Pro Spotlight
5 AAPI Nail Artists You Need to Know
Meet the women shaping nail culture from behind the scenes.
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, meet the women shaping nail culture from behind the scenes.
Five artists. Decades of experience. A combined client list you wouldn’t believe. From red carpets to magazine covers to a quick trip to space. These are the women defining the way we think about nails. And they're just getting started.
Kim Truong
Two decades in the industry. A-list clients. Nails that literally went to space.
@kimkimnails
Kim is the celebrity nail artist behind some of the most iconic manicures in the game. With an emphasis on proper prep, longevity, and maintaining the health of the natural nail, she’s become the top choice for basically everyone whose hands you've ever noticed. But this Vietnamese American pro says her greatest accomplishment is being able to help her family and give back to those who supported her journey.
Follow Kim Truong @kimkimnails on Instagram.
Eri Ishizu
From a nail salon in Japan, to LA and NYC, to every red carpet worth watching.
@eriishizu
Eri has created some of the most talked-about manicures in recent history. Known for her personalized approach to each set, she designs everything from minimal nails to full-on 3D works of art. With a career built on range, it’s no wonder her client list keeps growing.
Follow Eri Ishizu @eriishizu on Instagram.
Emi Kudo
Film, television, music, and a whopping 23 American Vogue cover shoots. Emi’s done it all.
@nailsbyemikudo
Born in Japan, Emi has a home base in Los Angeles where she continues to build her astounding career. With a “less is more” approach to nails, she is known for her calming, organized presence that makes her a go-to for some of the biggest celebrities in the industry.
Follow Emi Kudo @nailsbyemikudo on Instagram.
Naomi Yasuda
This is your favorite artist's favorite nail artist. Madonna. Gaga. Charli. Sabrina. The list goes on.
Born in Japan and based in New York, Naomi is a self-proclaimed “chameleon”—always pushing boundaries and trying new things. And still, after two decades and an unreal client list, she says her proudest accomplishment is making her family happy.
Follow Naomi Yasuda @naominailsnyc on Instagram.
Diem Truong
With a client list that looks like an award show seating chart, Diem is the quiet force behind some of Hollywood's most recognizable hands.
@nailsbydiem
Known for her clean, editorial eye, she specializes in effortless nails that enhance the overall styling story. Her work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and InStyle more times than we can count. For Diem, though, the most meaningful part isn't the covers. It's being a Vietnamese American manicurist, standing alongside a generation of Asian American creatives redefining the industry.
Follow Diem Truong @nailsbydiem on Instagram.
