Nail stickers are quickly becoming a part of people’s beauty routines. Replacing long-hours of manicures with quick results, nail stickers are slowly but surely finding their footing. Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India spoke to Aastha Chhabra Shingala, founder of Ray of Sunshine Beauty (ROS Beauty), to understand better how the segment is evolving.
From runways to everyday street style, nail stickers are nailing the beauty market, literally. These easy-to-apply, zero-dry-time designs have transformed manicures from a salon indulgence into an at-home fashion statement. With trends shifting toward quick, creative self-expression, nail stickers are no longer a quirky accessory but a booming category redefining nail art. They offer endless possibilities at a fraction of the cost and time. This interview dives into how nail stickers are shaping the future of beauty and how the audience is perceiving this offering.
Nail stickers are booming in the DIY beauty space. What cultural or lifestyle trends are making them a go-to option right now?
“Nail stickers are booming right now because they align with the way beauty fits into modern life. People want salon-like results without spending hours or money on frequent appointments. The post-pandemic DIY culture has only strengthened that habit of self-sufficiency and experimentation. With nail art trends moving at lightning speed on social media, stickers allow users to keep up instantly. There’s also a growing awareness of nail health and the damage caused by gels and acrylics, so consumers are actively seeking gentler, damage-free alternatives. Beyond practicality, stickers have also become an affordable way to express style and personality.”
What details separate a high-quality sticker from a cheap one in terms of finish and feel? How can consumers ensure they pick the right thing.
“Not all nail stickers are created equal. The difference is immediately visible in both finish and feel. High-quality stickers are ultra-thin and flexible, designed to hug the natural nail curve for a seamless look. They use safe adhesives that stick firmly without damaging the nail, unlike cheap ones that peel quickly, or feel overly plasticky and are extremely difficult to file. Premium stickers also mimic a gel-like shine and smoothness and take everyday wear with ease from water to constant typing. Whereas, low-quality versions bubble, wrinkle, or chip within hours.”
How do nail stickers measure up against salon gel or acrylic finishes in terms of durability, adhesion, and overall look?
“When compared to salon treatments, nail stickers hold their own well. While gels and acrylics last longer (2–3 weeks), they also demand upkeep, UV curing, and harsh removals. A high-quality sticker, on the other hand, lasts 7–10 days with proper application, and matches gels in shine and neatness without the damage.
Stickers offer instant access to intricate designs like marble, metallics, or gradients that otherwise require a skilled nail artist. Also, they make it possible to achieve that look anytime, anywhere.
Adhesion is strong yet safe, unlike gels or acrylics which bond aggressively and often thin the natural nail over time. Most importantly, stickers offer flexibility; you can switch looks more often, experiment without commitment, and still enjoy a polished, professional finish anytime, anywhere.”
Do you see nail stickers as a competitor to salons or a service that salon themselves can integrate?
“Nail stickers shouldn’t be seen as competition to salons, but as a complementary category that expands the nail care experience. Salons can leverage them as express services. Like quick manicures, or festive add-ons for clients who want instant results without the time commitment of a full gel set.
In fact, ROS Beauty has already been placed in a number of salons with exactly this purpose in mind. For smaller salons, the 2–3-seater setups that don’t have full nail bars, stickers are a fantastic opportunity to upsell from a regular mani-pedi service, and still offer clients trendy nail art without investing in additional infrastructure.
They also serve as a perfect in-between option for clients looking to bridge the gap between salon visits or for those who prefer low-maintenance alternatives. Instead of replacing the salon ritual, stickers give professionals another tool to meet diverse customer needs.”
What have you learned about the “repeat user” factor? Are people treating stickers like a fashion accessory they are integrating into their routine, or is it a one-off experiment?
“The repeat user factor is one of the most telling indicators of how nail stickers are evolving. For many, they’ve become more than just an experiment, they’re a fashion accessory. Our customers rotate designs the same way they would with outfits, moods, or lipstick shades.
Once customers experience the convenience and the no-damage promise, it often becomes part of their monthly self-care ritual. While some may try them once out of curiosity, a large chunk return regularly, especially for new collections.
Limited edition drops or festive edits also create a sense of not wanting to miss out. This encourages people to repurchase and refresh their look in sync with trends and seasons. More importantly, they’re now being seen as a regular maintenance option. It’s just like gels or acrylics, but without the damage. Customers are either applying them at home as part of their routine, or even taking them to their salon professional to apply for a polished, longer-lasting finish”
As per you, looking ahead 3-5 years, what’s the next in this segment?
“Looking ahead, the nail sticker segment is only going to get more exciting. We’re likely to see functional innovation, stickers infused with strengthening serums, keratin layers, or vitamin infusions that blur the line between beauty and care.
Customisation will be a huge driver, with consumers wanting designs that reflect their individual personality or even tech-enabled personalisation. Most importantly, stickers will shed the “shortcut” label and be recognised as a legitimate beauty category alongside gels, acrylics, and polish.
We’re already seeing the shift: our latest co-created launch showed us that people are looking for alternatives, they just need to know they exist. Nail stickers will also move from a niche product to being a must-have SKU across drugstores and beauty aisles, cementing their place in every beauty shopper’s basket.
The future could also include designer and celebrity collaborations, much like limited-edition sneaker drops, which will position nail stickers as both a beauty essential and a cultural statement.”
