These days, nail art has no limits. That’s been the experience of Alice Kincade anyway. The Oakland-based nail artist started 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. They didn’t know you could put literally anything on your nails,” she says.
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, 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 explains. “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 can be an opportunity to show off their style. Though for many, it’s an act of self-care.
“There’s just a serotonin aspect to it that people really prioritize. 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,” she notes.
Kincade is deeply connected to this feeling. She remembers the days of going to the nail salon with her mother and grandmother, how it was always fun to take 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.
