Trans tech talk

Scratch marks Transgender Awareness Week by shining a spotlight on trans techs, their industry experiences & nail work

AS TOLD TO REBECCA HITCHON

FINN REILLY

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA @darkfae.creations

I became interested in nails in middle school, before I started my transition. As I got older, my passion for art grew. Becoming a nail technician felt like the perfect way to combine my love for creativity with a hands-on skill. I worked at a salon for a while, but my employer made me feel unsafe and unwelcome, often making snide comments about my gender behind my back. Since leaving that environment, I’ve been met with nothing but acceptance.

I became self-employed in July and now rent a nail suite: a space where I don’t have to worry about being judged or discriminated against because of my gender identity and appearance.

I highly recommend that trans nail techs take their time to evaluate potential workspaces.

I’ve known that I am a trans man since I was 13, but stayed in the closet for most of high school, trying to make myself more acceptable to others. I realised that by holding back, I was doing a disservice to myself, so when I turned 18, I started testosterone hormonetherapy, and soon have a consultation for top surgery.

While I’ve had some curious looks and interesting questions as a trans man in the nail industry, I am fortunate to now have clients who are kind, and feel comfortable to ask questions if they don’t understand. I’m always happy to answer, because I believe education is power. I’ve received so much unconditional support from fellow nail techs and my local drag community, which has been invaluable in helping me grow personally and professionally. Nail art is for everyone, and being able to share that joy is one of the greatest highlights of my life.

BE AWARE

“Being trans is only one part of a trans person’s story. We are multidimensional people just like everyone else, with victories, heartbreaks, hobbies, relationships and goals.”

SIDNEY SIMPSON

Capitol Hill, Seattle, USA @queer_af_nails

I’ve been out, proud and medically transitioning for about six years. Deciding to live as myself has been the biggest gesture of self-love I’ve ever given. Growing up, I was told I was a girl, but felt disconnected and uncomfortable. It was terrifying to not understand that feeling. I tried to fit into a box of ‘womanhood’, but the longer I did this, the more tormented and outcast I became. I was 25 when everything ‘clicked’ and I realised I am transgender.

Before I came out as trans, I enjoyed painting my nails, and it was a weeklytradition I shared with my mother. When I began my medical transition and started to feel more comfortable within myself, I also felt more inclined to experiment with forms of self-expression that are commonly perceived as feminine. I grew fascinated by L&P acrylic and its creative possibilities, and in 2021, I began attending evening classes to qualify as a nail technician.

After a week of my first salon job, I came out as trans in a conversation with a colleague. I was fired the next day, as the salon claimed it was overstaffed, but a ‘help wanted’ sign remained on the building for four months. I went on to work in three more salons, which all made me feel less than human. People would communicate with me like I was a cliché gay best friend character from a movie, and my abilities were doubted by clients and employers. I felt so close, yet so far away from the career I deserved.

After these terrible experiences, I decided to establish a private studio. I did not feel safe working in other salons, and realised that my preferred clients didn’t feel safe either. I had a new purpose in providing services where clients would be heard and respected. Nail treatments became gender affirming care, community outreach and therapy for both parties. Most of my clients are trans or gender queer, and often come to me for their first nail services, or because they feel pressured into certain styles by other pros.

“I feel that when you are your most authentic self, you attract the people and opportunities that are most suited to you.”

My advice for trans nail techs is to seek support from, do business with and be inspired by other queer and trans people. I like to describe myself as ‘obnoxiously out’. To me, it is immensely important to be seen and heard as a gay trans man. I feel that when you are your most authentic self, you attract the people and opportunities that are most suited to you. If I hadn’t been ‘obnoxiously out’, many of my clients wouldn’t have found me – and I wouldn’t have been noticed by Scratch.

BE AWARE

“On average across industries, trans masculine people earn 38% less than their cis male counterparts (those whose gender identities matches their birth sexes). If you have questions about how to better support or understand your local trans community, don’t be hesitant to ask.”

DREW SALLOWS

Glasgow, Scotland, UK @t4tnails

I always knew I wanted an artistic career, and spent a lot of time watching content posted by Cristine of Simply Nailogical (@simplynailogical). I practiced techniques from her videos, and was offered training by my former nail tech. I feel very lucky to do what I love, and think that love has helped me to grow my business.

I am fortunate to have solely worked in queer spaces in my nail career. When you’re queer, it’s easy to connect with other queer people, as there’s an unspoken understanding. Generally, the nail industry seems to be accepting, but but I unfortunately hear stories that some salons aren’t welcoming to queer people. To be inclusive in my business, I don’t assume pronouns, identities or the type of nails a client would choose, based on how they present themselves. I am currently saving for hormone replacement therapy and top surgery.

I’ve received a number of transphobic comments on social media, but I see these as the commentors’ problems – not mine. I can’t change how they feel about me, and I am proud of who I am and the space I have built for others like me. I have also gone to therapy, which helps to process my emotions. Being trans can be very heavy on your mental health.

I recommend therapy to trans pros, and finding queer people in the local community. There are apps that can be used to find LGBTQ+ events in each area.

