Women's 
Studies Research

I assist Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Elena Guzman in researching their film project on nail technicians, focusing on the politics of feminine aesthetics, beauty, and racialized sexuality, particularly in the rise of nail art. I also help facilitate public engagement with Dr. Hernandez's work via social media and support her book, High Maintenance Feminism: Tracing a Cultural Movement, by researching academic articles and cultural works.

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The politics of feminine aesthetics, beauty, and racialized sexuality in the context of nail art and expression explores how societal perceptions of gender, race, and class intersect with evolving trends in beauty. Nail art, once associated with marginalized communities, particularly Black, Asian, and Latina women, has transitioned into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. This shift raises questions about appropriation, commodification, and the labor dynamics within the beauty industry.

 

Nail art serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, allowing individuals to convey identity, creativity, and cultural heritage. However, its increasing prominence highlights tensions between authenticity and commercialization. For instance, the rise of extravagant nail styles in fashion and social media often detaches the art form from its roots, sidelining the contributions of communities that popularized and innovated these practices.

 

Additionally, the nail salon industry brings to light issues of racialized labor, with many salons run by immigrant women, particularly of Asian descent, who face low wages, poor working conditions, and societal invisibility despite their central role in shaping this industry. Meanwhile, the celebration of nail art in high fashion and celebrity culture often erases these labor realities and the racialized origins of these practices.

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