“Being a nail technician is just much safer and easier — it doesn't require much physical labor, you make way much more and get to work indoors.” For Nguyen and many other Vietnamese Americans, nail salons have long served as a gateway to American culture.

A professional nail care service (also known as mani pedi services) can help you to maintain healthy nails by removing any dead skin cells or debris, clipping and shaping your nails, and applying a coat of polish or nail hardener.

A manicure involves trimming, shaping, and buffing fingernails; a pedicure typically involves exfoliating the skin on your feet before soaking them in warm water. Both treatments usually include cuticle care, nail painting or buffing, and hand massage.

cos·​me·​tol·​o·​gist ˌkäz-mə-ˈtä-lə-jist. Synonyms of cosmetologist. : a person licensed to provide cosmetic treatments to the hair, skin, and nails : one trained in cosmetology : beautician.