dedication to her craft and her clients' happiness.
Location: West Auckland.
@amyjanenails
@nailsbyerica
Meet Erica, the 18-year-old creative behind @nailsbyerica, based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Known for her high-quality, hand-painted press-ons, Erica specialises in the most insanely beautiful 3D and artistic nail pieces. Although this article is on Auckland artists, this is a special shoutout for the talent in Hamilton– especially seeing that you can ship her pieces to your home.
Despite feeling lost due to her lack of formal education and mental health struggles, Erica found inspiration in her mother, a nail tech with over 20 years of experience. Plus, as a former nail biter, Erica had always worn press-ons and began experimenting with making her own in 2020. Starting with clear tips from Kmart, she spent her paychecks on nail supplies and dedicated hours after work to perfecting her craft, finding solace and calm in the process.
What began as a hobby quickly turned into a potential career path. Through @nailsbyeric.a, she has transformed her love for nail art into a thriving business, bringing confidence to her clients. Erica’s story is a testament to finding light and purpose even in the darkest times, proving the power of creativity and perseverance.
Location: Hamilton, shipping international available.
@nailsbyerica
@cear.ah
With a strong interest in beauty, @cear.ah ran a successful makeup account, amassing a following of 38,000 people and even delving into special effects (SFX) for TV and film. However, the lockdown brought the movie and makeup industry to a standstill, pushing @ceara.ah to explore other creative outlets.
In a bid to continue creating art, @cear.ah turned to nails, and what began as a necessity quickly evolved into a profound love for the craft. Specialising in gel extensions and builder gel manicures, she found herself deeply immersed in nails.
One look at @cear.ah’s portfolio and you can feel her boldness and imaginative style. She aims to create wild, eye-catching designs, believing that bigger is better and more art equals more appeal. Her goal with every set is to make people take a second glance to appreciate the intricate details.
Accessibility is a key priority for @cear.ah. She strives to keep her prices as reasonable as possible, understanding that for many people, nail art is a vital form of self-expression. Her commitment to making nail art accessible have made her a beloved figure in the nail art community, continually inspiring others with her innovative designs and passion for self-expression.
PSA: @cear.ah is also a tooth gem specialist for anybody looking to spice up their look!
Location: Morningside.
@cear.ah
@createdbylinh
With over five years of experience working in the beauty industry, Linh decided to open her own small business to do nails in 2022. Despite graduating in Biomedical Science, she continued to love art as she remembered her old days as a passionate art student. This passion ultimately led her to open Createdbylinh Studio, where she could channel her creativity full-time.
Createdbylinh Studio offers a diverse range of nail services designed to cater to the unique needs of each client. From gel extensions and builder gel (biab) to acrylics, manicure gel and press-ons, each service is tailored to ensure the highest quality results. The studio prides itself on providing a safe, relaxing and comfortable environment, allowing clients to unwind and enjoy a one-on-one private appointment!
Linh’s favourite styles include chrome, Y2K, aura and marble designs. We also love that her clients often ask her to freestyle, enabling her to bring her unique artistic vision to life.
Location: Beachlands.
Booking: Instagram DM.
@createdbylinh
@nailssby.sash
Sasha’s journey began during the 2020 lockdown when social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube became a source of inspiration and fascination. This newfound obsession with nail art led her to complete her qualifications in 2022 as she began to look for the perfect studio to join.
In 2024, Sasha joined Glow and Co, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in her career. Since then, she has been dedicated to constantly elevating her craft. Known for her exceptional 3D work and a keen eye for intentional and trendy embellishments, Sasha ensures that each client's needs and personal style are at the forefront of her designs.
Sasha describes her style as chameleon-like, capable of adapting to a wide range of aesthetics. Whether it’s wild and abstract designs or clean and classic styles, she can do it all. We were particularly drawn to Sasha for her keen eye for detail as her nail sets were often perfect in every aspect! We really recommend seeing Sasha if you are looking for simple-done-extremely-well. On the flipside, her design work is also absolutely stunning.
Location: Longbay.
@nailssby.sash
We hope you enjoyed today's special little shout out to the talent here in Auckland City. Honestly, as I was speaking to each artist, I was floored at the vulnerability and passion. The beauty industry is truly more than just looking pretty – it’s about supporting local artists, validating dreams, giving yourself a break to connect with someone one-on-one and treating yourself to a unique work of art!
Before you go, I wanted to share something from Tiffany, who highlighted the multifaceted nature of being an independent nail artist. She emphasises that being a nail artist involves more than just painting nails. It requires attention to detail, creativity and extensive work behind the scenes like bookkeeping, cleaning, planning and customer service.
I was also really moved when Sasha shared that a nail appointment is more than just a transaction, it’s an experience filled with encouraging, supportive and fun energy. It opens up an opportunity to really connect with her clients on a deeper level that goes beyond just a client relationship! I’m sure we can all relate – afterall, nail artists are kind of like undercover therapists in many ways!
Next time you visit your nail artist, take a moment to show your appreciation. A small gesture of gratitude can go a long way. After getting to know the hardworking artists featured today, I know I will. Let’s celebrate and support the incredible talent that makes our community shine.
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