As I mentioned in my last post, the pandemic is going to continue to affect our beauty rituals, and nail care is no exception. With salons being closed for the majority of the year in many places, people have opted to DIY manicures instead. In fact, according to the NPD Group, the prestige nail sector grew 29% in the second quarter of 2020. Based on Nielsen data, mass nail polish sales increased 37.5% for the first half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Press-on nails have also emerged as a huge trend, with nail technicians transitioning to selling custom designs since many haven’t been able to do nails at a salon for months.

I suspect that while some people started doing manicures at home as a temporary measure until salons re-opened, many people may never go back to their regular salon appointment. Press-on nails used to be left for that tacky substitute teacher, but now some of your faves on YouTube and Instagram are probably wearing press-on nails and you don’t even know it. Technology has improved, and incredibly talented nail technicians are taking advantage of the innovations and creating high-end, custom designs that you can apply from the comfort of your home.

According to my Instagram friends, Static Nails and Kiss Nails are very popular, but I wanted to highlight some small businesses and Black-owned business that have some unique press-on nails.

Look below for some of the best press-on nails to make it look like you just left the salon, when in reality you’ve been binging Scandal all day (or is that just me?).

A modern, minimal take on press-on nails.

Here’s another, more abstract take on press-on nails:

And these rose quartz press-on nails are so perfect for Valentine’s Day.

And if you want to go all out...

Let me know if you’ve tried press-on nails during the pandemic! How else has your beauty routine changed?