Artikel: Nail Tech Spotlight Jack Harper
Nail Tech Spotlight Jack Harper
This month, we’re so excited to shine a light on Jack Harper of @jxckxrperart. Jack is someone we’ve had the pleasure of meeting at HONA events, working with creatively, and seeing show up as a familiar face within our wider community. As a talented nail tech and content creator, his work is full of personality, detail and self-expression, bringing a fresh, bold energy to the industry.
Jack’s journey into nails began with a love for creativity and quickly grew into a career built on confidence, individuality and pushing boundaries. As a male nail tech, Jack uses his platform and his artistry to challenge outdated stereotypes and show that nails are, and always should be, a space for everyone.
With this spotlight landing during Pride Month, it felt like a natural moment to celebrate Jack’s story while also reflecting on something HONA believes in all year round: diversity, representation and creating a community where every nail tech feels seen, supported and welcome. From content that has reached over one million views to his experience attending HONA events and connecting with other techs, Jack’s journey is a reminder of how powerful creativity can be when it’s rooted in authenticity.
In this month’s Spotlight, Jack shares more about his nail journey, life as a male nail tech, what Pride means to him, and how nail art continues to be one of his favourite forms of self-expression.
Q&A With Jack Harper
Q: Tell us a little bit about your nail journey — how did you first get into the industry?
A: I first got in to the industry after I went to a high street salon and got a flame on one nail and I thought it was the coolest thing ever, however the price not so much! So I thought let me go to Superdrug and get some air dry polish to do it, let’s just say it didn’t go to plan thinking I could do it straight away with a quick dry polish! I was set on getting my nails done, that year with my Christmas money, I treated myself to an at home kit and fell in love. From that, I got opportunities to work with the brand. I did all my research before hand & then a year later did a course for my qualification and never looked back. Without that kit and love for self expression I wouldn’t have done anything I have achieved today!
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- Cat Eye Rainbow
- Money Detail Paint
- After Dark Detail Paint
- Cherry Detail Paint
- Sunshine Detail Paint
Q: As a male nail tech, what has your experience been like working in the nail industry?
A: As a guy in this industry for the last four years, it’s definitely had its ups and downs. I don't post about my personal struggles with the industry publicly, because I prefer to channel any negativity into doing better and pushing for real representation. Most of my experience has been incredibly positive because I’ve surrounded myself with an amazing bubble of techs and people who support me both on and off social media. The main negatives usually come from outside that bubble, the derogatory comments on Facebook and TikTok. But honestly? That just makes me work ten times harder to build my success and annoy them😌 (Can I say P*** off?)
I use every single set I create to push back against those old stereotypes. Being unapologetically myself has opened doors for me to work with major brands like yourself, Superdrug, and Malibu. I want to prove that this industry is a space for absolutely everyone.
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Q: Pride Month is such an important time for celebrating individuality and self-expression. What does Pride mean to you, both personally and creatively?
A: For me, Pride is about being authentic and having the freedom to be exactly who you are, every single day of the year. I feel like who I am and my creativity flow from the same place. I’m naturally an outgoing, artistic person, and nails are my outlet for that. I look at every set of nails on myself or my clients as a chance to extend that creativity on small canvases
While Pride Month is a beautiful time for celebration, I also think it's a vital moment to reflect on the industry. It shouldn't just be a month to highlight queer creators who are doing amazing work 365 days a year
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Q: Your content is such a big part of how people connect with your work. What do you enjoy most about creating nail content online?
A: I love the community I’ve built around me and getting to know the actual artists behind the art. Because of this, I’ve made such amazing connections with people from all over the world who I’d otherwise never get to meet!
Hitting over 1M views on my profile was definitely a huge highlight for me, if I can showcase my work and break stigmas for that many people, I feel super accomplished. But working in-person events is just as big a highlight. Getting to chat with clients and having that real, physical connection is such a great balance to the online content creation side of things.
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Q: How do you use nail art as a way to express personality, identity or creativity?
A: Nail art has now become something that I’m known for which is incredible, expressing my work I feel like it lets people into my mind, whether that’s a miniature product, portrait of Jade or beans on toast! I love to express how I’m feeling now. As a guy in this industry, I’ve always wanted to bring a fresh, creative energy to the industry whilst still keeping it “me” and maybe having a “shock” factor in there too.
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Q: You’ve been part of the HONA community and attended HONA events — what has that experience been like for you?
A: I love the sense of community people have in the HONA community page; everyone is there for the same reasons and hopefully for the same outcomes! Seeing everyone help each other and not gatekeep is such a great side to the industry and sometimes people feel threatened or cliquey but everyone uplifting each other is amazing!
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A huge thank you to Jack for sharing his story with us and for continuing to bring so much creativity, personality and representation to the nail industry.
Want to see more from Jack? Take a look at his Pride Month nail art tutorial and discover how he created a bold, expressive set using HONA products.
