In a market dominated by Asians, simply getting noticed can be difficult for some African American nail technicians.

Topaz Woodruff, owner of the Nail Cabaret on N. Tryon Street, wants to change that. She estimates that at least 200 black technicians work in the Charlotte area, many unaware of their own numbers.

Woodruff recently formed a group called The Black Knights of the Nail Table. Her goal is to bring the area’s black technicians together for networking.

Black technicians say their biggest challenge may be fighting perceptions that Asian shops are faster and better.

“Even with African-Americans, when they walk in the salon and they don’t see any Asians they think the nail techs are not going to know what they are doing,” said Alexis Guinn Santina, owner of Contemporary Nails, a full-service nail salon in the North Davidson area. “But these (black) nail techs went to school and are educated just like the Asians. A lot of them, I feel, are better.”

Woodruff has been in the nail care business for 25 years. For her, it’s all about convenience and customer service. Her website (www.nailcabaret.com) lets clients make appointments and pay by credit card before they arrive.

Customer service was emphasized by each of the black nail technicians I interviewed. As small business owners, they understand that client relations, professionalism and high sanitation standards are key to long-term survival.

At Contemporary Nails, Santina serves wine and has “margarita Mondays” and “cheesecake Thursdays.”

“We try to make it an atmosphere that women can come to and not just come to get their nails done but to have it be a lounge,” Santina said.

Melody Crook, a nail technician at Contemporary Nails, has been licensed for seven years. And like other African American technicians I interviewed, she said competition from the Asian-owned shops is fierce.

But customers who do frequent African American shops report good experiences. Meredith Logan, a customer at Contemporary Nails, said language barriers are never a problem there, and that, she said, adds to the pampering experience.

For Will Johnson, who has been getting pedicures for the last 10 years, it’s more about supporting black-owned businesses.

Wanda Belk Picquet, owner of Zoe Nail Salon and Spa in the Plaza area, has been in business for 6 years. She employs four nail technicians and offers massages. She also has a “Kids Corner” where children 12 and under can get manicures, pedicures or hold birthday parties.

Even with stiff competition from discounter, African-American nail technicians are alive and well. So give one a try the next time you’re in the mood to pamper yourself.

Trends in Nails for Spring 2009:

Nail polish colors to look for this spring are nudes and bright colors such as orange, pinks, corals and yellows, even blue. “Blues are really cute, especially on women of color,” says Belk. If you can’t let go of red nail polish, Crook favors the popular color “Not Really a Waitress” by OPI.

Nail Art Anyone? As the weather gets warmer, some women will want to show off their toes with creative and fun designs. All of the salons I visited offer hand-painted designs on fingers and toes.

Nail salons owned by African Americans

The Nail Cabaret: 4329 Monroe Rd.; (704) 208-8119; www.nailcabaret.com

Zoe Nail Salon and Spa: 2832 The Plaza; (704) 333-9572; www.zoenailsalonandspa.com

Contemporary Nails: 2424 N. Davidson St. Suite 106-A; (704) 900-5663

A La Queen Nails: 4936 Albemarle Road Suite 8; (704) 497-5974

Lashawnda K. Becoats is a lifestyle consultant and owner of La Concierge in Charlotte, N.C. Email: la@concierge.la

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