Business trends
Insider Nails
VERY
July delivered a strong summer boost for nail businesses, with two-thirds (67%) reporting better treatment business than in July 2025. A further 11% maintained last year’s performance, while nail techs carried out an average of 39 treatments per week, pointing to healthy demand during the summer period.
Gel polish was the standout growth area, with 56% saying it had seen the biggest increase in demand, followed by builder gel at 33%. Social media is also continuing to shape the appointment book: 44% have noticed more clients requesting nail designs they’ve spotted on TikTok or Instagram this year, highlighting the influence of online trends on service choices.
Value is also proving a key business challenge. For 42% of nail professionals, the biggest difficulty is clients expecting premium work at low prices, while 35% cite maintaining profitability. Together, these findings underline the importance of communicating the time, products and expertise behind professional nail services.
Month in numbers
How did nail treatment business in July 2026 compare with July 2025
How did nail retail business in July 2026 compare with July 2025?
39 nail treatments performed on average per week in July
44% have had clients request nail designs they've seen on TikTok or Instagram more often this year
On the spot
Which nail service has seen the biggest increase in demand this summer?
1. Gel polish (56%)
2. Builder gel (33%)
3. Nail art and add-ons (11%)
What is currently your biggest challenge running a nail business?
1. Clients wanting premium work at low prices (42%)
2. Maintaining profitability (35%)
3. Recruiting or retaining nail technicians (12%)
4. Keeping up with new products and trends (11%)