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'Nail Files' Star Katie Cazorla on Snooki's Zebra Print Nail Art, Male Manicures and Salon Safety

by Dana Oliver (Subscribe to Dana Oliver's posts)
Posted Jun 21st 2011 at 6:45PM  
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Katie Cazorla Nail Files

Celebrity manicurist and "Nail Files" star Katie Cazorla. Courtesy of TV Guide Network

When we first caught whim that the TV Guide Network was introducing a new reality series called "Nail Files," this confirmed our belief that nails are no longer just an afterthought.

The docusoap gives viewers a glimpse into the high-speed life of manicure maven and The Painted Nail salon owner Katie Cazorla, whose clients include Hilary Duff, Vanessa Williams, Teri Hatcher and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi.

The 33-year-old blond bombshell, who hails from Elmira Heights, New York, had envisioned opening up her own shop.

"My sister and I shared a room growing up and we were the ultimate when it came to pretending to own our own businesses," Cazorla tells StyleList. "There really wasn't a place in town we'd go to. We would buy Wet n Wild nail polish and do each other's nails in our room."

Talk about a dream come true.

Fresh off a nationwide tour to promote the reality TV show (premiering tonight at 10 p.m. EST), Cazorla put aside the gel nail polish to chat with StyleList.

StyleList: What made you decide to do a reality TV show based on your nail salon? What can viewers expect to see this season?
KC: I decided to do it because I thought it was great for viewers to see nails in a different light. I want people to see what it took for me to make this business happen from the ground up. Viewers can expect to see the ins and outs of running a small business; it's not just for people who are interested in nails. You'll see employee drama, customer drama, my home life with Walter [Afanasieff, Grammy Award-winning producer], and me juggling all of this while trying to have a social life.

SL: What was it like having cameras in your space literally 24/7?
KC:
It was difficult because I knew no matter what situation I was in, the cameras would be there. You cannot fake running a real business, so what you see is really what happened. This isn't a made for TV nail salon.

SL: What inspired you to become a manicurist?
Katie Cazorla:
I love getting mani and pedis and was tired of not finding a good place to go. I obsessed over it and had a dream that I owned a nail salon. The next day, I sketched it all out and enrolled myself in nail school.

SL: Who were your first celebrity clients and what nail looks did you create?
KC: Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens. Vanessa did four nails in one color and then used a different color for her ring finger on each hand. We thought it looked amazing!

SL: You've tended to Snooki's digits. What was that experience like and what nail look did you create?
KC:
Snooki was very colorful and exactly how she is on TV. What you see is what you get which made for an interesting experience. She got zebra prints over her French manicure.

SL: Which summer nail trends are your favorite?
KC:
I absolutely love anything neon or electric blue and anything in the coral family -- which is very trendy right now. I've also seen a lot of nice yellows.

SL: What are your pro summer nail tricks and tips?
KC: Always use a base coat to help prevent staining of the nail. This also helps fill in ridges and gaps so your polish applies more smoothly. If you're going to wear glitter polish, which I love, make sure your nail is short to medium length. Anything longer can look somewhat tacky.

SL: What's the weirdest manicure you've ever created?
KC:
A little girl was attending the "Twilight" premiere and came in with a Team Edward shirt on. She got a picture of Edward [Pattinson] on every single nail!

SL: What's the scariest thing you've seen at a nail salon?
KC:
A credo blade. Having a salon in California, this instrument is against State Board regulations. So when I check out other salons and see it in there, I run away as fast as humanly possible.

SL: What's the biggest nail mistake you believe most women and manicurists make?
KC:
Most women do not check how the tools are sanitized or sterilized in their local nail salons. Most women aren't educated on the dangers of spa chairs. They view them as a luxury when they are actually detrimental to their health. The number one mistake manicurists make is over-filing nails. I've seen this over and over. A manicurist who is rushing over-files and ruins the client's nails.

SL: Do you believe men should be charged more for manicures or pedicures? Why or why not?
KC: No, I think this is discrimination. Most men aren't going to use polish or get nail art so why charge more when they actually require less time and equipment?

SL: What are your thoughts on the traditional French tip gel nails?
KC:
It's safe and great if it's your wedding day. Otherwise, take the risk and try something new! It's not permanent so what do you have to lose?

SL: How are you currently rocking your nails?
KC: I'm "Roxy-ing" my nails! This means I'm going full on nail art, glitter, and putting a print of Mario Lopez on one of nails for my "Extra" interview. By "Roxy-ing" I mean my new hottest nail tech to join The Painted Nail Team is the fabulously talented Roxy, and she is doing my manicure.

SL: Besides nail polish, what are your makeup and hair must-haves?
KC:
I get my roots done every seven to 10 days. I love a good blowout for my hair. I love it so much I even added a mini hair salon next door to The Painted Nail. For makeup, an eyelash curler, bronzer, and lip gloss.

SL: What is it about nails that you believe fascinates people?
KC:
It's a small price to pay for such a great feeling. I can throw my hair in a bun, throw on some lip gloss but as long as my nails look flawless I feel completely put together.

SL: As a creator of your own nail polish collection, how do you come up with polish color names? Do you have any standout/favorite shades?
KC:
When I get stuck with names, I have my fun celebrity clientele help me out. My all time favorites are "Marie-Claire Shines," named after my sister, and "Katie Sparkles."

SL: What are three nail colors every woman should own and why?
KC:
Besides a base and top coat, a beautiful sheer to nude color (for occasions such as weddings), a sultry red (such as "Love My Louby's" in The Painted Nail Lacquer line), and glitter because it doesn't matter what color, as long as it has glitter (it's my favorite!).

Need nail art inspiration? Click through the gallery below for decked-out celebrity digits!

Celebrities With Crazy Nail Art

  • Ke$ha
  • Rihanna
  • Lady Gaga
  • Serena Williams
  • Katy Perry
  • Cassie
  • Courtney Love
  • Katy Perry
  • Katy Perry
  • Jordin Sparks
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Filed under: Beauty, Makeup, Celebrity Beauty
Tags: celebrity beauty secrets, celebrity manicurist, expert beauty tips, Katie Cazorla, Nail Files, nails
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