How to make your own press-on nails and make money from them
Press-on nails have become a trendy and profitable business opportunity for creative nail lovers. With the right technology and marketing, you can create unique, handmade nail sets and sell them via social media, Tradera or your own webshop.
In this guide we will go through:
✅ How to do professional press-on nails at home.
✅ What materials you need.
✅ How to start and grow your own press-on nail business.
What are press-on nails?
Press-on nails are reusable artificial nails that can be easily attached to natural nails with nail tape or nail glue. They are a popular alternative to acrylic and gel polish because they are gentle, easy to apply, and can be completely customized to the client's wishes.
Step-by-step: How to make your own press-on nails
1. Buy materials and tools
To create professional press-on nails you will need:
🔹 Nail tips in different sizes – Preferably in high quality and flexible plastic.
We recommend these full cover tips. The package includes many different sizes and a square shape that can be easily filed to any shape and length.
🔹 Nail file and buffer – To smooth out edges and provide a smooth surface.
Here you will find nail files and buffers with different grits.
🔹 Primer and base coat – For better adhesion and durability.
Here you will find our large selection of prep products.
🔹 Gel polish in various colors – For color and design.
Here you will find lots of nice gel polish colors.
🔹 Top coat (glossy or matte) – To seal and protect the nail design.
Here you will find both No wipe top coat and 2 in 1 base & top coat.
🔹 Nail lamp (UV/LED) – To cure gel products.
You can find UV lamps for our nail products here.
🔹 Decorations (rhinestones, glitter, stickers, 3D designs) – To create unique nails.
Here you will find nail stickers and nail foil in different shapes and colors.
Here you will find nail glitter in different colors - Free from microplastics.
🔹 Double-sided nail tape and nail glue – For application to the client.
2. Prepare the nail tips
✅ Choose the right nail tips in different sizes to suit different customers.
✅ Lightly buff the surface of the tips to improve adhesion of paint and decorations.
✅ Clean the tip from dust and dirt with disinfectant spray and a nail wipe .
✅ Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure in UV/LED lamp.
3. Design and decorate your nails
✅ Paint your nails with gel polish, rubber base or builder gel .
✅ Use thin layers and cure each layer under UV/LED lamp.
✅ Add decorations such as glitter, rhinestones or hand-painted motifs .
✅ Seal with a durable top coat and cure in the lamp.
💡 Tip: Create unique designs that stand out – clients love personalized and trendy nails!
4. Pack and prepare for sale
Once your press-on nails are ready, one tip is to package them neatly and professionally .
✅ Use stylish nail boxes or cards with nail holders.
✅ Include instructions for application and removal .
✅ Add a mini nail file, disinfection wipe and nail tape/nail glue to each set.
How to make money from press-on nails
Selling press-on nails can be a profitable business if you reach the right customers and build a strong brand. Here are the steps to get started:
1. Create a pricing strategy
Prices depend on the difficulty of the design and the cost of materials.
💰 Simple designs: 150-300 SEK per set
💰 Advanced designs (rhinestones, 3D, hand-painted motifs): 400-800 SEK per set
💰 Luxury premium sets: 900-1500 SEK+
2. Market your nails online
To sell successfully, you need to be visible on the right platforms:
📸 Instagram & TikTok – Post nail designs, behind the scenes videos, and customer reviews.
🛍 Tradera & your own webshop – Create a simple e-commerce store.
🎥 YouTube & Pinterest – Show tutorials and inspo images to attract customers.
📦 Facebook Marketplace & buy/sell groups – Sell locally and build a customer network.
💡 Tip: Use SEO-optimized hashtags like #pressonnails #customnails #nailbusiness to get more views.
3. Offer custom designs
Many customers love personalized nails – offer customized sets where customers can choose colors, shapes, and designs.
✅ Make trendy collections – seasonal designs, wedding nails, party nails.
✅ Offer subscriptions – e.g. a new set of press-ons every month.
✅ Collaborate with influencers – give away free sets in exchange for exposure.
4. Keep track of material costs and profit
Calculate your cost per set (materials, time, shipping) and set a profitable pricing.
💰 Example of profit margin:
- Material cost per set: 50-100 SEK
- Selling price: 300-800 SEK
- Profit per set: 200-700 SEK
If you sell 50 sets per month with an average profit of SEK 400 per set , you earn SEK 20,000/month!
Note: Remember to find out about rules regarding companies and VAT when selling.
Summary – How to start your press-on nail business
✔ Learn to create professional press-on nails with the right materials and techniques.
✔ Build a strong online presence with social media and an online store.
✔ Offer custom nail designs to attract more customers.
✔ Set the right pricing and keep an eye on the profit margin .
🎉 Ready to start your own press-on nail business? Start today and turn your passion into a profitable business!
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Hej