Press-On Nails Are Back: What It Means for Nail Techs

Once considered a quick-fix or DIY option, press-on nails have made a dramatic comeback in recent years, particularly as customization, affordability, and convenience take center stage in the beauty industry. What was once viewed as a cheap alternative to salon manicures is now gaining traction as a trendy, versatile, and even luxury product. The rise of press-on nails is not only a reflection of changing beauty trends but also presents a new avenue for nail techs to diversify their services and boost their revenue.

But what does this resurgence mean for nail techs? Are custom press-ons the future of nail services, and how can techs leverage this trend to enhance their business?

In this article, we’ll dive into the growing popularity of press-on nails, explore how nail techs can profit from selling custom press-on sets, and discuss the key differences between salon-quality press-ons and their drugstore counterparts.

Press-On Nails Are Back: The Trend Reborn

Press-on nails have come a long way from their early iterations. In the past, press-ons were often bulky, flimsy, and available only in basic designs. But with innovations in nail technology, customization options, and enhanced materials, today’s press-ons are a far cry from the low-quality sets of the past. Major beauty brands, celebrity collaborations, and indie nail artists have all contributed to transforming press-ons into a stylish, high-quality product that rivals traditional salon manicures.

One of the key drivers behind the resurgence of press-on nails is the increasing desire for convenience. With busy schedules and financial constraints, many people are turning to press-on nails as a quick, easy, and cost-effective alternative to regular salon visits. Additionally, with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcasing eye-catching designs and tutorials, press-on nails have become a go-to trend for those who want to keep up with the latest nail fashions without the hassle of weekly salon appointments.

Moreover, customization has become a significant factor in the appeal of press-ons. Clients no longer have to settle for generic styles or colors—now they can choose from an array of sizes, shapes, and designs, or even order bespoke sets that reflect their personal style.

Are Custom Press-Ons the Future of Nail Services?

As the demand for personalized and at-home beauty services continues to grow, custom press-on nails are rapidly emerging as a potential game-changer in the nail service industry. For nail techs, this shift represents an exciting opportunity to tap into a new revenue stream and diversify their offerings.

Why Custom Press-Ons Are Gaining Popularity:

1. Convenience: Custom press-ons allow clients to achieve a salon-quality manicure without stepping foot into a salon. They can easily apply their nails at home, which appeals to busy individuals or those who prefer DIY beauty solutions.
2. Endless Design Possibilities: Custom press-on sets can be tailored to a client’s specific tastes, from intricate nail art to simple, elegant designs. This opens the door for nail techs to showcase their creativity and unique skills.
3. Long-Lasting Results: High-quality press-ons, when applied correctly, can last for up to two weeks, providing the client with a long-lasting manicure that rivals traditional nail enhancements.
4. Affordable: Custom press-ons offer an affordable alternative to regular salon visits, making them appealing to clients who may not be able to afford frequent trips to the salon.

In terms of whether custom press-ons will replace traditional nail services, it’s unlikely that they will fully replace salon services. Instead, they will complement them, serving as an additional service that clients can purchase for various occasions—whether they’re looking for a one-off style for an event, a quick fix before a vacation, or a fun way to change up their look without committing to a full set of acrylics or gels.

How Nail Techs Can Make Money Selling Press-On Sets

For nail techs, offering custom press-on nails is a lucrative way to expand their business. Here are several ways techs can capitalize on the press-on nail trend:

1. Custom Press-On Set Designs: Nail techs can create and sell custom-designed press-on sets directly to clients. By offering personalized designs, from seasonal themes to special event designs (such as bridal nails or birthday nails), techs can cater to their clients’ needs while offering a product that stands out in the market. Providing a variety of colors, shapes, and lengths allows clients to get exactly what they want.

2. Subscription Services: Another way to monetize press-ons is through a subscription model. Nail techs can offer clients a monthly or quarterly subscription for fresh press-on sets, keeping clients engaged and providing consistent revenue. You can offer exclusive discounts for subscribers or create custom seasonal designs that align with holidays or popular trends.

3. DIY Press-On Kits: Nail techs can offer DIY press-on nail kits that include everything a client needs to apply their nails at home, such as pre-shaped nails, nail glue, and application instructions. These kits are a great way to offer clients the full experience of custom press-on nails with minimal effort on their part.

4. Collaboration with Local Boutiques or Online Stores: Nail techs can also sell custom press-on nails in collaboration with local boutiques or through online marketplaces like Etsy or their own website. This allows them to reach a broader audience and sell custom designs to clients who may not live nearby.

5. Workshops and Tutorials: Offering workshops or tutorials on how to apply press-on nails and create nail art can be a profitable venture for nail techs. Many clients may be interested in learning how to create beautiful designs themselves, and techs can charge for classes or provide online tutorials for a fee.

6. Gift Sets and Special Occasions: Press-on nails are ideal for gift sets, especially for holidays or special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings. Nail techs can offer customized gift sets that include a set of press-on nails along with nail care products, making them an attractive option for clients looking for unique gift ideas.

The Difference Between Salon-Quality & Drugstore Press-Ons

While press-on nails have come a long way in terms of quality, not all press-on nails are created equal. There is a significant difference between salon-quality press-ons and the drugstore variety, both in terms of materials, design, and durability.

Salon-Quality Press-On Nails:

1. Higher-Quality Materials: Salon-quality press-on nails are made from more durable materials such as gel or acrylic, which provide a more natural and long-lasting appearance. They also tend to have a smoother finish and a better fit, thanks to their higher-quality design and custom sizing options.
2. Customization: Nail techs offer a personalized touch with custom press-on sets, where they can tailor the shape, length, and design to the client’s specific preferences. This provides a higher level of customization than drugstore options.
3. Stronger Adhesive: Salon-quality press-on nails come with stronger adhesive that allows them to stay in place longer. These adhesives are designed for professional use and offer a more secure bond to the natural nail.
4. Longer Wear Time: Custom press-ons made from higher-quality materials and adhesives tend to last longer, up to two weeks or more, whereas drugstore press-ons may peel or lift within a few days.

Drugstore Press-On Nails:

1. Pre-Designed and Limited Options: Drugstore press-ons typically come in pre-designed, one-size-fits-all sets. These sets may not provide the same level of customization as salon-quality options and often have limited size options, making them less versatile.
2. Weaker Adhesive: The adhesive on drugstore press-ons is generally weaker, which means the nails may not stay on for as long and may need to be replaced more frequently.
3. Shorter Wear Time: Drugstore press-ons may only last a few days, as the adhesive and materials used are not as strong as those found in professional press-on sets. These nails are often intended for a temporary or one-time use.
4. Bulkier Appearance: Drugstore press-ons can sometimes appear thicker or more artificial compared to salon-quality nails, which may affect the overall natural look.

Embracing the Press-On Trend for Nail Techs

The resurgence of press-on nails offers nail techs a unique opportunity to expand their business and provide clients with a product that blends convenience, customization, and style. As custom press-ons gain popularity, they have the potential to complement traditional nail services, allowing nail techs to cater to clients who want a more flexible, affordable, and personalized option for their nails.

By capitalizing on the custom press-on trend, offering DIY kits, and differentiating their offerings with high-quality designs, nail techs can diversify their income streams and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving beauty industry. Whether for special occasions, seasonal styles, or daily wear, press-on nails are here to stay—and it’s up to nail techs to tap into this growing trend.