Olympic sprinter was just as well known for her nails as her lightning-fast speed on the track. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she set world records and drew new fans to the sport who showed up to see what she was wearing and what her manicure would look like. Long after her her iconic style still serves as inspiration for a whole new generation of athletes, artists and fashion designers who are carrying the torch.
Check out some of our favorite Flo-Jo-inspired nail art. 2 / 15 Sha’Carri Richardson Sha’Carri Richardson Olympic sprinter Sha’carri Richardson has made a name for herself as part of the next generation of American track and field talent and one of the athletes with the most iconic set of nails. Richardson credits Flo-Jo as the inspiration for both her success on the track and her fabulous manicures.
“If the amazing Flo-Jo had long nails, there was no excuse why I couldn’t have long nails,” she told the 3 / 15 Cardi B Cardi B Rapper Cardi B does not play when it comes to her nails. Whether she goes with a monochromatic look or a blinged out set, her tips stay tight. A mani to match your Hermés bag? Now that’s next level.
4 / 15 Saweetie Saweetie “Best Friend” rapper Saweetie’s bejeweled stiletto mani courtesy of may be iced out, but we think they look like straight fire. 5 / 15 Noah Lyles Noah Lyles You won’t catch Team USA track and field star Noah Lyles out here with a hang nail. The gold medal sprinter is just as serious about his nails as he is about his sport.
We love this patriotic mani he wore during the 2024 Olympic Games. 6 / 15 Jordan Chiles Jordan Chiles Besides looking great, Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles says her nails help her be the best at her sport. “A lot of people always ask me how I do gymnastics with such long nails.
To tell you the truth, they actually help me with my technique,” Chiles told the . “That’s really how I make sure I don’t break a nail.” 7 / 15 Lizzo Lizzo “About Damn Time” artist Lizzo’s manicures are just as colorful as her personality.
8 / 15 Mary J Blige Mary J Blige One thing about singer/actress Mary J. Blige, her nails are always “Just Fine,” thanks to one of . 9 / 15 Taraji P.
Henson Taraji P. Henson “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson’s gold chain manicure at the 2024 BET Awards were the talk of the red carpet.
“Taraji is a true nail girl,” on Instagram. 10 / 15 Cynthia Erivo Cynthia Erivo Cynthia Erivo, star of the “Wicked” film, got all the way into character with this show-stopping green set of nails she wore on the red carpet before the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, courtesy of 11 / 15 Skylar Marshai Skylar Marshai Content creator Skylar Marshai is never seen without a creative set of nails, like this beautiful design courtesy of celebrity nail artist Who needs rings when your nails look like this? 12 / 15 Raven Saunders Raven Saunders We don’t know how Raven Saunders manages to compete in shot put with nails like that, but the 28-year-old athlete also known as “Hulk,” keeps every tip in place. 13 / 15 Missy Elliot Missy Elliot With the help of celebrity nail artist rapper Missy Elliot’s nails area always super, duper fly.
14 / 15 Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs Designer Marc Jacobs may not be Black, but he for inspiring his love of artistic nail designs. “Thank you Flo-Jo, Lil Kim, Missy, Sha’ Carri and all the beautiful, creative black women who paved the way. Flowers, admiration and infinite respect to you,” Jacobs wrote in an Instagram post.
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