Meet Mei Kawajiri, Nail Artist to Stars Like Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, More

The New York nail scene, however, was quite different from Japan’s.

“It’s very unique over there. [In Japan], going to the nail salon is not just getting a manicure, they’re going to get nail art. So that is a big difference between New York and Japan. And that was like 20 years ago … already everyone’s getting nail art every month,” says Kawajiri.

When she started working in New York, she didn’t know much English, so she would design tiny croissants on her nails to show baristas what she wanted to order.

She went from working in a shop to taking on clients in their own homes, lugging her kit all around the city. Soon, New Yorkers interested in conceptual nail art were seeking out her work and asking for new designs every two weeks. She quickly became booked and busy — especially with clients who were interested in her more far-fetched ideas.

When her work started to get the attention of magazines and fashion houses, Kawajiri knew going independent was the next step.

Since then, Nails by Mei has only continued to grow, and more commercial projects led to more high profile clients. At this year’s Met Gala, she worked on six attendees’ nails, including longtime clients like Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey and Rosalia. But the work can be challenging, as the stars’ outfits are closely guarded secrets.

“I mean the Met Gala is the biggest event of the year … each celebrity wanted to be the most beautiful … I’m watching their Instagram for long time and what they’re interested in right now … short nail, or nail art, or long or simple,” she says. “Some people can share ‘My dress is like gold, my dress is like that,’ but they’re not sending me any pictures.’”

So, Kawajiri has to create designs in advance, while also understanding she has to work on the fly, and the environment can be fast-moving. She’s doing six high-profile sets in six hours, while also making sure every client feels connected to their nails.

“How often do you go to the hair salon? Probably once in three months or something, right? But nail [appointments] are closer [together], and then we also sit in front of each other. So it’s like we are chatting at the cafe,” says Kawajiri.

It can also be emotional — even therapy for some.

“A lot of people break up with boyfriend and just come straight to get nails done,” says Kawajiri with a laugh.

So, where does Kawajiri see the future of the industry going? It’s always evolving, she believes. She predicts there will be a combination of more 3D designs, hand printed stencils, and out of the box designs. Since nail art is becoming more accessible, it’s allowing people who never thought they would be artistic to express themselves through their manicures.

One thing Kawajiri knows for sure is that regardless of the trends that come and go, nail art will always remain. She also believes it should be taken seriously as an art form.

“I even think that art school should have nail art class where kids start learning how to make nail art,” she says.

So one day? You might be sending your child to art school to study how to create works of art on the fingers of Cardi B.