Nerd Nite #149: Manicures, Piercings, and Fashion Secrets

Spring has sprung and here at Nerd Nite SF headquarters, we’re preparing - as so many critters in the natural world do - to strut our stuff in the sunshine. We’ve put together a program to help you look and feel your best as the weather warms and longer days urge us from our hibernation (and doomscrolling) to socialize once more! This month, we’re tackling the art, science, and history of nail polish and piercings, and taking a look behind the veil at some of the fashion world’s dirtiest secrets. It’s all kicking off at 7pm on March 20th, at our beloved Rickshaw Stop, so shine those shoes and break out the lint roller: it’s time to get fashionable!

Nailed it: The Science Behind the Perfect Manicure

Speaker: Julie Cushen, Lilaque

Ever wonder what’s in your nail polish? What’s the difference between nail lacquer, gel, and acrylics, and where did all of these products come from? Join us as we discover the history and fascinating materials science behind some of the most underappreciated highly engineered functional formulations that are both loved - and hated - by people who paint their nails.

Piercings 101: Holes, Poles, and the Art of Stabbing Yourself on Purpose

Speaker: Teo Lin-Bianco, former piercing staffer

Let’s talk about the basics-how piercings actually heal, why placement and jewelry matter, and what’s really happening when your body decides to fight back. Is a $50 piercing really worth it, or is a dorm room safety pin just the same? (Spoiler: probably not.) Expect a history of piercing culture, a little ear anatomy, and, for the freaks, a dive into some more NSFW placements-plus plenty of audience participation.

You’re Dressing Like SH*T! - The Not-So-Fabulous Secrets of Fashion

Speaker: Corey Goodman, fashion industry insider

A deep dive into the messy, often not-so-fabulous world of the garment industry-where style meets scandal, innovation clashes with exploitation, and the price tag rarely tells the whole story. I’ll share some tips and tricks to ‘possibly’ avoid contributing to the beast we call the fashion industry.