BE AWARE

“In the UK, many trans people don’t feel safe, therefore it’s important to challenge transphobia and listen to trans voices. Real lives are lost to transphobia, which is unacceptable, so education and compassion are incredibly important.”

ASHER MAYNARD

Capitol Hill, Seattle, USA @transformative_nails

I am transmasculine and non-binary, which makes my story quite atypical compared to those told by trans men and women. I didn’t always know I was trans and don’t really feel like I was born in the wrong body. My transition began with a curiosity, and as I began to explore my gender identity and expression, I felt euphoric in my gender for the first time.

I was raised in a creative home, with those around me encouraging a love of all things artistic. During high school, I discovered the beauty industry and was enamoured with the way people use beauty to express themselves. This led me to the nail industry, and I find a lot of joy in bringing happiness to clients through nail looks.

Not only have I received allyship from other nail techs and my clients, but I’ve been given tangible support through my transition. One client prepaid for her appointments so that I could afford top surgery. I’m surrounded by people that care, and so I give them grace to make mistakes and ask questions, because there’s no malice.

There are two reasons why I share being trans on social media. One is to let other trans people know that I offer a safe, judgment-free space and confidence boost, wherever they are in their transition. The second reason is to keep my space safe for me; I don’t want a client to be surprised when they turn up to their appointment and have a negative reaction.

“I’m surrounded by people that care, and so I give them grace to make mistakes and ask questions, because there’s no malice.”

Resources that I have found valuable include American organisation, Planned Parenthood, which provides many life-saving services. I was able to access hormone replacement therapy through it. I also recommend listening to podcast, Gender Reveal, which is a series of interviews of trans people by trans people. Every episode introduces new perspectives and leaves me with something to think about.

BE AWARE

“Trans lives can be joyful. There’s a lot of scary things happening in the world, but trans people are living full lives, creating beautiful art and having meaningful experiences.”

LOGAN CULLEN

San Francisco, California, USA @logan5nails

When I was younger, I saw the first Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie and wanted to be Peter Parker. I couldn’t understand why no one saw me in that way. I have very feminine features, so sought to move as far away from a ‘girl’ image as possible, and started dressing in masculine clothes. Figuring out that I’m non-binary was amazing, because I could be comfortable to love femme things again. I realised that I could allow myself to like what I like and if people don’t get it, that’s OK, because I finally understood myself.

I’ve been creating nail looks since I was a kid, and love the feeling I get from wearing a piece of art. When I was in my 20s, I decided to try make a living from my creativity. I love how nails make people feel, and seeing clients light up when I’m creating a design is such a joy.

I’m incredibly lucky to live in San Francisco, where I feel supported by clients and co-workers. I’ve encountered ignorant people and trolls online, but that’s what the ‘block’ feature is for! One time in the salon, a client started asking me invasive and inappropriate questions, so I simply refused my services. I think the nail industry still has a long way to go with inclusivity – many brands refer to their customers as ‘women’ or ‘girls’, which alienates not only trans and non-binary people, but the growing number of men who love nails.

I recognise my privilege in being able to be out and supported, so want to use this to signal that I’m a safe person to work with and visit. The beauty industry can be a daunting place for trans people, and I want them to know that I understand that on a personal level. The internet is an amazing place to find a community, and I’ve connected with so many amazing trans nail artists on Instagram. Anyone who’s looking for support or advice is always welcome to chat to me, too.

BE AWARE

“Make an effort to educate yourself if you don’t understand things, rather than get angry. So many negative things I hear about the trans community are stereotypes and people being upset to see trans people living loudly, happily and unapologetically. You don’t have to do everything perfectly to be an ally – just keep learning and listening!”

DYLAN MICHAUD

Dallas, Texas, USA@dylznailz

I dabbled in nails as a hobby, but really became invested during the pandemic, after I lost my job with MAC Cosmetics. I was used to wearing four-inch L&P acrylic enhancements, and when nail salons were forced to close, I undertook training to learn how to do my nails myself.

I started my transition medically three years ago, having socially transitioned about two years prior, by growing my hair and wearing dresses. I was always very happy with how feminine I looked, but felt something was missing. When expressing these emotions to my family, they showed the support that I needed to come out as trans, for which I am extremely grateful.

“I am very understanding that not everyone agrees with my lifestyle. That does not stop me from achieving my goals, as I have a great client base who see my value.”

I feel very welcomed by other techs and salon owners. However, I have experienced discrimination. Many clients have walked away from my services due to my gender.

Fortunately, I am very understanding that not everyone agrees with my lifestyle. That does not stop me from achieving my goals, as I have great clients who know my value.

The excitement and confidence they have after I’ve finished their nail, make-up or brow services bring me so much joy.

Trans-friendly online communities are so important, and I love to share Facebook beauty communities I’ve found. Through these groups, I have connected my LGBTQ friends with pros for their other beauty needs.

BE AWARE

“Nails are for everyone, and trans nail techs can service anyone. A person’s gender or orientation shouldn’t mean clients should miss out on some of the best work they can get!”