Synopsis: Everyone in these modern times love to follow trends and keep them in the social loop. The Beauty Nail Trend is one such trend where the nobody wants to stay behind. From nail arts to different types of extensions like press on, acrylic, gel and polish the nail industry has it all. The industry in just the span of few years has grown into a multi-billion sector transforming lives and generating employment due to its high demand.

 

July 27, 2026: The rise of India’s nail care industry reflects a much larger shift in consumer spending. Over the past few years, nail services have evolved from an occasional luxury to a recurring lifestyle expense, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Influenced by Instagram, Pinterest, celebrity culture, and beauty creators, consumers are increasingly investing in premium nail services such as gel polish, acrylic extensions, press-on nails, chrome finishes, and intricate nail art. According to industry estimates, India’s nail care market is valued at around ₹6,600 crore in 2025 and is projected to exceed ₹14,300 crore by 2034, growing at nearly 7% CAGR.

 

Author: Tavisha Kanodia | EQMint 

 

Unlike traditional salon services that are often seasonal, nail treatments encourage repeat business. Industry data suggests that nearly half of customers return every month, making it one of the most recurring revenue streams within the beauty industry. This predictable customer behaviour has encouraged entrepreneurs to launch standalone nail studios across metropolitan cities while premium salons continue expanding specialised nail divisions.

 

Who Is Making Money From India’s Nail Economy?

The biggest beneficiaries of this trend are not just salon owners but an entire ecosystem of beauty businesses. Established brands such as Lakmé, Nykaa, and Colorbar have expanded their nail care portfolios, while international brands including OPI and Gelish continue strengthening their premium positioning in India.

 

Meanwhile, digital-first startups are creating entirely new business models around nail care. Brands such as SoEzi, co-founded by actor Sonakshi Sinha, have popularised reusable press-on nails, while startups like Polish Me Pretty are building communities around customised nail products and premium beauty experiences. Beyond products, thousands of nail technicians, trainers, beauty academies, influencers, wholesalers, and salon franchise operators are benefiting from the industry’s rapid expansion.

 

EQMint Analysis

At first glance, nail care may appear to be a niche beauty trend. However, its business fundamentals tell a different story. The industry operates on high customer retention, premium pricing, repeat purchases, and relatively low infrastructure costs compared to many other consumer businesses. These characteristics make it an attractive segment for entrepreneurs, D2C brands, salon chains, and private investors.

 

India’s beauty industry itself is undergoing premiumisation as rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and social media continue reshaping consumer preferences. At the same time, the Asia-Pacific region accounts for nearly 39% of the global nail care market, positioning India within one of the fastest-growing beauty ecosystems worldwide.

 

For businesses, the nail economy represents far more than cosmetic spending—it is a reflection of evolving consumer aspirations and changing lifestyle habits. As premium beauty services become increasingly mainstream, India’s nail industry is quietly transforming into a scalable consumer business where recurring demand, digital influence, and entrepreneurial innovation are creating long-term growth opportunities. What began as a beauty trend is now emerging as a serious business story worth watching.

 

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Disclaimer: This article is not an investment advice and is for educational purpose only.