Your nail tech--and your lash lady--want you to go vote

In South Florida and across the country, beauticians are making an effort to get the vote out by offering exclusive discounts to clients who can prove they hit the ballot box. While these grassroot initiatives are mostly nonpartisan, some aim to boost the Democrats' turnout.

Digital flyers feature captions like “Vote Blue Special,” "Fierce Nails, Powerful Voices,” and “Bad B’s Vote,” promising discounts off acrylic sets, gel-x sets, lash applications, braids, wig installations, and other styles. Some beauty technicians opted to use videos to inform clients of these deals.

To redeem the discount at their appointment, clients must show their “I Voted” sticker, a photo or video of themselves at the polls, or a ballot receipt as proof that they participated in the democratic process.

Beauticians explain that these initiatives are a way to remind their clientele that their votes matter and that they can take steps to heal communities that have been damaged by politics.

Political conversations with her clients inspired hairstylist and computer science major Alizé aka @Styledbyze to take action this election cycle.

“I have a lot of venting sessions with my clients and really hear their struggles with healthcare, racism, and gas prices. Everything going on right now politically is a direct result of what we vote for,” she said.

Alizé emphasized that local and midterm elections should receive the same level of importance that presidential ones do. While she said that she understands it’s easy to feel lost in a large system, in her eyes, sitting out of the equation does more harm.

“Your smaller elections that impact your neighborhood, schools, roads, small businesses--the choices that you make in these elections will impact the environment where you live, work, and play,” she said.

Her offer started on October the 26th and ends November 3rd. Those who show their voting sticker during that time will be able to get $26 off on any desired style.

As early voting takes place across the nation, other service providers in different parts of the country are doing their own incentives. In the battleground state of Georgia, where the U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger Mike Collins could help determine control of the upper chamber, a number of beauticians are offering discounts specifically to encourage Democratic voters to go to the polls. A nail tech in the Atlanta area, @myalynneco, is offering $10 off to anyone who votes blue. The discount code? FKTRUMP.

It's not just Florida and Georgia: In Illinois, @bytrinnity is offering 20% off on nails, with a photo of yourself outside of a valid poll as proof or voter sticker, urging her followers and clients to stay informed and stay involved. In Jackson, Mississippi, Fab's Facial Care is offering a discount on facials. Under the banner "Every Vote Counts," Denton, Texas nail technician @inkedandpolishedx advertised five dollars off to anyone who shows their "I voted" sticker at their next appointment.

“Bigger change is only possible through smaller action, working together,” Alizé said.