A manicurist is a person whose job is to care for people's hands and fingernails. When you visit a manicurist, they trim, shape, and polish your nails, and they might also massage your hands with lotion and gently push back your cuticles (the thin strips of skin at the base of each nail).

Manicurists work in nail salons or spas, and they use special tools like nail files, clippers, and buffers. They apply nail polish in countless colors and designs, from simple solid colors to intricate patterns with tiny details. Some manicurists specialize in artificial nails, gluing on extensions to make nails longer or stronger.

A related word is pedicurist, who cares for feet and toenails. Many manicurists do both and are called nail technicians.

Being a skilled manicurist requires a steady hand, attention to detail, and often certification from a beauty school. It's work that combines artistry with customer service: manicurists help people feel confident about their appearance while creating miniature works of art on a very small canvas.