The Challenges of Minority Women in the Nail Design Industry

December 18, 2023

When you step into a nail salon in North America, you’re likely greeted by the warm smile of a hardworking woman. But behind that smile, there’s often a story of struggle and resilience, especially for minority women, many of whom are immigrants. These women have found their way into the nail design industry as a means of supporting their families, but the journey is anything but easy.

Nail salons are typically found in private shopping spaces like malls and retail plazas. These spaces serve as both workplaces and, ironically, places of leisure. But for the women who work in these salons, the line between work and leisure is often blurred.
As workers, they are essential to the operation of these shopping spaces, yet their contributions are often overlooked. The power dynamics in these environments can be stark, with minority women frequently facing discrimination from both employers and customers. Language barriers and cultural differences can make it difficult for them to assert their rights or connect with those around them, leaving them feeling isolated and vulnerable.
As consumers, these women might occasionally find themselves in the same shopping spaces during their rare moments of downtime. But enjoying leisure in the very places they work can feel awkward or uncomfortable. Financial constraints, time pressures, and societal expectations often prevent them from fully participating in leisure activities, reinforcing a sense of exclusion.

Working in the nail design industry isn’t just about painting nails. There’s a social and cultural aspect to it that adds another layer of complexity. These women are often expected to conform to specific beauty standards and cultural norms that might not align with their personal values or beliefs. This can lead to a sense of disconnect from their own cultural identities. Moreover, the dual role of being both a worker and a consumer in these spaces adds to their stress. They are expected to serve others while simultaneously navigating their own place within a consumer-driven culture that often marginalizes them. This can create a feeling of being "othered" in both their work and leisure environments.

Take, for example, the story of a Vietnamese immigrant working in a nail salon. She works long hours, often without breaks, and earns just above minimum wage. At home, she’s the primary caregiver for her children and elderly parents, juggling multiple responsibilities with little time for herself. Despite these challenges, she finds pride in her work and the relationships she builds with her clients.
Or consider a refugee from Syria who has found work in a nail salon after fleeing her homeland. She faces daily challenges in adjusting to a new culture and language while dealing with discrimination from those around her. Yet, she remains determined to build a better life for her family, using her skills in nail design as a stepping stone toward financial stability.

The struggles of minority women in the nail design industry aren’t just personal; they’re a reflection of broader social and economic systems that prioritize profit over people. Neoliberal policies that emphasize individual responsibility and market efficiency have left these women vulnerable to exploitation and marginalization.
To make real change, we need to start by listening to the stories of these women and advocating for their rights. Stronger labor protections, fair wages, and access to benefits like healthcare and paid leave are crucial steps. We also need to create more inclusive and culturally relevant leisure options in the spaces where these women work, ensuring they feel welcome and valued as both workers and consumers.

The nail design industry might seem like just another part of the beauty sector, but for the minority women who work in it, it’s a lifeline—and a battlefield. Their stories of resilience in the face of intersectional oppression deserve our attention and our action. By addressing the systemic issues they face, we can work toward creating a more equitable and supportive environment where all women can thrive, both in their work and in their lives.