Hollywood hands: an inside look into the life of a celebrity manicurist
By Jess Watts | 19 May 2026 | Techs & Salons
Meet the nail artist behind Scratch’s May cover images, as she shares her nail journey, celebrity encounters and dream collaboration…
Amber Studer is a nail pro with 31 years’ industry experience. Based in Southern California, she serves a loyal clientele, while building a reputation for crafting eye-catching nail looks for some of Hollywood’s most recognisable faces. But how did her nail journey begin?
“When I was 17 years old – a senior in high school – I enrolled in cosmetology school and attended evening classes,” Amber shares. “I completed the programme in four months, passed the state board exam and became a licensed manicurist.”
Her drive was rooted in a desire for independence from the beginning. “I knew from early on that I wanted to work for myself – especially once I had my kids,” she reveals. “I value the flexibility to create my own schedule.”
Amber’s passion for her job permeates every nail set she creates. “What excites me most is not just painting nails, but the creative freedom that comes with it. From clean, minimalist manicures to bold styles with gemstones and textures – I love to do it all,” she says.
That love for bright, joyful fingertips is unmistakable on the two front covers for the May issue of Scratch, celebrating the magazine’s 23rd birthday. “I created two distinct looks for the photo shoot, each with their own vibe,” Amber explains. One design bursts with turquoise, yellow, blue, purple and pink, while the other showcases a dreamy ‘Santorini-style’ pattern. Both are a celebration of colour, creativity and fun.
Amber’s inspiration comes from within the nail industry, and also from her everyday surroundings. “I look both inside and outside the nail world for creative inspiration,” she notes. “Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok help me conceptualise a lot of my ideas.”
When it comes to trends, Amber is selective. “I’ve been loving milky white nails, as they have a clean but elevated look,” she shares. Meanwhile, airbrushing is a trend she has chosen to leave alone.
Celebrity styling
Amber worked in a salon until the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a rethink. Now an independent artist, she balances a regular clientele with high-profile celebrity work – most of which comes through referrals and her agency.
“Creating nails for a celebrity or red carpet event typically takes a lot of thought and pre-planning,” she explains. “I consider what the client will be wearing on the red carpet or to the event, along with the overall style direction or any ideas they may have in mind for their nails. Sometimes, it’s an opportunity for us to get creative and conceptualise really unique nail art designs.”
When asked about any particular celebrity encounters that have stayed with her, Amber shares: “I had the absolute pleasure of working with actress, Rena Sofer, on the drama series, General Hospital – creating custom nail designs for her character, Lois Cerullo, from 2024-2025.”
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Amber continues: “Rena and I collaborated closely on the wardrobe to make sure the nails were a deliberate, cohesive element of her character’s on-screen look. I designed specialised nail sets and patterns to coordinate with her outfits. It was a creative and rewarding collaboration, and Rena was an absolute pleasure to work with.”
A particular highlight was designing tuxedo press-on nails for the 2025 Nurses Ball scene. And, in a surprising twist, Amber’s connection to the show runs deeper than most would expect. “One thing people might be surprised to know about me is that I actually appeared on General Hospital back in 1981,” she reveals with a smile.
Tips and tricks
Amber credits her nail kit as central to her work. “Some of my favourite nail brands are OPI, Gelish, Manucurist, IBD, Kokoist, Orly and Tammy Taylor,” she comments.
Amber’s career has generated a wealth of knowledge, and she shares her five top tips with Scratch:
- “Nail prep is everything.
- “Thin layers of gel cure better and last longer.
- “Keep cuticles moisturised.
- “Make sure you have good lighting.
- “Most importantly, never stop practicing – it doesn’t matter if this is on nail tips or yourself.”
Holly Parker @hollyparkerphoto
Model: Kyn Carter @kleptokynn
MA: Storm LA @stormmodelsla
Stylist: Daisy Stackpole @studio_stackpole
Make-up: Katie Mann @trippychickmakeup
Hair: Romina Porras @bastaromina
Nails: Amber Studer
@polishedbyamber
Social media is also a key part of Amber’s personal brand. “It is so important to showcase your work online,” she says. “I try to stay on top of social media and tag the brands I use and teams I work alongside.”
She adds: “I love that you can also collaborate with people on posts. Content can live on multiple profiles and reach different audiences at once.”
Looking ahead
Amber’s career has reached impressive heights, but she is far from finished. “One of my goals for the next five years is to take on more campaigns and commercials. I love the energy, creativity and fast-paced environment that comes with that kind of work,” she shares.
And if she could create a set of nails for anyone? “It would be Madonna,” Amber says. “I have always been a huge fan. I would love to create corset-inspired nails for her – featuring chains, studs and stones.” You’ll have to watch this space to see those.
