Looking for Super Bowl nail inspo? KC artists flooded with Chiefs design requests
The Kansas City Chiefs are headed to Arizona for the 2023 Super Bowl, and some fans in Kansas City are showing support by sporting extravagant game day nails.
Nail technicians across the city have seen clients come in asking for creative nail designs inspired by the Chiefs. From simple arrowhead decals to full on portraits, the possibilities are endless.
“A week ago there was a sudden shift and everybody was like ‘Put Kansas City all over my nails with all the bling and attention,’” said Michaela Malotte, who owns Killer Nails KC based in PAINT Nail Bar in Overland Park.
Fellow Overland Park nail technician Keely Shea said she’s anticipating more customers wanting Chief-themed nails. Last time the Chiefs went to the Super Bowl, she said every manicure leading up to the big game included a Chiefs design.
“Everybody was just doing straight up Chiefs red, with little Arrowheads and ‘KC’s and lots of fifteens and 87s,” said Shea, who owns Claws by Key.
Vivian Chieu, owner of XO Nail KC on Northeast Flintlock Road, said many clients have come in looking for Chiefs nails recently. Chieu said her customers want bright red and yellow nails with the 2023 Super Bowl trophy decals or the number 15 or 87.
“A lot of our customers are just so excited when they come in,” Chieu said, adding that many come in and hand her a red and yellow and then just let her create a design inspired by the Super Bowl-bound team.
Lifelong Kansas City resident and Westport-based nail technician Mikeyla Hernandez said she especially enjoys doing Chiefs nails when the team is winning.
“I really enjoy doing Chiefs nails just because I am from here. I’ve been here my whole life,” said Hernandez, who specializes in acrylic full sets and acrylic overlay. “So when it comes to the Chiefs, it’s always something fun, especially when we’re winning, especially now that we’re going to the Super Bowl.”
For those interested in getting fancy nails in support of the Chiefs, Shea said it’s a good idea to come in with a picture, but it’s always best to allow the nail technician to have fun and put their own spin on the design.
“Trust your technician, as the artist, to carry that (design) out for you,” said Shea, who specializes in sculpted gel full sets and gel overlay sets. “Pictures are always cool, but do not expect to get exactly what’s in the picture.”
Malotte said that regardless of the length and shape of a person’s nails, anyone can pull of cool designs.
“You can really manipulate anything you want and make it fit on any size nails,” she said.
The cost of funky new designs can vary quite a bit. At Claws by Key, a full sculpted gel set will start out at about $85. A regular gel manicure will start at $50. The designs will start at $10 and can go up to $100.
At Hernandez’s shop, Mika’s Nail Spot, a full set would start at around $70 and will go up depending on how intricate the design is. For example, simple designs like swirls and lines will be cheaper than a set that incorporates a detailed Chiefs logo, Hernandez said.
At XO Nails, a full set with gel polish starts at $55 and designs start at $5 per nail. Malotte specializes in natural nails, gel and elaborate nail art and her nail sets that include designs start at about $65.
If you need more inspiration for your next set of nails, check out these Chiefs-themed sets.
