How to Start a Press-On Nail Business Using a Nail Printer (Step-by-Step Guide)

💼 How to Start a Press-On Nail Business Using a Nail Printer (Step-by-Step Guide)

With the rise of custom beauty and on-demand creativity, press-on nails have become one of the hottest trends in the beauty world. But did you know that you can turn this trend into a profitable business—with just one nail printer?

Whether you're looking for a creative side hustle or aiming to launch your own beauty brand, here’s how you can get started step-by-step.

🎯 Step 1: Get the Right Nail Printer

Not all printers are created equal. You’ll want a printer designed specifically for nails, with:

• Built-in touchscreen (no extra device needed)

• Compatibility with press-on tips and real nails

• High-resolution print output

👉 Our recommended machine at nailsprinter.com is beginner-friendly and supports bulk production.

🧴 Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

Besides the nail printer, you’ll need:

• Press-on nail tips (full cover or half cover)

• Nail gels: base gel, white coat, print gel, top coat

• Nail printer ink cartridge

• UV/LED nail lamp

• Packaging (boxes, stickers, etc.)

💡 One set of gel can support 700+ uses, and one ink cartridge prints 800+ nails, making this business highly scalable.

🎨 Step 3: Design & Print

Start by designing or selecting patterns—flowers, cartoons, abstract art, zodiac themes—you name it.

Most nail printers support:

• Custom upload of images

• Print positioning

• Fast 15–30 second output per nail

Test a few sets on friends or post to social media for feedback. This is your MVP!

🛍 Step 4: Build Your Brand

Once you have printed sets, it’s time to go public:

• Create a simple website or Etsy shop

• Set up Instagram / TikTok to showcase your designs

• Use lifestyle photos and before/after shots

📸 Pro tip: Showcase “hand + packaging” shots. Visuals matter.

💰 Step 5: Sell, Test & Repeat

Start small:

• Sell to friends, classmates, local salons, or at pop-up markets

• Offer mystery nail boxes or themed sets

• Test pricing (start around $15–30 per set depending on complexity)

Track which designs are popular, gather feedback, and improve your workflow.

🌟 Why Nail Printing is a Game Changer

Compared to hand-painting:

• 🕒 Saves hours per set

• 🎨 Ensures consistent quality

• 💼 Enables solo entrepreneurs to scale

• 🌿 Supports eco-conscious creation with reusable materials

🚀 Start Today with NailsPrinter.com

We offer professional nail printers, eco-friendly gel sets, and cartridge refills to help you get started with confidence.

👉 Rent a printer to try it first — no risk, all reward.