Meet the NYC Nail Artist Rocking the Longest Tips in the Game

If you’ve ever scrolled past a set of impossibly long, ultra-detailed nails and thought, “How does she even function?!” — chances are, you’ve just discovered the magic of Yayo.

Based at the cult-fave Akiko Nails in New York City, Yayo is a nail tech with over 15 years of experience and a serious flair for the dramatic (in the best way). Known for her signature long nail extensions and hand-painted masterpieces, she’s built a name for herself one bold color at a time.

Her inspo? A nostalgic mash-up of childhood classics — think Sailor Moon, Sanrio, and vintage Disney vibes. Every set is a throwback dream, brought to life with vibrant hues, playful characters, and over-the-top 3D charms.

When it comes to creating these intricate designs, Yayo swears by Leafgel’s Japanese color gels. She keeps her station stocked with every shade imaginable — because whether a client wants soft pastels or electric brights, she’s ready. These gels don’t just bring her designs to life; they’re also her secret weapon for sculpting custom charms (like those adorable Super Mario Bros. pieces). Yup, every tiny charm is hand-sculpted with thick gel and then painted to perfection.

Now, we had to ask — how does she manage everyday life with those XXL nails? Yayo laughed and admitted that opening soda cans can be a bit of a struggle. Her hack? A key or coin to lift the tab. Other than that, her claws don’t slow her down one bit — not even when she’s doing clients’ nails. Years of experience have made her a total pro at working with long tips, no sweat.