Mission meets artists who explain why press-ons are continuing to grow in popularity.
During the pandemic, nail salons were shut down and professional manicures were nearly impossible to come by. In 2021–mid pandemic– Google searches for press on nails were up by over 30% from the average, and the numbers are still growing.
A study carried out by consumer intelligence platform NIQ, artificial nail sales were projected to overcome the sales of nail polish in 2023. This was based on data from the end of 2022, where artificial nails outsold nail polish by over $6 million. The trend is apparent, with press-on nail artists amassing thousands of followers across social media, endless videos on TikTok under the press-on nail search, and an increase of 66% in the mention of press-on nails in Reddit from 2022-2023.
Press-on nails are now completely customizable. Emma Snavely is an artist who hopped on the growing trend during the pandemic, originally ordering packs of press-ons to paint for herself, explaining “I never felt like spending $60 at the salon for a simple manicure was worth it, so I started trying out press-ons because I love the look of acrylics, but feared the negative effects on my nails. I immediately fell in love with doing my own press-ons and have done a new set for myself nearly every week for the last 2 years.” Her personal project turned into a business, Nail Check!, as her designs got more and more advanced. “I’ve always been into art in general. Growing up I loved experimenting with new mediums, so when I started doing nails it was an entirely fun new medium I got to explore,” she says.
Snavely emphasizes, putting on press-ons only takes around ten minutes, compared to the near hour spent at a salon. And has recently introduced a sizing kit for new customers to purchase first to get as close as fit as possible when ordering online before they make their first purchase.
“Mainly, I think a lot of people feel a certain level of anxiousness going to salons, worried about not getting exactly what they want, and sitting for a long period of time,” says Danielle Salvoski.
For Danielle Salvoski who runs Inner Bloom Nails, press-on nails have remained popular for many reasons. “Mainly, I think a lot of people feel a certain level of anxiousness going to salons, worried about not getting exactly what they want, and sitting for a long period of time. With press ons, they are quick and easy to order, apply, and remove all in the comfort of your own home.”
Salvoski a licensed nail tech also has experience working on real nails in addition to press-ons. “There’s a lot of factors that come into play when making your designs come to life on an in-person client,” she explains. “You have to think about your timing and the client moving around while you’re painting. With press ons, you can take your time curating your designs, testing out different techniques, and you have full control over your movement, allowing for very precise details. For the customer, they get so much more freedom collaborating with the artist they choose to create a custom set that they’ll love.”
Both Nail Check! and Inner Bloom Nails take orders through their DMs online, offering the choice of shape, length, and design. One customer asked Snavely to customize a set of nails for her to wear to a breast cancer awareness gala. Instead of going traditionally pink, the customer wanted a set of press-on breasts.
“I never really went into doing nails thinking it would be much more than a DIY project,” explains Salvoski. “But there is something so rewarding and relaxing about making art for nails. The nail art community is beautiful. I’ve made so many amazing friends online that are supportive and we’re all learning and inspired by one another.”
Nails have been much more than an accessory for years, they are an individuals self expression just as make-up and clothes are.
Snavely goes on to say, “I genuinely love it! It’s a great way for me to flex my creative muscles. I always say that I would be at home doing nails regardless if I had a business or not so the fact that I also get to make nails for customers is such a bonus.”
