Inside the Gothic Nail Lair of NYC’s Darkest (and Most Detailed) Nail Artist

If you’re obsessed with all things gothic, Victorian, and over-the-top — there’s a nail tech in NYC you need to know. Meet PolishedByColette, a gothic maximalist nail artist with her very own nail room to match. Step into her world and you’ll find more than just polish — we’re talking antique dolls, eerie paintings, and a whole room dedicated to her signature dark aesthetic.

Colette’s style is anything but basic. Specializing in hand-painted gothic nail art, she creates detailed designs that reflect her clients’ love for all things moody and macabre. Many of her regulars come to her because they know she gets the vision — whether it's Victorian lace, dark romance, or sculpted 3D elements straight out of a horror movie.

Her tools of the trade? Colette is a die-hard fan of Leafgel, using their color gels and brushes exclusively to bring her art to life. And while many go for a high-shine top coat, Colette always recommends a matte finish — it gives her designs that velvety, soft-focus look and keeps light from reflecting off the details, so nothing distracts from the artwork itself.

Her sets aren’t quick fixes either. Each appointment runs 2–3 hours, minimum, with some clients booking up to 6 hours for full-blown custom creations. One of her most memorable requests? Last Halloween, a client asked for hand-sculpted teeth. Colette built each tooth using thick gel, then painted them with Leafgel for a hyper-realistic finish. The session took six hours — but with great convo and a shared love for all things spooky, time flew by. If you’re looking for gothic glamour down to your fingertips, Colette isn’t just a nail tech — she’s a true artist with a dark side. And her work? It’s hauntingly beautiful.