Choosing a Brand is hard..
One of the biggest and most expensive decisions you will make as a nail technician is what brand you bring into your business and use on your clients.
What makes this much harder is the sheer number of brands that are now available, each one offering something better than the other.
It's no wonder you are confused and overwhelmed with making this crucial decision!
What am I going to look at in this blog? :
What actually makes a good brand
Why is not listening to too much industry noise important to your final decision
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How to break down your search and seek out your perfect nail brand
I'm going to tell you why listening to a million people telling you what they think is best ,isn't going to help you make such a personal and important decision.
Table of Content
What makes a good nail brand
With the focus on natural nail health and ingredients being so prevalent right now, lots of brands are stepping up to the plate and doing everything they can for techs to have confidence in their offerings.
You can normally spot a good brand from the following:
- Education - Education-focused, conversion courses, knowledgeable team.
- Communication- Great customer care, your questions answered, good social media presence, supportive to techs in all aspects.
- Product - complies with all laws and legislation, cares about the product they are producing, registered on the correct portals for chemical and product safety.
- Professional focus - making unrealistic claims, releasing products fast-paced (clue to non-compliance) Will not provide sds sheets for the products
Block out the noise....
I spent so much time on forums answering the question I'm answering here....
"Can anyone recommend what brands are the best?"
The answer to this is :
NO
Not because there aren't any best brands, but because they can't tell you what's best for you, only what they are being paid to say, what works for them, or what trend they may have heard or seen online.
I think it's important to always look and make notes, but don't be led by these responses; taking steps to find things out for yourself is key. Due diligence is paramount here.
Let me explain.
The Sausage Roll Analogy
This is one of my favourite ways to explain why choosing a brand is so personal.
You’ve got two sausage rolls.
One from Aldi and one from Waitrose.
They are both:
- Meat wrapped in pastry
- Made to meet food safety regulations
- Designed to do the same job
But…
- They’re different in price
- The meat content may vary
- One might use a slightly nicer butter
- One may be flakier
- One might be bigger than the other
They are not identical, but they are both still sausage rolls.
Now here’s where it matters.
Some people will always prefer the Aldi one.
Some will always prefer the Waitrose one.
Some might prefer Waitrose, but choose Aldi because it fits their budget.
And none of those choices are wrong.
Why does this matter?
Everyone is different.
Preferences, budgets, expectations, and priorities all come into play.
But at the end of the day…
They are still both sausage rolls.
This is no different in choosing a nail brand !
It’s exactly the same with nail products.
Different brands will:
- Feel different to work with
- Sit at different price points
- Use slightly different formulations
- Offer different experiences
But if they are compliant, safe, and used correctly…
They are all designed to do the same job.
YOU, just have to decide what matters more to you.
“It’s not about what everyone else is using, it’s about what allows you to work safely, confidently, and consistently.”
So how do you decide .......
Let's have a look at the considerations that you need to think about. I have included a link here to a printable checklist that you can use.
- Cost - What's your budget? Does it fit in with how much you charge? Think of your profit margin, and know your figures before choosing a brand.
- Web Presence - Have they got a good website that looks nice and is up to date? Are they present on social media?
- Education - Do they offer any education? Conversion courses? Free guides?
- Compliance - Are they registered with the SCPN/CPNP portals? Do they have CPSR (cosmetic product safety report) all of these things are important.
All these things plus :
- Reputation
- Trial kits available
- Allergy aware
- Stock issues
As you can see, choosing a brand based on someone's opinion is far from what it should be. We all need/require different things.
Conclusion
Choosing a brand is a personal thing. Relying on ambassadors, sparkly marketing, trends, who shouts the loudest, or what everyone else is using will not help you make the right choice for your business.
What matters is how that brand supports you. Its safety, its compliance, its consistency, and how it fits with the way you work and the clients you serve are all far more important.
Take the time to understand what you are using and why. That’s what builds confidence, protects your clients, and raises your standards as a nail technician.
If you want to complete a nail course you can checkout my courses here.
The Author: Melanie Lewendon
Melanie Lewendon is a multi award winning nail artist and educator from Derby in the UK.
Melanie has been in the industry for 17 years, and her no-nonsense education has trained 1000s off students worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About choosing a nail Brand
What is the best nail brand to use as a beginner?
There isn’t one “best” brand. The right brand for you will depend on your budget, your client's needs, and the level of education and support the brand provides. Focus on safety, compliance, and consistency rather than popularity.
Are expensive nail brands better than cheaper ones?
Not always. Higher priced brands may use different ingredients or offer more education and support, but all professional products should still meet safety regulations. The key is choosing a brand that works for you and is compliant. Remember, budget brands can offer amazing things too.
How do I know if a nail brand is safe to use?
A professional brand should have a CPSR in place and be registered on the SCPN. They should also provide clear safety information and be transparent about their products.
Why do some nail techs recommend certain brands so strongly?
Recommendations are often based on personal experience, but they can also be influenced by brand partnerships or ambassador roles. What works for one technician may not work for another.
Do I need training to use a professional nail brand?
Yes. Some brands require training to ensure their products are used correctly and safely. Even when not required, proper education is always recommended.
Are “HEMA free” or “TPO free” brands safer?
These products are often designed with allergy awareness in mind, but “free from” does not automatically mean risk free. Understanding ingredients and correct application is key to safe use. See this blog for more details regarding these products.