Nails of New York: Jihan Thompson

How did you choose your nail look? 

I couldn't resist this new color combo because they match Swivel's brand colors almost perfectly! We did a brand refresh late last year and wanted a brand identity that really spoke to who the Swivel user is: vibrant and bold. For the design, I scoured the Paintbox Instagram and fell in love with this look.

In one word, how does your mani make you feel? 

Badass.

Any funny, nostalgic nail moments? Or your earliest nail memory?

I don't have any funny nail moments, but this was my first manicure since the pandemic! It's been a wild year to say the least. Getting my nails done again feels like a return to a little bit of normalcy.

 Tell us a bit about Swivel Beauty—what was the inspiration behind it and what does it mean to you?

Swivel is a platform that helps women of color connect with talented hairstylists who can work with their hair texture. Whether you're natural or relaxed, braid it up or wear it curly, Swivel has curated the best stylists for black hair. As a black woman, I used to struggle to find stylists who could work with my texture (so many salon horror stories!). I created Swivel because I was sick of being treated as an afterthought by the beauty industry. Our goal is to make it easy for all women to connect with hair stylists they trust—and look and feel their best, always. We all know a great hair day can change everything!

Is there anything new or exciting in the works for Swivel Beauty now that salons are back open?

Yes, we're expanding nationwide! We're currently in New York, Chicago, and DC, but we're now accepting stylists from all over the country. They can sign up here. And if you know a dope stylist who belongs on Swivel, sign up to refer them!

What's your holy grail beauty product? 

Oh, that's tough. I'm always testing out new products! But one of my go-to's is Mizani's 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner.

Three things you're obsessed with right now?  

Finding the perfect pair of jean shorts (loving Agolde).

Decorating my new apartment in Brooklyn.

Reading new books by amazing black authors: Just finished The Other Black Girl and about to start Somebody's Daughter.

What are your favorite uptown spots in NYC? 

Levain Bakery

Barawine Harlem

Tacombi