Wicked West Nails

Wicked West Nails was built by Alia, its founder, and began as a salon focused on nails. Over time it grew into a community space as well as a nail studio, and the salon also hosts community markets, supports local makers and small businesses, and shows up at local events and festivals.

Appointments are with individual nail techs, and the team works in gel manicures and nail art. Services range from everyday designs to bold custom work, and clients can bring their own ideas. Staff profiles list the second languages each person speaks, and Spanish-language content is available on the website.

The Strength & Structure Class is a single-day, in-person course held at the salon from 10am to 5pm on listed dates, priced at $495. The fee includes a kit with the supplies needed and lunch, and students receive a list of what to bring one week beforehand. The class covers gel application and detailed nail art, and it covers building a nail base meant to resist chipping, breaking and lifting. It is open to newcomers to the industry as well as experienced nail artists.

One-on-one sessions are custom and can cover technical, artistic, business or marketing topics. A technical skills session runs four hours in person, with a four-hour minimum and a seven-hour maximum, and costs $400. Topics include prep and cuticle work, shaping and structure, product knowledge and application, and simple to complex art. A business skills session costs $150 and covers topics such as social media and business basics. One-on-one clients get access to a private Instagram account where follow-up education is shared.

The salon describes itself as an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone, regardless of gender identity, orientation, background or personal style, and it encourages self-expression. It also describes itself as a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Payment is due at the time of service to the nail tech providing it. Clients under 16 are not accepted at present, children are not permitted in the salon, and hate speech is not tolerated. Office hours depend on the availability of the chosen nail tech.

Presents itself as a community space as well as a nail studio, combining nail services with education for nail artists and an open welcome for every guest.

Described as a welcoming, inclusive space where self-expression is encouraged.