The professional nail care market is hitting its stride like never before, evolving at an unprecedented pace. Furthermore, the global market for nail care products, valued at USD 19.10 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022 to 2030. This expansion is propelled by the increasing significance of nail care in personal grooming, with nail polish and nail art gaining traction across sectors. For salon professionals, staying abreast of these advancements isn’t just about offering the latest trends; it’s about delivering superior service, ensuring client satisfaction, and cementing your salon’s reputation as a leader in beauty.
From revolutionary product formulations to high-tech tools and the ever-influential world of celebrity nail art, StyleSpeak explores what’s new and noteworthy in the professional nail product landscape.
Setting the BASE
The foundation of any great manicure lies in its products, and manufacturers are constantly innovating to deliver enhanced durability, healthier options, and easier application. A game changer, Polygel is a hybrid system blending the best of acrylics and hard gels. International brands like MissGel have championed Polygel for its lightweight feel, exceptional strength, odorless application and extended working time — a critical factor for salon environments. In India, brands like Shills, Bluesky and GLAM offer robust polygels.
Next-generation gel polishes are also pushing boundaries that offer a wider palette of vibrant colours and specialized finishes— glitters, mattes, and holographic effects that transform nails into elaborate works of art. Furthermore, the industry is increasingly focused on HEMA-free formulations, responding to growing client demand for products with reduced allergenicity. Leading professional brands like The GelBottle Inc. and Glossify offer comprehensive ranges of Builder Gels in a Bottle (BIAB) and gel polishes that prioritize both performance and client well-being.
In India, brands like O.P.I, Lakmé Absolute, MyGlamm, and Colorbar are actively introducing gel-based, long-lasting, and chip-resistant formulas to cater to the discerning Indian consumer.
Nurturing Nails: The Health & Wellness Movement
Overall, the beauty industry is embracing a holistic approach, and nail care is no exception. With clean beauty leading the way, nailcare is now shifting from simply decorative to deeply restorative. Clients are more conscious than ever about nail health, driving demand for products that fortify and protect.
Nail strengthening treatments are experiencing a boom, with formulations incorporating ingredients like keratin and biotin, which are vital for nail integrity. Many professional brands now offer dedicated nail serums and base coats designed to penetrate the nail bed, promoting stronger, more resilient nails from within.
This emphasis on nail health caters to the burgeoning clean beauty movement. International brands like Zoya, Ella+Mila, and Sundays are known for their extensive collections of non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free polishes that do not compromise on colour or wear time. In India, brands like Colorbar Vegan Nail Lacquer, LoveChild Masaba Breathable Nail Enamel, and Plum Color Affair offer toxin-free and ethical choices. For Indian salons, stocking these products is no longer just a trend, but a necessity to cater to an environmentally conscious clientele.
Tech Takes Over the Manicure
Technology is rapidly integrating into the salon experience. Smart nail art printers are revolutionizing intricate designs, allowing for complex patterns, images, and even photographs to be printed directly onto nails with precision and speed, a feat challenging to achieve by hand. Advanced e-files with ergonomic designs and adjustable speeds are improving efficiency and comfort for technicians, while cordless nail dryers offer unparalleled convenience.
Augmented Reality (AR) virtual try-on tools allow clients to visualize different polish colours and nail art designs on their own hands before committing, enhancing decision-making and satisfaction.
Celebrity Trendsetting Tones & Textures
When it comes to setting nail trends, the red carpet and social media continues to dictate nail trends, with celebrity nail artists acting as key influencers. Trends like 3D nail art, Aura & Velvet Nails, Cat Eye manicures and mirror nails are now taking the industry by storm.
How can salons adopt and adapt?
For salon professionals, the evolving nail market unfolds many opportunities. Investing in new product lines like advanced gels and sustainable options from brands like OPI Pro, Bluesky, The GelBottle Inc and Zoya ensures you meet diverse client demands. Embracing new technologies, even if starting small with advanced e-files or exploring digital try-on apps, enhances efficiency and the client experience. Most importantly, continuous education in the latest techniques and trends, directly inspired by the work of celebrity artists and adopted by leading salons, is paramount.
